BAPE STA #3 M2 and Cross STA: The Three Pairs to Know

The BAPE STA is A Bathing Ape's signature low-top sneaker, the shoe NIGO built in the early 2000s around a shooting-star STA logo, and in 2026 it marks its 25th anniversary. This guide covers three pairs: the BAPE STA #3 M2 in white, the same model in blue, and the Cross STA #1 M2 in black, a sports-shoe-based BAPE model that carries the STA logo.

Start with the BAPE STA #3 M2 'White', the cleanest read of the classic shape, then work across to the blue pair and the Cross STA. All three are live now in the BAPE STA range at PUSHAS, and every pair is authenticated by hand.

The design story: a star where the Swoosh would be

NIGO founded A Bathing Ape in 1993, and the BAPE STA was his reworking of the Nike Air Force 1. The shape borrows the Air Force 1's court-shoe lines, while a shooting star takes the place of the Swoosh on the side panel. That star, the STA logo, became the shoe's signature and set it apart from the basketball silhouette it referenced.

Finish mattered as much as shape. Early pairs leaned into patent leather, the finish BAPE returns to for the 2026 anniversary releases.

Materials and details, pair by pair

BAPE STA #3 M2 'White'

BAPE lists the STA #3 M2 with a 100% cow leather upper, a lace closure and STA logo detailing. In white, the logo is the main point of contrast.

BAPE STA #3 M2 'Blue'

The blue pair is the same STA #3 M2 model in a brighter colourway. Check the listing for this pair's exact materials.

BAPE Cross STA #1 M2 'Black'

The Cross STA arrived in February 2024 as BAPE's take on a classic sports shoe with futuristic details. At launch, the Cross STA used a multi-panel mesh and nubuck upper joined by 3M piping, a TPU STA logo, a thick padded midsole and a Vibram outsole, in white, sax and black colourways. BAPE lists the Cross STA #1 M2 as a men's low-top with an upper of cow leather, fabric and synthetic leather, TPU detailing and the STA logo, finished here in black.

History and lineage

The BAPE STA's shape has been modified since NIGO's original design. In 2024, BAPE and Nike settled their trademark dispute, and the terms required BAPE to modify the design of the BAPE STA. The shoe carried on, and in 2026 BAPE is marking the model's 25th anniversary with a run of patent leather releases that look straight back to the early pairs.

The Cross STA sits alongside that lineage rather than replacing it. Where the #3 M2 keeps the leather court shoe, the original Cross STA took the star into mesh, nubuck and a Vibram sole.

How it fits and wears

The Cross STA is a different build from the #3 M2, so check the size chart on each listing before you choose.

How to style it

The white #3 M2 is the easy one. Wear it with straight-leg denim or relaxed cargo trousers and a heavyweight tee, and let the STA logo be the only loud detail. A camo piece works too, if you want to lean fully into BAPE.

The blue pair suits grey and navy: a grey hoodie, washed denim, white socks. Pick up one blue element elsewhere in the outfit, such as a cap or a graphic tee, rather than matching everything.

The Cross STA in black belongs with technical and utility clothing. Think black nylon trousers, a shell jacket and a cap. A tonal outfit keeps the all-black pair sharp.

Who it is built for

Live now at PUSHAS

Stock as of 7 October 2026. All three pairs are live in US men's sizes.

• BAPE STA #3 M2 'White': US M 7, 9, 9.5, 10, 11 and 12
• BAPE STA #3 M2 'Blue': US M 7 to US M 13 (8 sizes)
• BAPE Cross STA #1 M2 'Black': US M 8 to US M 12 (7 sizes)

Every pair is authenticated by hand, so you can shop with confidence. The live listing shows the current price. Find your size on each listing above.

Explore the full BAPE range, or see our pick of the best BAPE pieces.

FAQ

What is the BAPE STA?

The BAPE STA is the low-top sneaker from A Bathing Ape, the label NIGO founded in 1993. It arrived in the early 2000s as NIGO's take on the Nike Air Force 1, with a shooting-star STA logo sitting where the Swoosh would be, and it celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026.

What are BAPE STA shoes made of?

BAPE lists the BAPE STA #3 M2 with a 100% cow leather upper, a lace closure and STA logo detailing. The original Cross STA, launched in February 2024, used a multi-panel mesh and nubuck upper, 3M piping, a TPU STA logo, a thick padded midsole and a Vibram outsole. BAPE lists the Cross STA #1 M2 with an upper of cow leather, fabric and synthetic leather plus TPU detailing.

Is the BAPE STA #3 M2 a men's shoe?

Yes. BAPE lists the BAPE STA #3 M2 as a men's low-top sneaker, and all three pairs in this guide are live at PUSHAS in US men's sizes.

How is the Cross STA different from the BAPE STA?

The Cross STA, launched in February 2024, takes a classic sports shoe base and adds futuristic details: mesh and nubuck panels joined by 3M piping, a TPU STA logo and a Vibram outsole. The BAPE STA #3 M2 keeps the clean leather court shape.

What does BAPE stand for?

BAPE stands for A Bathing Ape, the Japanese label NIGO founded in 1993.