BAPE is Dropping a Sneaker Loafer, the LOAFER STA

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Quick Facts

  • BAPE has a new sneaker-loafer hybrid dubbed the LOAFER STA
  • The pair uses the SHARK STA tooling and converts the SHARK STA's upper into a loafer
  • The LOAFER STA will debut in Japan on May 2, 2026

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A Bathing Ape LOAFER STA
A Bathing Ape LOAFER STA

A Bathing Ape is in the midst of a variety of rollouts. First, the Japanese streetwear titan is teasing a new project with Crocs, and then Hidden NY revealed its collection of BAPE STAs and clothing items. Finally, early images of the BAPE x adidas Adizero Evo SL emerged online, putting us at three different projects revealed in the span of just two days. As for the label’s in-line work, A Bathing Ape just unveiled its newest footwear silhouette, the LOAFER STA.

Joining the sneaker-loafer hybrid trend that, at this point, has cooled off significantly, is BAPE’s LOAFER STA model. The silhouette follows the blueprint of other sportswear brands’ attempts at cashing in on the trend, applying a sporty, athletic sole unit (in this case, borrowed from the SHARK STA), and applying a dressy finish to the upper. The laceless upper features a suede penny loafer-style strap, while panels from the SHARK STA still remain on portions of the toe, midfoot, and heel. The debut of the model will feature two colorways, one in a khaki finish and another in black.

As mentioned, the sneaker loafer trend has died down. Brands like Nike, Jordan, New Balance, Converse, Hoka, and adidas, have been dropping models for months now, with adidas being one of the latest to join the party. They released the Handball Spezial in loafer form, but Nike has also just unveiled a new colorway of its Air Max Phenomena model. Even if we aren’t getting spammed with new models and colors as we were this time last year, there’s still a lane for this hybrid model to cruise in.

The A Bathing Ape LOAFER STA will be released on May 2, 2026 via BAPE Japan online and in-store at select BAPE locations. Check below for images of the LOAFER STA, and download the Sole Retriever mobile app for updates on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker world.

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Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts, catching the latest movies, and trying new food. For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com