When two giants of the streetwear and sportswear world come together, it’s more than just a fashion statement—it’s a cultural moment. The Bape x Adidas collaboration has continued to push boundaries, fusing the edgy, camo-heavy Bape Hoodies identity of A Bathing Ape (Bape) with Adidas’s athletic legacy. This union has produced some of the most sought-after pieces in modern sneaker and streetwear history. Whether you’re a long-time hypebeast or just stepping into the world of street fashion, these rare drops are essentials you shouldn’t overlook.
The Power Duo: Bape and Adidas
Bape, founded by Nigo in 1993, revolutionized the Japanese fashion scene and quickly became a global streetwear icon. Known for its bold camouflage patterns, shark hoodies, and a heavy influence from hip-hop culture, Bape has always leaned into exclusivity and limited releases. Adidas, on the other hand, stands tall as one of the world’s most influential sportswear brands. From classic silhouettes like the Superstar and Stan Smith to the revolutionary UltraBoost, Adidas has always balanced performance and style.
Their collaboration was inevitable, and when it finally happened, it caused ripples across both fashion and sneaker communities. The synergy between Bape’s disruptive aesthetics and Adidas’s timeless functionality created a series of limited-edition items that blend fashion and sport perfectly.
The First Wave: 2016’s Groundbreaking Release
The first major Bape x Adidas drop took place in 2016, marking a high point in that year’s fashion calendar. It included two colorways of the Adidas NMD R1—a silhouette already riding the wave of explosive popularity—and a full line of apparel, including camo-heavy jackets, football jerseys, and accessories.
The NMDs came in green and black Bape camo, with Adidas’s signature BOOST midsole providing comfort and energy return. The camo upper, accented by three stripes branding and subtle Bape hints, created a look that was instantly iconic. These sneakers sold out within minutes, and resale prices skyrocketed. It was a testament to the hype surrounding this collaboration, and it made clear that this was no one-off partnership.
Bape x Adidas Dame 4: Streetwear Meets Basketball
One of the standout collaborations from the Bape x Adidas partnership was the Bape x Adidas Dame 4, released during the 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend. Damian Lillard, the face of the Dame line, is known for his off-court style and on-court intensity. The Bape-designed version of his fourth signature shoe brought a whole new audience to basketball sneakers.
These sneakers featured shark tooth graphics on the midsole, camo uppers, and Bape’s “WGM” (World Gone Mad) branding on the heel. The colorways mirrored Bape’s iconic designs: green camo, black camo, and red camo. Not only did these kicks perform well on the court, but they also became an instant streetwear status symbol.
The Superstar Reimagined
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Adidas Superstar, Bape and Adidas teamed up again to put a fresh spin on the legendary shell-toe silhouette. The result was a bold, two-tone design with mismatched panels of black and white leather, accented by golden Bape and Adidas branding. One shoe bore the Adidas three-stripe logo, while the other featured Bape’s star logo, creating a mirror-image effect that was both playful and innovative.
This drop stood out not just for its visual appeal, but also for the respect it paid to Adidas’s heritage while maintaining Bape’s streetwear credibility. The mix of premium materials, gold detailing, and co-branded tongue tags made it a collector’s dream.
UltraBoost DNA and Camo Excellence
Bape’s camouflage isn’t just a pattern—it’s a statement. When the two brands brought it to the Adidas UltraBoost, it elevated an already beloved sneaker into something extraordinary. The UltraBoost Bape released in 2019 in two striking colorways—green camo and black camo—with matching apparel including hoodies, tights, and track jackets.
With Primeknit uppers, BOOST soles, and Bape’s instantly recognizable camo, these UltraBoosts were equal parts performance runner and fashion grail. They represented the height of comfort meeting bold aesthetics, and the limited quantities only heightened their desirability.
Apparel and Accessories That Made Waves
While sneakers often grab the spotlight, the apparel and accessories in the Bape x Adidas collections are just as coveted. The camo football jerseys from 2016 were a streetwear revelation, blending American sports culture with Japanese street fashion. Later collections expanded into full tracksuits, logo-heavy tees, hoodies, and even snowboarding gear.
Each piece is a balance between function and form, featuring Bape’s signature motifs like ape heads, shark faces, and the WGM letters alongside Adidas’s trefoil or three-stripe branding. Whether it’s a hoodie, a duffel bag, or a windbreaker, every item screams exclusivity and premium craftsmanship.
The Resale Market and Hype Value
Given the rarity of each drop, it’s no surprise that Bape x Adidas items often find new life on the resale market. Prices can triple or quadruple depending on condition and colorway. NMDs and UltraBoosts from the early releases are especially prized, often fetching over $1,000 per pair.
For many, owning a piece of the Bape x Adidas collaboration is about more than fashion—it’s about belonging to a culture. It reflects a commitment to the hype, the hustle, and the heritage that both brands represent.
What’s Next for Bape x Adidas?
While there have been no official announcements about the next Bape x Adidas drop, history suggests that this partnership is far from over. Both brands continue to innovate and push boundaries, and there’s little doubt that future collaborations will bring fresh designs, elevated performance, and, of course, a healthy dose of hype.
Collectors and fans keep a close eye on leaks and teasers, knowing that the next collab could drop at any moment—and disappear just as fast.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Collaboration
The Bape x Adidas collaboration is a Bape Sweater masterclass in how two powerful brands can come together to create something truly iconic. From the NMDs and UltraBoosts to the bold apparel and accessories, each release has been met with intense anticipation and has delivered on both style and substance.
In a world saturated with sneaker releases and streetwear drops, Bape x Adidas stands out for its authenticity, limited availability, and bold vision. If you’ve ever thought about adding a piece of fashion history to your collection, these are the rare drops you simply can’t miss.