Three streetwear icons collide in a glow-in-the-dark tribute to sneaker history, releasing exclusively through atmos..

The shoe world is no stranger to high-profile connections, but when three titans like atmos, BAPE, and adidas converge, it’s more than a drop—it’s a cultural checkpoint. On May 3, 2025, the trio will unveil the atmos x BAPE x adidas SSTAR V “G-SNK”, a connective shoe that fuses legacy design, streetwear prestige, and a touch of phosphorescent flair.

Just weeks after hosting atmoscon, Japan’s largest shoe celebration, atmos is keeping the momentum alive with this joint release. Initially teased as an exclusive during the event, the SSTAR V “G-SNK” now enters the general release phase, ready to electrify sneaker rotations around the world.

A Legacy Reinvented: Revisiting the Superstar

The foundation for this collab model is adidas’ SSTAR V silhouette, a fresh but faithful update to the brand’s iconic Superstar. Known for its rubber shell toe and clean lines, the Superstar has enjoyed countless reinventions since debuting on basketball courts in 1969 before finding fame in hip-hop and skate subcultures. The SSTAR V iteration, while preserving its heritage, pushes aesthetic boundaries with a sleeker profile and tactile upgrades.

In this version, BAPE brings back its hallmark ABC SOLID CAMO, embossed across the leather upper for a subtle yet unmistakable pattern. The BAPE STA logo, typically seen on BAPE’s own footwear lines, is fused here with adidas’ Three Stripes, creating a hybrid identity that balances brand pride with design unity.

Enter the G-SNK: atmos’ Glow-in-the-Dark Innovation

What truly sets this pair apart is the “G-SNK” treatment, a glow-in-the-dark snakeskin texture first pioneered by atmos and now integrated seamlessly into the Superstar’s visual DNA. Debuted in earlier atmos collaborations, the G-SNK style has become a signature aesthetic that references Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife and a futuristic take on animal print.

Here, the G-SNK appears across both the BAPE STA and Three Stripes logos, creating a dual-branded illusion that changes in low light. It’s not just visual trickery—it’s a material intervention that plays with texture, shadow, and visibility. By day, it’s an understated black-and-white design. By night, it’s a luminescent spectacle.

Design Details That Matter

The colorway—Core Black/Footwear White/Off White—offers a neutral base that allows the glow-in-the-dark features and gold accents to shine. Speaking of gold, the foil-stamped APE HEAD logo on the heel and the metallic dubrae at the laces bring a luxury feel to an otherwise gritty street silhouette.

Every detail on the shoe has been carefully orchestrated to maintain harmony between function and flair:

• The leather upper maintains the sneaker’s premium appeal.
• Co-branded elements honor each collaborator’s legacy without overwhelming the overall composition.
• The rubber shell toe remains intact, reminding us that while this shoe is made for flexing, it still nods to sport and utility roots.

Behind the Flow: Why This Matters

For those unfamiliar with the legacy of these brands:

• atmos began as a small Tokyo boutique and has grown into one of the most influential global tastemakers in footwear culture, with collabs spanning Nike, ASICS, New Balance, and beyond.
• BAPE (A Bathing Ape), founded by NIGO in 1993, is synonymous with Japanese streetwear and helped usher in an era of haute-meets-hype aesthetics.
• adidas, of course, needs no introduction, but its Superstar silhouette remains one of its most iconic contributions to fashion history.

This partnership is not merely about hype—it’s a reflection of how sneaker culture thrives on synergy, nostalgia, and storytelling. The G-SNK isn’t just a glowing detail; it’s atmos’ legacy encoded in luminescence. BAPE’s camo embossing isn’t just texture; it’s decades of visual language turned tactile. And adidas’ SSTAR V isn’t just another shoe; it’s a canvas carrying the weight of three decades of subcultural evolution.

The lottery system is already opening later today via atmos’ official website. Expect demand to be high, particularly given the trio of collaborators and the glow-in-the-dark twist. This release won’t hit standard shelves—it’s a collector’s item in the making.

Thoughts

The atmos x BAPE x adidas SSTAR V “G-SNK” isn’t just a shoe; it’s a symbolic crossover between past, present, and future. It honors the foundations of shoe culture while nodding toward the digital, hyper-stylized direction of tomorrow’s fashion. With its glow-in-the-dark features, luxury detailing, and multifaceted branding, this drop exemplifies how collaborations are no longer just about logos—they’re about shared legacies.

No comments yet.