APL: Athletic Propulsion Labs

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Los Angeles

https://www.athleticpropulsionlabs.com

Style keywords

Luxury

Performance

Technological

Athletic

Fashion-forward

About the brand

Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL) is a luxury athletic footwear and apparel brand founded in Los Angeles in 2009 by identical twins Adam and Ryan Goldston. The former USC college athletes created APL to bridge the gap between high-performance sports technology and luxury fashion. The brand gained worldwide recognition when their first shoe, the Concept 1, featuring patented Load 'N Launch technology designed to increase vertical leap, became the first sneaker ever banned by the NBA for providing an 'undue competitive advantage.' This revolutionary moment positioned APL at the intersection of innovation, performance, and style. Today, APL is globally recognized as a leader in the luxury performance footwear segment, carried by prestigious retailers like Bergdorf Goodman, Net-A-Porter, and Saks Fifth Avenue. The brand continues to develop cutting-edge technologies while maintaining its commitment to combining athletic functionality with sophisticated design aesthetics.

Los Angeles

https://www.athleticpropulsionlabs.com

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What people are saying

The Guy's List

The TechLoom Zipline is probably my most versatile pair. These can be worn to the gym and for running, but they're also great for travel, going out, and everything in between.

Sep, 2025

The Guy's List

I have been wearing the APL Joggers on repeat this summer and going into the fall. They are very comfortable but also incredibly stylish, which I love. I get so many compliments on these sneakers, and they complete all of my outfits.

Sep, 2025

Travel + Leisure

Before I even did the awkward shoe store walk test, I knew. They had that feather-light, almost-barefoot feel I loved—while still being supportive and stylish enough to wear literally anywhere.

Jun, 2025

Haute Living

This shoe is as comfortable as it gets. While I struggle with variations of tendonitis in my hips and feet, the TechLoom Zipline offers me ample cushioning and stability yet in a lightweight design.

Mar, 2025

APL shoes are ridiculously comfortable. The midsole is soft and responsive, making every step feel like a cloud. I've worn them for long runs, hikes, and even just lounging around the house.

Oct, 2024

APL shoes are definitely on the pricier side. However, I believe the quality and comfort justify the cost.

Oct, 2024

The Review Smiths

Sizing runs true to size, but if you have wider feet, you might find the fit a little snug. For running and training, the Zipline is solid but not a max-cushion shoe. It's more of a lightweight trainer that excels in gym workouts, short runs, and all-day wear.

Mar, 2025

Haute Living

While I could go on and on about how much I love these shoes, the one thing I will say is that they run a little small. So size up, especially if you're in between sizes. That's really the only drawback I have for you.

Mar, 2025

They are gimmicky but really not a bad shoe. There's a ton of tech in them which is pretty cool. The lockdown and court feel felt good. I did not notice the “spring” technology though, maybe a really bouncy player would. The traction also felt sub par to me though as the grooves are thin and shallow. Worth $80ish to try? Sure, you could do worse. Worth $200+? No way.

Aug, 2025

Zappos

This shoe is probably the most uncomfortable sneaker I've had. Can't imagine working out in it. Only kept it for wearing with casual clothes due to its great style. Unusually stiff fabric, no cushioning inside, very little support. Disappointing for the price.

Mar, 2025

I was quite irritated to learn that my two $250 pairs of gym shoes were made in China. That's inexcusable at that price point. That aside, there are other options that feel much better (and are simply built better) for legit workouts, in my opinion.

Jan, 2025

Zappos

I thought these would be great and I wanted to like them, but they're definitely the worst running shoes I've ever bought. I've only owned them for a few months and this is how they look... These shoes become frayed very easily and the fabric tore so there is now a big hole and I cannot wear them.

Dec, 2024

The Guy's List

The TechLoom Zipline is probably my most versatile pair. These can be worn to the gym and for running, but they're also great for travel, going out, and everything in between.

Sep, 2025

The Guy's List

I have been wearing the APL Joggers on repeat this summer and going into the fall. They are very comfortable but also incredibly stylish, which I love. I get so many compliments on these sneakers, and they complete all of my outfits.

Sep, 2025

Travel + Leisure

Before I even did the awkward shoe store walk test, I knew. They had that feather-light, almost-barefoot feel I loved—while still being supportive and stylish enough to wear literally anywhere.

Jun, 2025

Haute Living

This shoe is as comfortable as it gets. While I struggle with variations of tendonitis in my hips and feet, the TechLoom Zipline offers me ample cushioning and stability yet in a lightweight design.

Mar, 2025

APL shoes are ridiculously comfortable. The midsole is soft and responsive, making every step feel like a cloud. I've worn them for long runs, hikes, and even just lounging around the house.

Oct, 2024

APL shoes are definitely on the pricier side. However, I believe the quality and comfort justify the cost.

Oct, 2024

The Review Smiths

Sizing runs true to size, but if you have wider feet, you might find the fit a little snug. For running and training, the Zipline is solid but not a max-cushion shoe. It's more of a lightweight trainer that excels in gym workouts, short runs, and all-day wear.

Mar, 2025

Haute Living

While I could go on and on about how much I love these shoes, the one thing I will say is that they run a little small. So size up, especially if you're in between sizes. That's really the only drawback I have for you.

Mar, 2025

They are gimmicky but really not a bad shoe. There's a ton of tech in them which is pretty cool. The lockdown and court feel felt good. I did not notice the “spring” technology though, maybe a really bouncy player would. The traction also felt sub par to me though as the grooves are thin and shallow. Worth $80ish to try? Sure, you could do worse. Worth $200+? No way.

Aug, 2025

Zappos

This shoe is probably the most uncomfortable sneaker I've had. Can't imagine working out in it. Only kept it for wearing with casual clothes due to its great style. Unusually stiff fabric, no cushioning inside, very little support. Disappointing for the price.

Mar, 2025

I was quite irritated to learn that my two $250 pairs of gym shoes were made in China. That's inexcusable at that price point. That aside, there are other options that feel much better (and are simply built better) for legit workouts, in my opinion.

Jan, 2025

Zappos

I thought these would be great and I wanted to like them, but they're definitely the worst running shoes I've ever bought. I've only owned them for a few months and this is how they look... These shoes become frayed very easily and the fabric tore so there is now a big hole and I cannot wear them.

Dec, 2024