Luxury Meets Performance At Athletic Propulsion Labs
APL has carved a niche at the intersection of luxury and performance.
In the ever-evolving world of athletic footwear, Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL) has carved a niche at the intersection of luxury and performance. NJ Falk, managing partner of APL, recently sat down with Ac Magazine to discuss the brand’s 15-year journey from an audacious idea to a global powerhouse in men’s and women’s athletic and lifestyle footwear. Founded in 2009, APL combines cutting-edge technology with high-fashion aesthetics — a formula that has resonated with consumers worldwide.
“APL was born from a vision to create footwear that not only enhances athletic performance but also fits seamlessly into the luxury lifestyle market,” shared Falk. “We pride ourselves on being innovators, constantly pushing boundaries with new materials and design concepts.”
THE LAUNCH THAT DEFIED GRAVITY
APL first made waves in the basketball world with the Concept 1 shoe, featuring the groundbreaking Load N’ Launch trademarked technology. This patented forefoot device, designed to increase vertical leap by up to 3.5 inches, gained instant notoriety when it was banned by the NBA for providing an “undue competitive advantage.”
“That ban was a pivotal moment,” Falk recalled. “It validated the innovation behind the technology and put APL on the global map. From there, we knew we could redefine athletic footwear.”
Soon, APL expanded into running and training footwear with the iconic TechLoom Pro in 2014. The sleek, lightweight design became an instant bestseller, heralding the birth of the “luxury performance” segment in the athletic market.
INNOVATION AND STYLE IN EVERY STEP
Central to APL’s success is its dedication to technological advancement. The brand’s patented TechLoom trademarked woven uppers are a signature innovation, blending function and fashion through unique materials such as glow-in-the-dark and metallic knit. “Our goal is to make every pair of shoes a masterpiece of both form and function,” Falk explained.
When asked about her favorite designs, Falk didn’t hesitate. “As a runner, I love the TechLoom Zipline for its sleek versatility and unsurpassed comfort along with and the Nostalgia 87 for its nod to retro styling and classic court aesthetic paired with timeless performance. But I’m equally excited about what’s coming — a new running shoe with an open-air lattice structure and mesh upper that redefines lightweight comfort.”
For the full interview head to the winter issue of Ac Magazine HERE. And to see a list of all of our amazing members head to our member roster HERE.