Athletic Propulsion Labs Sneakers

APL stands for Athletic Propulsion Labs and was founded in 2009 by identical twins Adam and Ryan Goldston, who were student-athletes in Los Angeles at the time. Their first shoe, the Concept 1, was packed with springs that made you jump higher — so effective that the NBA banned the model in 2010. It was the first time the league had banned a sneaker for its performance. Few brands can say they were too good; APL can.

Since that controversy, APL has moved into the space where sports technology meets luxury. The heart of the collection is its TechLoom knitting technology: a seamless, sock-like upper that feels light and flexible, combined with a responsive sole. Models such as the TechLoom Pro and the TechLoom Zipline feel like you're walking on air, yet look polished enough to wear with a smart outfit.

That makes APL an outlier: it is neither a streetwear brand nor a classic running-shoe label, but something in between. Looking for a sneaker you can wear to the gym and keep on afterwards? The breathable TechLoom Bliss or versatile Streamline will serve you well. Pay attention to the fit, though — the knitted upper fits close to the foot, so anyone with a wide foot is better off going up a size. Fans range from Olympic gymnasts to F1 drivers, which sums up what the brand stands for: performance without compromising on style.

APL is available in the Netherlands through several retailers, with prices and colourways varying from shop to shop. It's worth checking the participating retailers before you decide — that way, you can immediately see where your size and favourite version are available at the best price.