When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
APL - Athletic Propulsion Labs
Why APL - Athletic Propulsion Labs is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL) is a standout destination for friends who appreciate cutting-edge athletic footwear and luxury performance apparel. Founded in 2009 by identical twins and former collegiate athletes Adam and Ryan Goldston, APL merges innovation, design, and athletic performance in every product. The brand gained notoriety with its groundbreaking Concept 1 basketball shoe, which was the first ever banned by the NBA for providing an "undue competitive advantage" thanks to its revolutionary Load N' Launch® technology. This unique heritage adds a story of exclusivity and trailblazing spirit to the APL experience that fans of sports and style can share.
APL’s shoes are known for being high-performance yet fashion-forward, ideal for casual meetups, training sessions, or making a stylish statement in urban environments. The company operates flagship stores in Los Angeles at The Grove and in SoHo, Manhattan, providing inviting spaces for customers to explore their latest collections. Their products are also available at prestigious luxury retailers like Nordstrom and Bergdorf Goodman, reflecting their fusion of sport and upscale fashion. The brand’s combination of superior technology and sleek design makes APL a great place for friends to connect over a shared passion for innovative sneakers and apparel.
Here's what people think of APL - Athletic Propulsion Labs
As of recent, APL - Athletic Propulsion Labs holds a 4.1-star rating based on 66 reviews.
Online reviews of APL products reflect a generally positive reception with a 4.1 average rating from over 66 user reviews. Many customers praise the brand for the exceptional comfort and style of its sneakers. Positive feedback often highlights how lightweight and easy to wear the shoes are, with particular appreciation for features like the lace "garage" which enhances convenience. Reviewers who own multiple pairs frequently mention the excellent fit true to size and the unique design vision that APL delivers.
On the other hand, some negative reviews address concerns around limited arch support and cushioning in certain models like the Techloom Phantom and Wave. A few users report discomfort related to the heel design or insufficient support for those needing more substantial foot stabilization. Others note that some shoes are minimalistic in structure, which may not suit everyone’s preferences.
Overall, APL’s reviews reveal a brand admired for its innovation and style, though some customers recommend assessing specific models for fit and support needs before purchase. The blend of luxury and performance technology remains a strong draw, making it a respected name in athletic footwear circles.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Andrea L (AKA.DRE)
I love my APL Shoes! I have a few pair and love them all. My fiancé also loves his! They are washable and durable! Definitely worth the money! [ Find more photos on LTK.it: @AKA.DRE ]
Yuval K
Great design for this athletic shoe store. The store has two long walls with cubicles for shoe display. Shoes are mostly similar and all for running. A bit boring but nice.
Bardia Sabour
I recently had an amazing experience with Eric at the APL store. From the moment I walked in, he was super caring and really took the time to figure out what I was looking for. Eric knows everything about every shoe in the store and gave me great advice on what would work best for me. His enthusiasm and dedication made finding the perfect pair of shoes a breeze. I left feeling really happy with my purchase and grateful for such a fun and easy shopping experience. Eric is definitely the go-to guy if you want exceptional service!
Leon Ozeran
I purchased $320 APL Men's Streamline at the APL store at the Grove less then 90 days ago and have found these shoes to be defective and noticed if I continue to use this product it will cause serious harm and injuries, since the shoe lining has completely fallen apart. Less than 1 month after wearing the shoes, the shoe laces started to come apart, so I went into the store and was informed I could buy replacement shoe laces at Shoe Laces Express. The next month, I noticed the shoes' seams coming apart and then went back into the store and was advised to email and call Athletic Propulsion Labs. The store's employees have informed me that this same quality issue has happened to previous customers and that if I contact Athletic Propulsion Labs via email that they will offer an exchange for the defective product. I have now been told by a few APL employees that my purchase is past their 30 day warranty and that they will not fix a defective shoe. I was shocked they only offer a 30 day product defect warranty since this violates product liability act. The store is now trying to tell me I purchased these shoes too long ago and they can not find my purchase history. I have attached photos for reference. I have sent a several emails and they do not response to emails or phone calls.
Chirag Warty
it is a haven for anyone who values performance, style, and innovation in their footwear. This sleek store offers an impressive collection of athletic shoes that are not only designed for peak performance but also exude a sense of modern luxury. Known for combining cutting-edge technology with a clean, stylish aesthetic, APL is a must-visit for both athletes and sneaker enthusiasts. The selection at APL is top-notch, featuring their signature running shoes, training sneakers, and lifestyle kicks, all crafted with the brand’s revolutionary technology that enhances comfort, stability, and speed. The lightweight design and impeccable fit make these shoes perfect for everything from intense workouts to casual, everyday wear. Plus, the range of colors and styles ensures there’s a perfect pair for every taste. The store itself is beautifully laid out, with a minimalist design that allows the shoes to be the true stars of the show. The staff at APL are knowledgeable and friendly, always ready to guide you in finding the perfect pair of shoes to match your needs, whether you’re looking for high-performance running sneakers or something stylish to elevate your streetwear game. Located at The Grove, this APL store is surrounded by a vibrant shopping scene, making it easy to drop by during a day out. The combination of exceptional customer service, innovative products, and a luxurious shopping experience makes APL a standout destination for footwear in Los Angeles. Highly recommended for anyone who values both style and performance in their sneakers and wants to experience the next level of athletic innovation! 👟🔥
How to reach APL - Athletic Propulsion Labs
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Why APL - Athletic Propulsion Labs may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at APL - Athletic Propulsion Labs with your friends?
Rallying at APL - Athletic Propulsion Labs with your friends is an experience that combines innovation, style, and a shared passion for athletic excellence. Unlike traditional meetup spots, APL offers more than just a place to gather; it provides a unique environment rooted in cutting-edge sports technology and luxury fashion. Founded by athlete twins and headquartered in Los Angeles, APL is not just a sneaker company but a hub for those who appreciate performance footwear engineered for both sport and lifestyle. The brand’s roots in high-level athletic competition and groundbreaking technology—such as their NBA-banned Concept 1 shoe—give any meetup a narrative of exclusivity and innovation. Meeting at APL means immersing yourselves in a culture that values pushing boundaries while maintaining sophisticated style. This makes it an ideal venue to spark inspiring conversations, discover premium products designed for top performance, and share moments centered around fitness, fashion, and forward-thinking design. Whether you’re sneaker aficionados, fitness enthusiasts, or simply looking for a sleek, comfortable spot to explore, APL offers your group an energized atmosphere that elevates the usual day out into an empowering social event.
What activities and experiences make APL perfect for group meetups?
APL’s flagship retail locations, particularly their prime stores in Los Angeles at The Grove and in SoHo, Manhattan, create immersive spaces where groups can engage in a multifaceted sneaker and apparel shopping experience. The stores showcase the full range of APL’s men’s and women’s athletic footwear and apparel collections, known for merging technical innovation with luxury design. Here, friends can explore APL’s standout shoes like the TechLoom Zipline—developed with inspiration from innovative comfort and engineered midsoles—or the TechLoom Pro and Bliss lines featuring UV-reactive materials for a fun twist. The tactile nature of their products invites group discussion about fit, performance technology, and style, turning shoe shopping into a shared activity rather than a solitary task. Moreover, these flagship stores often provide knowledgeable staff who explain the technology behind high-performance sneakers, helping groups appreciate the unique features such as Load N’ Launch® technology, which enhances athletic ability. This educational component adds substance to meetups, catering to those intrigued by sports science or contemporary footwear design. Beyond shopping, these stores often serve as social hubs for sneaker culture fans, fostering a sense of community among attendees.
How does APL's brand philosophy enhance the experience for groups?
The philosophy behind APL perfectly complements the concept of group meetups by blending luxury with performance and innovation with lifestyle. Founded by former college athletes passionate about elevating sportswear, APL stands for breaking new ground in athletic footwear, a theme that resonates well when shared among groups looking for inspiration and motivation. APL’s commitment to combining style and function means every product tells a story of hard work, creativity, and achievement—values that friends or family members can celebrate together. Whether discussing the historical impact of the Concept 1 shoe, banned by the NBA for its vertical leap advantage, or admiring the precision craftsmanship of current collections, groups will find plenty to bond over. This sense of shared appreciation for a niche but rapidly growing “luxury performance segment” makes APL a meaningful gathering spot—not just another retail store but a source of inspiration. This unique position of APL as a pioneer invites your group to feel part of something exclusive and forward-looking, enhancing social interaction with intellectual and cultural depth related to sports, design, and entrepreneurship.
What makes APL’s product range especially appealing for social groups?
APL offers a wide variety of products that cater to diverse tastes within any group meetup, making it straightforward to find attractive options for everyone. Their footwear lineup includes basketball shoes, running shoes, and versatile training sneakers designed to meet the demands of serious athletes and everyday consumers alike. The TechLoom Zipline, for example, is their best-selling shoe that combines comfort and design inspired by real-world experiences, like life-changing walks in Tokyo, reflecting creativity as well as functionality. This attention to unique backstories enhances buying conversations among friends, who can share opinions on style, comfort, and innovation. Additionally, APL’s apparel selections complement the shoes with workout and casual wear that carries the same high-end performance ethos, allowing groups to coordinate their looks or try new athletic gear together. APL’s presence in over 300 luxury retail locations worldwide, along with their own boutiques, enables shoppers to experience premium products that elevate any group activity—be it training sessions, casual outings, or travel. The personalization and variety inherent in APL’s offerings ensure that group members can express individuality within a shared lifestyle context.
Where can you find APL stores and how do their locations enhance your meetup?
APL operates flagship stores in culturally vibrant locations, most notably The Grove at Farmers Market in Los Angeles and SoHo in Manhattan. These locations themselves offer appealing backdrops for group gatherings. The Grove, for example, is an open-air retail and entertainment complex featuring shops, restaurants, and seasonal events, making an APL visit part of a broader social outing with plentiful food and entertainment options nearby. Likewise, the SoHo store situates you in one of New York City’s trendiest neighborhoods known for art galleries, boutiques, and cafes, perfect for extending your meetup with additional cultural exploration. These flagship stores are designed to be more than shopping destinations; they are curated environments that reflect APL’s brand ethos of innovation and luxury. The ambiance encourages leisurely browsing and meaningful interaction among friends, providing a relaxed yet vibrant setting. Beyond the brick-and-mortar shops, APL’s digital presence complements physical visits, allowing groups to continue exploring new releases, styling tips, and product insights online before or after the meetup, enhancing the whole experience.
How does APL cater to diverse groups and what makes it inclusive?
APL stands out among athletic brands for its strong appeal to a diverse customer base, particularly its authentic engagement with women who make up a significant portion of its customers. This level of inclusivity is a major plus for groups looking to rally at a business that welcomes all genders with equal enthusiasm and style options. The brand’s social media engagement fosters direct dialogue with customers, which means they tune into the needs and feedback of varied demographics, making the shopping experience more personalized and inclusive. For groups, this means you'll find products designed with thoughtful attention to fit and aesthetics for men and women, along with unisex styles that emphasize comfort and usability. This inclusiveness extends to APL’s innovative designs that merge high athletic performance with fashion-forward looks, so the brand resonates with casual wearers and serious athletes alike. Meeting at APL can therefore affirm a group’s collective commitment to fun, health, and style without barriers, fostering a supportive and engaging social environment.
What makes APL’s technology and innovation discussion-worthy for groups?
A key attraction of APL for group meetups is its deep-rooted history of innovation in athletic performance technology. The company made headlines with its conceptual basketball shoe, the Concept 1, which incorporated patented Load N’ Launch® technology involving compression springs to enhance vertical jump capabilities. This innovation was so revolutionary it was banned by the NBA for giving players an unfair advantage. Such a story sparks dynamic conversations among friends who are sports fans, tech enthusiasts, or curious learners. Additionally, APL has continued its tradition of innovative design through products like the TechLoom line, which features advanced cushioning inspired by everyday experiences like walking long distances or even the texture and feel of Japanese pancakes. These anecdotes about creative inspiration and technological achievement enrich the group’s experience beyond shopping. It creates a shared exploration of how science and art collide in modern footwear—appealing to those who value intellectual engagement alongside personal enjoyment.
How does APL’s focus on luxury performance enhance social dynamics?
APL’s pioneering role in the “luxury performance segment” uniquely positions it as a brand that appeals to consumers who do not want to sacrifice style for function or vice versa. This dual focus attracts groups who seek sophisticated, trend-forward footwear that can transition smoothly from workouts to social settings. The availability of shoes and apparel that balance aesthetic appeal with athletic utility enables group members to showcase personal style while staying comfortable and supported for active endeavors. This creates opportunities for groups to coordinate looks, swap style tips, or even organize activities that blend fitness and fashion, such as casual runs, gym sessions, or city strolls. The luxurious aspect also elevates the meetup atmosphere by surrounding friends with premium products and an environment of quality and elegance, making the occasion feel special. This focus on luxury performance embodies a lifestyle many aspire to, making the gathering at APL both aspirational and accessible.
Why choose APL over other sneaker and sportswear brands for group meetups?
Choosing APL as a venue for meetups offers distinct benefits not typically found in other footwear or athletic brands. Its history of groundbreaking innovation paired with a commitment to luxury and design positions it as a sophisticated yet authentic choice for friends or family looking for an enriching social experience. Unlike mass-market brands, APL’s story of independence, with no outside capital raising, conveys a message of dedication and vision that can inspire meaningful conversations and collective pride. The brand’s product range caters comprehensively to a modern, style-conscious, and performance-driven clientele, ensuring everyone in a group finds something appealing. Its flagship stores enhance the physical retail experience with ambiance and expert knowledge, transforming a routine shopping trip into a memorable social event. Whether your focus is on discovering new technologies, enjoying premium fashion, or simply spending quality time in a vibrant atmosphere, APL offers a distinctive and compelling destination for group meetups.
What future prospects make APL an exciting spot to follow for groups?
Looking ahead, APL continues to innovate by expanding its collections and refining its tech-forward designs, promising that meetups at their stores or events will keep offering fresh excitement. Their recent and upcoming launches, such as the Amalfi Daydream Collection and revamped summer lines, show the brand’s dedication to refreshing its product lines with seasonal flair and technological advancements. The company’s growing footprint in luxury retailers worldwide also indicates expanding accessibility for fans and group meetups beyond flagship locations. Meanwhile, the founders’ direct interaction with customers through social media and feedback channels means APL stays closely attuned to community desires and emerging trends, often translating consumer insights into new product concepts. For groups who rally around APL, this ongoing evolution provides continual reasons to reconnect, explore, and celebrate together. Being part of a brand journey at this intersection of style, technology, and athleticism fosters a dynamic social identity that keeps group meetups energized and relevant.
This detailed exploration reveals that APL - Athletic Propulsion Labs offers a rich environment for group meetups through its innovative athletic technology, luxury performance ethos, inclusive design philosophy, and culturally vibrant retail locations. Hosting friends or family there means engaging with a brand that transcends typical sneaker retail to become a space for shared inspiration, meaningful conversation, and stylish camaraderie.