APL Expands Running Lineup With Techloom Zipline Silhouette

When Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL) founders Adam and Ryan Goldston decide on a new running silhouette, the brothers take inspiration from international travel. First came the 2021 Streamline with a fresh approach to creating souffle-inspired softness following a trip to Tokyo (and a meal of souffle pancakes). The latest? The Techloom Zipline running shoe, inspired by a Dubai ziplining experience that showed the APL founders how to feel free and secure at the same time.

Built for the everyday runner, the Techloom Zipline technology overlays a seamless Techloom upper with zipline-inspired cords. Using hollow cords to keep the weight low and provide support, the cord offers a “web of support where you need it with enough give not to be restrictive.” Adam Goldston says that design allows the foot to move and expand with each step, keeping the foot planted and secure.

“The Zipline overlays offer a full cage of support with a new 360-degree stretch Techloom upper that allows for maximum comfort, complete toe mobility and a beautiful aesthetic,” says Ryan Goldston.

For fans of the Streamline shoe that launched in fall 2021, the Zipline uses the same midsole unit. “With the success of our Streamline,” says Adam Goldston, “we used our brand new FutureFoam midsole as the base for our most complex Techloom upper to date.”

The APL FutureFoam midsole, a compound developed for compression, rebound and energy return, serves as the foundation of the Techloom Zipline. The midsole surface features horizontal channels—the brand says they were “carved by the wind”—to make each stride more aerodynamic. A slanted, forward-leaning shank plate sandwiches between the two-piece midsole to promote forward motion and accelerate the gait cycle.

APL was founded more than a decade ago, first with a performance basketball shoe. In 2014, APL placed a focus on “luxury performance” in the athletic footwear market with running and training shoe collections for men and women.

“Luxury performance was part of the plan from the start, but we had to grow into it,” says Adam Goldston. “For every single product we put out, we wanted to make sure we were always sitting at the top of the market. The goal was to always exist across different pillars of athletics and sport and luxury. It took time and there is no way to fast track that. We solidify before we diversify.”

APL is carried in over 300 retailers, such as Nordstrom
JWN
, Selfridges and Mr. Porter, and now has a full complement of shoes designed for running, training, basketball and recovery, all with an emphasis on both performance and aesthetics. “The Zipline has great crossover appeal and wearability as an everyday fashion shoe for those looking for all-day comfort and maximum cushioning,” Ryan Goldston says.

In keeping with the luxury mantra the Goldston brothers strive for, the Zipline retails for $320.