Lululemon Announces Exclusive Color Collaboration With APL

Walk into a Barry’s Bootcamp class and you’ll immediately notice the stylish tennis shoes the instructors sport. Most of the time they’re wearing APLs—Athletic Propulsion Labs—the sleek sneakers with a cult-like following. Developed by twin brothers and former collegiate athletes, Ryan and Adam Goldston, APLs actually enhance your workout. The duo created a special patented technology for their footwear. The Load ’N Launch Concept 1 shoes were the first shoes to instantly make basketball players jump higher—so much so that the NBA banned them for providing an undue competitive advantage. With mesh panels, luxe fabrics like cashmere, and a plethora of colors, including metallics,  APLs are also fashionable. Inspired by the shape of a feather, APL running shoes are incredibly breathable and almost weightless. Barry’s instructor, Michelle Moore of San Francisco, explains her obsession with the shoe like this, “APLs are my favorite tennis shoe right now. Not only are they stylish, but they’re so light weight. They make me feel my fastest when sprinting on that Barry’s treadmill!”

Fitness instructors aren’t the only people who have fallen in love with the brand—retailers like Lululemon are gobbling them up, too. The athletic leisure giant has announced a collaboration with APL.“We are interested in learning and growing with like-minded brands and people who are up to interesting things,” Lululemon’s executive vice president Celeste Burgoyne told Haute Living. “APL shares Lululemon’s brand values of providing a technical product that elevates the health and wellness of all.” Lululemon’s concept team worked closely with APL to create three new and exclusive colors; this was the first time that APL worked with a retailer to create a unique color. The partnership is also APL’s debut of a new innovation, reflective knitting.

The three shoes are available exclusively at Lululemon stores and its website. The unisex Ascend Black Reflective has 360-degrees of reflectivity and an all-black silhouette that stands out, even at night. The women’s Phantom Cinder Rose is a monochromatic color choice selected by Lululemon and will be offered in the Techloom Phantom Shoe, one of APL’s most popular styles. With the women’s Ascend Black Ombre, Lululemon took a staple APL color and made it their own by switching the overlays on the shoe from white to black. All of the shoes have APL’s proprietary Propelium technology which supports the foot, extends the life of the shoe, and offers incredible cushioning, comfort, and performance.