APL at yachtwear: engineering your crew can feel on deck
On the water, performance is more than style, it’s comfort, weight, traction, and recovery across long days. We brought APL (Athletic Propulsion Labs) to yachtwear because their shoes pair a clean, versatile look with real engineering: lightweight builds, true energy return, non-marking grip, and easy care. All styles are unisex, which makes outfitting a crew simpler and faster.
Who is APL - Athletic Propulsion Labs
Founded in Los Angeles in 2009 by twin brothers Adam and Ryan Goldston, both former USC athletes, APL (Athletic Propulsion Labs) was built at the intersection of luxury and performance—clean design backed by real engineering.
The brand first made headlines in basketball with its Load N’ Launch® innovation; the Concept 1 became the first shoe banned by the NBA for performance reasons, cited for giving an “undue competitive advantage.” That moment set APL’s tone: measurable tech, not marketing myth.
Today, APL’s running and lifestyle lines center on Propelium®, a proprietary midsole designed to maximize energy generation and comfort while maintaining structural integrity longer than conventional EVA—exactly the kind of underfoot efficiency our community values from dock to downtown.
The result is a product language that matches Yachtwear’s: lightweight builds, streamlined silhouettes, and purposeful traction—footwear that travels well, wears hard, and still reads polished when plans move from deck days to dockside nights. APL’s retail evolution (from LA to a flagship in SoHo, New York) underscores that blend of performance and premium experience.
Crew-ready advantages
- Lightweight, travel-ready constructions that pack small.
- Machine-washable care on select styles (follow care instructions).
- Breathable uppers that stay comfortable through heat and humidity.
- Non-marking traction that respects teak and marina surfaces.
- Unisex sizing for streamlined crew assortments.
In the press
APL has been featured by leading publications:
Top 3 picks for marinas & yacht crews
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1) APL TechLoom Traveler — “travel is a sport”
An ultra-comfortable slip-on with a gorgeous herringbone TechLoom knit upper. Effortless on/off, breathable, and built to move—from tender to terminal and back again.
Why crews love it: quick changes between tasks, packs small, looks sharp on and off the boat.
APL Men’s TechLoom Traveler
Slip-On Sneakers, Navy / Ivory
2) APL Euphoria ($320) — newest in the lineup
Features APL’s incredibly breathable Run Naked mesh upper. Designed for responsive miles with cushioned support and confident traction. GQ ranked it the #1 shoe for HYROX (editorial mention).
Why crews love it: airy feel with real support; stays comfortable when the day runs long.
APL Women’s Euphoria
Running Shoes, Ice Blue
3) APL Nostalgia ’87 — lifestyle polish, court-ready performance
APL’s first-ever lifestyle option that also doubles as a performance court/pickleball shoe, crafted in soft Nappa leather. A refined silhouette with court-tuned traction and supportive, responsive underfoot feel.
Why crews love it: polished enough for dockside nights, capable enough for a quick game on shore.
APL Men’s Nostalgia ’87
Aqua Luxury Performance Sneakers
How to Choose Your APL (Quick Guide)
- Long shifts on deck? Prioritize low weight and traction (Zipline).
- Frequent travel and transfers? Choose Breeze — breathable, easy on/off, built to move.
- Simplified care? Opt for machine-washable styles (always check the care label).
- One model for everyone? Remember all APL shoes are unisex — use the length-in-cm conversion to nail first-time fit.