Yes, this is the shoe you’ve seen 1,090,377 pictures of splashed across your social media channels. Here is my very honest review so you can determine whether or not to spurge on these sneakers.
WHAT SHOES AM I TALKING ABOUT?
THESE (HERE)
A REAL REVIEW BY A REAL CHICK FOR MY REAL FRIENDS
Let me also say… this is NOT sponsored. I wasn’t gifted a pair of sneakers. The brand didn’t ask me to review them. APL has no idea who I am (although, they did comment on my Instagram photo but they seem to do that to a lot of people… kuddos to whoever manages their social accounts!) Basically, you can trust that this is my honest opinion.
These are realllllllly pricy sneakers. As someone who is very diligent with money (I’m the girl who reads every single Amazon review prior to purchasing a $6 item haha), I wanted to share this so you can determine if you should splurge or save. Plus, you know how much I love reviewing products in general. Let’s get to it.
QUICK SUMMARY OF THE APL SNEAKERS
APL stands for Athletic Propulsion Labs. Wait what… I know I gave the same “huh” reaction when I first heard the brand’s name. The company’s website shares the brand was founded by collegiate athlete, twin brothers back in 2009; their mission is to create shoes founded in technology, performance and fashion.
WHY I PURCHASED THE SHOES INITIALLY
Because I told you I would be totally honest… I purchased these after seeing the Kardashians constantly talk about them on Snapchat *insert eye roll over the power of the Kardashians* Keep that between us because my husband would have made me return them just for that reason haha.
I just loved the look. I questioned how they would fit, feel and perform but if I’m being honest again, I tend to make my shoe decisions on appearance. When I saw the rose gold color, I jumped on it.
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THE APL SNEAKERS:
FIT/FEEL
- Sock Feel: these shoes slide on like a sock and the upper portion of the shoe is made of a neoprene fabric that provides a nice, snug fit while being stretchy enough to comfortably put on. The fabric also seems quick-drying and I didn’t notice my ankle area getting sweaty at all because of this.
- Cushion: these sneakers provide a nice amount of cushion. I occasionally get sore heels when there isn’t a good amount of cushion in a sneaker. These have great cushion!
- Low Profile/Aesthetics: overall my favorite part of the shoe continues to be the low profile appearance and the overall look. The outer material has also held up very well (I’ve had the shoes for ~6-8 months wearing several times per week).
- Light Weight: while, I have lighter shoes, I would say this sneaker provides the most cushion while being light in weight of all those I have. That is a combination I do really like, especially during a workout.
- Supportive: I’ve worn these on several leg days where I added in plyometric training. Jump squats always seem to test the performance of a shoe. These were supportive and springy where I felt like I was in a shoe made for a workout yet light weight enough that they didn’t feel the clunky-type of supportive.
WHAT I DISLIKE ABOUT THE APL SNEAKERS:
- Must Break In: they take awhile to break in. I’m not all that used to breaking in a sneaker but these definitely took several workouts to feel a bit more comfortable.
- Laces: the laces on these shoes are on the inside and they are designed to be tucked into the shoe. While I do like the look of this, the laces leave an indent on the top of my foot and begin to get uncomfortable after awhile.
- note: there are other options now with the laces on the outside which I prefer
- Sizing: I purchased my usual size of 9 but needed to get half a size up. I’ve seen online retailers recommend a full size up but I just went up to a 9.5. This isn’t a huge dislike but having to exchange an online purchase is a bit annoying but I now know this going forward.
- Laces: my only complaint is again the laces were a bit uncomfortable and a few times, it’s been distracting during a workout. I particularly remember the laces being uncomfortable when I was running and after I was wearing these shoes all day, so maybe these just aren’t the best for all day wear.
Overall, they were great for training. I ran in these and they were comfortable (aside from the laces); I’m not a big runner… I’ve heard ladies say they ran a half marathon in these but run shoes are super personal. For weight lifting and cross training, these shoes performed very well.
Would I purchase another pair? Yes.
Do I love these sneakers? I lovee the look and like the fit and feel.
Would I recommend them to a girlfriend? Yes and no. Yes, I would recommend them if you are okay splurging on sneakers. No, I would not recommend them if you’re on a budget or if sneakers really aren’t your thing.
The price point on this sneaker is really, really high which truly is my only major dislike. Don’t get me wrong… I think these are good shoes! I really do! I totally would purchase another pair.
I think whether or not to splurge on these is a matter of how much sneakers mean to you. I wear sneakers 90% of the time and I’m interested in trying new ones =these are for me. If you’re someone who only wears sneakers an hour per day at the gym or if you’re someone who doesn’t get into a cute shoe, save your money and pick a different pair.
-SHOP THE POST-
My Shoes
My Exact Rose Gold APLS: here
**UPDATE**
The new APLS I purchased here
I absolutely LOVE these…. I have two pairs (gray/black and pink).
If you want a different style sneaker and are okay with splurging, I HIGHLY recommend these. They’re my favorite shoe for lifting days and I wear them out and about all of the time.
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