Athletic Propulsion Labs and McLaren have joined forces to create a new range of footwear that further progresses design, performance, technology and construction. The first offering, the APL McLaren HySpeed, is a stunning new silhouette designed as an all-purpose performance running trainer, essentially a grand-tourer for your feet.
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The bold design features a 3-piece segmented midsole with APL FutureFoam pods in the front and rear. Bridging the gap between the two pods is a full-length carbon fiber plate topped by our all-new nitrogen-infused midsole compound, engineered for supreme responsiveness and energy-rich compression. The directional weave of the carbon fiber chassis promotes forward movement while adding energy return with every stride. The wide stance of the FutureFoam pods offers increased stability during quick changes of direction, with the carved-out midfoot section helping keep the weight low. The outsole is inspired by performance tires with a tread pattern designed for speed and traction.
The upper is constructed around a newly developed version of APL’s TechLoom. The non-stretch TechLoom base features specific areas of reinforced super yarn that increase tensile strength in high-stress zones. A lightweight TPU toe bumper works directly with a soft touch internal liner to increase durability and keep your feet secure. The microfiber heel, featuring extended wings that connect directly to the eyerow, works in conjunction with the external moulded counter to help lock your feet in place for strenuous workouts. A perforated, single-layer microfiber tongue adds comfort and luxury inspired by the elegant touchpoints in McLaren’s line of supercars.
Inside the shoe is an advanced fitment system comprising three protruding cushions that take direct inspiration from the McLaren Senna seats. These cushions provide a soft and secure ride for any situation. The heel lining extends out the back of the collar, creating an integrated pull tab with moulded ridges for easy ingress. Underfoot is APL’s exceptional Soufflé Sockliner that was introduced to the fan favourite APL Streamline running shoe in 2021.
The APL McLaren HySpeed is a masterclass in driving innovation with materials, technology and construction to show what the future of performance footwear can be.
Goran Ozbolt, Acting Design Director, McLaren Automotive:
It has been a pleasure to collaborate with APL, creating the APL | McLaren HySpeed shoe. It perfectly embodies both our own McLaren and APL’s DNA and design philosophy. APL has developed new technologies specifically for this shoe – inspired by our ground-breaking work using lightweight materials – which also maximises the wearer’s comfort and experience.
Like stepping into a McLaren, it is all about optimising performance, agility, and speed.
Over the past two years, the Athletic Propulsion Labs and McLaren teams have collaborated on countless design sketches, many construction techniques, extensive product testing and rounds of samples to create the most unique performance shoe the market has ever seen.
From original sketch to retail product launch, there have been three unique midsole iterations with proprietary compounds developed, multiple brand-new upper constructions using a wide variety of materials, and over 50 colourways sampled. The Athletic Propulsion Labs | McLaren HySpeed is truly an exercise in design and engineering excellence that was created by pushing the limits of what is possible in footwear.
Adam Goldston and Ryan Goldston, APL Co-Founders:
Working with McLaren has been a dream come true for us at APL. McLaren’s history in design and performance is unmatched and the team’s expertise and attention to detail truly shine in this collaboration. McLaren is one of the world leaders in using carbon fibre and the weave which we collectively created for the HySpeed is not only hyper-functional but is also incredibly beautiful.
One of the greatest commonalities between APL and McLaren is our quest to make beautifully designed products that perform at the absolute highest level, and that is exactly what we have done with this collaboration. The HySpeed™ is our most expensive in-line product to date and is introducing our newest pod-based midsole technology. The HySpeed features a three-piece segmented midsole with APL FutureFoam pods in the front and rear that are connected by a full-length carbon fibre plate topped by an all-new nitrogen-infused, proprietary blended midsole compound that is engineered for supreme responsiveness and energy-rich compression. The heel padding is modelled after McLaren’s ultra-lightweight McLaren Senna seats that hold you in place but are unbelievably comfortable.
The Athletic Propulsion Labs | McLaren HySpeed is the culmination of years of work but is only the beginning of a long-term collaboration between APL and McLaren.
Details
Segmented midsole construction provides dual-density compression with APL FutureFoam pods and a newly developed nitrogen-infused midsole bridge.
A full-length directional V-weave carbon fibre plate adds stability while promoting forward motion and energy return with every step.
Newly developed nitrogen-infused midsole compound engineered for supreme responsiveness.
The non-stretch TechLoom upper with integrated areas of the super yarn increases tensile strength in high-stress zones.
The reinforced toe box features a lightweight TPU toe bumper and an internal soft touch liner.
The microfiber heel features extended wings connecting directly to the eyerow, which works in conjunction with the external moulded counter to help lock your feet in place for strenuous workouts.
The internal advanced fitment system comprising a 3-piece cushion heel padding is directly inspired by McLaren’s Senna seats and provides a soft, secure ride.
APL Soufflé Sockliner for long-lasting exceptional step-in comfort.
The APL McLaren HySpeed is a performance running shoe constructed using premium materials and techniques. The shoe is not machine washable and must be spot cleaned by hand.
Good Things
- Performance, looks, agility and speed.
Bad Things
- Rather expensive.
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