Ayrton Oneill
Athletic Propulsion Labs' APL Concept 1 basketball shoes were banned by the NBA in 2010 for providing wearers with an undue competitive advantage. The shoes feature a propulsion device that enhances the wearer's vertical leap by up to 3.5 inches. The technology, known as Load 'N Launch, is a spring-based system that uses carbon fibre plates and coil springs to increase energy return and enhance elevation. While the shoes do provide a significant performance boost, some reviewers have questioned their practicality for those who are not serious athletes, and their high price tag of $300.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL) |
| Shoe Model | Concept 1 |
| Technology | Load 'N Launch |
| Technology Details | A propulsion device implanted in a cavity under the forefoot, in front of the ball of the foot and the flex zone. |
| Results | An increase in the wearer's vertical leap by up to 3.5 inches |
| Price | $300 |
| Banned by | NBA |
| Reason for Ban | Provided "an undue competitive advantage" to the wearer |
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What You'll Learn
The Load ‘N Launch technology
The Athletic Propulsion Labs® Load ‘N Launch™ system is designed to maximize a player’s compression-propulsion-liftoff response. The Load ‘N Launch technology is designed to provide an instant advantage to virtually everyone who wears the product and engages in jumping on a basketball court. The technology is centred around a revolutionary patent-pending propulsion device, which is implanted in a cavity under the forefoot, in front of the ball of the foot and the flex zone. The device acts as a "launch pad", compressing and releasing as the athlete exerts force on the front of the foot. This is the "Load" and "Launch" phase, respectively. The Load ‘N Launch device is uniquely designed to capture the maximum amount of energy through the compression caused by exerting pressure on the forefoot and then releasing the energy.
The Athletic Propulsion Labs® Concept 1 Basketball shoe technology was tested at a leading United States university's biomechanics lab with two biomechanics Ph.D's who specialize in vertical leap. The shoe was compared to a leading brand's most expensive high-performance basketball shoe. 11 out of 12 participants jumped higher instantly in Athletic Propulsion Labs® shoes, with some participants seeing an increase of up to 3.5 inches instantly in their vertical leap.
The Load ‘N Launch Carbon 10 is an updated version of the Load ‘N Launch technology, featuring full-length carbon-fiber plates that act as springboards for efficient energy transfer. Larger coil springs are positioned throughout the forefoot beneath the carbon plates, working in conjunction to provide enhanced elevation and energy return. The Concept X also features a newly developed APL FutureFoam midsole that is lighter and provides more rebound, as well as an outsole with high traction for a soft landing.
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The spring-based technology
The Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL) Concept 1 basketball shoes feature a spring-based technology that is designed to increase the wearer's vertical leap. The technology is centred around a propulsion device implanted in a cavity under the forefoot, in front of the ball of the foot and the flex zone. This device is designed to provide an "instant boost" to the wearer's jump.
The outsole of the shoe features a unique high-density Thermoplastic Urethane Load 'N Launch™ shank. This shank provides stability between the forefoot and the heel, absorbs shock, and enhances the transfer of energy to the forefoot device. The Load 'N Launch technology increases the wearer's vertical leap by efficiently transferring energy with every step. The carbon-fibre plate acts as a springboard, and the larger coil springs in the forefoot provide ultimate energy return and enhanced elevation. The spring-based technology is designed to work in conjunction with the natural movement of the foot to provide an "undue competitive advantage" in basketball games.
The Concept 1 shoes were banned by the NBA in 2010 due to this "undue competitive advantage" that they provided to wearers. The ban caused a stir and led to increased sales and attention for APL. The company has since released updated versions of the Concept 1, including the Concept X and SuperFuture models, which feature advanced versions of the Load 'N Launch technology.
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The carbon-fibre plates
The Athletic Propulsion Labs Concept 1 basketball shoe is made from space-age materials and features a propulsion device implanted in a cavity under the forefoot, in front of the ball of the foot and the flex zone. The shoe also features a high-density Thermoplastic Urethane Load ‘N Launch™ shank, which provides stability, absorbs shock, and enhances energy transfer to the Load ‘N Launch™ forefoot device. This technology increases the wearer's vertical leap by up to 3.5 inches.
The Load ‘N Launch Carbon 10 technology in the Concept X basketball shoe features a full-length carbon-fibre plate that acts as a springboard, efficiently transferring energy with every step. The carbon-fibre plate is exposed in the heel area of the outsole, reducing weight. Beneath the carbon plate sits a larger device with 10 larger coil springs positioned throughout the forefoot. Each piece is designed to work together to provide maximum energy return and enhanced elevation.
The carbon-fibre plate is paired with a full-length stretch TechLoom bootie and APL Exolock overlays, which provide enhanced support and breathability while maintaining low weight. The midsole of the Concept X features the newly developed APL FutureFoam, which is lighter and provides more rebound, resulting in soft and responsive cushioning.
The carbon-fibre plate in the Concept X basketball shoe is a key component of the Load ‘N Launch Carbon 10 technology, designed to provide maximum energy return and enhance the wearer's vertical leap. The plate's springboard-like properties efficiently transfer energy with each step, working in conjunction with the coil springs in the forefoot to deliver enhanced performance.
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The coil springs
The Athletic Propulsion Labs Concept 1 basketball shoe features a spring-based technology that includes coil springs. The shoe's spring-based technology was banned by the NBA in 2010 because it provided "an undue competitive advantage" to the wearer. The coil springs are part of the Load 'N Launch Carbon 10 technology, which includes a full-length carbon fiber plate that acts as a springboard to efficiently transfer energy with every step. The coil springs are larger and are positioned throughout the forefoot beneath the carbon plate. Each piece is tuned to work together to provide ultimate energy return and enhanced elevation.
The combination of the coil springs and the carbon fiber plate in the Concept 1 basketball shoe provides a responsive and energy-efficient system that enhances the wearer's performance. The coil springs' strategic positioning and tuning allow for optimal energy return and elevation, making it a sought-after feature in performance footwear.
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The propulsion device
The Athletic Propulsion Labs Concept 1 basketball shoe features a revolutionary patent-pending propulsion device, which is implanted in a cavity under the forefoot, in front of the ball of the foot and the flex zone. This propulsion device is designed to increase the wearer's vertical leap by up to 3.5 inches. The device works in conjunction with the unique high-density Thermoplastic Urethane Load 'N Launch™ shank, which is located further back on the outsole of the shoe. The shank provides stability between the forefoot and the heel, absorbs shock, and enhances the transfer of energy to the Load 'N Launch™ forefoot device, resulting in increased vertical leap performance.
The Load 'N Launch Carbon 10 technology is an updated version of the original Load 'N Launch technology. It features a full-length carbon fiber plate that acts as a springboard, efficiently transferring energy with every step. Beneath the carbon plate sits a larger device with 10 larger coil springs strategically positioned throughout the forefoot. Each piece is designed to work together to provide maximum energy return and enhanced elevation.
The Concept 1 shoe is constructed with space-age materials and state-of-the-art construction techniques. The upper of the shoe features a full-length stretch TechLoom bootie, supported by APL Exolock overlays. APL Exolock technology utilizes various embroidery techniques, thread materials, and cord to provide enhanced support while maintaining low weight. The midsole of the shoe is made with APL FutureFoam, which is lighter and provides more rebound, resulting in soft and responsive cushioning.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, they do work. The Athletic Propulsion Labs Concept 1 basketball shoe is made from space-age materials, including a special technology designed to give your vertical leap an instant boost.
The technology is centred around a revolutionary patent-pending propulsion device, which is implanted in a cavity under the forefoot, in front of the ball of the foot and the flex zone. Further back on the outsole of the shoe lies the unique high-density Thermoplastic Urethane Load ‘N Launch™ shank, which provides another level of engagement in the compression-propulsion-liftoff response.
Yes, the NBA banned the Concept 1 basketball shoe on October 19, 2010, because it provided "an undue competitive advantage" to the wearer.
The shoes have a lofty $300 price tag.
