# Courtside Futuristic Footwear The APL Concept 2 Reveals a Slick Brand New Look By Matt Ho | Published 2012-01-05 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apl-concept-2 References: [f5torefresh](http://f5torefresh.com/2012/01/03/apl-concept-2/) & [athleticpropulsionlabs](http://www.athleticpropulsionlabs.com/concept-2.html) For those who have seen Concept 1 of Athletic Propulsions Lab sneakers, it's time to meet the the APL Concept 2. Compared to its predecessor, the APL Concept 2 has more of a [futuristic look](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-air-max-dn8) and it boasts plenty more details. The design is striking and it has a layered aesthetic that is very separate from the first model. At 15 ounces, it's a fairly lightweight shoe and much of it has to do with its carbon fiber upper construction. Like the Concept 1, the Concept 2 features the spring-based Load 'N Launch technology designed to help improve vertical leap. While this got the sneaker banned from the [NBA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anthony-edwards-2), it's still a cool addition that most will appreciate. The piece also has a [speed-lacing system](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/megaride-s2), a new herringbone outsole for traction and black flow vents to keep your feet cool and fresh . The APL Concept 2 is limited in quantity and is now available. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.1/10 - Popularity: 44% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Futuristic Footwear Design:** Opportunity to innovate and create futuristic-looking footwear designs using layered aesthetics and carbon fiber upper construction. - **Load 'N Launch Technology:** Opportunity to develop and implement spring-based Load 'N Launch technology in athletic footwear to enhance vertical leap and performance. - **Speed-lacing Systems:** Opportunity to improve and create new speed-lacing systems for athletic footwear that provide convenience and efficiency. ### Where This Applies - **Athletic Footwear:** Opportunity for athletic footwear brands to capitalize on the futuristic footwear design trend and incorporate carbon fiber construction, Load 'N Launch technology, and speed-lacing systems. - **Sports Technology:** Opportunity for sports technology companies to collaborate with athletic footwear brands to develop and integrate innovative technologies, such as Load 'N Launch, into performance-enhancing footwear. - **Fashion and Design:** Opportunity for fashion and design industry professionals to explore and incorporate futuristic design elements, such as layered aesthetics and carbon fiber materials, into footwear collections. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Top-Tier Racing Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xscape-nbk-20.md) - [Ultra-Slick Tennis Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tennis-20-sneakers.md) - [Sleek Luxe Tech Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carbon-runner-1.md) - [Performance-Focused Basketball Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gt-cut-3.md) - [Striking Basketball Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anthony-edwards-2.md) - [Futuristic Silver Tonal Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crazy-2.md) - [Stealthy Dynamic Basketball Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mad-iiinfinity.md) - [Futuristic Performance Sneaker Launches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mach-x-caged.md) - [Technical Streetwear Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoka-kawana-2.md)