It isn’t unusual for a luxury name from the automotive world to seek a partner from the apparel industry. And mostly, the coupling’s resulting product is exuberant, expensive and exclusive. Well, we’ve got another example wherein McLaren Automotive and Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL) have come together to introduce a luxury footwear collection. The duo calls it APL | McLaren HySpeed.
The sneaker is designed to be an all-purpose performance running trainer and is available in five colourways. Nothing groundbreaking there. But, it does pack APL’s patented Load ‘N Launch technology that, in simple terms, helps increase vertical leaps. Delve deeper, and you’d find a three-piece configuration with APL FutureFoam pods at either end, connected by a full-length lightweight carbon fibre plate. That is topped by an all-new nitrogen-infused midsole, engineered for responsiveness and energy-rich compression.
The shoe has a microfibre heel with extended wings and a three-piece cushion padding. There’s also APL’s Souffle Sockliner to deliver that extra on the top. And finally, the design inspiration. It comes from McLaren’s speed machines. For instance, the sneaker features a tread pattern reminiscent of performance tyres. Gosh! With such elements in the mix, you could call the creation a McLaren for your feet.
Colour options? The APL | McLaren HySpeed collection is available in White/McLaren Orange, White/Black/Ombre, Rose/Dust/Crème, Energy/Metallic Silver, and McLaren Orange. Both men and women can flex the shoe, with each pair retailing at USD 450.
Packaging matters, you know! And hence, the shoe comes in a drawer-style box with the outer sleeve boasting a fusion of gloss McLaren Orange, metallic orange foil and black foil logos. The black inner box has a transparent smoked black shoe cover with the technical blueprint drawing of the shoe tooling. And pulling the drawer out completely uncovers a line drawing of the McLaren F1 road car. Nice touch there!
