APL Founders: Adam & Ryan Goldston – Banned by the NBA, Luxury Performance, Credibility, & Innovation That Moves Culture

In this episode, The Gstaad Guy sits down with Adam and Ryan Goldston, the twin brothers behind APL (Athletic Propulsion Labs), the brand that disrupted the sneaker world with a basketball shoe so advanced it was banned by the NBA.

The conversation dives into what it means to build a brand with authenticity at its core, and how vision, process, and purpose have shaped APL’s rise in the luxury performance category. From engineering innovation based on real needs, not hype, to defining what credibility means in today’s culture-driven landscape, Adam and Ryan share how dreaming big, staying focused, and listening closely can drive true impact.

Filmed at Nobel LA’s St. Ives property.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro ✨

(03:12) Genesis of APL 🌱👟

(05:36) Induction into the CFDA 🤝🏻🏛️✍🏻

(07:30) From vision to reality 👁️😌

(08:42) “Luxury Performance Category” ✨👟

(10:21) “Making the right decisions” ✅⚖️

(12:14) Pursuing an idea 💡🏃

(15:50) Confidence 😎💪🏻

(17:55) The disbelievers 😲

(20:08) Logos 🔲 🔠

(21:48) “Tackling a new silhouette” 🆕

(24:56) “Positioning of APL” 🎯 👟

(29:40) “Love for obsession” ❤️ 😵‍💫

(31:39) “Vision, POV, Perspective” 👁️

(34:58) “Design & Colour” ✍🏻 🎨

(37:47) “Taste” 🤌🏻

(41:10) “Process” 🔄⏳

(43:40) “Inspiration” 💡🎨

(46:44) “Moments of defeat” ⏳😫

(49:01) “Learning from failure” 📚🧠❌

(54:15) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨  

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