APL Running Shoes Compared: Zipline, Streamline, Podium, Veil, Euphoria, Dream and HySpeed

APL (Athletic Propulsion Labs) sells more than a dozen running and training models, and the names alone do not tell you much about how they differ. This comparison focuses on the six runners built on APL's FutureFoam and Heavenly Ride foams rather than the Propelium foam of its knit everyday range, from the $200 TechLoom Dream to the $350 TechLoom Zipline and Veil, plus the $495 APL HySpeed. For each one we pulled the midsole, upper, drop, weight and intended use exactly as APL lists them. For shipping, returns and the brand overall, see our full APL review.

How APL describes its running shoes

Each product page has a description, a Product Information panel (upper, weight, midsole, outsole) and a "Find your APL style" comparison that gives every model a "Best for" label, midsole drop, cushion level (Lightweight, Responsive or Maximum) and weight. Those labels are the closest thing APL offers to a buying guide, and they are the brand's own categories, not independent measurements.

Two things are constant across the range: every running model lists an 8mm heel-to-toe drop, and none lists stack height. Several also include APL's 5mm Soufflé sockliner, which the brand describes as giving its runners "the step in comfort of a recovery shoe."

FutureFoam runners: TechLoom Zipline, Streamline and Podium

These three share APL's FutureFoam midsole compound, which the brand says was "developed to provide exceptional compression, rebound and energy return" over 24 months of testing. All three carry the "Maximum" cushion label.

• TechLoom Zipline ($350, 7.7 oz). APL calls it its "most advanced and bestselling running shoe." A single-layer seamless TechLoom upper is wrapped by hollow cords, the "Ziplines," for lateral and longitudinal support. Below sits a two-piece FutureFoam midsole with a slanted, forward-leaning shank plate sandwiched inside, which APL says helps "promote forward motion upon foot strike," on a two-piece rubber outsole. It is the biggest line in the feed, with about 50 women's and 35 men's listings.
• Streamline ($300, 7.3 oz). APL's "purest, most purpose built running shoe." The midsole recipe reads the same as the Zipline's: two-piece FutureFoam, slanted shank plate, 5mm Soufflé sockliner. The difference is the AeroLux upper, a woven textile with thin support layers and "vector flow lines," plus a microfiber collar and 3D molded heel padding. The outsole is described as "designed for road and gym use." It costs $50 less than the Zipline and lists a slightly lower weight.
• APL Podium ($300). Marketed with a Formula 1 theme, it pairs an AeroLux woven upper with "internal grid supports" and a seamless TechLoom tongue and collar for a "sock-like fit," on FutureFoam with a lightweight rubber outsole. The description gives no drop or weight; the comparison tool lists 8mm and 7.7 oz and tags it "Running, Training." All six colorways we saw were Ombre editions.

Heavenly Ride runners: Veil, Euphoria and TechLoom Dream

The second family uses a compound APL calls Heavenly Ride, which the Dream page describes as "created for maximum shock absorption and cushioning." Despite that wording, APL's comparison tool labels all three "Responsive" rather than "Maximum." Each lists a three-piece rubber outsole with a multi-directional pattern for "the gym or the street."

• Veil ($350). Featured in APL's Fall 2026 menu and built to "slip on effortlessly so you can tighten and go." It uses a segmented AeroLux+ mesh upper, a stretch TechLoom tongue with gussets, Zipline eyelets with a cord lace and quick-pull lock, and an external heel cup with a pull tab. Listed weights are 8.9 oz for a women's 7.5 and 10.5 oz for a men's 9, and the box includes an extra set of laces. Best for: "Running, Walking."
• Euphoria ($240). Built around what APL calls a "Naked Net" upper, described as ultra-breathable and lightweight, with a soft Lycra collar, zonal heel cushions and midfoot stability straps. The page suggests it for "the street, treadmill, or in the gym." The description lists no weight or drop; the comparison tool gives 8mm and 10.5 oz.
• TechLoom Dream ($200). Positioned as "an all-purpose running and walking shoe," with a soft stretch TechLoom upper with raised contour lines, a separated single-layer tongue, a molded TPU heel counter and the Soufflé sockliner. The description says 9.4 oz; the comparison tool says 9.8 oz.

APL HySpeed: the carbon-plate trainer

At $495 the HySpeed is APL's most expensive shoe in the running menu. The brand calls it "an all-purpose performance running trainer," labels it "Training, Running" with a "Maximum" cushion level, and says it won Gear Patrol's 2023 Editor's Choice award for Best Gym Shoes. The listing describes a three-piece segmented midsole with FutureFoam pods front and rear, bridged by a full-length carbon fiber plate under a nitrogen-infused compound, and a non-stretch TechLoom upper reinforced with "super yarn." It lists an 8mm drop and weights of 11.5 oz for a women's 7.5 and 13 oz for a men's 9. Unlike the other models it is sold in unisex sizing only, split across several listings.

Choosing between them, and what to check before ordering

• Lowest price with the Heavenly Ride foam: TechLoom Dream at $200, described for running and walking.
• Breathable, strap-supported upper under $250: Euphoria at $240.
• Zipline-style FutureFoam and shank plate for less: Streamline at $300, the same listed midsole with a woven AeroLux upper.
• Lightest listed premium runner: Streamline at 7.3 oz, then Zipline and Podium at 7.7 oz.
• Quick on-and-off design: Veil, with its quick-pull lace lock and heel pull tab.

Fit is where the pages say least. None of these listings states whether the shoe runs true to size or comes in widths, though the AI-generated review summary on the Streamline page says customers "recommend sizing up half a size." The care page lists the Zipline, Euphoria and Dream as machine washable; the HySpeed is not on that list. Because the refund window is only 10 days, the shoes must be unworn, and a $10 handling fee comes off mail-in refunds, settle on model and size before you order. Domestic exchanges are free. We did not find a public code for these models; any working offers we find are listed on our APL coupons page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the APL TechLoom Zipline and the Streamline?

APL describes the same two-piece FutureFoam midsole, slanted shank plate and 5mm sockliner on both. The Zipline has a seamless knit upper wrapped in cord "Ziplines" and costs $350; the Streamline has a woven AeroLux upper, lists 7.3 oz versus 7.7 oz, and costs $300.

Which APL running shoe has the most cushioning?

In APL's own comparison tool, the Zipline, Streamline, Podium and HySpeed carry the "Maximum" cushion label. The brand does not publish stack heights, so there is no way to compare cushioning beyond those labels.

What drop do APL running shoes have?

Every running model we checked lists an 8mm heel-to-toe drop.

The bottom line

APL's premium runners differ less in drop than in upper, foam family and price. The FutureFoam trio (Zipline, Streamline, Podium) carries the brand's "Maximum" cushion label; the Heavenly Ride trio (Veil, Euphoria, Dream) is labeled "Responsive" and starts at $200; the HySpeed is a $495 carbon-plate trainer in unisex sizes. Compare the listed specs, treat weights as approximate, and order the size you are sure of.

Compare APL running shoes

Disclosure: this article contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. Prices and policies were checked on the APL website at the time of writing and may change.