Customer Reviews Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL) Techloom Phantom

This is a pretty shoe. I bought the bleached pink and quite honestly I bought it bc it was on sale and it was pretty. My shoe size is 6.5-7 and I typically buy size 6 in running/athletic shoes. The size 7 is too big and will be going back. Size 6.5 is actually pretty roomy still which is why I said it runs big. This shoe is minimal. There is not a lot of support or cushioning and the insert is not removable like Nike Free. I don't plan on using these to run. Just weight class and around the gym. IMO these are not meant for distance running, better for gym work or athleisure. I don't really care for the shoe lace that ties under the tongue. I just pull it through the last hole and tie in the usual way.

I thought these would be great and I wanted to like them, but they're definitely the worst running shoes I've ever bought. I've only owned them for a few months and this is how they look (see photos). These shoes become frayed very easily and the fabric tore so there is now a big hole and I cannot wear them. This was just from running and playing tennis (no other activities). I reached out to APL customer service and they were rude and called me a liar. Do not buy from APL. The shoes are simply extremely poor quality. That's just me being honest. I wish they were good.

Life is too short to try and get these off and on. Returned even though it is way cute

Returning because I couldn't even get my foot into the shoe although I ordered my normal size. Weird construction/fit. If you look at the photo it shows a small opening --that's accurate.

Would not recommend these shoes. They are really good looking, and I got sucked in my that. But they are not running shoes, nor are they good gym shoes. They don't really function well for either. I have super narrow feet, and I still found them too wide. Also, they get dirty really easily. The weave of the fabric like traps dirt in them and makes them look messy instantly. So even if you are just buying them to look cool... you won't look cool very long as they immediately look dirty! Spend your money on something else.

Finally a comfortable tennis shoe! I have been searching for months for a shoe that does not hurt my arches when walking or working out. These are it! I walked a mile right after taking them out of the box with no trouble at all! Did not even need to break them in! I also like how my feet do not slide to the edge of the shoe when doing lunges or squats. I am a true size 8 in all shoes, including Nikes. I ordered an 8 and they fit perfect! These were worth the wait for them to go on sale. I will be purchasing more soon.

Great looking sneakers in a color and style that I am seeking. Definitely not comfortable, not a good fit and they hurt to walk in. These are going back!

This shoe is so pretty! I bought the black one and at first they were extremely tight but it’s been over 6 months and they’ve stretched out and now fit perfectly. Definitely going to buy it in a lighter color.

They are a beautiful pair of shoes. Love the color. Very light weight. I normally wear a size 9 and had to go up a half size.

I bought these to replace my old Nike running shoes. They are adorable but the sizing is weird. Tried on both an 8 and 8.5. They run a little small compared to Nike shoes but I still went with my usual 8. However I ended up returning both on Zappos cause I got them cheaper elsewhere.

I didn’t like this shoes at all. I wish I could still send it back

I’m on my 2nd pair of these awesome sneakers. I just pull them on and go. The most comfortable sneaker I have ever bought, by far.

I love these shoes. Lightweight, and extremely comfortable. I usually order athletic shoes a half size larger, and I'm glad I did with these APLs as well. I see complaints about the lacing and didn't find that to be an issue. There is a lace "garage" which is a handy feature. Would definitely buy again.

Fit me perfectly but I’m a narrow 8. I absolutely love them! Lightweight and comfy. I’ll be able to wear them for any amount of time.

Stylish

Cute color and a tried and true style for me. This is my third pair!!

I'm a PE teacher, very active and on my feet all day, and these are the most comfortable shoes I've worn. For me the fit is perfect and they are very lightweight.

Love this shoe, but did not realize it was cow hair. Not into that!

After reading all the reviews I purchased these shoes in the leopard. The tags noted real fur - origin of fur China - I don't know this before purchasing. Trying the shoes on and walking around the house, they felt so good! The next day I wore them all day and went for a 2 mile walk. The more you slip them on - the easier they are to slide in to - I read the comment they were too hard to put on. I think they are great work out and walking shoes - I don't run anymore. I have a wider foot - these feel great. All in all I feel like you're getting what you're paying for - no complaints here! Love these shoes.

I absolutely love these shoes! I usually wear Nike running shoes and I heard that some people size up in APLs, but I stuck with my normal Nike size. They're a perfect fit. I think they're my new favorite! The mint color is gorgeous in person and I love how the laces don't show when you tie them under the tongue. They offer tons of support when I wear them to Orange Theory- I want every color!

These fit well, hugged my feet, looked exactly how I wanted. No funny toe stuff, just a basic wear-around casual shoe. Will be good for my weekend look. High price point.

I think most of the reviews on these shoes are too low, personally. I don't seem to have the same problems as some other people. I ordered a size 7, which is my standard size, and they fit almost perfectly. I have a very narrow foot, so I often feel like shoes have to be too short for my length to accommodate for how narrow my foot is or too wide to accommodate for how long my foot is. It's a real pain. These however, address both issues in a size 7 better than any other athletic sneakers I've ever owned. They are very comfortable to me, even after hours of wear. They have not rubbed any blisters, even right out of the box. I wear Converse no show socks with them. The only thing I will say is that I'm not a runner, so I have not run a mile in them or anything. They are very lightweight in contrast to my Nikes that got uncomfortable after hours of wear due to their being bulky, heavy and too tight in length to make up for how wide they were. Also, they are super easy to slip on and off without untying the laces. I have no trouble getting my feet in these. In fact they are the easiest sneakers to slip on and off that I've ever worn. I did not like the shoelaces being underneath the tongue, so I just pulled them through the top like normal sneakers. It was no problem. My only reason to give 4 stars is that while they are nice looking, sleek shoes and much cuter than tons of other sneakers out there, they aren't $165 cute. However, I don't think I've seen a sneaker out there that's $165 cute that actually costs $165. Those sneakers cost over $200. In other words, I feel like they're all overpriced.

These knit shoes are pretty but I couldn’t get them on! They lace up but there’s a “collar” around the opening that prevents the shoe from opening completely! You can’t get your foot in the shoe! I returned them.

This shoe fits like a sock. It is lightweight but still offers a good deal of cushion. Love the pink color - feminine and neutral. My only concern is the arch support. I’m not usually picky, but this one was terribly lacking and the shoe does not seem to take an insole. The inner sock is not removable and the insole were not fit with the sock. Fine for a cute weekend shoe for running errands but not a serious day on your feet.

This shoe is super cute, I won't deny that. In my order, I order a few different pairs (mainly so I can try them all on and return what I don't want), and had high hopes for this shoe. To be honest, this shoe felt no different than a $45 pair of Nike's I also purchased. I cannot justify then $165 for this shoe vs. spending $45 for Nike's that felt the exact same.