APL vs On Running: A Comprehensive Review

APL vs On Running: When it comes to high-performance running shoes, two brands stand out from the pack: APL and On Running.

Both are known for their innovative designs, superior comfort, and exceptional performance.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the details of each brand, comparing their design, technology, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.

APL vs On Running: A Quick Overview

APL:

• Founded in 2009 by twin brothers Adam and Ryan Goldston
• Known for their sleek, fashion-forward designs
• Focus on comfort, performance, and style
• Popular among runners, celebrities, and fashion enthusiasts
• Offers a range of models, including the popular TechLoom and Lacey styles

On Running:

• Founded in 2010 by Olivier Bernhard, David Allemann, and Caspar Coppetti
• Originated in Switzerland, known for its high-quality running shoes
• Focus on innovative technology, comfort, and performance
• Popular among runners of all levels, from casual joggers to elite athletes
• Offers a range of models, including the popular Cloud and Cloud X styles

Design and Comfort: How APL and On Running Shoes Stack Up

Design

• APL:
  • Sleek, fashion-forward designs that blend style and performance
  • Often features bold colors and unique materials
  • Upper materials are often lightweight, breathable, and flexible
• On Running:
  • Focus on clean, minimalist designs that prioritize performance
  • Often features a more subtle, understated aesthetic
  • Upper materials are often lightweight, breathable, and seamless

Comfort

• APL:
  • Known for their comfortable, cushioned ride
  • Features a soft, padded tongue and collar for added comfort
  • Often features a more substantial heel-to-toe offset for a smoother ride
• On Running:
  • Focus on providing a comfortable, natural running experience
  • Features a more minimalist, lightweight design for a more responsive ride
  • Often features a lower heel-to-toe offset for a more natural stride

Cushioning and Support: APL vs On Running’s Midsole Technology

Cushioning

• APL:
  • Features a proprietary midsole material called ” Propelium”
  • Provides a soft, cushioned ride with excellent shock absorption
  • Offers a more substantial heel-to-toe offset for a smoother ride
• On Running:
  • Features a proprietary midsole technology called “CloudTec”
  • Provides a soft, cushioned ride with excellent shock absorption
  • Offers a more minimalist design for a more responsive ride

Support

• APL:
  • Features a more substantial, supportive heel counter for added stability
  • Offers a more substantial midfoot section for added support
  • Provides a comfortable, supportive ride for runners with high arches
• On Running:
  • Features a more minimalist, lightweight design for a more natural ride
  • Offers a more adaptive, responsive midsole for a more dynamic ride
  • Provides a comfortable, supportive ride for runners with neutral foot pronation

Traction and Grip: Which Brand Reigns Supreme on Various Terrains

Traction

• APL:
  • Features a unique tread pattern with deep grooves for excellent traction
  • Provides excellent grip on various surfaces, including roads, trails, and tracks
  • Offers a more aggressive tread pattern for better grip on wet and slippery surfaces
• On Running:
  • Features a unique tread pattern with CloudTec cushioning for excellent traction
  • Provides excellent grip on various surfaces, including roads, trails, and tracks
  • Offers a more adaptive tread pattern for better grip on uneven and slippery surfaces

Grip on Different Terrains

• APL:
  • Excellent grip on roads and tracks, with a more aggressive tread pattern
  • Good grip on trails, with a more substantial lug pattern for better traction
  • Fair grip on slippery surfaces, with a more aggressive tread pattern
• On Running:
  • Excellent grip on roads and tracks, with a more adaptive tread pattern
  • Excellent grip on trails, with a more substantial lug pattern for better traction
  • Good grip on slippery surfaces, with a more adaptive tread pattern

Weight and Responsiveness: APL vs On Running’s Performance Comparison

Weight

• APL:
  • Generally heavier than On Running shoes, with an average weight of 10-12 oz (280-340g)
  • Features a more substantial midsole and outsole for added support and durability
  • May feel more substantial and stable, but less agile and responsive
• On Running:
  • Generally lighter than APL shoes, with an average weight of 8-10 oz (220-280g)
  • Features a more minimalist design and lightweight materials for reduced weight
  • May feel more agile and responsive, but less stable and supportive

Responsiveness

• APL:
  • Features a more substantial heel-to-toe offset for a smoother ride
  • Provides a more comfortable, cushioned ride, but may feel less responsive
  • May be better suited for longer, slower runs or recovery runs
• On Running:
  • Features a more minimalist design and lower heel-to-toe offset for a more responsive ride
  • Provides a more agile and responsive ride, but may feel less comfortable
  • May be better suited for shorter, faster runs or speed workouts

Breathability and Ventilation: Keeping Your Feet Cool and Dry

Breathability

• APL:
  • Features lightweight, breathable upper materials for excellent airflow
  • Includes perforations and mesh panels for added ventilation
  • Provides a comfortable, cool ride in warm weather conditions
• On Running:
  • Features a lightweight, breathable mesh upper for excellent airflow
  • Includes ventilation zones and perforations for added ventilation
  • Provides a comfortable, cool ride in warm weather conditions

Ventilation

• APL:
  • Features a more substantial tongue and collar for added support
  • Includes a breathable, mesh-lined tongue for added ventilation
  • Provides a comfortable, cool ride with excellent airflow
• On Running:
  • Features a more minimalist design with a reduced tongue and collar
  • Includes a breathable, mesh-lined upper for added ventilation
  • Provides a comfortable, cool ride with excellent airflow

Moisture Management

• APL:
  • Features a moisture-wicking lining to keep feet dry and comfortable
  • Includes a breathable, mesh-lined upper to reduce moisture buildup
  • Provides a comfortable, dry ride in wet weather conditions
• On Running:
  • Features a moisture-wicking lining to keep feet dry and comfortable
  • Includes a breathable, mesh-lined upper to reduce moisture buildup
  • Provides a comfortable, dry ride in wet weather conditions

Durability and Longevity: Which Brand Offers the Best Value

Durability

• APL:
  • Features a more substantial outsole with deeper grooves for added durability
  • Includes a more robust midsole for added support and durability
  • Provides a durable, long-lasting ride with excellent traction
• On Running:
  • Features a more minimalist outsole with shallower grooves for reduced weight
  • Includes a more lightweight midsole for added agility and responsiveness
  • Provides a durable, long-lasting ride with excellent traction

Longevity

• APL:
  • Average lifespan of 300-400 miles (480-640 km) for heavy runners
  • Average lifespan of 400-500 miles (640-800 km) for moderate runners
  • Provides a long-lasting ride with excellent durability
• On Running:
  • Average lifespan of 250-350 miles (400-560 km) for heavy runners
  • Average lifespan of 350-450 miles (560-720 km) for moderate runners
  • Provides a durable ride with excellent responsiveness

Value

• APL:
  • Generally priced higher than On Running shoes, with an average price of $150-$180
  • Provides a durable, long-lasting ride with excellent support and traction
  • Offers excellent value for runners who prioritize durability and support
• On Running:
  • Generally priced lower than APL shoes, with an average price of $100-$140
  • Provides a durable, responsive ride with excellent agility and traction
  • Offers excellent value for runners who prioritize agility and responsiveness

Style and Color Options: APL vs On Running’s Aesthetic Appeal

Style

• APL:
  • Known for their sleek, fashion-forward designs
  • Offers a range of styles, from minimalist to bold and statement-making
  • Often features bold colors, unique materials, and eye-catching details
• On Running:
  • Features a more minimalist, clean design aesthetic
  • Offers a range of styles, from subtle to bold and vibrant
  • Often features a more understated, sophisticated look

Color Options

• APL:
  • Offers a wide range of color options, including bold and bright hues
  • Features limited-edition colors and collaborations with fashion brands
  • Often releases new colorways and styles seasonally
• On Running:
  • Offers a more subtle, muted color palette with occasional pops of color
  • Features a range of neutral colors, including black, white, and gray
  • Occasionally releases limited-edition colors and collaborations

Collaborations

• APL:
  • Has collaborated with fashion brands like Nike, Adidas, and Vans
  • Has released limited-edition styles with celebrities and influencers
  • Often partners with fashion brands to create exclusive styles
• On Running:
  • Has collaborated with fashion brands like Hoka One One and Salomon
  • Has released limited-edition styles with running influencers and athletes
  • Occasionally partners with fashion brands to create exclusive styles

Price and Value: Is APL or On Running the Better Investment for Runners

Price

• APL:
  • Generally priced higher than On Running shoes, with an average price of $150-$180
  • Offers premium materials, advanced technology, and fashion-forward designs
  • May be a better investment for runners who prioritize style and durability
• On Running:
  • Generally priced lower than APL shoes, with an average price of $100-$140
  • Offers high-quality materials, advanced technology, and a focus on performance
  • May be a better investment for runners who prioritize performance and value

Value

• APL:
  • Offers excellent durability and longevity, with a longer lifespan than On Running shoes
  • Provides a comfortable, supportive ride with advanced technology
  • May be a better value for runners who prioritize durability and support
• On Running:
  • Offers excellent performance and responsiveness, with a focus on speed and agility
  • Provides a lightweight, breathable ride with advanced technology
  • May be a better value for runners who prioritize performance and speed

Investment

• APL:
  • May be a better investment for runners who prioritize style, durability, and support
  • Offers a premium product with advanced technology and fashion-forward designs
  • May be worth the higher price point for runners who value these features
• On Running:
  • May be a better investment for runners who prioritize performance, speed, and agility
  • Offers a high-quality product with advanced technology and a focus on performance
  • May be worth the lower price point for runners who value these features

FAQs

Q: What is APL?
A: APL (Athletic Propulsion Labs) is a footwear brand that specializes in high-performance running shoes.

Q: What makes APL shoes unique?
A: APL shoes are known for their innovative technology, fashion-forward designs, and high-quality materials.

Q: Are APL shoes good for running?
A: Yes, APL shoes are designed for running and offer excellent support, cushioning, and traction.

Q: How long do APL shoes last?
A: APL shoes are known for their durability and can last for several hundred miles, depending on usage.

Q: What is On Running?
A: On Running is a Swiss footwear brand that specializes in high-performance running shoes.

Q: What makes On Running shoes unique?
A: On Running shoes are known for their innovative technology, lightweight designs, and focus on performance.

Q: Are On Running shoes good for running?
A: Yes, On Running shoes are designed for running and offer excellent support, cushioning, and traction.

Q: How long do On Running shoes last?
A: On Running shoes are known for their durability and can last for several hundred miles, depending on usage.

Q: Which brand is better, APL or On Running?
A: Both brands have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best brand for you will depend on your personal preferences and running needs.

Q: Are APL shoes more expensive than On Running shoes?
A: Yes, APL shoes are generally more expensive than On Running shoes.

Q: Which brand offers better support, APL or On Running?
A: Both brands offer excellent support, but APL shoes are known for their more substantial support and stability features.