NBA Bans Performance Enhancing Shoe

The NBA is banning the use of a new shoe which claims to enhance players’ performance by increasing vertical leap.

“Under league rules, players may not wear any shoe during a game that creates an undue competitive advantage,” the NBA said in a statement made Tuesday about the shoes.  This is the first time in 64 years that the NBA has banned a shoe based on this rule.

Athletic Propulsion Lab (APL) has introduced a new basketball shoe, the “Concept 1,” as a shoe that can instantly increase an athlete’s vertical leap by up to 3.5 inches.  They do however note that how much the shoe actually does increase an athlete’s leap is based on athletic ability and physical conditioning.

The Concept 1 shoe, which is available to the public for $300, includes APL’s trademarked and patent-pending “Load n’ Launch” device in the forefoot of the shoe.  The device is designed to capture the maximum amount of energy during compression, when pressure is put on the forefoot, and release it through the liftoff phase of a jump to increase vertical leap.

APL’s “Load n’ Launch” device works together with the rest of the technology stuffed into Concept 1 shoe to such as the high-pressure Thermoplastic Urethane shank that extends through the arch of the foot.  This is used to stabilize the foot and efficiently transfer energy toward the part of the shoe that affects vertical leap.

The NBA’s ban of the shoe confirms APL’s claims that the shoe will actually boost one’s vertical leap.

APL is a Los Angeles based company that was founded by twins Adam and Ryan Goldston.  Both played basketball at USC as walk-ons and their dad worked in the shoe industry.

The brothers said that there are a number of NBA players that have expressed interest in the shoe, but did not reveal names because they were signed with other companies.

As of now, the shoe is only banned through the 2010-2011 season.

Photo Courtesy of Athletic Propulsion Lab.