Athletic Propulsion Labs’ Concept 1 shoes have been banned by the NBA, for giving a competitive advantage to those basketball players who wear them. The NBA has banned the shoe for the 2010-2011 season, and will probably continue to do so thereafter.

While visiting the Athletic Propulsion Labs website this morning, the first main headline you see says, “Banned By The NBA – Warning: Products that appear on this website are intended to enhance athletic performance and the NBA has banned APL shoes for the 2010-2011 season.”

It obviously appears that APL is using this latest news to their advantage. The Concept 1 shoes come in 2 colors; white and black. They sell for $300.00 and are available in size 8 through 14. According to the Athletic Propulsion Labs’ website, the Concept 1 shoe weighs a mere 15 ounces and is made from some of the most “technologically advanced materials ever seen on a basketball shoe”.

The website then goes on to describe how the shoe is designed to give basketball players an advantage in jumping:

“The patent-pending Load ‘N Launch™ technology is implanted in a cavity in the forefoot of the basketball shoe and is designed to provide an instant improvement in vertical leap.* The device works in conjunction with the high-performance materials of the outsole, midsole, insole and sock liner to create a performance experience unlike any other basketball shoe.

Carbon fiber look synthetic upper materials are ultra-lightweight
Load ‘N Launch™ forefoot device designed to increase vertical leap instantly
High-Rebound, carbon fiber wash EVA midsole for superior cushioning and energy return
Crystal rubber outsole for long-lasting performance and visual appeal
High-grade Thermoplastic Urethane shank for heel-to-forefoot stability and shock absorption
Load ‘N Launch™ sock liner featuring rebound EVA, APSPOX and Poron for maximum comfort, shock absorption and performance.
High-impact EVA insole for maximum comfort and cushioning
Clear window on outsole makes technology visible”

According to the founders of the company, Ryan and Adam Goldston, close to 30 percent of NBA rookies were interested in the Concept 1 sneaker. However, it doesn’t appear as though those players will get to wear the sneakers this season. The NBA released the following statement on Tuesday:

“Under league rules, players may not wear any shoe during a game that creates an undue competitive advantage”

According to some reports, the Concept 1 shoe can increase a basketball players vertical leaping ability by up to 3.5 inches. When talking about a competitive league such as the NBA, 3.5 inches added to a players vertical jump would be quite significant. It could be the difference in grabbing a rebound, or blocking a potential game winning shot.

As for what this latest ban will do for Athletic Propulsion Labs’ business, it is hard to say. More than likely, it will help the company make more sales, since they are in essence getting a whole lot of free publicity. Sure, they will lose sales to NBA players, but they should gain new clients from those wanting the edge in other leagues.

Would you buy the Concept 1 shoes?