AG-LT 23
BRINESQUAD RATING
Brand
Lacoste
Release Year
2023
Price in USD
160
Summary:
The Lacoste AG-LT 23 is a premium, stability-focused shoe with excellent support and a fast feel for its weight. It excels for players prioritizing ankle protection and grip on outdoor hard courts, though the heel design and firm ride may not suit everyone.
PLAYER PROFILE:
Best suited for competitive players who prioritize stability, support, and a secure fit, this shoe is also ideal for those with a history of ankle issues or who play aggressively at the baseline. On court it shines on hard courts and holds its own on clay, but the outsole grip is optimized for planted movements and is less forgiving for frequent slides. Outstanding stability, a secure fit, high comfort, effective breathability, and durable construction are all evident, and the stylish aesthetic and premium build reinforce that impression. However the outsole can be too grippy for players who slide, and the unique heel shank design may require an adjustment period. Cushioning is solid but not as plush as some competitors.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS & BREAK-IN EXPERIENCE:
From the moment you slip into the Lacoste AG LT 23, you sense a premium build and a design that grabs attention on and off the court. Stepping into them is easy and immediately comfortable, and the overall look is stylish enough to wear casually. The heel area feels noticeably thick and springy, a distinctive sensation that takes a session or two to adapt to, but the initial impression remains positive.
The fit runs a bit narrow, best described as semi narrow and well suited to players with medium to slightly narrow feet. The padded collar and tongue add to the comfort, and the traditional lacing system provides a secure lockdown. The shoe feels supportive around the ankle and midfoot, yet the long shank and protruding heel can feel unusual for some, particularly those sensitive to heel to toe transitions.
Comfort is high right out of the box, with no immediate pressure points. The cushioning is present, especially in the heel, and the upper mesh is soft and breathable. The shoe feels protective and stable, inspiring confidence during lateral movements.
There is a short adjustment period due to the unique heel construction and the springiness in the rear foot. Most players adapt quickly, but some may need a few sessions to get fully used to the feel, especially if they are accustomed to a more traditional sole profile.
Compared to other premium tennis shoes like the Babolat Propulse Fury 3 and Nike Vapor Pro 2, the AG LT 23 stands out for its blend of speed and stability. The cushioning is not as plush as the Propulse Fury 3, but the overall support and comfort are top tier. The heel feel is reminiscent of the Adidas Ultraboost, with a pronounced shank that separates the forefoot and heel more distinctly than most competitors.
SPECS
Surface
outdoor
Available Widths
standard
Arch Support
moderate
Weight (Grams)
410
Heel Stack (MM)
32
Forefoot Stack (MM)
22
Drop (MM)
10
OutSole Pattern
modified herringbone
Rubber Hardness
75
TORSION SHANK
full-length TPU
Lateral Outrigger
yes
Toe Drag Guard
yes
UPPER MATERIAL
engineered mesh with synthetic overlays
Breathability Design
ventilated mesh with cage system
Heel Rigidity Note
rigid external heel counter
Fit Shape
semi-narrow
T Test Time (Secs)
5.1
Stop distance (M)
0.85
Subjective Stability
9
Breathability Temp Delta (C)
4
Comfort After 45 Minutes
8
Heel Slip Present?
No
ON-COURT PERFORMANCE:
The outsole delivers substantial grip with a herringbone tread worked into Goodyear rubber, giving reliable traction on hard courts and clay. The grip can feel a bit much for players who prefer to slide into their shots.
Stability is a standout feature, thanks to a Pebax bridge in the midfoot and a wide structured base that minimizes ankle rolling. The shoe feels rock solid during aggressive lateral movements, making it ideal for players who prioritize support.
The shoe feels speedy and responsive despite its stability and weight, with a springy heel that adds a touch of bounce to quick direction changes. The EVA foam midsole and Ortholite insole work together to cushion landings and return energy.
Transitions are generally smooth, but the pronounced heel and long shank can make the heel to toe transition feel a bit disconnected for some players. Most testers adapt quickly, though those sensitive to sole geometry may notice the difference during fast sprints or abrupt stops.
The AG LT 23 is best suited for players who prioritize stability and support over sliding. It is ideal for aggressive movers, especially those concerned about ankle safety or who play on grippy surfaces. Players who rely on sliding or prefer a more flexible sole may find it less suitable.
COMFORT & BREATHABILITY IN EXTENDED PLAY:
Comfort and breathability come through strongly in extended play. Cushioning is substantial, especially in the heel, delivering solid shock absorption for hard landings. It may not be the plushest option in its category, but it strikes a thoughtful balance between protection and court feel. The breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool and dry during lengthy sessions, and testers noted effective ventilation with no excessive heat buildup even after long play. Despite the stability features built in, the shoe feels lighter on foot than you might expect, which translates to a nimble sense of agility and speed on the court. Comfort remains high through long sessions, with minimal fatigue or discomfort reported; the combination of cushioning, support, and breathability supports extended wear without issue. There are no major pressure points, though some players may need a short adaptation period to the unique heel and shank design. Fatigue is minimal, and the Ortholite insole helps reduce impact related soreness.
DURABILITY & VALUE OVER TIME:
The Goodyear rubber outsole is built for durability and extended use on both hard and clay courts. Early wear is minimal, and the tread pattern maintains grip over time. The synthetic and mesh upper is reinforced in key areas, offering solid resistance to abrasion and tearing. The shoe keeps its structure well after repeated use. The EVA foam midsole holds up well with little evidence of compression or loss of cushioning after several weeks of play. The shoe performs well on indoor and outdoor courts, though the high grip outsole is especially beneficial on outdoor hard courts. The tread pattern is versatile enough for clay as well. At a premium price point the AG LT 23 offers excellent value for players seeking a blend of style, stability and comfort. The durability and performance justify the investment for serious players.
Marketing Claims
Premium stability and support, Endorsed by Daniil Medvedev, Springy heel cushioning, High-grip outsole for hard courts
PROS:
Outstanding lateral stability, High-grip outsole for hard courts, Comfortable fit out of the box, Durable upper and outsole
CONS:
Heel and shank design may feel awkward to some, Cushioning is firm, not plush, Noisy outsole, Above-average price
Who Is It For?
Players seeking maximum stability and support on outdoor hard courts, especially those concerned about ankle rolling or needing a secure, locked-in fit.
Who Should Skip?
Players who prefer plush cushioning, slide frequently on hard courts, or want a very flexible, low-profile shoe.
Test Notes
Weight, stack, and outsole pattern are based on brand and retailer data; some reviewers note the heel and shank design can feel awkward, but most praise the stability. Outsole is very grippy, which is great for stopping but not ideal for sliders. Value score is slightly penalized due to high price and firm ride compared to some competitors.
Recommendations
FAQs
Is the Lacoste AG-LT 23 good for outdoor pickleball?
Yes, its grippy outsole and high stability make it well-suited for outdoor pickleball, especially on hard courts.
How does the fit compare to other brands?
The fit is semi-narrow and secure, similar to Adidas Barricade, with a glove-like lockdown.
Is the cushioning soft?
The cushioning is responsive and springy in the heel but overall firmer than some plush competitors.
Does it run true to size?
Yes, most users report it runs true to size.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Coming soon
FINAL THOUGHTS:
The Lacoste AG LT 23 is a top tier choice for pickleball players who demand stability, support, and comfort in a stylish package. It excels for those who play aggressively and value ankle protection, though it may not suit those who slide or prefer a more flexible sole.
Compared to other premium court shoes, the AG LT 23 stands out for its blend of speed and stability, rivaling models like the Babolat Propulse Fury 3 and Nike Vapor Pro 2. Its unique heel and shank design set it apart, offering a distinct feel that will appeal to many but may require adaptation for some.
Bottom line this Lacoste model delivers a compelling combination of speed and support wrapped in a bold design, making it a strong pick for players who push the pace. It may not be the right fit for those who slide or crave a more flexible sole and a brief break in may be needed for some. If you want performance that pairs with a striking look this shoe earns a solid recommendation and invites you to raise your game. Thanks for reading and may your next match be your strongest yet.
Brinesquad Rating
Traction
9
Cushioning
7
Upper durability
8
Breathability
7
Stability
10
Fit
semi-narrow
Outsole Durability
8
Value
6
Final Score
83.5
YOU MAY ALSO LOVE...
CATEGORIES
Master Pickleball Rules in Minutes:
Free Cheatsheet!
Confused about the kitchen? Can’t remember the scoring rules?
This guide answers your biggest “Wait, what now?” moments so you can start playing with confidence.
What you'll get inside:
✅ Court Basics: Lines, dimensions, and the kitchen explained
✅ The Rules: Serving fundamentals, double-bounce rule, and common faults
✅ Quick Fixes: Pro tips and memory hacks that make each rule stick
✅ FAQs Answered: From “Around-the-Post” shots to kitchen violations
✅ Visual Layout Guide: Court diagram for instant positioning clarity
FIND THE PERFECT PICKLEBALL SHOE.
IN 60 SECONDS!
We’ve handpicked 140+ of the best pickleball shoes on the market and organized them into one easy-to-use Shoe Finder so you don’t have to guess, Google endlessly, or buy the wrong pair.
What you'll get inside:
✅ An Interactive Airtable Shoe Database
This is a live, searchable Airtable that houses all of our pickleball shoe data in one place.
Think of it like a spreadsheet, but way smarter and easier to use.
✅ All Our Shoe Review Metrics, Combined:
Every shoe we review gets broken down into key performance metrics like cushioning, stability, weight, durability, court type, and more. Instead of reading dozens of reviews, you can see everything side-by-side in one table.
✅ Powerful Filters & Search:
Use filters to narrow down shoes by exactly what you care about: indoor vs. outdoor, foot width, support level, price range, brand, or specific performance traits. You can also search by shoe name if you already have one in mind.
✅ Fast Comparison, No Guesswork:
Instantly compare multiple shoes at once without hopping between tabs, articles, or videos.
This makes it easy to spot differences and narrow your shortlist quickly.
✅ Always Up to Date:
As we publish new gear reviews and update scores, the Airtable updates too.
You’re always seeing the most current data we have.