Daniil Medvedev Provides Lacoste Insight On AG-LT23 Ultra Tennis Shoe Update

When Lacoste debuted an on-court tennis shoe in 2021, Daniil Medvedev served as the lead athlete. Now, with the launch of the update—the Lacoste AG-LT23 Ultra—Medvedev played more than a marketing role.

“Daniil’s input was instrumental for the project’s development,” Aidan Bailey, Lacoste product developer, tells me, “we took on board his feedback from the 21 model to evolve the design, building on the positive and constructive feedback we received to focus on key areas specifically for the AG-LT23 Ultra model whilst also taking some of the learnings from his feedback through to the AG-LT23 Lite model.”

The updated shoe, launched in spring, builds on the same modular forefoot/heel outsole design as the 21 version, designed to enhance stability without giving up speed, agility and durability.

“Like any tennis player, I expect comfort and performance for my shoes,” Medvedev says. “I was seduced by the ease with which I could change direction while remaining very stable on the court.” Bailey says these elements were paramount in the development of the AG-LT23 Ultra.

A key update is the new performance midsole compound LSR Foam. “We worked closely with suppliers to develop LSR Foam, which features specific biomechanical properties for tennis,” Bailey says. The new foam shows up in the forefoot to enhance energy return and rebound, while a high-performance EVA in the heel is meant to improve cushioning to absorb ground impact. The shoe also features a shank for stability.

The upper is updated with a new pique weave leno mesh for a more lightweight and breathable design and the outsole rubber is updated to a new Linegrip compound to improve grip and durability on a variety of surfaces.

Bailey says the AG-LT23 Lite version offers a lighter and more responsive alternative to the Ultra. The Lite includes full-length LSR Foam and a Pebax plate to help with stability and energy return. A different upper than the Ultra, the Lite features an engineered jacquard and sock-fit construction focused on lightweight performance.

The new Lite version borrows from the Ultra 21 with a lockdown cage lacing system for additional support across the midfoot, Bailey says, “allowing the players to adjust the level of support according to their needs.”

Lacoste worked closely with Medvedev and other athletes throughout the prototyping and testing stages to continue to build a balance between stability and movement. “Every tennis player has specific features they are looking for, so we factor this all in with numerous rounds of testing to come up with the best solution for the pro players that we work with,” Bailey says, “taking all the learning through into the mainline product we offer to the consumers.”

The new Lacoste footwear models launched in a variety of colors and the Ultra model also features a special Medvedev-branded aesthetic available in some markets.