Lacoste taps into its rich tennis heritage to launch its brand new sneaker called the L001. The L001 fits perfectly into the retro vintage aesthetic that is proliferated in streetwear today. We got out hands on a pair ahead of its drop in Singapore and here is our complete guide to sizing and styling the Lacoste L001.
Lacoste has used high quality materials throughout the entire sneaker. A mix of soft tumbled leather and suede covers the entire upper which keeps it comfortable and malleable on foot. It can feel a little stiff at first but quickly breaks with wear.
The interior of the sneaker features a soft textile liner that creates a snug, plush feel on feet. This combined with the embossed heel counter enhances lockdown and keeps your foot in place. The use of textiles makes the L001 sweat-absorbent and comfortable for long hours of wear.
The midsole — a foam block reminiscent of most ’80s retro sneakers — offers a tall and hefty stance. Despite that, it doesn’t feel clunky, heavy or stiff on feet. Comfort is boosted significantly with the insole, which offers a plush step-in feel. At the same time, some structure and support can be felt around the arch of the footbed.
The L001 is tennis meets street style. Its base panels are a nod to Lacoste’s first-ever tennis sneaker, the Rene, while its layered design references the T-Clip, a silhouette inspired by ’80s street fashion, which lends the shoe its wider stance and thicker midsole, of which the result is greater comfort.
The upper bears small accents like a “V” shaped lace eyelet near the forefoot and branding on the tongue — both have been lifted from “the heart” of vintage Lacoste rackets.
The colorway sticks to the traditional preppy aesthetic of Lacoste, offering a mix of clean stripes, bright accents and classic neutral hues to create colorways that are adaptable to any outfit and occasion. The pair we received mixed deep maroons with cream hues and light greys – a pre-aged Chicago color scheme that’s fit for any modern outfit.
The sizing of the Lacoste L001 is a little different from the sneakers you’re accustomed to. Our pair came in a size combination US9/UK8/EUR42 (other sportswear brands peg US9 to EUR42.5). As such, get the Lacoste L001 in your usual EUR measurement for a more accurate fit.
In short, you can stay true to your EUR sizing as the shoe offers a wide stance and the leathers on the uppers is bound to stretch with frequent use. If you have narrower feet, you may want to consider going half a size down. As always, the best option is to try them in-store.
The neutral and subtle design of the L001 makes it incredibly versatile. If you missed the mention above, this is a sneaker suitable for any occasion. Dress them up by pairing them with chinos and a polo t-shirt or slip them on with distressed denim and a band tee – most combinations should work out great. However, we recommend steering clear of tight fitted jeans and shorts as its wider stance could leave the sneakers looking too big in relation to the overall outfit.
Here are a few Instagram fits for inspiration:
You can join our giveaway to score yourself a pair of the Lacoste L001. To join in, simply follow us on Instagram, like the announcement post and fill out this form. Besides the giveaway, you can cop the Lacoste L001 for S$169 which is now available at JD Sports and Lacoste stores, Jdports.com, Lazada and Zalora.