I’ve been obsessed with Lululemon kit for almost as long as I’ve been running. I ran my second marathon in a Lululemon tank and skirt. And have pretty much worn exclusively Lulu for every marathon since. In my opinion they make some of the best quality running pieces that have been designed with real runners and real women in mind; pockets in the right places, high waists and sweat wicking fabric.

On International Women’s Day 2022 Lululemon entered the footwear market with the announcement of the Lululemon Blissfeel. Their first shoe have been designed by women specifically for women.

Over the past four years, the brand have scanned more than a million women’s feet to develop the ideal fit for female runners.

Sun Choe, Lululemon’s Chief Product Officer stated at the launch of the shoe that Lululemon ‘intentionally started with women first because we saw an opportunity to solve for the fact that, more often than not, performance shoes are designed for men and then adapted for women’. However, women have different shaped feet to men’s. Typically with a lower centre of gravity due to a larger pelvis meaning they move differently too.

Lululemon Blissfeel Running Shoe Review

According to Lululemon, they have focused on the feel of the shoe and fit rather than performance. This is evident when you put them on, you almost forget you’re wearing them. They are designed to make the miles feel effortless and from first impressions, they do exactly that. Everything about them has been designed with intention, from the material and construction to the colours used – would you expect anything less from Lululemon? The bright green in the Blissfeel pair I has been inspired by the dawn and dusk.

Sold as a ‘neutral, everyday running shoe’, it is important to note that Lululemon don’t have treadmills in store. So you won’t be able to put these through their paces before purchasing. However, they do have a 30-day trial to take on a run, and return if you’re not happy.

There are plans to expand the footwear collection later in the year, including the Chargefeel (a cross training shoe), Restfeel (a recovery slide) and Strongfeel (a shoe designed with a low profile foam to make the foot feel anchored).

Heather Pieraldi, previously head of running development for Salomon, designed the Blissfeel specifically for the female gait and foot shape.

Heel drop: 9.5mm

Weight: 251g

It makes sense that I like the slight firmness of the foam. As they are similar in feel to the DNA loft used in most Brooks shoes. Whilst it is a neutral running shoe, the heel clip provides additional support to lock in the back of the foot.

Lululemon Blissfeel Running Shoe Construction

Upper

The ventilated upper, padded tongue and heel collar mould is designed for a very comfortable fit. And also a ‘not there’ sensation. The shoes are snug. In fact, they come on the small side. And Lululemon recommends going up a half size or full size for this reason, especially if you have wide feet.

Midsole

Whilst not carbon-plated or as cushioned as many other shoes on the market, the midsole is fairly supportive and designed to be lightweight and comfortable for the easy miles.

Outsole

The pressure-mapped outsole is designed to increase traction and flexibility, ideal for heel strikers like myself. I haven’t run in the rain in these yet so can’t pay testament to their grip on wet surfaces. But I haven’t experienced any issues out on dry roads/pavements.

My Review of the Blissfeel Running Shoes

Overall, I like them. Especially the white version of the shoes which I think would work well for both running and athleisure (much like a lot of Lululemon kit!) and would be great for travelling to double up as running and sightseeing shoes for short trips/city breaks.

The shoes remind me a lot of Nike Free shoes, but with more comfort/support. Having said that, I last wore Nike Frees about 5 years ago!

I’ve been wearing the Blissfeel running shoes for everyday, easy and recovery runs.

These aren’t going to rival any super shoes on performance, they aren’t right for the trails. But they are very comfortable. As well as some easy runs as well as some faster miles, I’ve also worn the Blissfeel as a workout shoe for functional fitness training at the gym and felt supported, cushioned but without that wobbly feeling you can get with some running shoes in a gym environment.

It will be interesting to see if Lululemon elite athletes like Colleen Quigley will be wearing the Blissfeel, or an elite iteration of it when they compete this summer.

I would wear these in place of my Brooks Ghost for easy miles. However I haven’t put them through their paces on a longer run. And quite honestly, I’m not sure I would wear these for longer than a half marathon. Whilst I obviously haven’t had them long enough to know their life span, I’m giving Lululemon the benefit of the doubt. Given their track record with quality clothing, and assuming (until proven otherwise) that they have a similar life span to other everyday trainers – around 300-500 miles.

These shoes, I think would suit the everyday runner, those who run as part of an overall fitness regime, or that run 5Ks and 10Ks. If you were only going to buy one shoe to train for a half or full marathon, I wouldn’t pick these. However, if you’re looking for a stylish, versatile and comfortable easy-run shoe then these are a great option.

Disclaimer – I was sent a pair of Blissfeel by Lululemon, I have since bought myself a pair of the white ones!