The Lululemon Blissfeel shoe is a brand new running shoe from Lululemon. Truthfully, I was unsure if I wanted to try it. The reviews I read made it seem “great,” but I’m not naive, and I know 98% of the reviewers/companies got the shoe for free. In fact, CNN touted they felt supported because the shoe fits snug. Literally, that isn’t true at all. Shoes aren’t more supportive when they are more snug. That’s bad information. I digress.
For an apparel brand getting into the running world is tough, but I also don’t doubt that Lululemon hired the best of the best to build a running shoe.
Anyway, I’ve worked in the running industry for eight years and have fit over 1000 people for running shoes. I’ve reviewed probably around 200 different models of running shoes, although I have yet to count. My review is unbiased, and I bought the Lululemon Blissfeel, and I’m not being paid to promote the Blissfeel.
So is the Lululemon Blissfeel shoe good?
Can you run a marathon in the Lululemon Blissfeel shoe?
Let’s see.
First, I think it’s weird that Lululemon has touted they designed a shoe for a women’s foot. While yes, “back in the day,” many women’s running shoes were more narrow and smaller than men’s shoes, that’s not the case anymore. Several brands have created women’s specific shoes, and adidas has models only available to women.
Lululemon Blissfeel Quick Facts:
Weight: 8.9 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 9.5 mm
Cost: $148
Lululemon Blissfeel Introduction:
I was extremely interested to see how Lululemon would design their running shoe. Obviously, Olympian Colleen Quigley needs a high-quality trainer, and they aren’t going to make garbage. Would it be cushioned to run a marathon? Lululemon claims they used 1 million women’s feet to make the shoe. My question to that, did none of those women have a wide, double wide, or size 12 foot?
Lululemon Blissfeel Fit:
With all of the marketing, I assumed the Lululemon Blissfeel would fit perfectly. I am a woman, after all. My expectations were fairly high due to how much marketing they put into fitting and feeling like a woman’s shoe. Sadly, if you have a wider or larger foot, you might not find the Blissfeel is ideal.
First, let’s start at the look. I know many reviewers aren’t knowledgeable about running shoes when half of the review is about “how good the Lululemon Blissfeel looks.” It doesn’t matter how good it looks when it can’t perform. But the side of the Blissfeel is unbranded, and you won’t see a giant Lululemon logo there. There are Lululemon logos on the back and bottom.
I neither hate it nor love it. I do appreciate you can use them for more casual and life settings because their shoes match outfits. Matching isn’t really the point of running shoes, though. To add: This unbranded move has been the source of much talk about the shoe? Why I don’t know. Have we learned that you shouldn’t care what running shoes look like?
According to the Lululemon, the Blissfeel uses a seamless, moisture-wicking liner that wraps your foot in comfort. The seamless upper is designed not to rub on things it shouldn’t (like bunions). The tongue and heel is padded for extra comfort (Can we keep padded tongues on all running shoes).
My opinion is that running shoe uppers should disappear off your foot, and for the most part, the Lululemon Blissfeel does. It does run narrow, and at first, it felt a little stiff on my pinkie toe. I like how breathable the upper is.
As far as fit, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. The Lululemon Blissfeel isn’t made in wide, and I think I could have used it. If you have a more narrow foot, it will fit well. I found the size 11 to be the best fit for me, but I think I could use an 11 wide. Sadly, the largest size available is 11 right now.
Lululemon Blissfeel Ride:
I had read a few reviews that Lululemon was firm. It wasn’t that soft, cushy shoe that makes you feel good with every step. The firmness allows for responsiveness and the ability to pick up the pace. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of information about what kind of foams Lululemon uses. On their website, they say the Blissfeel uses “tuned foams.” Ok, but what does that mean?
I put the Lululemon Blissfeel shoe to the test with an easy 5-mile run. The shoe felt narrow at first, and it was really hard for me to appreciate the ride. My mind was just focused on needing extra space. That being said, after a mile or so, I began evaluating how I felt. As many reviewers have said, the Lululemon Blissfeel is firm. If you are looking for something soft and cushioned, this isn’t the shoe.
I tried the Lululemon Blissfeel on various runs, including easy runs, recovery runs, a faster tempo run, and daily runs.
Right off the bat, I prefer something softer and more cushioned for easy runs. I enjoyed the shoe most for daily runs and occasionally a faster tempo run. It felt too firm for anything above an hour. It reminds me a lot of the New Balance 880. I can’t see myself racing or running long in something that feels firm. When I found where it worked best in my rotation, I enjoyed the ride.
Lululemon Blissfeel Conclusion:
Is the Lululemon Blissfeel the best shoe ever? No. I think it has a spot in a shorter, faster run shoe. For me, I need something more cushioned for daily runs, and I can’t see it being my daily trainer. If you are someone who is looking for a shoe you can use at the gym, and for shorter runs, you’ll enjoy it. Finally, it’s important to note, this shoe does run fairly normal, so if you have a wider foot or bunions, you’ll probably want to go up half a size.
Can you use the Lululemon Blissfeel for marathon training? Yes, but you should probably have something with more cushion for longer runs.
Is the Lululemon Blissfeel a good running shoe? Yes, if you find where it works for you in your rotation.
What running shoes are closest to the Lululemon Blissfeel? The New Balance 880
I don’t have any doubt, Lululemon will consistently sell out of the Blissfeel. That happens when you are a powerhouse brand that begins to design running shoes. I don’t think it’s the best shoe ever, but it’s a solid daily run trainer for anyone running less than an hour. If you are someone who wants a shoe, you can work out in the gym as well as run a few miles; you’ll probably like the Lululemon Blissfeel.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Brooks Aurora, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, New Balance 1080 v11, Saucony Triumph 19, Lululemon Blissfeel
Speed Work: 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,
Long Runs: Saucony Freedom 4, Hoka Clifton Edge, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL: PDX, North Face Flight VECTIV
Races: Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Lululemon Blissfeel?
What is your favorite running shoe?