Lululemon’s Blissfeel Running Shoe is a Stylish Shoe for The Neutral Runner

We were given a sample of Lululemon’s Blissfeel Running Shoes so our reviewer could put them to the test for road and treadmill running. Keep reading for our full review.

When I first heard that Lululemon was entering the already fairly-crowded running shoe market, I was a bit skeptical. Sure, Lululemon excels at making extremely comfortable, durable athletic attire, but could they offer the same performance and support that I get from my tried-and-true favorite running shoes? However, I was impressed when I learned that their new running shoe, the Blissfeel, was the first entry of their “women-first footwear” line. Created with women in mind, the shoe is based on many rounds of wear testing and scans of over a million women’s feet.

Since I’m a neutral runner and the Blissfeel was made for women with my particular type of running gait, I couldn’t resist giving them a try. To determine if the shoe was worthy of earning a spot in my running shoe rotation, I ran in them for two weeks, compiling about 35 miles on the treadmill, roads, and running paths.

Cushioning: Plush, cloud-like comfort

Lululemon found the perfect balance between plush comfort and firm support with the shoe’s foam cushioning. Whether I was running on concrete sidewalks, asphalt, or the treadmill, my feet felt comfortable and supported. While there are other neutral running shoes that offer plusher cushioning, the Blissfeel provides just the right amount, without feeling too heavy.

The cushioning is also evenly distributed throughout the entire length of the shoe, which lends to a natural, balanced gait. As someone who is prone to plantar fasciitis, I need a shoe with good shock absorption, especially in the heel area, and the Blissfeel definitely checked that box.

Responsiveness: Firm and springy

From my first test run, I was impressed with the shoe’s springiness and energy return. When I picked up the pace, it still provided good bounce back and a powerful push-off with each stride. While I wouldn’t necessarily wear the Blissfeel for marathon running, its responsiveness is ideal for everyday runs on pavement or even on a treadmill desk.

Upper Comfort: Flexible and lightweight

The Blissfeel’s upper has a flexible, seamless design that hugs the foot for outstanding support and comfort, while allowing for a natural running gait. During test runs, the smooth material provided a custom-like fit and I didn’t notice any spots that felt too loose or tight. Also worth noting is the moisture-wicking liner, which helps to keep your foot dry and comfortable, even on hot summer runs.

Fit: Snug, comfortable feel, after a few runs

Some running shoes require a short break-in period to work through some initial stiffness, and that was definitely the case with these shoes. When I first put them on, I immediately noticed that the tongue and heel collar felt rigid and were a bit uncomfortable pressed up against the top of my foot and just below my ankle. Fortunately, after two short runs, that firmness was gone and the shoes felt much more comfortable. I would definitely recommend wearing these shoes at home for a day or two to break them in before running in them.

Once they were broken in, the shoes offered a snug and comfy fit. My feet are narrow, but I need plenty of room in the toe box, since I’ve suffered from blisters and bruised toenails in the past due to ill-fitting running shoes. The Blissfeel shoes delivered in both areas. They cradled my heels so my feet didn’t move up and down, or slide forward, but there was still plenty of room for my toes to splay out. Of course, you can always add insoles for flat feet, high arches, or any other specific concern, to provide some comfort right from the start.

Although I wear a size 8 in regular shoes, I always go one size up for my running shoes. In this case, a size 9 was a perfect fit for running. I had about a thumb’s width of space between my longest toe and the front of the shoe, so my toes didn’t feel cramped.

One potential fit issue is that the Blissfeel only comes in one width, so the shoe may not work for women with very wide feet.

Lateral Stability and Support: Right where you need it

The Blissfeel is a neutral running shoe, which means it doesn’t offer motion control or stabilization that would prevent overpronation, or the inward rolling of the foot that some runners experience. That being said, the Blissfeel offers good support in the arch area and in the back, where it provides a locked-in feel. As a neutral runner, I thought the shoe had the right amount of support and stability for my running gait. However, women with flat feet who overpronate may prefer a shoe with more motion control. 

While lightweight running shoes sometimes lack adequate traction, the Blissfeel’s outsole felt grippy on both smooth and uneven surfaces, helping to enhance its overall stability.

Blister Protection: Good design and materials prevent irritation

The shoe’s lightweight feel, moisture-wicking material, and excellent breathability really enhanced the overall comfort and helped to keep my feet cool and blister-free.

Aside from the initial stiffness in the heel collar and tongue during my first two runs, I didn’t notice any discomfort, rubbing, or irritation that could possibly lead to blisters or chafing.

Price: What you’d expect for a high-quality running shoe

Lululemon enthusiasts are used to paying for the brand’s high-quality, durable attire, so they likely won’t be shocked by Blissfeel’s price tag ($148). The cost is also in line with similar high-performance running shoes from top brands.

Like many runners, I’m willing to pay a bit more for a dependable shoe that will keep me running comfortably and injury-free, so I think the Blissfeel is a good value. I would recommend it to female runners who want a lightweight, responsive running shoe that’s versatile enough to work well for fitness walking, cardio workouts, or comfy casual wear.

Lululemon even offers a risk-free way to determine whether the shoes are right for you with their 30-day trial offer. You can test out the shoes and return them in any condition within 30 days for a full refund if you’re not satisfied.

Competition: Similar performance, more size options, less style

Although Lululemon is new to the running shoe market, their versatile Blissfeel shoe can certainly hold its own against similarly-priced options from long-time category leaders. It offers a similar lightweight, flexible feel and the same type of responsiveness as other neutral shoes that I’ve tested, like Brooks’ Ghost 14 and Mizuno’s Wave Rider 25.

If you prefer a shoe that doesn’t require a break-in period, Brooks’ Glycerin 19 has a more comfortable collar and tongue and it’s ready to go right out of the box. Female runners with wide feet may find a better fit with New Balance’s Fresh Foam 1080 v11, a neutral shoe that comes in three different widths.

In terms of style, Lululemon definitely outperforms the traditional running shoe brands. The Blissfeel shoe is a more aesthetically-pleasing shoe than comparable neutral shoes from Hoka One One, Brooks, New Balance, or Asics, making it a nice choice for those who like their exercise shoes to serve double-duty as casual wear.