This post is in collaboration with Lululemon.

Do you know how excited I am to try the latest iteration of Lululemon’s Blissfeel running shoes?

VERY VERY EXCITED.

I’m a huge fan of Lululemon’s apparel (you can read my review of their innovative SenseKit running gear here) because it has never let me down. Every single piece I’ve owned (and there’s been quite a bit over the years) has performed beyond my expectations, lasted for wash after wash and fitted in a way that’s both functional and flattering. It’s the best-feeling kit there is, so I had high expectations of their foray into footwear.

Built For Women First

Blissfeel is a response to an unmet need - performance shoes that are built for women first.

Women’s feet are different to men’s feet, but so many running shoes are designed for women also. Men’s feet are put first and small tweaks are made for women. Women tend to have a narrower heal, a wider forefoot-to-heal ratio and a shallow big toe in comparison to men, but most running shoes don’t really take this into account, which means women could be missing out on optimising both their comfort and their performance. Lululemon decided it was time to take a different approach.

In development for over four years, Blissfeel was developed based on scans over over a million feet and is designed specifically to complement the female foot. On top of some serious science and engineering input, Lululemon enlisted hundreds of women to test out the shoes over thousands of miles and provide feedback on the fit, feel and function which shaped the final product. It is a truly woman-centric shoe.

What’s New?

How far can better-feeling shoes take you?

The latest iteration of the Blissfeel running shoes is all about leaving your limits behind with a better fit and feel.

Building on the original Blissfeel, the second iteration has a new upper for maximum support and comfort, a 3D-moulded midfoot panel for added stability and a seamless frame that goes all the way through the heel creating a cradling sensation. Who doesn’t like the idea of being cradled?

The upper is constructed from a new, layered textile to contour your foot, and there are a whole host of fresh shades to suit every style. Personally I’m feeling the fresh white and blue now the days are getting longer and warmer.

Designed to be comfortable on every run, tuned foam cushioning softens landing and springs you forward on every step, the exact marshmallow-y bounce I love in my everyday running shoes. Perfection.

How They Feel On The Run

These are running shoes you want to wear. They look great, and are so comfy from the get go. As soon as I slipped them on I knew the Blissfeel 2 would be in regular rotation in my ‘shoe wardrobe’.

I like a shoes that is flexible and light, and the Blissfeel 2 ticks both of those boxes. The knit upper offers just the right amount of support - not so much that you feel like your foot is being wedged into position, but enough so you don’t feel sloppy with your feet rolling around all over the place. The seamless frame really does cradle your foot in the most comfortable way, and I found that it really helped me hit a good stride when I was running because my feet and my shoes were working really well together.

While overall I loved the fit of the Blissfeel 2, I did find the toe box a little narrow and a little shallow. I trust the research that went into these shoes, so I think my flipper like feet are probably the problem and it won’t stop me wearing these shoes, although I might reserve them for shorter runs and ‘holiday miles’ (aka trips where I need a shoe that works for the gym/running/sightseeing/travelling etc etc).

Living in London I always think the ultimate test of a shoes is how they hold up on a dank damp day when the pavements are what I can best describe as ‘greasy’, and with the Blissfeel 2 I have no complaints. I felt like I was in control whatever surface I was running on, and there was absolutely no skidding of sliding. Obviously white isn’t the most London friendly colour, but there are a whole host of other colour ways that are and I love the look of the raw linen/highlighter yellow combo.

These are not a super shoe, so if you’re looking for super techy, super fast shoes or something that will withstand trails then perhaps look elsewhere (although Blissfeel Trail shoes are coming later this year!). But if you’re looking for a great workhorse shoe that will take you from street to run to gym then Blissfeel are a great choice. I’ve already earmarked them to take on holiday later this year because they can do everything and I like to travel light!

Fit & Sizing

Blissfeel are available in sizes US 5-12, including half sizes. They do run a little on the small side, so make sure you size up at least half a size and ideally get yourself to a store to try before you buy.

Price Point

Blissfeel 2 retail at £138 / 148€ and are available online and in select stores starting March 7, 2023. These shoes are exclusive to Lululemon, so you can’t really shop around for a discount.

From experience Lululemon gear holds up, so if the Blissfeel does the same and goes the distance (most everyday shoes should have you covered for 300 to 500 miles), then I reckon you’ll get your money’s worth. Plus, while the Blissfeel are designed for running, I reckon they’d perform just as well during a workout class or in the gym and look great as a street shoe, so if you’re after a do-it all pair of shoes then Blissfeel could be a great choice.

Bottomline

A great-looking workhorse shoe that’s a great choice for beginners and experienced runners alike who want a better-feeling run and keep an eye out for the Blissfeel Trail Shoe coming later this year!

AD: this post was in collaboration with Lululemon Europe, all opinions are my own.