Lululemon updates the Blissfeel running shoe

Lululemon has updated its Blissfeel running shoe for women, introduced a year ago. The Blissfeel 2 has a revamped seamless upper that’s designed to be even more “blissfully” comfortable and well-fitting than the first version. It has a new look, but it still has that great step-in comfort when you put it on.

In May 2023, the brand will also launch a road-to-trail shoe called the Blissfeel Trail, for women interested in venturing further from familiar roads and into the wilds of nature.

Blissfeel 2 specs

Category: neutral cushioning
Weight: 276 g (9.7 oz.)
Stack height: 33 mm (at heel), 23.5 mm (at forefoot)
Drop: 9.5 mm
CAD $198

The new Blissfeel has a lot going for it: the revamped upper cradles the foot well, and although there is less visible padding on the outside of the ankle collar, there’s still plenty of comfy padding inside the collar. The flared heel tab from the first version is still there, and serves a dual purpose of making the shoe easy to put on, while providing some support to the Achilles tendon. The six-hole lacing system is quite similar, but the laces are flatter and wider than before; in combination, the laces and lacing system provide a snug, supportive fit and a locked-down feel.

The toe box is roomy without feeling sloppy, and it was nice not to feel any pinching of my pinky toe–a common problem with some brands. The 3D moulded midfoot panel along the side of the shoe (unchanged from the first version) extends almost to the heel on each side, providing some side-to-side stability, which is never a bad thing, especially for newer runners.

The shoe is a bit heavier than the first version, but the difference is so slight that you won’t feel any difference.

Other pluses

The outsole (also unchanged from the earlier version) is remarkably grippy and substantial–definitely a plus in March, when the roads and sidewalks are very messy. 

The shoe also looks great aesthetically and will make a great addition to your athleisure shoe rotation. It comes in eight exciting new colours. Another plus: the price is unchanged from last year. 

We love the shoe for walking, and it feels comfortable and supportive for short, easy, casual runs. The brand isn’t divulging what the midsole cushioning material is; it doesn’t feel cushiony enough or responsive enough for longer runs or workouts. 

In January, Nike filed a lawsuit against Lululemon over their use of what Nike considers its intellectual property related to its Flyknit patents, as applied to the uppers of Lululemon’s Blissfeel, Chargefeel and Strongfeel shoes. According to a story in Forbes, this is only one of many pending lawsuits by Nike against other shoe companies. 

We’ll be interested to see the new trail shoe; with world record holder Camille Herron on board as their newest brand ambassador, it’s definitely an opportunity for the brand to appeal to a whole new demographic of athletes.