I've been enjoying a year-long affair with Lululemon's Blissfeel running shoes. And I say affair because I was previously a non-negotiable New Balance wearer. And while I still love New Balance shoes, the bliss (pun intended) I feel with Lululemon's shoes is hard to deny.
Since my last ode to the Blissfeel, I've started switching up my training. I'd been a running-focused athlete with strength work mixed in. But I suffered a pretty brutal calf injury, and in the recovery process, grew addicted to swimming and cycling.
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
Long story short, I'm currently training for my first sprint triathlon in the summer. While my original Blissfeel shoes carried me through a ton of miles, a new training plan demands a fresh pair of sneakers. And it was as if Lululemon read my mind, unveiling the Blissfeel 2.0 at the beginning of March.
Features and Functionality
Interestingly enough, this running shoe checked so many boxes I didn't even know I'd wanted from the original version. Most notably: extra structure. The new Blissfeels have a 3D molded midfoot that hugs my feet and keeps my ankles feeling stable and supported with every step.
These are still a neutral running shoe, but they feel more solid and substantive than the original version. The original Blissfeels also have a super comfortable mesh upper that's flexible and moves with your foot. But the new iteration gives a little more support with the seamless, reinforced (but still breathable) fabric.
For my purposes, the extra support is ideal. I'm not running more miles with my new training style, but I do run on tired legs most of the time. Many of my workouts involve moving from the pool or bike right into a run. And when I'm fatigued, my form is more likely to falter. But these shoes give the stability I need to stay injury-free.
The laces were the only pain point I had with the original version. Granted, I have narrow feet, but I had to tuck my laces into my sneaker every time I set out on a run. Otherwise, the laces hit my ankles with every stride. Maybe it's that the number of lace loops, the actual lace length or the shoe width (or a combo of all three) but the new lace length is ideal — a double loop is sufficient.
I prioritize function with my workout gear, but I'm a trendy girl, so if I can get some cute colors, I won't object. And let me tell you, Lululemon delivers on looks with all their pieces of gear (like these leggings). The Blissfeel 2.0 shoes come in eight stylish colorways for those who like sleek black and white sneaks or a neon pop (raises hand).
Get Your Own Pair of Blissfeel 2.0 Running Shoes
I'm more than excited to start my triathlon training plan in my new Lululemon running shoes. And thanks to the new updates, I'm confident I'll stay injury-free right up until my race (at least where running is concerned — my bike- handling skills still need some work).
So, if you're training for a race or just want to log some more stable, secure miles, the Blissfeel 2.0 is the shoe you want. And it's risk free — Lululemon lets you do a 30-day trial with a full return if you're unsatisfied! But fair warning: You're probably more likely to purchase another pair, rather than return.
Buy it: Lululemon.com; Price: $148