ProsMaximum cushioning feels comfortable underfootGreat for everyday use, running, and walkingBreathable upperThe BeyondFeel is the shoe I originally passed on before because it ran snug. So, PSA: Consider sizing up if you prefer a roomy fit or have wide feet. While Lululemon says online that these fit true to size, that wasn't the case for me. Once I went up half a size, I was hooked.The BeyondFeel is Lululemon's max cushioned shoe, so you can think of it like a Hoka Bondi 9 or On Cloudmonster 3. It's designed for everyday use. Think: running errands, power walking, actual running—it's all comfortable in the BeyondFeel.I noticed a difference from my daily trainers the second I slipped my feet inside. The best way to describe the feeling is like the first time I put on a pair of Align leggings. I was immediately comfortable, with no chafing, pinching, or any other issues.This shoe has a nice, roomy toe box, giving your feet plenty of room to swell naturally as you go about your day or rack up the mileage. It also has a stable heel and good grip although, heads up: The shoes may squeak a little when you first wear them inside.Lululemon designed the BeyondFeel differently for women vs. men, adding an extra 2 millimeters of foam at the forefoot to take some pressure off the knees and hips. I wouldn't wear the BeyondFeel for long runs, though—it doesn't have much energy return, which is that slight bouncy feeling you may get in a shoe. But I was happy to log a few miles in them here and there, along with wearing them for weight training and just running errands. Their stylish look and comfortable feel make them a good choice for nearly everyone.Read More: Best Walking ShoesWeight (US Women's size 8)9.5 ozHeel-to-Toe Drop9 mmActivityRunningProsLightweight feelGood energy return without feeling too bouncyCreates a smooth rideThe Split Shift is Lululemon's neutral everyday running shoe, which is another way of saying it's a good shoe for most runners. The first thing you'll notice is how lightweight the shoe is. At 7.8 ounces, it's not the lightest shoe ever made, but it definitely won't feel like your feet are dragging you down when you're logging higher mileage. This sneaker has an equally breezy upper, giving it an overall airy feel.I really appreciate the springiness of these shoes. It's not so much that it feels like you're running on mini trampolines, but there's a good energy return here to help propel you forward with each step. That's definitely a noticeable change from the BeyondFeel, which has pretty much no energy return by comparison. There's a gusseted tongue that gently hugs your ankle, along with some extra padding around the ankle that prevents rubbing. The outsole doesn't feel as grippy as the BeyondFeel, but it's a good choice for everyday road running.My only complaint with the Split Shift is that the toe box runs a little narrow. I'm used to running in shoes with a wide toe box, and the Split Shift's smaller width across the toes means they probably won't be my go-to for everyday miles. Like the BeyondFeel, I'd suggest going up a half size if you like a roomy toe box or have wide feet.Read More: Best Running ShoesWeight (US Women's size 8)7.8 ozHeel-to-Toe Drop7 mmActivityRunningAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsRoomy, comfortable toe boxHourglass shape creates a stable feelHybrid design makes this good for a range of workoutsConsNot super comfortable outside of workoutsLululemon's Chargefeel 3 looks different from the brand's other shoes out of the box. It has an hourglass shape, with a narrow middle, more room at the toes, and an exaggerated base at the heel for stability. That shape is intentional, since this shoe is made for cross-training, hybrid, and HIIT workouts. The Chargefeel 3 is on the lighter end of weight for a gym shoe at 8 ounces, and it feels light on your feet. Still, it has everything you want in a shoe you'll be doing cross-training in, like a locked-in feeling in the heel, snug laces, and ability to handle lateral movements.The grip on this shoe is impressive. I was able to stop cleanly while doing direction-changing indoor sprints at the gym, with no squeaking. The shoe also features a ShiftFoam midsole for a little energy return. Its not nearly as bouncy as the Split Shift, though—but you don't want that in a shoe you'll be doing hybrid workouts in anyway.The Chargefeel 3 has a 6mm heel-to-toe drop, which may be high for those looking for a neutral strength training shoe, so it might not be ideal for lifting. It’s laser-cut mesh helps tamp down on foot sweat, along with Nulu fabric heel lining to mimic the feel of your favorite leggings.And if you're looking for a running shoe, scroll up. This is really a gym shoe that you can do a little running in in a pinch—not something you want to do any significant mileage in. And while the Chargefeel 3 made me feel locked-in and secure during gym workouts, it's not so comfortable that I'd wear this shoe outside of exercise. If you're looking for a dedicated hybrid shoe, though, it's worth a look.Read More: Best Cross Training ShoesWeight (US Women's size 8)8 oz.Heel-to-Toe Drop6 mmActivityWorkoutProsImpressive tractionUpper fits snuggly to keep out trail debrisProtective toe bumperSome athletic shoe brands will slap deep lugs on a sneaker and call it a trail shoe without addressing other needs. But it's clear that Lululemon's Wildfeel was designed by people who actually do trail running. It has features you want in a trail running shoe beyond just good grip.There's a knitted sock-like upper that molds to your foot to keep out pebbles and other debris, along with a toe bumper to protect your feet over rugged terrain. I took these shoes on several runs over a rocky trail near my house, along with a few beach runs, and was impressed at how well it kept the stuff outside from getting into my shoe.The Wildfeel has a dual-density midsole, which means that it helps give you a feeling of moving forward when you're going up hills and absorbs impact when you're going down. Like many other Lululemon shoes, the toe box runs a little narrow. That wasn't a huge deal on shorter runs, but it started to annoy me on longer runs. Like many others on this list, I'd consider going up a half size.My heel slipped around a little when I first wore these shoes, although that's pretty common in a trail shoe. (It got better with time and more wear.) It's also worth noting that the Wildfeel isn't the most breathable shoe you'll find, and my socks were a little sweatier than usual because of it. None of these are dealbreakers. But it also meant the Wildfeel was my least favorite shoe in Lululemon's lineup.Read More: Best Trail Running ShoesWeight (US Women’s Size 8)10 oz.Heel-to-Toe Drop6 mmActivityTrail RunningKorin Miller is a seasoned freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Everyday Health, Food & Wine, and more. She has a master’s degree from American University and lives by the beach.Natascha is an editor and writer covering health, fitness, and the ways people move through the world. She’s been a NASM-certified personal trainer for more than a decade, with a background in functional strength training, corrective exercise, nutrition, and behavior change. She has additional CES, CNC, BCS, and SFC certifications. She is also a level-2 certified Spinning instructor. Her work has appeared in Bicycling, Runner’s World, and other outlets, and her experience spans both editorial and hands-on work across the fitness industry. Whether she’s writing about training, health, or performance, she’s most interested in making complicated topics useful, approachable, and helpful. She is currently the fitness and reviews editor for Women’s Health.
Every Lululemon Shoe Ranked: I Tested Them All, and I Have Thoughts
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