Lululemon is known for its beyond-flattering leggings (including the new extra-comfortable Align leggings), cute-on-every-figure athleisure dresses and viral belt bags. (This summer, I’m predicting the Miu Miu-flavored crochet bucket hat and shoulder bag are going to be huge.) But while I’m always reaching for my lululemon leggings first when heading out for a hike or trail run, I wasn’t sure about how the brand would do on performance shoes. So, when I had the chance to test the new lululemon Wildfeel trail running shoes with my running buddies Kelly and Sue, I jumped. These women are lifelong trail enthusiasts; we've done a half-marathon and nighttime desert 10K together. Needless to say, I trust their opinions as my own. Here’s what we liked and didn’t about the new shoes.
My Running Buddies and I Tested New lululemon Trail Running Shoes on L.A. Hills—Here’s How it Went
An integrated sock keeps rocks out
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lululemon Women’s Wildfeel Trail Running Shoe Review
What I Like
- Sturdy Toe Cap
- Great color/pattern
- Sock-like upper protects feet
What I Don't Like
- Limited colors
- Front box can’t be tightened
lululemon
Unlike road running shoes I’ve tried, which prioritize energy return and feel bouncy, this shoe has a more balanced and flowing stride, which is suitable for trail running, where uneven surfaces require a greater foot-strike area for stability. One cool innovation is the tread, which by the way is my litmus test of a good trail shoe, since I’ve seen manufacturers try to pass off relatively smooth soles as suitable for trail traversing—having slid down many a trail switchback in my day, this is not a good idea. Instead, I want nice thick treads like these, which are specially positioned to grip surfaces uphill and stabilize and slow runners on downhills.
Kelly, Sue and I all appreciated the little half-sock protection sewn atop the shoe, since it kept us from getting the little stones, twigs and sand in our shoes as we walked. (Full disclosure—we chatted for three miles more than we ran, but I’ve subsequently done a mile here or there on my own, and still no debris made its way into my shoe.) Since this shoe has a deep toe box, it’s comfortable on my left foot bunion (yes, TMI, I feel you); however I made the mistake of tightening the laces unevenly so I had some midfoot stinging until I evened them out—my bad. Sue’s forefoot is leaner than mine, so she experienced a bit of rubbing up front, but appreciated the cushioning overall. And Kelly and I agreed that our heels felt cradled in the heel of the shoe, but not so much that we didn’t feel strong and supported.
I’ve fallen in love with the Desert Sun/Black/Raspberry Glo colorway, with its warm hues and cute side embroidery that recalls Japanese boro stitching. The women’s white shoe is elegant with its white-on-ivory color scheme, and while Kelly hasn’t washed hers yet, she expects it will wash up nicely. (Honestly, Kelly and I were eyeing the men’s Grey Eucalyptus/Silver Drop/Golden Sap colorway, too—let’s get this out for women too, lululemon makers!)
Long story short, I never felt unsteady or heavy-footed on the trail in my wildfeels, which is an experience I have had with other shoes that are overpadded for strolling comfort but amount to trying to exercise in a platform shoe. Also, the relatively streamlined shape of the shoe allowed me to be really nimble in sideways as well as forward movements, a real plus for running on the uneven surfaces of trails. I’ll be wearing my lululemon Wildfeel trail shoes all summer, on and off the trail.
Fast Facts:
- Sizes: 5 to 12
- Material: Nulu™ forefoot lining,TPU overlay woven upper, high-abrasion rubber outsole
