Once confined to yoga studios and group fitness classes, Lululemon is appearing in unlikely places with greater frequency. The Canadian label's latest incursion? The trailhead, thanks to the launch of its first trail running shoe, the Wildfeel. As I wrapped up a month of trail shoe testing, Lulu's latest release arrived at my door, imploring me to log miles in just one more pair of trail shoes. Skeptical as I was of the athleisure brand's foray into trail running, I obliged, lacing up before hitting the dirt beyond my back door.
The verdict: I like this shoe, and if I'm being honest, I think I really like it. While it runs warm and the tread pattern leaves something to be desired, Lululemon truly hit the ground running here -- I can't poke fun at this style-meets-substance outdoor offering. Ahead, learn more about the Wildfeel, its standout features and how it can improve.
When it comes to finding a trail shoe you truly love, first impressions are everything. If you've ever slipped on a shoe only to discover it's too stiff, too soft, cramped or loose, odds are you won't wear it. Slipping the Wildfeel on for the first time, I braced for discomfort, only to find relief in its secure fit, soft padding and neutral support.
To create a proper fit, the shoe's knit upper features a sock-like construction that wraps around your foot without truly squeezing it, offering just-right compression over the top and sides. This material also makes it flexible, so you won't find it tight or pinchy as you get moving. I'd liken it to Nike's Flyknit upper, though it's definitely thicker and heavier (more on that later).
Inside the shoe, a thin layer of foam around the heel helps secure your foot in place, and it all but eliminates unwanted rubbing -- I haven't noticed even a hint of a hotspot after several runs. And while you won't realize it's there unless you stick your hand inside the shoe, a soft lining in the forefoot (Lululemon refers to the material as Nulu) adds to the comfort factor.
And finally, there's the dual-density midsole that feels grounded yet supportive. I've grown so accustomed to wearing max-cushioned shoes that the Wildfeel's middling stack height seems almost minimal, but it isn't. Instead, the layers of foam are firm and slightly responsive, perhaps a bit more lively than an all-purpose trail shoe like the Altra Lone Peak. Add all of these details together, and you're left with a shoe that truly feels great from the moment you slip it on for the first time.
First-time fit can tell you a lot about a shoe, but it certainly doesn't paint the whole picture. As I noted, the Wildfeel's midsole is on the firmer side, which makes it great for shorter distances at average speeds. Although the upper is comfortable over longer distances, I think you'll want more responsive, impact-absorbent cushioning for efforts longer than 10 miles.
As I set out for a long run, my feet felt tired and heavy by mile eight, and while I pressed on to see if things would improve, the shoe never really adapted or picked up the pace. Granted, that doesn't come as much of a surprise -- I didn't expect Lulu to create a truly reactive, pace-pushing shoe -- but it is worth mentioning if you're accustomed to quick miles or hours-long runs. The experience is certainly comfortable, but there is a point of diminishing return.
As much as I've sung the Wildfeel's praises, it isn’t flawless. My main concerns have to do with two features: the upper and outsole.
As incredibly comfortable as the upper is, it's also thick and heavy. After running and racing in the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro this summer, a shoe with a knit collar, I think it's possible for Lululemon to make a knit upper that's a bit thinner without completely ruining the fit. In doing so, it will make the shoe more breathable for those of us who have hot feet or run in hot environments, and while it might come at the cost of durability, that's what TPU overlays are for anyway.
Beyond the upper, the Wildfeel's outsole is pretty lackluster -- it's made with a no-name rubber and accented with treads that look more cute than capable. To the shoe's credit, I didn't lose my footing at any point, but I don't think it's ready to handle the more technical aspects of trail running, which might not be its target audience anyway. If Lulu intends to update this shoe next year, I hope to see more aggressive treads or even a partnership with Vibram or Michelin -- a boy can dream.
I've long been a critic of brands that launch new products as a half-hearted attempt to expand their audience. So when I first came across this shoe, I was ready -- almost eager -- to knock it. But as soon as I slipped it on, I was humbled.
The Wildfeel is incredibly comfortable out of the box, pairing neutral support with a soft upper and lightweight feel that makes it just plain fun. While it isn't a long-distance shoe, nor is it very breathable, it is a shoe you can toss on for easy, carefree miles. Lululemon nailed it with this first release, and I'm genuinely excited to see how this shoe evolves. Other trail shoe brands should take notice.
To properly test the Lululemon Wildfeel, I spent hours (and many miles) assessing its fit, support, traction, durability and much more. I began by lacing it up and walking around the neighborhood to get an initial sense of its fit and support, keeping an eye out for any rubbing, pinching or other discomfort.
From there, I ventured to the trails of Central Oregon, running over mixed surfaces like loose gravel, sharp rocks and sand. As the miles added up, I sought out steep hills to test traction, flats to gauge speed and obstacles like roots and volcanic rock to test the shoe's durability. And after each run, I inspected the shoe for signs of wear around the upper and outer.
The Forbes Vetted gear team reviews apparel and equipment that's designed to help you get active beyond the beaten path. Whether you're training or racing, your trail shoes should provide adequate support, grip and durability for hundreds of miles.