‘I’m A Fitness Editor, And The New Lululemon Beyondfeel Sneaker Makes Me Soar On Runs’

I’ll admit it—I was a bit skeptical about how the shoes would perform. I’m super picky when choosing running shoes given my experience with knee injuries and my cursed feet (bunions). I always rely on my tried and true Hoka and On kicks, and I was initially attracted to the Beyondfeel based on aesthetics alone (I snagged the dreamy minty green colorway). But I knew the real test would lie in how it felt during runs. For a month, I evaluated how the shoes performed during different running distances, along with fit, support, and stability. Ready, set, and read on for my Lululemon Beyondfeel Running Shoe review.

How The Lululemon Beyondfeel Running Shoes Performed

First, I wore the shoes for a four-mile run in Central Park to get a mix of different terrains. While running at a leisurely speed, I noticed the sole is firm yet provides a decent bounce when pounding the pavement. It’s a nice middle ground compared to high-stack running shoes (meaning max-cushion—think the Hoka Bondi 8) and the bulk of the cushioning is in the heel. I didn’t find the cushion to feel excessive, which makes it more functional for activities outside of running.

The Lululemon Beyondfeel Shoe won the best running shoe for the WH 2024 Sneaker Awards.

My feet didn’t feel heavy while in motion and each step felt like I was gliding in mid-air. After two miles of comfortable running, I felt confident enough to pick up the pace, even when encountering dusty trails and grass patches. It’s not a trail running shoe (there’s the Beyondfeel Trail Runner for that!), but the outsole does have good enough traction to support mild gritty trails and uneven terrain. I wouldn’t gamble wearing it on wet, slippery surfaces—it’s not worth an accident. I was pleasantly surprised with its performance once the run was over and was excited to test the pair during a seven-mile run within a few days.

The Lululemon Beyondfeel Running Shoe has decent grip and traction for some trails and terrain.

While I wanted to love the Beyondfeel for longer runs (longer than six miles), it just didn’t do the job for me. But, I want to preface that just because it didn’t work for me doesn’t mean it won’t be great for your long runs. The issue? My knees started cramping up after mile five during three separate runs, which I feared would happen when switching shoe styles. Because of my history with runner’s knee (when the kneecap rubs against the thighbone during movement) I need a firm shoe with max-cushioning distributed evenly throughout the midsole. That specific structure provides me with a balanced ride during high mileage. I’ve continued to wear the Beyondfeel for shorter mid-distance runs and haven’t had an issue. Despite the shoes not having a carbon plate (a strip of carbon sandwiched between the midsole that propels you forward to increase speed), I found it gave me a slight pop in each step and didn’t sacrifice my speed. Overall, the Beyondfeel is best for short runs because it lacks even cushioning for my janky knees.

Shop The Lululemon Beyondfeel Running Shoe

Fit: As someone with wider feet, the shoes run a bit narrow.

I wish the brand offered wide sizing, but other than that I feel it’s true to size. When wearing it for leisure, I noticed the material rubbed against my bunions and caused discomfort, but that happens to me with many styles. So, I can’t blame the shoe itself. As for running, my bunions are pain-free since I don’t wear the Beyondfeel for more than an hour. If you’re stumped on which size is right for you, Lululemon provides a size chart.

While the Lululemon Beyondfeel Running Shoe isn’t tight, I wish it came in wide sizing

Support And Stability

Lululemon highlights specific innovations discovered after testing how a woman’s foot structure reacts to running. For example, the shoe has an extra two millimeters of foam for support and a curved outsole that accommodates how women’s feet strike the ground. I can’t say I felt a dramatic difference in support from the tailored innovation, but knowing it’s there gives it an extra brownie point.

I don’t overpronate (when your feet flatten and move inward as you walk), but I felt the firm midsole kept my feet aligned during each step. If you have flat feet I would tread carefully—the arches are pretty neutral (feet with neither high are flat arches). A shoe that lacks high arches can cause flat feet to overpronate, which can potentially cause ankle rolling or another foot injury.

The heel-to-toe drop is 10 millimeters, which I think is quite high compared to other running shoes I’ve tested. If you’re unfamiliar, a heel-to-toe drop is the height difference between the heel and forefoot. Given that the bulk of the cushion is in the heel, I felt the shoes guide my feet to strike with my midfoot instead of my heel. Because of this, I recommend this shoe to heel strikers the most, which is when the heel makes contact with the ground first (it can cause injury—been there, done that!). Unsure if you’re one? Be conscious of your running form to see which area of your foot is hitting the pavement first. Or, visit a running store. The workers can analyze your gait while running on a treadmill.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy The Lululemon Beyondfeel Running Shoes?

Whether you’re already a Lululemon stan or are seeking a running shoe to motivate you to get out the door, the Beyondfeel is a quality option for runners who don’t have flat feet or a history of injuries. It costs a pretty penny, but it reflects the innovation and quality put into creating the shoe, which is now a fan favorite. You get what you pay for! I’ll continue to keep these on deck for my upcoming short runs, hot girl walks, and grabbing coffee.

Shop The Lululemon Beyondfeel Running Shoe

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Nicolette Accardi is the Fitness Commerce Editor at Women’s Health with a specialty in running content. She likes to chase her next best time by testing out shoes and other running gear while training for races. Nicolette studied journalism and health sociology at Rutgers University. She has written for NJ.com, VICE, Rolling Stone, NBC News Select, and U.S. News & World Report.