WHEN life gives you Lululemon’s, don’t make lemonade, take them on a run!
And if you take these for a spin, then you might just find your runs becoming a little bit sweeter.
The new Lululemon Split Shift Running shoes are part of a further expansion into the men’s running scene from the sport clothing brand.
And, if you are looking for an exciting new way to spruce your everyday runs, then this might just be the shoe for you.
SunSport got our hands on a pair of their new all-black Split Shift running shoes.
Pros:
- Cushioned heel provides good support on runs
- ShiftFoam technology is very noticeable, pushes you forward when you hit the ground
- Very breathable and felt light
- Tongue of the shoe is very thin and designed to wrap around the top of the foot, rather than just inside a gap in the shoe.
Cons:
- Coming in at £138, they are not cheap if you’re on a budget
- More of an everyday running shoe than a long distance race shoe
- Designed for a specific running style with an outsole groove
Rating: 8/10
Quickfire Q&A
How much are they? These shoes are currently listed at £138 on the Lululemon website in black, white/blue and red, but are also available for £124 in yellow.
Who are they best for? This shoe will go well for everyday runners looking for an increase in pace. The ShiftFoam technology increases speed when your foot plants on the ground.
What we loved: The ShiftFoam technology and the cushioned heel were particularly highlights. Combined, they allow a comfortable feel on your feet while improving your times.
What we didn’t: The shoe is designed specifically for a natural footstrike, and as a runner my feet sometimes land inwards, meaning that at times during runs there’s not as much support on my foot as I would’ve hoped.
First impressions
The first thing I always look for when looking for running shoes is the size of the sole, and with the Split Shift pair, the sole instantly jumped out.
Lululemon sent SunSport an all-black pair of their Split Shift running shoes, and as someone who prefers darker, more neutral colours to the flashy bright pairs, I was a fan of this.
The box came with an extra pair of red laces, and from picking up the shoes I could feel they were pleasingly light at just over 250g.
The brand has introduced what they are calling “ShiftFoam” technology, which is designed to give you an extra spring when taking a step.
And, the ShiftFoam technology was clear as soon as I tried on the shoe, with an obvious extra cushion and spring in the heel.
Another elemen that jumped out at me was the tongue.
The Lululemon Splif Shifts are designed with a tongue which wraps around the top of the foot, rather than a tongue which sits in a gap left by the laces.
Do they deliver?
Yes, as a lightweight everyday use running shoe, the Lululemon Split Shift running shoes definitely deliver.
While not a drastic increase, the ShiftFoam technology did give me an increase in my running speed and times.
However, my routes do mainly use roads and pathways, and when I used them off the road, I felt as though a pair of trail running shoes would have been more beneficial.
These shoes do offer good support on the knees and ankles, and as someone who has had ankle injury issues in the past, it was good to feel safe increasing my pace in these shoes.
In essence, the role of these shoes is everyday running and a speed bonus, which they do provide, but that is also where the limitations of this shoe lie.
If you were training for a half or full marathon, you would want to train in the shoe you plan to run in, but this shoe felt as though it might struggle over a longer distance.
That would be my only complaint, but these shoes are not marketed as long distance, and they do deliver in giving you a faster 5k finishing time.
How much are the Lululemon Men’s Split Shift running shoes?
The exact all-black pair in the size we tested currently come in at £138 on the Lululemon website, with free shipping over £50 available in the UK.
However, in other colourways, the shoe does come in a bit cheaper right now.
A brighter, yellow/green colourway is currently discounted at £124, but other colours can rise to £148.
That may seem fairly steep, but is a competitive price in today’s market.
And in all honesty, the Lululemon Split Shift did feel a level above what I usually where, even if they are nearly double the price.
The Verdict
THE Lululemon Split Shift shoe is a good, reliable option for anyone looking to chase down their PBs.
They are designed with what Lululemon have branded “ShiftFoam” technology, which puts an extra spring in every step you’ll take while running.
While offering an increase in speed, they also offer a good amount of support, with the cushion meaning the increase in pace comes at no extra cost to your ankles or knees.
The springy step and support does exactly what you would expect, but this shoe is more of an everyday speed shoe, rather than one you could wear for a half or full marathon.
However, if it is out-and-out pace you are looking for, then this shoe is very dependable.
These shoes will come in at £138 exclusively on the Lululemon website, which means those on a tighter budget may want to look around.
But if you do splash out, you won’t be disappointed.
Buy Lululemon Split Shift running shoes here
How we tested
The Lululemon Men’s Split Shift running shoes are designed for everyday use and easy miles.
As a result, I tested them in a number of everyday scenarios; road running, treadmill running and speed walking.
After taking them for a walk to get a feel for them, I started to take them running.
As they are designed for everyday use, and I’m not currently training for any long distance run, I used them to run between 5-10k twice a week.
I also used them on a treadmill to test how good they are for everyday use, and for runners who may not fancy road running after a day at work, meaning I ran three times a week in the shoe.
I used them for 1km splits, and for general runs, with my routes often covering both flat straight and hills, with the shoes able to deal with both equally as effectively.
Where to buy
This is where you can buy these shoes:
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