When it comes to athletic footwear, both Under Armour and Lululemon have earned reputations for quality and innovation. Under Armour first burst onto the scene in 1996 and is known for performance-driven design geared towards athletes. Lululemon landed in 1998 with a focus on stylish, comfortable everyday wear that transitions seamlessly to the gym.
While both brands offer compelling options, they do have some distinct differences that are important to keep in mind depending on your priorities and intended use.
This comparison will break down the key factors to consider so you can make an informed decision when choosing between these two popular athletic shoe brands.
Comparison Table
| Category | Under Armour | Lululemon |
|---|---|---|
| Founded In | 1996 | 1998 |
| Comfort & Fit | Supportive with innovative cushioning technologies | Stylish & comfortable with women-focused design |
| Color Options | Wide range of colors | More limited color selection |
| Durability | Durable rubber outsoles | Less focus on durability |
| Performance | Specialized performance features for athletes | Not as performance-focused |
| Design & Style | Athletic/performance look | Fashionable, stylish everyday aesthetic |
| Popularity | Very popular, especially with athletes | Gaining popularity for stylish designs |
| Best Selling Model | UA Charged Assert 10 | Blissfeel Running Shoe |
Under Armour Overview
Founded in 1996 by Kevin Plank, a former college football player, Under Armour exploded onto the sportswear scene with moisture-wicking shirts that were a game changer for athletes. Since then, they’ve expanded into footwear to make their mark in the shoe world too.
Under Armour running shoes focus on lightweight, breathable construction. Synthetic uppers and airy mesh provide ventilation to keep feet cool and dry. The smooth inner lining prevents irritation so you can focus on your training.
Their shoes also implement performance technologies to give athletes an edge. Charged cushioning offers responsive landings while Micro G foam brings flexible stability. Models like the HOVR Machina optimize comfort and energy return.
While some shoes like the HOVR Sonic cater to runners, Under Armour also markets lifestyle designs for casual wear. Their expansive selection ranges from minimalist sneakers to basketball shoes to golf cleats. So no matter your sport, they aim to outfit your feet.
Lululemon Overview
Lululemon was founded in 1998 by Chip Wilson and Christine Day. Based in Vancouver, Canada, Lululemon gained popularity for its stylish yoga wear before expanding into athletic shoes and other categories.
Lululemon shoes cater primarily to women and are known for their combination of fashionable style and comfort for everyday wear. They utilize research insights on women’s feet with design features like pillow-soft cushioning and supportive insoles.
While performance is not the primary focus, some Lululemon shoes do incorporate responsive foams in the midsole and stability elements for light training.
Major Differences Between The Brands:
Comfort and Fit
Under Armour offers a more tailored, snug fit with comprehensive support features while Lululemon prioritizes all-day comfort and a women-specific roomier fit.
Under Armour has a wider range of technical features like charged cushioning and UA HOVR foam along with options for pronation control. Lululemon does not offer the same degree of performance technologies but focuses extensively on comfort.
Durability and Performance
Under Armour shoes are constructed to be durable for athletic training with abrasion-resistant uppers and Michelin rubber outsoles. Lululemon shoes are not designed with the same level of performance and as a result may not hold up as well to intense training. However, Lululemon shoes offer decent durability for casual everyday use.
Price
You can expect to pay around $60-$200 for Under Armour shoes compared to $118-$158 for Lululemon. Under Armour has wider price variation related to the performance-level of the shoe. Lululemon prices are quite consistent across models.
Design and Style
Under Armour footwear has an athletic performance-driven look while Lululemon designs have more fashion-forward everyday aesthetics. Under Armour uses technology-focused details and branding while Lululemon opts for simpler styling showcasing unique fabrics.
Popularity
Under Armour has already earned widespread popularity, especially among athletes. Lululemon is relatively new to athletic shoes but is gaining popularity for stylish designs that seamlessly transition from workout to street.
Target Market
Under Armour targets athletes looking to optimize performance. Lululemon markets towards fashion and comfort-focused individuals who enjoy light training. Under Armour has far more options tailored specifically to men while Lululemon designs cater overwhelmingly to women.
Performance Comparison
For Nurses
For nurses constantly on their feet, Lululemon provides better all-day comfort while Under Armour offers superior support. Lululemon’s cushioning and roomier fit may be preferable for long hospital shifts. However, Under Armour’s stability and arch support technologies could benefit nurses by alleviating foot fatigue and strain.
For Walking
Both Lululemon and Under Armour shoes work well for walking with ample cushioning. Under Armour may have an edge for longer treks thanks to increased durability from abrasion-resistant materials. Lululemon offers lightweight, flexible shoes suitable for easy walking with a focus on comfort over extended wear time.
For Running
Under Armour’s performance focus gives it the advantage for running. Technologies like Charged Cushioning and UA HOVR foam provide responsiveness and energy return needed for logging miles. Lululemon shoes lack the same performance pedigree for intense running but do work for occasional light jogging.
For Flat Feet
Under Armour is better suited for flat feet due to stability technologies and arch support offerings. Many models, like the Charged Assert 9, utilize medial support posts to correct overpronation from flat feet. Lululemon has fewer shoes geared to flat feet, though some provide moderate arch support.
For Back Pain
Individuals with back pain would benefit more from Under Armour’s supportive shoe technologies versus Lululemon’s softer cushioning. The structured fit and use of stabilizing features in many Under Armour models helps align the body properly to avoid pain. Lululemon’s plush heel and forefoot cushioning, while comfortable, lacks adequate support.
For Standing All Day
Lululemon takes the edge for all-day standing comfort thanks to its pillow-soft midsoles and roomier toe box design. Cushioning lasts longer than many athletic brands during extended standing. Under Armour shoes remain supportive but may feel too snug for comfort over 10+ hours of standing.
For High Arches
Under Armour caters well to high arches by integrating stability elements to prevent excess inward rolling of the foot. This helps provide support and reduce strain on high arches. Lululemon lacks pronation control technologies, though some shoes do offer light medial support.
For Hiking
Under Armour hiking shoes are constructed with outdoor adventures in mind. The aggressive traction, durable materials, and supportive fit make them a better choice for conquering trails. Lululemon footwear is not designed for the demands of hiking’s unpredictable terrain.
For Plantar Fasciitis
Under Armour’s combination of cushioning and arch support technologies make them a great option for plantar fasciitis. The midsole cushioning absorbs impact while the arch support alleviates strain on the plantar fascia ligament. Lululemon shoes lack features needed to prevent re-aggravating plantar fasciitis pain.
Final Verdict
In the Under Armour versus Lululemon footwear debate, Under Armour claims victory if high performance and support are your top priorities. But for all-day comfort in a stylish package, Lululemon takes the prize.
Under Armour is the way to go for runners, athletes, and anyone needing responsive training shoes equipped with innovative features to improve performance. Lululemon shines when cushioned, casual everyday wear is more important than hardcore training technologies.
Keep your priorities and intended uses in mind, and you’re sure to find a great athletic shoe in either of these popular brands. But for versatility from street to gym and trails beyond, Under Armour edges out Lululemon to take home the gold. Whichever you choose, keep comfort and support at the forefront to get the most out of your active lifestyle.