Lems shoes is a great blend of aesthetically pleasing wide shoes along with a thicker sole, making it perfect for those people transitioning to the barefoot world or even people who just want a shoe or boot that is zero drop and wide toe box.
While the Boulder boot is Lems signature boot, they constantly surprise their customers with wonderful new models. The Primal Zen is a personal favorite of mine (review here) and Sara has been rocking the Outlander (review here). This year, in addition to new ankle height and color options for their popular Primal Pursuit, they finally released their very own Chelsea boot in a light brown non waterproof option and a chocolate waterproof version. They also released a fur lined version of the Drifter, as well as their beloved boulder boot with a more rugged sole (the outlander sole).
Do note that Lems recently changed their sizing chart and certain models fit different widths better. Play around with taking out the insole or adding/removing a sock to help find the perfect fit for you.
Click here for the Lem's Site
Note: There is currently an active Lems sale going until 12/2/22 You can save 25% of all models and 10% off the new ones mentioned in this article.
Disclaimer: These shoes were given to me to review; however, my opinion is my own. This page uses affiliate links, and by purchasing from an affiliate link, I will receive a small commission which doesn't cost you anything. Thank you and enjoy the read!
Lems Chelsea
Sean - Espresso Chelsea - Waterproof
The Espresso Chelsea waterproof boot is the closest to a blundstone boot that I've seen. It shares the same rugged look and is completely waterproof, however with a much wider toe box and zero drop, it is truly the laborers dream shoe. Say goodbye to foot pain with this beautiful chocolate leather upper that has the same sole as the Lems Primal Zen.
Sizing here is a bit funky in general, most Lems shoes require sizing up 1 US size. My usual size is Men's US 8 and with Lems I generally wear a Men's US 9. With the Espresso Chelsea, due to its waterproof lining, I sized up a whole size and a half to Men's US 9.5. If you plan on wearing it with thicker socks and plan on keeping the insole in then you can size up 2 sizes, in my case to a size Men's US 10. Best bet if you're unsure is to check your foot length and what it corresponds to on their sizing chart.
Waterproofing: Yes
Last: Lems WIDEST Natural-Shape™ Last
Upper: Full-grain oiled leather
Lining: Waterproof membrane
Outsole: 9.5mm LemsRubber™ (air-injection rubber)
Insole: 3.5mm removable moisture wicking PU insole
Stack Height: 11.0mm (not including 3.5mm insole)
Drop: 0.0mm (Zero-Drop)
Weight: 9.8oz (Men's 10)
Vegan: No
Care & Treatment: Otter Wax Boot Wax or Otterwax Kit or Nikwax Waterproofing Spray
Sara - Cedar Chelsea Boot - Non-Waterproof
The Lem's Cedar Boulder Boot at first glance might look like quite a chunky boot. However, it is shockingly super light, even lighter weight than my slightly more narrow Feelground's chelsea boot. The width is super wide leaving space for me to wear thick socks with it on colder days and still have plenty room for my toes to splay. I was worried that my foot might slide forward and cause my big toe to hit the end because of its generous width space. However, the boot somehow holds my foot really well and I haven't experienced any sliding issues at all. The sole is the perfect thickness for a beginner bare-footer or any fellow bare-footer and super easy to slip on and off. What I'm pleased with the most is that the ankle part of the boot doesn't cause any ankle restrictiveness at all and it's still quite flexible even though it's not super minimalist. This boot definitely has a slipper like feel, I almost forget I'm wearing a chunky looking boot. There was zero break in time and no chaffing at all.
My foot is 25cm long and 9.5 cm wide, I typically wear a Women's US 8 and have regular volume feet. I opted to go with the Lem's Women's US 9.5 so I can have extra room to wear with thick socks. The sizing is a bit roomy on me with thinner socks, however they still hold my foot really well.
Last: Lems WIDEST Natural-Shape™ Last
Upper: Suede & elastic
Lining: 100% polyester
Outsole: 9.5mm LemsRubber™ (air-injection rubber)
Insole: 3.5mm removable moisture wicking PU insole
Stack Height: 11.0mm (not including 3.5mm insole)
Drop: 0.0mm (Zero-Drop)
Weight: 9.8oz (Men's 10)
Vegan: No
Care & Treatment: Nikwax Suede Spray
Lems Summit Boulder Boot
Like the Lem's Outlander, the Summit boot has a 2 mm drop. The Boulder is one of Lem's OG models and still remains one of the more beloved of their collection, however, its sole can be a bit slippery in wet or rougher terrain conditions. Lems solved this issue by taking their Outlander sole and attaching it to the beloved boulder boot for the ultimate fix on grip and traction. These are quite a bit thicker than the conventional barefoot shoe and they do have a 2mm drop however... the drop will flatten out over time. These boots are great for people who are really new to the barefoot world or who just want comfortable boots without even knowing they are "barefoot", shocking right?! ;) They definitely lack the ankle flexibility I look for in a boot and the sole as well is much stiffer than my average barefoot shoe. Yet what it lacks in flexibility, it makes up for in its lightness, generous width, gorgeous waterproof oiled leather upper, and super rugged lugs with excellent traction.
My foot is 25cm long and 9.5 cm wide, I typically wear a Women's US 8 and have regular volume feet. I opted to go with the Lem's Women's US 9.5 and the sizing is perfect. I like to remove the insole if I'm wearing it with a thicker sock.
Waterproofing: 100% - breathable waterproof membrane
Tongue: Gusseted
Last: Lems WIDE Natural-Shape™ Last
Upper: Full-grain oiled leather / Nylon
Lining: Polyester with waterproof membrane
Outsole: Winter traction outsole with 4mm lugs and zig-zag siping
Insole: 4.5mm Adventure insole
Stack Height: 16.0mm (not including 4.5mm insole)
Drop: 2.0mm
Weight: 14.8 oz (Men's 10)
Vegan: Nitro only
Care & Treatment: Otter Wax Boot Wax or Otterwax Kit or Nikwax Waterproofing Spray
Lems Drifter Fur
While we have yet to try this one (it is on the way) we are super stoked and excited for them to arrive. We love a good slip on for those times when you just want to slip 'em on and run out. Also, with the winter months around I have been wearing moccasin slippers a lot more but the ones I wear would get ruined outside since the soles are made of soft suede
(Softstars). So, Lem's created a shoe that is as warm and cozy as a slipper but can also be worn outdoors and can also pretend to be professional ;). They feature a collapsible heel making it mighty convenient for an even quicker slip on and it also comes with a removable cork insole making it a great sub for a warm house slipper.
Waterproofing: None
Last: Lems WIDE Natural-Shape™ Last
Upper: Suede + wool
Lining: Faux fur
Outsole: 9.0mm LemsRubber™ (air-injection rubber)
Insole: 3.8mm Cork Insole
Stack Height: 10.0mm (not including 3.5mm insole)
Drop: 0.0mm (Zero-Drop)
Weight: 6.9oz (Men's 10)
Lem's Primal Pursuit Mid
They also released the Primal Pursuit Mid which is a higher ankle version of the rugged sneaker they launched earlier in the year.
Last: Lems WIDE Natural-Shape™ Last (wide toe box)
Waterproofing: 100% - breathable waterproof membrane
Upper: Suede & air mesh
Lining: 100% moisture-wicking polyester
Outsole: All new Trail Traction outsole with 3.5mm lugs
Footbed: Adventure Insole - 4.5mm moisture wicking PU w/ firmer cushioning in heel for added protection + comfort
Stack Height: 14mm (5mm rubber outsole + 9mm EVA midsole)
Drop: 0.0mm (Zero-Drop)
Weight: 11.8oz. (Men's 10)
Click here for the Lem's Site
Note there is currently an active Lems sale going until 12/2/22 You can save 25% of all models and 10% off the new ones mentioned in this article.
Stay warm and enjoy your new shoes!
Sean, Sara and Charlie (woof)