Lems Shoes Brand Review: Wide Toe Box Minimalist Shoes with Cushion

Lems Shoes makes minimalist shoes that have a wide toe box, zero drop sole, while offering more cushion compared to other barefoot shoe brands. They have a wide range of styles with a focus on shoes made for the outdoors. In this Lems Shoes Review, I cover many of the different styles offered by Lems.

Lems Shoes is one of the brands I got started with on my barefoot shoe journey. Lems was founded in 2011 with the goal of making a shoe designed around the foot’s anatomy while using the bare minimum. Basically, what we all know as a barefoot shoe today, but before the concept became so popular.

What makes Lems Shoes a good minimalist shoe brand?

Lems is a great option whether you’re new to barefoot shoes or just looking for a pair of comfortable shoes. Here’s why:

1 Wide, roomy toe box: most Lems have a natural foot-shaped sole, so they don’t squish your toes

2 Zero Drop: Most Lems are zero drop, which means the the soles are flat from  heel to toe. This means they so they don’t alter your natural posture. Several Lems do have a small heel drop, which they note in the description.

3 Some Cushion: Lems Shoes offer more stack height and cushion compared to most barefoot shoe brands while still being lightweight and flexible. After wearing super cushioned soles for years or even decades, it takes our feet and bodies some time to adjust to less cushion. Lems offers the healthy features listed above and gives your feet a little bit of cushion to ease you through the transition. Most of Lems’ soles are made from air-injection rubber. This means they’re lightweight even with the additional thickness. Most styles are 8mm to 10mm air-injection rubber soles. The insole is usually an additional 3-4mm. You can use these for more comfort, or remove for more of a barefoot feel.

4 They have a full range of shoes — Lems offers a full range of shoes for a variety of uses. These include shoes like the casual Chillums, a men’s minimalist business casual shoe, and all-around great minimal shoes, the Primal 2s and Primal Zen. Lems has an extensive line of hiking shoes plus two classic boot styles.

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As Lems shoes offer some cushion, they are an easy choice for a barefoot shoe beginner. See a more complete list here for the best transitional barefoot shoes.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on one of them, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Lems Shoes Width

Lems Shoes uses three different lasts to make their shoes. For a more natural fit, I recommend sticking to the “Widest” and “Wide” options. In this Lems Shoes review, I noted the width for each style.

Shop the “Barefoot” Tab

For a barefoot fit with a wide toe box and a sole that is zero drop, flexible and lightweight, check out the shoes on the website’s “Barefoot” Tab. All of the shoes listed under this tab use the brand’s “Widest” or “Wide” last for a more naturally shaped toe box. The brand has created some styles in recent years that lean towards more conventional shoes; they use the brand’s “Slim” last and may have a small heel to toe drop (usually 4mm or less). These styles are not listed under the Barefoot tab.

Size Chart for Lems + Sizing Tips

One thing that drives people a little crazy is the inconsistency in sizing for Lems. Sizing is not consistent between the styles. This means if you own one pair of Lems shoes, you may not be the same size in a different style.

The Lems size chart has gone through multiple iterations, and the current version does not provide any measurements. It simply tells you whether to get your normal US size or order half a size up. In this Lems Shoes Review, I’ve noted my sizing recommendation for the styles reviewed here, and usually concur with the size chart when it says to go up half a size or full size.

Most of the sizing recommendations are made after Lems has received feedback. Sometimes the recommendation can change a few weeks after the release of a new shoe style when more people have provided their sizing comments. If it’s not a new release, read through some of the reviews on the website to see others sizing recommendations.

I’ve included the current Lems size chart at the bottom of this post, as well as an older version that provided a size recommendation based foot length. See tips on measuring your feet here.

Most of Lems’ shoes are unisex. This means there is no difference between the shoes you’ll find in the men’s section vs the women’s section, just a difference in sizing convention. There does seem to be a slight difference in width in a few of the more conventional shoes with the slim foot shape, like the Trailhead. All of the barefoot styles are the same for men and women.

The sizing recommendations are based on our measurements. For the women’s, that’s a 23.3cm foot length, medium width, and typically a size US7.5 or EU38. I typically look for an insole measurement that’s 1.2cm longer that my foot length, so around 24.5cm. For the men’s, the recommendations are based off of a 26.8cm foot measurement, and considers US10.5/EU44 as the typical size.

Lems Barefoot Shoes

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First up, I’m sharing the more minimal styles on this Lems Shoes Review. These shoes can be found under the Barefoot Tab on Lems’ website. They all use Lems’ Widest or Wide foot shape last and have a zero-drop sole.

Lems Primal 3: The updated Original

Widest Lems Toe Box | 9.5mm sole + 3-4mm insole | zero-drop shoe, 1mm drop in the insole | $120

This is Lems third iteration of its original barefoot shoe, and will be released in mid-March 2024. I’ve been testing it over the last month on long walks, hikes and at the gym. Since its predecessor the Primal 2s were so popular, I’ll contrast this newer version so you can see how they compare.

What didn’t change:

The uppers are almost the same design and materials, made with mesh and microfiber materials.

The Primal 3s still use Lems widest last, which fits medium to wide feet.

With both of these staying the same, you’ll find a very similar fit and feel in the Primal 3s.

What did change (watch the video on YouTube):

The main difference is the shape and flexibility of the sole.

The changes come in response to a lot of customer feedback, mainly that the arch area was too thin and the heel area was too rounded. The Primal 3 has a wider footprint, and doesn’t look like it’s molded to your foot as much. The goal here balanced weight distribution vs pressure points on your feet. If you have a high arch, you likely won’t notice the difference in the middle of the shoe, but those with flat feet/low arches may feel an improvement.

Sole stiffness: The outsole is stiffer due to a very slight increase in thickness and a harder compound being used. The sidewalls also go higher up the shoe. While the Primal 2s are fairly easy to ball up and bend both width and lengthwise, the Primal 3s present much more resistance. The Primal 3s soles are more similar to the Primal Zen with regard to flexibility. You can see a video of the relative flexibility of the Primal 2s vs the Primal 3s here.

Insole:  The included insole does currently have a very slight drop 1mm because the toe area was pressed down to 3mm, and the heel was pressed down to 4mm. This can even out over time as the heel gets pressed down with weight. Personally, I prefer them without the insole for more volume and a more flexibility.

Lems is considering to go back to a 3.8mm insole on the next production run, which would make them zero drop even with the insole.

Half sizes: These come in half sizes, so you can get a more accurate fit.

Lems Primal 2: Lems OG Minimalist Shoe

Widest Lems Toe Box | 9.0mm sole + 3.5mm insole | zero-drop | $110

The Primal 2s are the shoe that launched the Lems brand back in 2011. As the brand’s OG minimalist shoe, the Primal 2s use Lems widest sole shape, which I find pretty roomy. They also have Lem’s lowest stack height and most flexibility, with a total thickness of 12.5mm. You can remove or replace the 3.5mm insole for more of a barefoot feel.

They’re an athletic shoe that I’ve used for running, gym workouts, and easy hiking trails. Since they’re so versatile, they also make a great travel shoe when you’re planning on doing a little bit of everything and want to pack light.

The uppers are mesh and microfiber with no animal products used.

With the release of the Primal 3 in March 2024, the Primal 2s are being phased out. If the Primal 2s were your idea of a perfect shoe, then you might want to buy an extra pair or two of the remaining stock, because they don’t have a lot of inventory left.

Sizing: I found these to be true to size. I have these in my typical size of 7.5, and they fit just right for my 23.3cm foot.

Lems Primal Zen

Widest Lems Toe Box | 11.0mm sole + 3mm insole | zero-drop | $120

The Primal Zen is an alternate take on the original Primal 2s, with a few design changes and a thicker sole. The difference in cushion is noticeable compared to the Primal 2s, so they could work well for someone that wanted a thicker sole.

The uppers pictured are mesh and microfiber with no animal products used. There is also a suede version of the Primal Zen that includes a lot of perforations to help it stay breathable.

Sizing:  I found the Primal Zen to to fit true to size. I’m wearing the women’s US 7.5.

Lems Minimalist Casual Shoes

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These casual styles are also found on the Barefoot Tab on Lems website.

Chillum

Wide Lems Toe Box | 10 mm sole + 3.8 mm insole | zero-drop | $115

The Chillum is a minimalist casual shoe that uses the same outsole as the popular Boulder Boot. The uppers are made of canvas with wool and suede accents. If you’re looking for a replacement for something like Vans, these are much lighter with a much wider toe box. The Chillums are available in spruce green, varsity blue, black, and white.

Sizing: Aaron has these shoes in size men’s US 11 and has a 26.8cm foot measurement. He’s most often a size 10.5, so this agrees with the size chart recommendation to go up 1/2 size. He is fine with less space in front of his toes than I am (I usually opt for about 1.2cm), so if you like more space, you may consider going up a full size.

Drifter

Wide Lems Toe Box | 10 mm sole + 3.8 mm insole | zero-drop | $95

For an easy, casual slip-on, check out the Lem’s Drifter. The uppers are a canvas that’s both breathable and durable. Since they’re so easy to slip on, they make a great shoe for bringing along to the lake when you want to quickly slip them off, or really and casual outing.

Sizing: These are built on the same outsole as the Chillum and Boulder Boot. The sizing note recommends to go up 1/2 size, and we agree. Aaron has these in size US11 (same as the Chillums).

Lems Chukkas

The Chukkas are on the dressy side of casual. They’re a great option if you’re looking for barefoot shoes for work. The Chukkas come in canvas, suede, or corduroy uppers in earthy tones like brown, grey, black, olive green and a deep maroon. The zero-drop outsoles are 9mm, but lightweight and flexible thanks to the use of air-injection rubber.

Lems Minimalist Boots

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Boulder Boot

Wide Lems Toe Box | 10 mm sole + 3.5 mm insole | zero-drop | $125 – $185

The Boulder Boots are one of Lems’ most popular styles. They have a wide range of options when it comes to this boot. The of the Boulder Boot was to make it the world’s most packable boot, so it’s flexible and lightweight.

Now, you can get the Boulder Boot tall, short, vegan, waterproof, and they even made a version with a more rugged tread in 2022 that’s a better option for hiking. It can make a great minimal winter boot, work boot, or just everyday boot. The sole of the original Boulder Boot isn’t super grippy, so while it can be fine for easy hikes, it was meant as more of an everyday casual boot than one meant to tackle technical trails.

Lems puts these in their “wide” last category, but I feel like these have similar space to the shoes in the widest category. Part of this may be due to the fact that the toe box is tall, meaning there’s a good amount of volume over the toes.

Here’s a quick rundown of the options:

• Leather Boulder Boots – These full-grain leather boots are the original Boulder Boots.
• Vegan Boulder Boots – The vegan boots are made with full nylon, or nylon with vegan leather accents. The nylon boots are the most lightweight and flexible, so they’re really versatile, especially if you’re looking for a boot to carry you through most of the year.
• Waterproof Boulder Boots – These minimalist boots have water-repellant leather uppers and a gusseted tongue to keep the water out. I’ve used these in the rain and stood in puddles or rivers and my feet have consistently stayed dry. There is no extra lining for warmth, so you’ll need to pair these with some warm wool socks for the winter.
• Boulder Boot Mid – the Boulder Boot Mid comes in both leather and nylon. Neither are waterproof.

Sizing: I have the Waterproof Boulder Boots in a full size up (Women’s US 8.5) as I wanted to wear them with thicker socks. This is the recommendation noted on the size chart.

Aaron has the vegan Boulder Boot in Nylon in his typical US size 10.5, but they’re a bit small. He would recommend opting for 1/2 size up, which is what Lems now recommends on the size chart.

Boulder Boot Grip Waterproof

Wide Lems Toe Box | 13 mm sole + 3.5 mm insole | zero-drop | $180

If you could ask for one improvement on an almost perfect boot that is the Lems Boulder Boot, you’d probably be asking for a grippier sole. Well, your wish has been granted as of October 2023. The new Boulder Boot Grip Waterproof is basically the boot many of us already know and love, but with a grippier sole. I’ve been trying it out on every wet, slippery and icy surface possible, and I’ve been really impressed! If you need a boot that does it all, go with this one! See a video review here.

Sizing: Lems has continued to refine their sizing to make the shoes more true to size. With the Boulder Boot Grip Waterproof, I opted for a size US Women’s 8. This is 1/2 size up from my usual size to accommodate for thicker socks.

Boulder Boot Summit

Wide Lems Toe Box | 16 mm Stack Height | $185

This is the newer 2022 hiking version of the boot (pictured below). All of the other Boulder Boots are built using the same sole, but the Boulder Boot Summit has a few differences compared to the original. These come in oiled leather or nylon, and both versions are waterproof.

First off, it has a thicker sole (16mm), which includes a more rugged tread with 4mm lugs.

These are currently noted as zero drop on Lems website, but they were previously listed as having a small heel drop (like 2mm). I followed up with Lems to clarify, and they do have a small heel drop less than 2mm that is meant to compress with wear. The Boulder Summits have an EVA midsole will compress upon weight bearing. A boot with this design and materials that starts out as zero-drop can become a negative heel drop boot very quickly. Lems took this into consideration during the design process, and added the less than 2mm heel drop so they would be zero-drop after being worn.

Sizing: For the Boulder Boot summit, Aaron opted for a US 11, which is 1/2 size up. Lems currently recommends your typical US size, but from Aaron’s other Lems shoes, it seems like the 1/2 size up has been a better fit. Plus, that leaves some extra room for thicker hiking or winter wool socks.

Chelsea Boot

Widest Lems Toe Box | 11 mm sole + 3.5 mm insole | zero-drop | $150 – $165

The Chelsea Boot was another big release for Lems in 2022. With a wide toe box and flat, flexible sole, these are a great replacement for something like heeled and narrow Blundstones. These come in a suede version and a waterproof oiled leather version. A lot of sizes are currently sold out, but a restock is coming late April 2023.

Sizing: I would go up at least 1/2 size on the waterproof version, if not a full size if you’re going to wear thicker socks or like more room. I’m typically a 7.5/EU38 based on my 23.3cm foot measurement, and I went up 1/2 size to an 8. They’re just right with some thinner wool socks. You can also remove the insole if you want more space. 

The waterproof membrane takes up some space which accounts for some of the difference on sizing. It also makes the uppers somewhat stiffer, so if you want more flexibility and aren’t concerned about them being waterproof, opt for the regular version. 

Telluride Boot

Widest Lems Toe Box | 11 mm sole + 3.5 mm insole | zero-drop | $145

The Telluride Boot is dropped in late 2023, with soft suede uppers and faux fur lining around the collar. To prep the suede for winter weather, add a water-repellant treatment like one from Nikwax.

The Telluride Boot uses Lem’s widest fit last, so it’s really roomy in the toes. It uses the same outsole as the Primal Zen. These are also one of the cushier options when it comes to minimalist boots; they have an 11mm stack height plus a 3.5mm removable insole just like the Chelsea boots. Even with the thicker stack height, these boots are very lightweight thanks to the use or air injection rubber.

Sizing: I’m a size 7.5 in the Zen sneakers and opted for a size 8 in these boots to leave room for thicker socks. Note that the faux fur is only around the collar, so you don’t have to adjust for a thicker lining in sizing.

Lems Trail Shoes

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Lems wanted to create hiking shoes that were versatile, easily transitioning from mountain-to-town. The rubber soles are designed to handle both travel and pavement equally well. These shoes are found under the Trail Tab on Lems’ website. Some of these do lean more towards conventional shoes which I mentioned above.

Primal Pursuit

Wide Lems Toe Box | 14mm sole + 4.5mm insole | zero-drop | $130

The Primal Pursuit is the more rugged trail version of the Primal 2. It’s also slightly slimmer, using the Wide last instead of the Widest last. The difference in width, additional cushion and stiffness is noticeable compared to the Primal 2s. These are more of a transition shoe if you’re just starting on your barefoot shoe journey.

This shoe features the Trail Traction outsole with 3.5mm lugs, so they’re a good option if you need more grip hiking.

Sizing: Lems recommends different sizes depending on the color way for these shoes. For the Nocturnal Ninja and Morning Dew, they recommend ordering 1/2 size larger than your normal US size. I have this in the Morning Dew color and ordered these a 1/2 size up (a size US 8 for me), and found these to be a good fit. For the Canyon & Orion Blue colors, Lems recommends sticking with your normal US size.

Trailhead

Slim Lems Toe Box | 17/21mm stack height | 4 mm drop | $140

The Trailheads are built on Lems’ Slim Toe Box last, so while they have a wider toe box than many conventional shoes, they’re not the widest out there. If you have wide feet, these are probably not a good option for you. These are a good gateway shoe if you’ve been reluctant to take the plunge to barefoot shoes due to comfort and/or styling. I’ve seen a number of people out on the hiking trails wearing this shoe, and I don’t know if most of them even know Lems is a minimalist shoe company; they may have just seen it somewhere like REI or Huckberry and liked the look and feel of the shoe.

With a 4mm heel drop, they are not completely flat. As one of their hiking shoes, they use the Mount-to-Town Outsole, engineered for both hiking trails and pavement. The Trailheads offer a decent amount of cushion with a 17/21mm stack height, including a 4.5mm removable insole for additional cushioning.

The uppers are made from microfiber and air mesh.

Sizing: Aaron has these in his typical size US men’s 10.5, but he finds them a little small. These were one of his first minimalist shoes, and he now finds them slightly short and would appreciate more volume. These are one of Lems’ more conventional options, so some of this may have to do with the fact that the shoe overall has less space. If he ordered these again, he would go up 1/2 size.

FAQs about Lems Shoes

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Do Lems have arch support?

Lems shoes do not have arch support. The brand was founded on the belief that your feet should have the freedom to move as nature intended. This means a wide toe box, and flat, flexible soles with no arch support.

Where can I find Lems current size chart?

You can find Lems size chart on its website, or included below.

Does Lems have a size chart with insole measurements?

The size chart prior to November 2022 provided a shoe recommendation based on foot length, but did not provide insole measurements. Please see below for this previous version of the Lems size chart.

#discovermorewithless

The whole point of barefoot shoes is to live your life without the pain and problems created by conventional footwear. In light of Lems’ motto to “discover more with less,” I thought I’d share a few more places our Lems shoes have taken us. Or more accurately, where we have taken our Lems shoes. 🙂