Ruin Your Knees has tested and reviewed numerous minimalist and barefoot style shoes from brands like Lems and Xero Shoes so a round-up seemed useful. We’ve been working on round-ups of the best shoes on our 10Shoe site, but I wanted to list some of the better Lems options (based on 10Shoe research of online sentiment) for the RYK audience.
1. Lems Nine2Five (9.6/10)
Where was the Lems Nine2Five shoe (mens and womens) when I was chained to the cubicle with an office job?! I nearly sawed the heels off of my dress shoes because the traditional wedge under the heel drove me nuts.
Enter the Lems Nine2Five, a minimalist casual shoe, the top-rated shoe of all time on 10Shoe based on popular sentiment. Made with full-grain leather, a cushioned midsole that reduces pressure, and a lightweight and flexible outsole, this versatile and stylish shoe is the perfect choice for work and leisure.
The Lems Nine2Five is designed with a sleek and sophisticated look while delivering a sporty edge through its exceptional grip and durability. Although this shoe is not made for extreme activities, exercise, and sports, it is a great companion as a lifestyle shoe. The best part is that it’s completely breathable and moisture-wicking to keep the feet cool and comfortable all day long.
Nine2Five Pros
- Exceptional comfort throughout
- Lightweight design for agile movement
- Flexible sole supports natural foot motion
- Wide toe box accommodates various foot shapes
- Stylish design suitable for various occasions
Nine2Five Cons
- Insufficient cushioning
- Limited color options available
- May take time to adjust to the feet
- Potential durability concerns over time
- Not suitable for rough terrain
- Narrow fit for wider feet
- Higher price point than other Lems shoes.
2. Lems Outlander Waterproof Boot (9.5/10)
The Outlander Waterproof Boot (mens and womens) is the ultimate outdoor shoe that combines comfort and durability. It features a breathable waterproof membrane and a Vibram rubber outsole for confident exploration and protects the feet from rocks, roots, and other obstacles on the trail. The lightweight and flexible design allows for maximum mobility, while the durable construction can withstand tough terrains and weather conditions. With excellent traction on various surfaces and minimal cushioning, it’s great for those seeking a neutral foot position. This highly breathable hiking boot is ergonomically designed to promote natural foot movement and foot responsiveness, providing comfort over time.
Outlander Waterproof Boot Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Comfortable and flexible fit
- Great for outdoor adventures
- Excellent traction on any terrain
- Waterproof membrane keeps feet dry
Outlander Waterproof Boot Cons
- Minimal cushioning may not suit all hikers
- Some hikers may prefer more arch support
- Higher price point compared to some other Lems shoes
- Limited color options
- May require break-in period for some hikers
3. Lems Waterproof Boulder Boot (9.3/10)
The Lems Waterproof Boulder Boot (mens and womens) is a versatile and lightweight shoe that offers exceptional comfort and support for various activities, including hiking, outdoor adventures, and even casual wear. Its zero-drop design allows wearers to maintain a connection with the ground while staying comfortable.
The boots are highly durable, capable of withstanding rugged terrains and demanding activities. While they provide good support, some customers find the traction lacking in wet conditions, particularly on icy or snowy surfaces. The boots offer excellent protection with a robust outsole and gusseted tongue, though they may not be as breathable for those seeking warmth in colder environments. The Waterproof Boulder Boot also stands out for its stylish appearance and flexibility, making it suitable for all-around travel and outdoor activities.
Waterproof Boulder Boot Pros
- 100% waterproof
- Gusseted tongue
- Full grain leather
- Comfortable and lightweight hiking boot
- Versatility in function and look
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Stylish and functional
- Great protection
- Effective waterproofing
- Wide toe box
Waterproof Boulder Boot Cons
- Sole doesn’t have great traction on some terrain
- Sizing inconsistency
- Tongue is too tough
- Difficult to take off
- Lack of breathability
4. Lems Chillum (9.23/10)
The Lems Chillum (mens and womens) is a lightweight and minimalist shoe, ideal for those transitioning to barefoot footwear. Built with high-quality materials, it offers all-day comfort and stability, thanks to its ultra-thin, 0.8mm cork footbed. The shoe’s wide toe box allows natural foot spreading while maintaining soft comfort. It provides excellent traction on various terrains, making it suitable for light hiking, biking, and running.
While not designed for extreme outdoor activities, the Chillum is durable for both indoor and outdoor use. It offers good support, protection, and breathability, and its stylish design makes it a great option for various occasions, from the office to date night.
Chillum Pros
- Extremely comfortable and lightweight
- Lightly cushioned with removable cork insole
- Beginner-friendly intro to barefoot shoes
- Casual and stylish for everyday wear
- Great breathability
- Sturdy outsole
- Versatile and packable
- Wide toe box
Chillum Cons
- Sizing inconsistency
- Not as compressible as other barefoot shoes
- Some fraying after awhile
- Slightly thicker sole (great for beginners but not for those who want a true barefoot shoe)
5. Lems Boulder Boot Nylon (9.09/10)
Designed with quality leather, 1200 denier nylon, and a polyester lining, the Lems Boulder Boot Nylon (mens and womens) is an ultra-lightweight and versatile minimalist boot designed for various types of adventures. It offers a comfortable and flexible fit with a slight cushion for enduring comfort on rocky terrains. The boot has good traction on a wide range of surfaces but may not excel in extreme conditions like ice and snow.
While some customers report mixed reviews regarding durability, most confirm that this boot provides good durability especially for light hiking and trekking, even long term. The Lems Boulder Boot Nylon is known for its flexibility, packability, and responsiveness, making it suitable for various types of activities, from work to play.
Boulder Boot Nylon Pros
- Extremely comfortable and lightweight!
- Flexibility makes it ideal for international adventures
- Wide toe box
- Great for casual wear
- Versatility across activities
- Vegan options
- Durable and long-lasting
Boulder Boot Nylon Cons
- Nylon uppers can cause irritation
- Not made for extreme terrains or intense hiking
- Traction is not as great in snow and wet conditions
6. Lems Primal Zen + Primal Zen Suede (9/10)
The Primal Zen (mens and womens) is a minimalist, vegan-friendly, ultra-lightweight shoe that’s great for outdoor activities and doubles as stylish lifestyle footwear. Hanna tested the Primal Zen Suede (womens and mens) and gave it the highest score of all time on RYK!
The Primal Zen shoe features a rugged outsole, providing excellent traction for activities like hiking and running on rough surfaces. Its durability is noteworthy, with customers reporting extended use without wear and tear. The shoe offers added stability, protection, and breathability, making it versatile for various outdoor and daily activities. Other than being extremely comfortable adn perfect for all-day wear, it’s also a great choice for beginners who want to transition to barefoot footwear.
Primal Zen Pros
- Ultra lightweight and comfortable
- Extremely flexible
- Great for those transitioning to minimalist shoes
- Wide range of daily wear contexts
- Great breathability
- Roomy and wide toe box
- Stable and balanced
Primal Zen Cons
- Not for intense or extreme workouts
- Not good for cold weather
- More cushion than a true minimalist shoe (depending on how you look at this, it’s great for beginners)
- More restrictive for thicker feet
7. Lems Trailhead (8.98/10)
The Lems Trailhead (mens and womens) is a comfortable and versatile shoe that strikes a balance between stability, flexibility, and durability. It provides a wider fit than standard shoes but isn’t as wide as many barefoot options. The firm yet flexible sole gives it a rugged feel, and the breathable mesh upper enhances comfort. Traction is excellent on dry surfaces but may be less reliable on wet or icy terrain.
The Lems Trailhead is highly durable, outlasting many competitors, and it offers good support. The best part is that it comes in a variety of stylish designs, making it suitable for both outdoor activities and office wear, travel wear, and a general lifestyle shoe.
Trailhead Pros
- Stylish and fun looks
- Low 4mm heel-to-toe drop
- Highly durable materials
- Gum sole
- Go anywhere versatility
Trailhead Cons
- Runs more narrow than other barefoot style shoes
- Not much ground feel, sole is thick
8. Lems Primal 2 (8.95/10)
The Primal 2 (mens and womens) is a highly comfortable and versatile minimalist shoe with a wide toe box and accommodating fit for various foot shapes. Its lightweight and breathable design ensures all-day wearability while offering reliable traction on most surfaces, making it suitable for light hiking, running on well-maintained trails, or a day of exploring.
This shoe is known for its excellent durability, with high-quality materials and a flexible yet robust outsole. While not designed for severe pronation issues, it provides natural foot support and protection, with a water-resistant microfiber upper and great breathability. The Primal 2’s range of color options and design also make it a stylish addition to any wardrobe, and its flexibility and responsiveness offer a barefoot-like experience for runners looking for agility and comfort.
Primal 2 Pros
- Lightweight design for barefoot-like experience
- Zero-drop encourages proper posture, alignment
- Wide toe box for comfortable toe splay, movement
- Breathable, vegan-friendly microfiber upper
- Versatile for running, walking, casual wear
- Accommodating fit for various foot shapes
Primal 2 Cons
- Insufficient cushioning for longer runs
- Durability concerns, potential early wear-out
- Inadequate motion control for severe over/underpronation
- Minimal arch support for high arches
- Limited traction on off-road/slippery surfaces
9. Lems Mesa (8.9/10)
The Lems Mesa (mens and womens) is a comfortable and stylish shoe with a lightweight design and a breathable mesh upper, making it great for all-day wear. This shoe offers excellent traction on both pavement and hiking trails, with a durable rubber sole. The sturdy construction provides good arch support, and the protective thermoplastic polyurethane on the upper along with the gripping outsole enhance protection. With its stylish design and color options, the Mesa is versatile for outdoor activities and even a night out.
Mesa Pros
- Lightweight
- Stylish design and colors
- Breathable mesh dries quickly
- Flexible – great for travel
- Comfortable all-day wear
Mesa Cons
- Tight around the heel – gives blisters
- Runs narrow
10. Lems Chelsea Boot (8.4/10)
Like most Lems shoes, the Lems Chelsea Boot (mens and womens) is the epitome of comfort and versatility. This stylish boot provides exceptional flexibility and comfort, making it ideal for long hours of wear, including hiking. It offers great traction, especially in winter conditions, and is durably constructed with a sturdy LemsRubber outsole, full-grain oiled leather, and a waterproof membrane.
The wide toe box ensures excellent support for outdoor activities, and the waterproof feature keeps feet dry and warm in cold, wet conditions. While it may lack some breathability, it excels in colder climates, making it perfect for various settings, from outdoor adventures to the office or casual outings.
Chelsea Boot Pros
- Extremely comfortable and flexible!
- Lightweight and packable
- Easy to slip on
- Versatility across many activities
- Waterproof
- Wide toe box
- True durability and protection
Chelsea Boot Cons
- Inconsistent sizing
- Sole is not as flat
- Inconsistent fit between the left and right foot
- Does not fully keep warmth in