The last pair of Lem’s I wrote about, the Lems Trailhead kept a rather traditional sneaker profile, while mixing in some hiking boot flair that made for a shoe that looks ready for the trail. While I know I prefer the more padded (though still zero-drop) nature of Lems ( as with my Boulder Boots), many prefer an even more minimal look and feel. For those folks, we’ve got the Lems Primal 2.
Basically, if you’re looking for the bare minimum to put on your feet, while still keeping things covered up, that’s where a shoe like the Lems Primal 2 comes in. I’ve not experienced them myself, but I’m guessing it’s similar to what I saw with the VivoBarefoot Stealth II – extremely light weight (the Lems are 6.9 oz), very breathable, and allowing your feet to move more naturally.
Now, if you’ve committed yourself to a vegan lifestyle – or simple care to know more about the materials going into your clothing and shoes – the Lems Primal 2 can set your mind at ease. Made of microfiber and breathable mesh, all of the components used (even the glue and the laces) are 100% vegan. Even their outsole meets that criteria, while still keeping the shoe light enough to float on the water (there’s a gif on the product page showing exactly this).
As with all Lems shoes, the Lems Primal 2 have a zero-drop sole to them, keeping your heel and forefoot aligned and flat on the ground, giving you the opportunity for a more natural movement and posture. Additionally, the wide toe box allows your toes to move. This is something I’ve appreciated more than I thought I would. I like to be able to move my toes in whatever the shoe, and the Lems (again, we’ve not seen these in person) allow that to happen.
The Lems Primal 2 come in a variety of colors, both in men’s and women’s sizes, all for the reasonable price of $105. If you’re on the hunt for a minimalist shoe – either for running, just getting about town, or to have a backup pair for travel – the Lems Primal 2 looks to cover off on a variety of bases. I personally would still opt for that Trailhead, but that’s just my own preference (and where I envision them being handy). If camping isn’t your thing, and you want some breezy kicks for summer, maybe the Lems Primal 2 deserve a spot on your list to consider. lemsshoes.com
Shoe Overview
- Brand & Model: Lems Primal 2
- Price: $105
- Who’s it for? You’re wanting a lightweight, very breathable shoe, particularly one that is vegan-friendly
- Would I wear it? Maybe. I think the extra padding of the Trailhead is more my style
Specs from Lems
- Last: Lems Natural-Shape ™ Last
- Upper: Super-soft microfiber + open-weave mesh (100% vegan)
- Lining: 100% moisture-wicking polyester
- Outsole: 8.0mm LemsRubber™ (air-injection rubber)
- Footbed: 3.0mm removable PU insole
- Insole Board: 1.0mm PU strobel (lined with fabric on top)
- Stack Height: 9.0mm (not including 3.0mm footbed)
- Drop: 0.0mm ( Zero-Drop )
- Weight: 6.9oz/195g (size 43)
