I have these in 8.5 women, and they have been an excellent transition shoe. I have worn them on walks and while cleaning all day. They are very comfortable, especially if you’re standing or walking a lot while transitioning to barefoot shoes. The more I wore these and the toe correctors, the more my toes have expanded. I am now at the point where I can take the insole out for more room. I am also transitioning my feet with ease and really glad that I have these shoes. Recently started to wear my Whitins on walks and my Wildlings only around the house, but if I expect to be standing for a while I wear my Lems. Also want to note, my normal shoe size is 8.5 women, and these are true to size. If I were standing for long hours I would consider occasionally using a shoe with more foam/ stack height like the Altras, and maybe carry some insoles that have arch support just in case.
I got my lems shoes today and its sooo comfy. I got the size based on the size chart. I'm normally a size EU36-37 but with lems, i'm a size EU38 based on their chart.
I also have these shoes, I have a normal width foot and find these to be nice and roomy, definitely not tight at all. Also they look semi normal and much better than all of the other Barefoot brands.
I totally agree with your assessment. I like these but to squishy for me to run in. Ok for walking. And once I took them on a trail run, they look like hell. I suppose I could wash them but they don't seem to want to look clean in any case. And that isn't really something I care that much about. I bought them for running but I have other more minimalist shoes that I prefer. Still haven't found my happy place yet. Living in Japan it's hard to get shoes in my size (11US 29MP 45EU) anyway.
Sometimes removing the insole actually results in less toe space because it brings the foot below the 'lip' of the sole and out of the softer upper. I have to wear my Primal 2s with insoles in because of that, though I'd rather not.
I reviewed the Axion which looks very similar tbh. I like how they look but I wouldn't recommend them for walking distance more of a casual shoe. czcams.com/video/Vvh4z7-zX7A/video.html
I was considering buying these shoes but I’m concerned about correct sizing for comfort. I’m 9.5 U.K. size and I’ve noticed these primal 2’s don’t come in half sizes which means it’s either 9 or 10. You say they feel tight so I’m thinking size 10. Hoping you can wear them with or without correct toe spacers? It’s like a minefield out there, moving from bog standard shoe types to barefoot shoes. I just wished ASICS would make a barefoot shoe based on their GT 2000 running shoe designs. I just cannot understand why big manufacturers like ASICS or Nike don’t make these types of shoes. Also, I can’t find LEMS U.K. stockists where you can go to a shop and try them on before you buy.
I consider the new Lems Primal zen suede has released as I don’t like the mesh on the top on these. I’m on my feet all day long at work. I wear Belenka and Vivo, Freet, my feet feel fine for 5-6 hours but for 10-11 hours, my feet are sore , especially the heels. Is it probably from very thin soles while walking& standing on concrete too long? I’ve tried Lems Chillum which has about 10/11 mm stack height for long shifts, my feet feel better. But Chillum is a tiny bit for my pinky toe. Would you recommend Lems primal zen suede? I own Primal 2 but haven’t worn them much as well as the mesh upper ( I mentioned) isn’t ideal for my work .
I am not too sure tbh, I also have the same problem sometimes when I have a long day on my feet. Fortunately for me that is not too often, so I don't know if these are the solution? I am sorry I can't be more help, I am looking for a similar shoe myself.
Great review thanks. Could you help me out with something and check if this shoe has a plastic heel counter in the back? According to Lems they have a TPU heel counter. It sounds so weird that they add that to a minimalist shoe...
We have moved house since I made this video so these shoes are now at my parents, they do have a thick sole compared to other barefoot shoes so more of a beginner barefoot shoe.
If it's any comfort, the Primal 2's don't feel all that minimalist either. Not a very flexible sole. They'll sort of do for now as a fairly wide trainer, but I really want something both wider and thinner and wish Lems would have the guts to do it. Hoping Realfoot, which seem to offer the widest shoes in the world now, will eventually do a vegan trainer. They've just come out with a vegan winter boot, which I've ordered.
I have 4E in Brooks Ghost 14 (4 pairs) and 4E in NB 880 V11 (2 pairs). Ghost 14 4E are wider than NB 4E. The NB 4E is actually 2E (95 mm insole) but with more material in the upper. Brooks are 101 mm. Primal 2 and Primal Zen are 101 mm but are wider in front of the ball of the foot than the 4E Brooks as they are straighter. The Zen is a half size smaller than Primal 2, Brooks and NB 880 V11. So if you are a 10 US in Primal 2, Brooks or NB then get 1.5 in the Zen. Lems size chart on their website has the comparable shoe size for each of their shoes and my fit matched their chart.
Are they warm or not really? All I use are barefoot shoes (splay, xero, merrell..) but for going hike with some intensity/dificult path I cant use barefoot because of stones and things on the way.. Could I use this ones for hiking? Also im interested in the temperature that could be used.. I have a pair of lems too, but are the trailhead, that after arround 2years or more I cant use them comfortably because are too narrow, not 0 drop, and yes big stack sole that gives protection walking/runing wild
@@PeteOnPurpose thanks for the reply! Yeah that's a thing that I didnt think about, if they are durable enough to go to mountains.. What about temperature. if weather its hot may get foot fried? Or if its cold may get frozen? What would be more less the temp to use the primal zen? By the way, good videos! Im checking others that you have :)
@@pawballer1964 As the shoes have a lot of material I would say they are more suitable for colder conditions, though they would not be good in the wet. Have you considered Feelgrounds patrol boots they are waterproof and pretty much got me through winter in the UK - czcams.com/video/1Ni8MP7iLmk/video.html
@@PeteOnPurpose that boots are so cool, nice and sober design and so functional. Definitely gona check them for next winter! How about one sneaker for normal/warm weather? Do they exist? Lol Although I may need one breathable shoe with a nice sole padding that protects feed from rocks but also 0 drop, and wide. Like to go to mountain to do trail, and dont get feet destroyed 😌
@@pawballer1964 I am not really sure about a shoe for hiking as I don’t do much of that in the UK tbh. I really like based barefoot shoes for summer, zero drop, wide and super light. I have a video on the shoe as well. czcams.com/video/tHxYo6uKKe8/video.html
@@PeteOnPurpose too late as past the 6 month phase , was hoping they would become something I could run in but they are too dam thin , just for the gym and housework 👍
Another barefoot shoes video, is there any brands I have yet to check out?! 👇
Recently picked up some Lems Chillum in white. Finally a pair of barefoot shoes that look vaguely normal 😅
Nice 😀
I have these in 8.5 women, and they have been an excellent transition shoe. I have worn them on walks and while cleaning all day. They are very comfortable, especially if you’re standing or walking a lot while transitioning to barefoot shoes. The more I wore these and the toe correctors, the more my toes have expanded. I am now at the point where I can take the insole out for more room. I am also transitioning my feet with ease and really glad that I have these shoes. Recently started to wear my Whitins on walks and my Wildlings only around the house, but if I expect to be standing for a while I wear my Lems. Also want to note, my normal shoe size is 8.5 women, and these are true to size. If I were standing for long hours I would consider occasionally using a shoe with more foam/ stack height like the Altras, and maybe carry some insoles that have arch support just in case.
I got my lems shoes today and its sooo comfy. I got the size based on the size chart. I'm normally a size EU36-37 but with lems, i'm a size EU38 based on their chart.
I also have these shoes, I have a normal width foot and find these to be nice and roomy, definitely not tight at all. Also they look semi normal and much better than all of the other Barefoot brands.
thanks for the review! hope that you've leanred that you need to buy barefoot shoes 2 sizes higher until now😅😅
I totally agree with your assessment. I like these but to squishy for me to run in. Ok for walking. And once I took them on a trail run, they look like hell. I suppose I could wash them but they don't seem to want to look clean in any case. And that isn't really something I care that much about. I bought them for running but I have other more minimalist shoes that I prefer. Still haven't found my happy place yet. Living in Japan it's hard to get shoes in my size (11US 29MP 45EU) anyway.
Your editing is awesome.
Thanks Emma, I am trying my best to improve it with each video. 😀
Hi Pete, nice review but you can also remove the insole if you feel the shoe is too tight.
I didn't realise that, I will give that a go. Thanks
Sometimes removing the insole actually results in less toe space because it brings the foot below the 'lip' of the sole and out of the softer upper. I have to wear my Primal 2s with insoles in because of that, though I'd rather not.
Once i also tried lems...very short in size and tight....shipped fromus, so difficult to return... better try other brands
Have you checked out Barebarics Zing? Seems Nike Dunk inspired -- although the wordmark logo on the side isn't my cup of tea :/
I reviewed the Axion which looks very similar tbh. I like how they look but I wouldn't recommend them for walking distance more of a casual shoe. czcams.com/video/Vvh4z7-zX7A/video.html
I was considering buying these shoes but I’m concerned about correct sizing for comfort. I’m 9.5 U.K. size and I’ve noticed these primal 2’s don’t come in half sizes which means it’s either 9 or 10. You say they feel tight so I’m thinking size 10. Hoping you can wear them with or without correct toe spacers? It’s like a minefield out there, moving from bog standard shoe types to barefoot shoes. I just wished ASICS would make a barefoot shoe based on their GT 2000 running shoe designs. I just cannot understand why big manufacturers like ASICS or Nike don’t make these types of shoes. Also, I can’t find LEMS U.K. stockists where you can go to a shop and try them on before you buy.
I consider the new Lems Primal zen suede has released as I don’t like the mesh on the top on these.
I’m on my feet all day long at work. I wear Belenka and Vivo, Freet, my feet feel fine for 5-6 hours but for 10-11 hours, my feet are sore , especially the heels.
Is it probably from very thin soles while walking& standing on concrete too long?
I’ve tried Lems Chillum which has about 10/11 mm stack height for long shifts, my feet feel better. But Chillum is a tiny bit for my pinky toe.
Would you recommend Lems primal zen suede?
I own Primal 2 but haven’t worn them much as well as the mesh upper ( I mentioned) isn’t ideal for my work .
I am not too sure tbh, I also have the same problem sometimes when I have a long day on my feet. Fortunately for me that is not too often, so I don't know if these are the solution? I am sorry I can't be more help, I am looking for a similar shoe myself.
Great review thanks.
Could you help me out with something and check if this shoe has a plastic heel counter in the back?
According to Lems they have a TPU heel counter. It sounds so weird that they add that to a minimalist shoe...
We have moved house since I made this video so these shoes are now at my parents, they do have a thick sole compared to other barefoot shoes so more of a beginner barefoot shoe.
Thanks for the review. How did you choose the EU size? Couldn't find it
I think I just googled my size in EU and went for it mate. so Uk 8 was a 42. 😊
If it's any comfort, the Primal 2's don't feel all that minimalist either. Not a very flexible sole. They'll sort of do for now as a fairly wide trainer, but I really want something both wider and thinner and wish Lems would have the guts to do it. Hoping Realfoot, which seem to offer the widest shoes in the world now, will eventually do a vegan trainer. They've just come out with a vegan winter boot, which I've ordered.
I wear a 4E (Extra wide) in NB and Asics. Do you think these would be anywhere wide enough?
Possibly not, they are not the widest barefoot shoe I own. I find Xero Messa the widest for my feet
@@PeteOnPurpose Thanks, man. So tired of trying to find athletic shoes that fit and don't look like I should be running a grill.
I have 4E in Brooks Ghost 14 (4 pairs) and 4E in NB 880 V11 (2 pairs). Ghost 14 4E are wider than NB 4E. The NB 4E is actually 2E (95 mm insole) but with more material in the upper. Brooks are 101 mm. Primal 2 and Primal Zen are 101 mm but are wider in front of the ball of the foot than the 4E Brooks as they are straighter. The Zen is a half size smaller than Primal 2, Brooks and NB 880 V11. So if you are a 10 US in Primal 2, Brooks or NB then get 1.5 in the Zen. Lems size chart on their website has the comparable shoe size for each of their shoes and my fit matched their chart.
Hey Pete, what size did you go for with this one? Same size as your Altra line peak’s?
Yes mate, I got the same size as my Altra's
@@PeteOnPurpose I did too but they seem short compared to the Altra’s. maybe I should have sized up.
Did you find the same?
I don't remember them being short, my main concern was they felt a little narrow for my extra wide fat feet. 😅
@@PeteOnPurpose haha thanks mate. Appreciate you getting back to me.
Havd you tried the Freet Feldom? It is very wide and comfortable!
No I haven’t, I will check them out thanks. 😀
The Feldom are the best barefoot trail running shoes I’ve found. Great for everything really.
Ha ha “Lems” :)
Are they warm or not really? All I use are barefoot shoes (splay, xero, merrell..) but for going hike with some intensity/dificult path I cant use barefoot because of stones and things on the way..
Could I use this ones for hiking? Also im interested in the temperature that could be used..
I have a pair of lems too, but are the trailhead, that after arround 2years or more I cant use them comfortably because are too narrow, not 0 drop, and yes big stack sole that gives protection walking/runing wild
They are warm for sure so could possibly be good for hiking though I’m not sure how well the material will do in muddy and wet conditions?
@@PeteOnPurpose thanks for the reply!
Yeah that's a thing that I didnt think about, if they are durable enough to go to mountains..
What about temperature. if weather its hot may get foot fried? Or if its cold may get frozen?
What would be more less the temp to use the primal zen?
By the way, good videos! Im checking others that you have :)
@@pawballer1964 As the shoes have a lot of material I would say they are more suitable for colder conditions, though they would not be good in the wet. Have you considered Feelgrounds patrol boots they are waterproof and pretty much got me through winter in the UK - czcams.com/video/1Ni8MP7iLmk/video.html
@@PeteOnPurpose that boots are so cool, nice and sober design and so functional. Definitely gona check them for next winter!
How about one sneaker for normal/warm weather? Do they exist? Lol
Although I may need one breathable shoe with a nice sole padding that protects feed from rocks but also 0 drop, and wide. Like to go to mountain to do trail, and dont get feet destroyed 😌
@@pawballer1964 I am not really sure about a shoe for hiking as I don’t do much of that in the UK tbh. I really like based barefoot shoes for summer, zero drop, wide and super light. I have a video on the shoe as well.
czcams.com/video/tHxYo6uKKe8/video.html
Hi did you size up or order your true size
I ordered my true size but you could probably benefit from going half a size up
I love my Lems but “Boulder Colorado” by way of China.
Oh that’s a shame to hear, I should have looked into it further. Thanks for sharing
Groundies!
Thank you 😊
Wish I’d found these shoes before I wasted hundreds on vivos
How long have you had your vivos they have a pretty legit return policy
@@PeteOnPurpose too late as past the 6 month phase , was hoping they would become something I could run in but they are too dam thin , just for the gym and housework 👍
Bare Jordans
Omg that’s brilliant