Lems Primal2 Minimalist Shoes Let You Tread Lightly

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Mens Primal 2 Black

Most days I wear dress shoes. I hate it, but they go best with a suit. When I’m not dressed up, I tend to wear a favorite pair of low-rise boots.That may change thanks to the lightweight, minimalist Lems Primal2s I’ve been trying out. Honestly I don’t think I’ve ever worn a pair of shoes quite as so comfortable!

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When I pulled the $95 Primal2 lightweight shoes from the box, I wasn’t sure quite what to think. They look like a pair of black sneakers with a mesh upper and a relatively thin sole. How thin are these shoes? Check these promotional pictures out!

I was a bit hesitant to start wearing them because I was not clear how much support the shoes would offer. I honestly had my doubts as to whether or not they would actually be comfortable to walk in.

They offer good support. They are a pleasure to walk in. All the rest is commentary.

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I slipped them on, tied the laces and, within moments, knew that I had a new pair of favorite shoes.

Here’s what the company has to say about the lens.

We here at Lems Shoes don’t always wear shoes, but when we do we choose the Primal2. If lightweight (6.9oz), flexible, breathable, foot-shaped, and flat are all characteristics that you look for in footwear, than look no further than this shoe. The Primal2 is assembled using a no-sewn construction, which allows the shoe to comfortably form to the natural shape of your foot. Lightweight microsuede and open-weave mesh, allow your foot increased airflow and better breathability. The low-profile 8.0mm LemsRubber™ sole brings you closer to the ground for a more natural stride. Our LemsLast™ design, with its natural foot shape, provides you with that Feelgood Fit that we pride ourselves on. So whether at work, walking the dog, or running errands, the Primal2 is certainly the ‘go to shoe’ for you.

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Specs:

  • Last: LemsLast™ foot-shaped
  • Upper: Microsuede + open-weave mesh (100% vegan)
  • Sole: 8.0mm LemsRubber™ injection rubber
  • Insole: Optional removable 3.0mm MoistureWick foam
  • Lining: 100% Moisture-wicking polyester
  • Stack Height: 8.0mm (without removable insole)
  • Drop: 0.0mm
  • Width: 4.2-4.4″ (size 43)

Men

The Primal2s are available in black, brown and slate. I’m glad the company sent me a black pair for review. They all look nice, but I think the black look the best!

Men

The company also offers the original Lems in three colors for $105 a pair.

Men

In addition the have a line of boots — the Boulder Boot — for $115 a pair. Judie, Carly and Mike will be reviewing those shortly.

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I really love these shoes. They are lightweight, comfortable, and they offer plenty of support. I’ve worn them for a couple of long days walking both inside and out, and my appreciation of them has grown each time I put them on. My biggest issue with the shoes is also one of the aspects I appreciate the most — the mesh upper allows air to flow through freely. The downside of this is that, for example, when I was just outside walking in the cold with them my feet felt a bit chilly as the cool air raced through. At the same time, the air flowing through them has, at times, let me to all but forget I am even wearing shoes. I kid you not! I’m truly a fan of these and plan to purchase a pair of the boots before I head on my trip to Israel next month. That says pretty much everything that needs to be said. Check out all their offerings here.

As I was preparing this review our contact at Lems let us know the company sends out a weekly newsletter. It comes out once a week, and each month includes a promo and giveaway contest! I have signed up already; click here and you can too.

MSRP: $95

What I Like: Comfortable; Plenty of support in a light pair of shoes; Airflow through the shoes keeps your feet cool

What Needs Improvement: Airflow through the shoes lets your feet get cold when the temperature drops

Source: Manufacturer’s supplied review sample

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About the Author

Dan Cohen
Having a father who was heavily involved in early laser and fiber-optical research, Dan grew up surrounded by technology and gadgets. Dan’s father brought home one of the very first video games when he was young and Dan remembers seeing a “pre-release” touchtone phone. (When he asked his father what the “#” and “*” buttons were his dad said, “Some day, far in the future, we’ll have some use for them.”) Technology seemed to be in Dan’s blood but at some point he took a different path and ended up in the clergy. His passion for technology and gadgets never left him. Dan is married to Raina Goldberg who is also an avid user of Apple products. They live in New Jersey with their golden doodle Nava.