Lems Boulder Boot Review

Lems Shoes believes that you don’t need to be some environmentalist who survives on organic granola and berries to know that going natural can have its benefits. The Boulder Boot is a barefoot boot that has all of the natural features you’ve come to expect from barefoot wear; ultra-minimalist, a wide toe box, lightweight form, and a zero-drop design, all while promoting healthy foot development, better balance and increased mobility. At 9.9oz in a size 43 the boot can pack down into the smallest of daypacks and carry you on the farthest of adventures. Let’s take a closer look at the Lems Boulder Boot – leather edition.

My first impression on receiving the Lems Boulder Boot was a good one – putting them on, they were extremely comfortable. For sizing, I went with my normal order size of 47 and the boot fit like a slipper. The heel in the Boulder boot cups and holds my foot in such an ideal way that it almost feels as if they were custom made.

Practicality and functionality are always top priorities for me, these boots are a great casual daily driver and adventure boot, but the real bonus with them is they also look great too, easily fitting into dressy casual and even business casual attire. Made from real full grain leather they have a superior quality that feels soft but offers up durably protection allowing them to fit in everywhere from rocky paths to nights on the town.

The upper of the Lems Boulder Boot is made from a 1.8mm full-grain leather that is soft to the touch, but durable enough to stand up to the abuse of an adventurous trip into the backcountry. From a comfort standpoint the Boulder Boots were outstanding from the start, and to think that over time the full-grain leather will mold to the shape of the foot to furnish even more. The interior lining is made of 100% cotton, offering up cozy comfort and a bit of warmth on those cooler outings.

While a barefoot design is not intended to offer up support (your foot does that naturally) Lems didn’t forget about cushioning, the Boulder comes with Lems cushy 9.0mm LemsRubber™ (air-injection rubber) outsole and a 3.0mm PU insole footbed to soften the impact of the terrain. Just enough to provide protection and cushioning from sharp and rough objects, but not so much that you lose ground feel. The rubber outsole provides adequate traction and has held up to numerous hikes thru the woods alongside 3 months of urban use which has resulted in very little wear.

Details

• Last – Lems Natural-Shape™ Last
• Upper – 1.8mm full-grain leather
• Lining – 100% cotton
• Outsole – 9.0mm LemsRubber™ (air-injection rubber)
• Footbed – 3.0mm removable PU insoleLems
• Insole Board – 1.0mm PU strobel (lined with fabric on top)
• Stack Height – 10.0mm (not including 3.0mm footbed)
• Drop – 0.0mm (Zero-Drop)
• Weight – 9.9 oz (size 43)
• Provided with 2 pairs of laces (Red and Black)

Pros

• Natural Foot Shape
• Zero Drop
• Light Weight
• Packable
• Active and Casual Uses

Cons

• No waterproofing

The Verdict

Offering the luxurious comfort normally reserved for cabin slippers, the Lems Boulder Boot cradles feet in supreme softness with its full-grain leather upper and cotton-canvas lining. The LemsRubber outsole and PU insole cushions every step, lending shock-absorbing support for cruising to town, commuting to work and taking off on a day hike. Although it’s styled for casually use, the traction on the sole offers the sure-footed grip equal to that of some hiking shoes. If you’re looking for a zero drop boot that is rugged, versatile and allows your feet to feel and perform naturally, look no further than the Lems Boulder Boot, it’s extremely lightweight, packable and the crafted leather allows for the durability you need when you decided to escape the concrete jungle and head out on an adventurous hike.

For more information about the Boulder Boot and other Lems products, visit www.lemsshoes.com   MSRP $150