In This Article
If you love hiking but can’t find the right footwear to do the job, I am here to help. Testing different pairs has become a professional hobby of mine, so I am happy to share my opinions on my latest discovery in the field — Lems Boulder Boots Vegan. Although it’s not the latest release, I was lucky to thoroughly test its efficiency just recently. Overall, I can highly recommend this pair for hiking and everyday wear.
Lems Boulder Summit has been included in such ratings as Best Zero Drop Work Boots, Best Waterproof Shoes, Best Wide Toe Shoes, Shoes for Wide Feet, Wide Toe Box Boots, and Barefoot Tactical Boots. Check them out to familiarize yourself with not less impressive models from other barefoot manufacturers in the market.
Key Takeaways
I find this pair of boots a great solution for outdoor enthusiasts. With different features to enjoy, it has excellent value for the money. Before delving deeper into my experience with Lems Boulder Boots Vegan, let me summarize my findings. Here is a quick take on why choosing these barefoot hiking shoes may be on your to-do list.
| My Score | 4.4/5 |
| Suitable for | Flexible, practical, and comfortable footwear for casual wearers, travelers, urban commuters, and minimalist hikers |
| Cost-Effectiveness | The original price is $140, but it comes at around $112 when discounted. |
| Best Uses | Casual outings, travel, light hiking, trekking, and everyday walking experiences |
| Sizing | Available in the range from 3.5 US to 15 US for men and from 5 US to 15 US for women, with half-size options included. |
| Benefits | Ultra-mnimalist, vegan, zero-drop, wide-toe-boxed, vegan, lightweight |
| Drawbacks | Non-waterproof |
The Key Attributes of Lems Boulder Boots Vegan
As a barefoot hiking footwear enthusiast, I am picky when it comes to selecting the best pair of boots. Lems Boulder Boots incorporate several foot-health-oriented features, which is a nice kit of benefits given the price. Let’s talk about these performance-related aspects in more detail. Onwards!
Waterproof
The boots incorporate a breathable waterproof membrane that prevents water from entering while allowing moisture vapor (sweat) to escape, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.
The tongue is attached to the upper along its sides, preventing water and debris from entering through the lacing area.
Another version uses full-grain oiled leather, which is naturally water-resistant and can be further treated to enhance its waterproofness over time.
Sizing & Fit
The manufacturer recommends ordering a half size up, which I luckily did. Otherwise, I would have ended up with a pair of boots with a snug fit. My Lems Boulder Boots Vegan fit just right to allow my toes to freely move without being too bulky and non-comfy.
The model comes in the Wide Natural-Shape Fit. Its wide-toe-boxed and foot-shaped silhouette is excellent for those with medium and wide feet. The insole is removable, which lets you increase the volume inside the shoe.
The overall construction feels sturdy yet soft — this pair was comfortable right out of the box. Laces are pretty long, but they didn’t bother me much. They do stay in the place you put them in — no need for constant (and irritating, let’s be honest) adjustments throughout the day. The stack’s height is ten centimeters and hugs the ankle pretty snugly.
Flexibility & Comfort
This pair features a loop at the back of the shoe, so putting them on is simpler and faster. Although it’s not your standard slip-in experience, it isn’t a huge hassle, either. The mobility I get when I wear Lems Boot Boulders Vegan is superior. When I first did the flexibility test, I was impressed by how “rollable” they were — the top and the bottom of the shoe can meet. So you can imagine how comfortable these boots can be on different terrains.
Ground Feel
Lems Boulder Boots Vegan are zero-drop. The Injection Blown Rubber outsole is structured and helps you minimize the risk of slippery hazards. With its Minimal Cork insole and a pair of socks, it won’t seem like every stone you step on is piercing through your sole. So these shoes are a nice tool for those who want to enjoy enhanced ground feel without discomfort. If you haven’t tried minimalist boots before, this Lem’s edition will also be a good investment. Without arch support and other non-barefoot features, they aren’t classic transitional shoes, but they can certainly cater to multiple needs.
High-Quality Materials
After several months of active wear, this pair is as good as new. The upper is made of 1200 denier nylon, and here is how it affects the model’s functionality:
- Durability — I can’t help but enjoy the top-notch abrasion resistance of these boots. I don’t have to worry about damaging the upper even in rough-terrain scenarios.
- Puncture- and tear-resistant — another wonderful aspect of wearing shoes made of this material is how protective and lasting they become without stepping outside of the barefoot comfort zone.
- Easy maintenance — although these aren’t waterproof and require thorough air drying, simple brushing off dust will be a sufficient practice.
- Slip resistance — while the tread pattern is pretty deep (nothing exceptional, but solid efficiency in this regard), I discovered one more benefit it has. Grime and dirt don’t clink easily and are pretty simple to handle.
- Vegan-friendly — go for this sustainable and environmentally conscious shopping decision with peace of mind.
Besides, this kit comes with two pairs of laces. You can brighten up the shoe’s appearance with a single switch-up.
Compatibility with Footgear
One of the rarely analyzed aspects of modern hiking boots is how they work together with toe spacers and similar stuff. While Lems Boulder Boots Vegan aren’t extremely wide, they offer enough extra space for such accommodations. If you want to improve your post-injury rehabilitation or get used to barefoot walking experiences faster,
Final Thoughts
Are Lems Boulder Boots Vegan worth it? In my opinion, it is a marvelous example of flexible, comfortable, and durable hiking shoes for men and women. You won’t feel like kicking them off after just a few hours spent in them. High-quality and pretty breathable materials are a nice touch to the overall sturdy design.