Lems Shoes is perhaps best known for their instantly identifiable Boulder Boot, the ultra-minimalist, super-light (under 10 ounces), packable hiking boot that made saving space and weight the foremost feature of these hiking boots.
Now, Lems Shoes has gone one further by introducing the outdoor world to the brand’s latest ultra-minimalist hiking shoe: The Lems Trailhead Shoe. Good for wearing anywhere from the forest to the farmer’s market, these easy-wearing hiking shoes straddle the line between outdoor functionality and urban style. Inspired by ’90s sneaker designs (that definitely have a hint of old Saucony in it), the Trailhead shoe is versatile fall footwear that doesn’t say no to double-duty.
The Trailhead shoe features a mountain to town outsole with a low-profile rubber tread that has no problem maintaining traction on the trail, while also remaining durable enough when pounding the pavement city-side. Another great feature of the Trailhead is the extra-wide toe-box, which is actually shaped like a human foot (who’da’thunk’it?), allowing for all five toes to flatten and splay out when walking, which provides more stability when walking and reduces foot soreness after extra-long hikes.
The shoe’s upper is made from a combination of extremely light microfiber and air mesh (with moisture-wicking properties, meaning no sweaty feet!) placed over a footbed of 2mm EVA, which lies atop the EVA midsole that runs between 21 mm and 17 mm in thickness. The thicker portion of the midsole is near the heel, providing a lower heel drop, which Lem’s states “naturally decreases heel-striking for a more natural gait and healthier posture.”
The midsole is also very firm, making the first few trips out in these kicks feel a bit like walking on boards. But that’s okay! The firm footbed actually holds your feet in place better than a softer one, with the end result being less aches and pains in your feet after a 12-miler out and back.
And for all those guys out there who care about what animal products are found in their footwear, you can be happy to know that Lems’ Trailhead shoe does not contain any leather, so it’s completely vegan-friendly. How’s that for being one with nature?
Lems Trailhead – $130
The trailhead comes in three colorways: Sequoia, a combination of navy and orange; Sage, a mixture of varying greens and yellow; and Redwood, a burgundy, red, and blue combination.
If you’re looking for something a little more heavy-duty when it comes to hiking footwear, check out the best hiking boots, from the super lightweight to the ultra-plush.
