OUR PHILOSOPHY
Instead of trying to create the next footwear fad, we dedicate ourselves to designing with the foot in mind, above all else. Everything we do is done with intention, and we will never stop our endless exploration to keep your feet happy and healthy, every step of the way.
To us, it’s simple – shoes should be designed using the bare minimum. They should fit the foot’s anatomy, while allowing your feet to move like you’re wearing nothing at all.
In 2008, Lems’ creator, Andrew Rademacher, reached his end point searching for shoes that fit the natural shape of the foot. Starting out by dissecting his favorite running shoes and cutting out the extra, unnecessary material, Andrew decided to learn the art and science of shoemaking in his own way. He studied shoe fitting, last construction, and pattern making so that he would be able to design his shoes to fit like no other on the market.
Andrew began to realize that the big shoe brands had it all wrong. Shoes should be built around the natural shape of the human foot, and not the other way around. This meant that a shoe should be widest at the forefoot and toes, while allowing for full flexibility and unrestricted movement.
After three years of research, countless hours of design and dozens of prototypes, Andrew’s unwavering focus finally paid off. In September 2011, Lems released its first product – the Primal. Though the company has come a long way since that original design, Andrew continues to study his art while staying true to his mission of making naturally fitting footwear that allows your feet the freedom to be just as nature intended.
"If you can't find it on the market and no one's doing it, then you have to do it yourself." - Andrew Rademacher
The Primal Zen is a minimalist, vegan-friendly shoe. Its unique outsole guarantees an ultra light fit and feel, yet adds a bit more protection with its platform that naturally wraps the shape of the foot.
Product Details
If you’re already a fan of the Primal 2, then consider the Primal Zen its heir apparent. We took the components you love in the Primal 2 - the wide toe box and the flexible IBR outsole - and built a shoe on a new platform that wraps around your foot like a glove. For a more comfortable feel, we also added 2mm of extra sole for added protection and durability.
We didn’t call this shoe “Zen” for nothing. In shoes this comfortable, all of your worries will just slip away. This super minimalist, kicking-around-town shoe offers a wider outsole width than the Primal 2, and a touch more cushion while still keeping the weight off, at just 8.2 oz. The Primal Zen's slick construction also includes an attached tongue that won't fall out of position, and slightly stretchy laces to give you the perfect fit across the top of your foot. The cork footbed guarantees your feet will stay cool and comfortable, with or without socks. With so much comfort designed into this shoe, you'll truly feel like you're wearing nothing at all!
Learn More:
FIT + Sizing
We find that the Primal Zen fits true to size, so you can order your normal US size. This is a unisex shoe, so the width is the same for both men's and women's.
As with all Lems shoes, if you need more volume inside the shoe or increased ground contact, you can remove the insole. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our customer service team at support@lemsshoes.com.
Specs
Last: Lems WIDEST Natural-Shape™ Last
Upper: Microfiber & air mesh (Night Sky colorway is made with a newly engineered mesh for maximum breathability)
Lining: 100% polyester
Outsole: 9.5mm LemsRubber™ (air-injection rubber)
Insole: Minimal Cork Insole
Stack Height: 11.0mm
Drop: 0.0mm (Zero-Drop)
Weight: 8.2 oz (Men's 10)
Tongue: Gusseted
Vegan: Yes
Care & Treatment: Nikwax
For additional information please check out our FAQ page!
Features + Technology
VEGAN MATERIALS
Comprised of microfiber and breathable air mesh, we made sure that all materials, down to the laces and glue, are 100% vegan.
ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT
Our proprietary IBR outsole is what makes Lems incredibly lightweight and flexible - giving your foot the sense of weightlessness.
ZERO-DROP
Places the forefoot and heel flat to the ground correcting posture, aligning your spine, and encouraging mid-foot strike.
WIDE TOE BOX
Unlike traditional footwear that squeeze the toes together, our foot-shaped toe box allows for maximum room giving the toes ultimate freedom to wiggle and spread.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Instead of trying to create the next footwear fad, we dedicate ourselves to designing with the foot in mind, above all else. Everything we do is done with intention, and we will never stop our endless exploration to keep your feet happy and healthy, every step of the way.
To us, it’s simple – shoes should be designed using the bare minimum. They should fit the foot’s anatomy, while allowing your feet to move like you’re wearing nothing at all.
In 2008, Lems’ creator, Andrew Rademacher, reached his end point searching for shoes that fit the natural shape of the foot. Starting out by dissecting his favorite running shoes and cutting out the extra, unnecessary material, Andrew decided to learn the art and science of shoemaking in his own way. He studied shoe fitting, last construction, and pattern making so that he would be able to design his shoes to fit like no other on the market.
Andrew began to realize that the big shoe brands had it all wrong. Shoes should be built around the natural shape of the human foot, and not the other way around. This meant that a shoe should be widest at the forefoot and toes, while allowing for full flexibility and unrestricted movement.
After three years of research, countless hours of design and dozens of prototypes, Andrew’s unwavering focus finally paid off. In September 2011, Lems released its first product – the Primal. Though the company has come a long way since that original design, Andrew continues to study his art while staying true to his mission of making naturally fitting footwear that allows your feet the freedom to be just as nature intended.
"If you can't find it on the market and no one's doing it, then you have to do it yourself." - Andrew Rademacher
