Lems Boulder Boot Grip Versus Summit/Barefoot Boot Toe to Toe Comparison
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 มิ.ย. 2024
- With the release of the Boulder Boot Grip, Lems now has two awesome upgrades to the original waterproof Boulder Boot. Both the Boulder Boot Summit and Grip were highly sought after improvements to the original, giving fans Boulder Boots you can actually hike with. Upon first glance, you could easily mistake one for the other, (especially the brown leather versions of each!), but after spending a lot of time in each boot we think you'll be surprised at how different we find them. If you're torn trying to choose between the two, this is the right video for you as we discuss in depth many of the differences between the two boots and give our suggestions for who should purchase which one.
TIME STAMPS:
00:00: Intro
01:59: Traction and Tread Patterns
4:16: Construction and Looks
6:16: Laces
7:56: Stack Heights
9:45: Affiliates Featuring: Lems, Earthrunners/Creepers, Triplo Gear
11:36: Zero Drop or Not?
13:56: Color Differences
14:36: Toe Box Width
16:37: Comparison Verdict
18:49: Outro
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Finally a comparison! Thank you! Great vid!
Great review for two similar but slightly different boots. Thank you!
Great video! Very useful to see the two side by side.
I ordered the grip the day they released and I’ve worn them daily since. They’re holding up well, no break in period, molded to my feet in just a couple days
Solid review! I own the Boulder Summit and wear them to work every day. 🤗
Thank you!
Very cool thank you for the review
Top notch review as always. I have the outlander which is the same tread as the summit. That tread is no joke and I use it as a work boot on and off dort and concrete half my day. Best boot in my opinion. I still don't consider it truly zero drop because they labeled it 2 or 3mm rise when it first came out then they backtracked. I assume they did that to market towards anyone who wants truly zero drop. Still great. I also owned the original waterproof boulder in the past which truly feels zero drop and I can definitely feel rhe difference and the grip definitely looks closer to zero. I hope the grip comes in black so I can have more grip, bit flatter tread to not wear down like the outlander. Hope to hear a review for their telluride boot. Looks like a great middle ground boot/tread. Thanks, guys.
I'm looking for new boots with a wide toe box. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for the video. A few months ago, I started having constant foot pain that seemed to be associated with Morton’s Neuroma. After looking around online I found that the combination of barefoot shoes, toe spacers and metatarsal pads may help alleviate some of the pain. So, I picked up the cheapest pair of barefoot shoes that I could find to try out. The wider toe box seemed to help so I immediately started looking for a pair of barefoot/minimalist boots. When I first started looking at the Lems boots I was torn between the original Boulder Boots, Boulder Boot Grips and the Summits. The main reason I went with the Summits was because they were the only one advertised as having the “widest” toe box (and I was planning on wearing them with toe spacers).
I settled on the Waterproof Boulder Summit boots over a month ago, and though they had to break in for a couple weeks in order for me to wear toe spacers in them comfortably, they have turned out to be the most comfortable pair of boots that I think I have ever had. I walk on jagged rocks and in creek beds everyday and by putting metatarsal pads on the insoles and wearing toe spacers it has made the pain in my foot almost completely go away. I used to have to stop what I was doing a couple times a day to relax my foot and that seems like a thing of the past now.
Now my problem is that I love the Summits so much that I really would like to get a pair of the Boulder Boot Grips with less stack height for (a more barefoot feel) when I know that I am going to be walking off-trail - BUT I am afraid that I won’t be able to fit my toe spacers in them due to my confusion about their “wide” and “widest” toe box designations. It seems like your opinion is that both the Summits and the Grips seem about the same toe box wise.
I wish that I had a Lems dealer close to me so I could just go try them on, or if there was a bit more clarity on the Lems site with more info on the differences between their “widest” and “wide” toe boxes, but until then I am still on the fence. I guess if all else fails I could just get another pair of Summits when these wear out.
Yeah the Grips do have a noticeable more "barefoot" feel in our opinion. That toe box width is tough though haha. I imagine the reason there aren't actual measurements is just because it would differ a bit depending on size, but yes, according to their website the Grip is in their "wide" category while the Summit is in the "widest", but we honestly don't notice a difference between the two.
I just ordered a pair of summit's for work . ( What OSHA doesn't know won't hurt them 😉) I own some minimalist shoes and love them. can't wait to have them at work too.
I've been going back and forth with getting the Summit or the Jim Green Barefoot African Ranger. I was being swayed toward the Rangers, but now this video is pulling me the other way. Ugh. Good vid!
Which one did you get and happy with your decision? I am thinking about getting one of those as well.
Thank you.
I was gonna go the Summit, but the Grip boot looks so damn awesome. Love it!
I'm planning on purchasing one of these two boots very soon and your video was very helpful for me having too decide which boot most meets my needs. For an all-arounder, I'm thinking the grip. (just wishing they came in black) Thanks!
Nice, we think you'll be very happy with them, keep a look out for those holiday sales! And we'd appreciate it if you used our affiliate link to get to the website too, it really helps the channel out!
@@sonsofseverHi I want to pick a pair of these boots up but I’m concerned about sizing. I had the opportunity to try the summets on in my usual size but my toes are a lot closer to the end of the boot than I’m used to, definitely not a full thumbs width between my big toe and the end of the boot. I’m new to barefoot style shoes so I wasn’t sure if that’s normal
@@brandonneil11 I think it comes down to what you're comfortable with! If you tried the Summit in your usual size and it seemed a little small, I'd go a half size up in either of them.
@@brandonneil11 Eric and I have found that the summits for true to size for us. This will depend on your foot size as well. I am a 10.5 and being in the center of a half size, it can be a real guessing game with any brand sometimes. But I’ve found lems new stuff seems to fit us true to size.
@@sonsofsever Thanks!
The grip should have just replaced the regular Boulder boot. That outsole is what that original Boulder boot should have always had.
If they take the designs of the original, make them waterproof and give them the grippy outsole, I'll be very happy haha.
@@sonsofsever I am wearing waterproof grip right now
The grip boot is fine on ice on roads. But they are skates if out on a trail and there is light mud and you are going down a grade. As much as I love the grips to walk the dog or to walk around if there can be a bit of black ice. I have found the grips are like walking with an old pair of Converse when on trails that can have light mud. The idea sounded great but I question if any research was done as these boots can only be recommend on dry or gravel trails.
@@user-gl1qh6vy3l I gotta disagree. Eric and I took these downhill in thawing light mud one morning and we didn’t have any issues. They’re definitely not the grippiest boot we’ve tried but I personally haven’t slipped in them at all except in conditions you would expect to slip. Ice going downhill for example
Not contesting that you took the shoes out. I have had the boots out on now 11 hikes. Just got back from a five miler on some of the same trails which changed overnight as the ground froze over. On the solid as I was out we got a flash snow storm that put down an inch of snow. I had no problems on that hike.
But on the three hikes I was on where there was light mud, I had no traction. Two of those hikes were with other people and I had to hand my dog’s lead off to keep him from pulling me down. The others were out with Merrel and Kleen and had no problem.
What is happening is the area I am in does have some clay in the soil even in the mountains. That gets packed easily into the 2mm recess and all traction is lost. This isn’t heavy mud but nothing like needing to go down a few hundred feet of trail and be worrying about insecure footing.
I am not giving up on the boots but if I suspect there will be mud. I am taking something else.
Note, I have on order the summit version. I suspect that would have been a fine option. I just no longer trust the grip in these those conditions. Unfortunately, for where I live that is about a third of the year. Won’t be bad until April, but April through June. October thru November. It isn’t unusual to have part of the trail be run off from mountain springs or to be out after rain.
Thank you for this comparison! I had to return a pair of Summits (build quality problems) and am thinking about the new BB Grip instead, not hiking in them, mainly a winter boot around town, walking the dog, etc. The Summits were very stiff to me. The Grips look more flexible and closer to a barefoot feel. Can't decide which style looks better.
Yeah I think if you're looking for a more barefoot feel the Grips do really well there compared to the Summits! Noticeably more ground feel and flexibility
Thank you for the review! I am planning on getting a pair for my wife. Great job!
Awesome! Don't forget to use our affiliate link to get to the website, really helps us out!
@@sonsofsever will do! I am waiting for the sale. 👍🏼
Came back to use the affiliate link!
@@marlenakauer5262 you're awesome, thank you! Hopefully your wife enjoys the boots as much as we do! Which ones are you going with?
@@sonsofsever got her the Boulder boot grips. I love having speed hooks. Hopefully she doesn’t have your experience with the laces coming loose. Haha I use leather laces so that probably helps. I’m thinking about trying the Jim Green barefoot shoes Rose Anvil collaborated on. Have you guys checked those out? I’m just getting into barefoot shoes. I like my Lems Primal Pursuit a lot but I really like the way a leather insole molds to your foot and the ability to resolve the shoe.
Hey guys, thanks so much for this video. I've been wearing mostly barefoot shoes for long time now; I have no problem walking or running on concrete with shoes that have the thinnest stack height (5-6mm). I can even do moderate hikes with my extremely barefoot shoes (Freet flex- without added insole or Shamma Warrior sandals). I even got myself a pair of barefoot dress shoes for suit and tie occasions, so I would say that my feet are quite adapted to the barefoot experience. That being said, I have found that I still need real hiking shoes for real rugged hikes and I also need something waterproof for winter (I live in a warm climate where it rains in winter but I do visit colder places throughout the year where it snows in winter). I want to combine these 2 needs into 1 purchase and I find myself debating between these 2 boots.
On the 1 hand, since I am so acclimated to barefoot and I will probably more often use it for its waterproofing, as I don't live near really rugged hiking, my leaning would be to get the Grip since it is the thinner and more flexible boot. (I would even have gone with one of the Freet hiking boots, as I already love the shoes I got from them, but I tend to agree with you guys, that for real rugged hikes a bit more stack height is needed and I just don't see myself keeping the removable insole in as I always take those out. Plus, the fact that their waterproofing seems to be less effective is a con). Also the fact that the grip doesn't need much breaking in is a huge plus.
On the other hand, when I do get to do really rugged hiking I might prefer the boot with more stack height and the lugs on the Summit just looks more like my old hiking shoes (which I am only throwing out because I can no longer stand the small toe box or the drop) so I feel the tread on the Summit would perform better on real rough terrain with loose rocks and roots etc. Also, if the summits have the wider toe box (which I know you guys question) that would be a pro for me as well. I does concern me that these were originally labeled with a 2mm drop, I know it's not much, but I think would bother me. I understand what the rep told you guys but it does make me wonder if that's the whole truth. I do find the summit a bit nicer looking, but they both look nice to me.
I've never worn such high boots, even for rugged hiking. I have been sensitive around the ankles ever since I got 2 surgeries on my left one; so I would get a lower version of either of these boots if it existed. That being said, I still think that the boulder boots are the best option for what I'm looking for, I'm just having a hard time deciding which one to go with. Please let me know what you guys think about my situation; I'd definitely appreciate your two cents.
Extra question: do you guys know if these boots could handle micro spikes? It's not a make or break thing, I'd just like to know.
thanks,
For me (Eric) it comes down to which situation am I gonna find myself wearing the boots in more, just daily wear around town with an occasional difficult hike, or am I going to be consistently taking them out on rough hikes? I think you'd be happier with the Grip because there is noticeably more flex and ground feel (sounds like you're very adjusted to minimal shoes), especially if you're not gonna go hiking with them all that often. I think they'd serve you just fine on the occasional difficult hike. But, if you do plan on hitting rough trails pretty often, your feet will appreciate the extra stack height and traction from the Summit. AND, I think either would work fine with micro spikes, nothing I can see should stop you from using them, but we've also never tried it as we're always trying to test just the outsole traction itself, maybe to go ask someone at REI or something haha.
Liked the video! Do you know which Lems boot would do better in more humid climates? I deal with more mud and sand. No snow.
Personally I (Chris) would go with the summit because it’s got less places for those things to get stuck in. But either one is light enough and they both breathe pretty well
Great informative review. Are the summits resoleable??
Unfortunately no. Everyone needs to start asking Lems for a boot that can be re-soled haha, they're pretty good at listening!
Really appreciated the review and think I will be buying the summit myself when I go to buy them this black friday. I do have a question about the grip on the boulder grip. I am asking because the Kourt grip has the same grip pattern as the boulder grip. I work in a restaurant and we need non-slip shoes. I'm not sure if you could know this but how do you think the grip on the boots are on hard surfaces with water? I am deciding between the Whitin and the Kourt grip, which I love Lems as a brand however they are exactly $100 more expensive.
My gut says they'd work really well just based off all the ice I've been on with them now that winter has really set in, but I've never really tried them out on a wet indoor surface. If I get the chance I'll definitely update this comment
thanks for this. I was pondering this exact comparison. Any comments on durability?
Haven't had any issues with either of them, and they're definitely the two boots we go to the most.
I like both of them, but the summit bottoms look more grippy, as well as the sole being a bit higher, making any challenge to the wateproofing a bit better, where you can stand in a bit higher water before getting to those stitches and seams.
I agree about the eyelets, but there is an advantage of the hooks for those with higher volume feet/ankles, who need to open that section, especially when using elastic lock-laces.
You can unhook one to loosen the whole section, getting them on and off a bit easier, then all you have to do is grab the laces, hook, twist, and hook to get them nice and tight again.
With eyelets, you have to keep them overall a bit looser to get them on and off.
Personal preference, but I can see the advantage to either when using elastic laces.
With standard strings, the eyelets are way easier for me.
Regardless of differences, it's great that we're getting more and more choices, the more, the better, haha.
As I mentioned previously, I'd like a sizing chart that has inch/centimeter length/width insole measurements for all models and sizes, so folks can order a size that closest meets their requirements.
I bet shipping/return costs are extensive due to the guesswork.
If I knew the actual lengths and widths of all their products, it's possible I'd have already purchased some for myself and/or gifts.
I dislike buy and try or extra work to send inquiries for everything I'm interested in purchasing, and have read loads of comments and posts with people complaining about sizing and having to return or re-sell them because they live in places that are costly to get them.
It'd be awesome if you could schmooze whatever charts your rep has and post a link to them in your description or something.
I don't know why they're so hush hush, it's a very frustrating "sizing & specs" page for me.
I've seen old screenshots posted with lengths, so not sure why there's nothing on their site now, and I'd be skeptical to use old charts due to changes in products over time and no widths.
An employee with a centimeter ruler could go through their model insoles and do some quick measurements and help a lot of people in no time at all.
Those are the kind of low effort, high reward projects I volunteer for at work, haha.
I Love your coverage and demonstrations of these, sans measurements, haha, but thank you for the upload.
And thank you to Lems for offering Veterans a GovX discount, which I hope to someday partake in.
I’ll reach out to our rep this week and recommend the sizing info to her. If she says anything about that we’ll let you know here in this comment thread
@@sonsofsever, thank you so much, I know others will appreciate it.
Agreed, this is a big pet peeve of mine with the whole shoe industry. I'm sure they already have the data (it would be part of the manufacturing specs), so why don't they publish it?
Exactly!! They are driving me crazy with this!! Why is it so hard to have a size chart? Like what about it? It should be the most important and mandatory info whenever you are selling shoes online ..
Great review. Is the width and volume of this shoe similar to Xero Ridgeway?
The short answer is yes, they're pretty similar as far as with and volume go, the long answer is there will be a direct comparison between the Ridgeway and Grip coming Saturday!
been loving the reviews. I'm a xero trail runner fan, but am looking for a minimal boot with a little more stiffness for 12 mile rucks with 50 lbs (for arch fatigue). hence looking into Lems; what would you recommend in those case?
Either of these or the outlander. We also like the Primal Pursuit Mid if it’s in stock in your size. But the Boulder Grip, Summit, and Outlander are all amazing hiking boots
It’s more due to the need for plateau shaped toe boxes than “width” that determines if the toe box is wide enough for me. My actual splay doesn’t appear wide but my first three toes are almost the same length. If the toe slope of many shoes didn’t slope so soon and if the decline of the slope wasn’t so great, many would fit me better. I love wildlings shoes for this reason.
I actually have the boulder and boulder summits. I had to size up to get enough width for my roman toes which does interfere with gait since that extra space in front of the toes offset how we take our steps. I do however currently have my boulder boots getting stretched in the toe box by my new boot stretcher. So far they are looking better for my splay.
Also I think a lot of bf companies don’t add enough room for people’s pinky toes to actually have the space to get stronger. I see a lot of complaints in other forums.
Makes sense! Everyone has different feet. Have you checked out splay or Bearfoot yet? They both have the widest toe boxes and least aggressive slopes that we’ve come across so far
@@sonsofseverI have not. I do actually have a pair of Primal Zens which I love for a transition shoe or for wearing if I’m standing/walking a lot. They actually work pretty well when wearing thin socks/no socks. I wore the Zens, Whitins & Wildlings tho mainly Earthrunners this last summer and then got used to all the toe freedom with ER sandals. So I just got the Realfoot Winter Farmer boots which are the truest bf winter boot that I have tried so far (I have a few other brands). I still have to size up due to the slope and so there is a bit of gait interference for me but still worth wearing because all of the toes are free. They are great for thick socks and pinky toe space, and really flexing that toe splay. One day I will get custom boots 😆
@@sweetnsourify we’re working on getting real foot on the channel. I do love the look of those farmer boots
great videos btw... also, do you ever use felt or wool insoles to stay warm in either of these boots?
Yeah totally! I took the felt insole out of the Feelgrounds Patrol Winter and used it in the Grip pretty much all winter long, it was great.
Moving back to the states Washington to be exact since living in tropical Southeast Asia for 8 years! I think the Lems everyday wear boot but I want to make sure I can stay warm in them.
@@Justin_Leah I wore the original waterproof Boulder Boot all winter long standing in the rain for hours at PDX with my old job. I think with the right pair of socks you're set. There's even a store in Portland you could go try some on to get the sizing just right if you're down that way. I lived in Vancouver WA so it was easy, it's called Pie Footwear. They carry Lems and a bunch of other barefoot shoe brands, it's where I purchased my first pair of Boulder Boots!
How warm is the boulder summit waterproof? Do you think it would be warm enough with some thick socks for hiking in freezing temperatures and snow? I like the quality of leather that Lems has, but the FeelGounds Patrol boots you reviewed seem like they'd be warmer with their fleece lining.
He Feelgrounds is definitely warmer with the insulation, almost to a fault. The Lems will be more than adequate with the right socks, and will be significantly more rugged for more dynamic environments.
7:51 hey guys, thanks for the info! What model are you trying on at 7:51? It's light greenish with 2 stripes down the side.
Those are the Lems Primal Persuit Mid Waterproof. That color is currently discontinued unfortunately, so their sizes are super limited right now.
I had to return the grips, they weren’t wide enough and the height at the mid foot was not tall enough. I may order the summit to see if they are wider but after what you guys said it may not be. My feet are very wide, I have primal zens they are a great fit.
Might want to check out Realfoot. We haven’t connected with them yet but all their offering seem very very wide, and they do have some boots
Yeah, Realfoot and Softstar are the companies offering the widest footwear I know of and both do boots.
Which one would do better on a hard flat floor like a warehouse, factory or retail store etc? I have worn the primal 2s for the last year at my job but i want a boot bc sometimes i have to do snow removal. So i need something that can go from snow to hard flat floors
I think the grips would do better for that. The summits lugs are pretty hefty. Not a bad feeling on flat ground but not going to be as comfortable as the grip
which one would you guys recommend though for everyday wear while doing outdoor work like gardening, working in the woods an such on homesteads? I am a little worried that the summit wouldn't have enough play and be to stiff.
Yeah if you're worried about stiffness underfoot then the Grip would be the better/more flexible of the two, it's definitely got a more "barefoot" feel to it.
How do both of them breathe? I have the lems Chelsea waterproof and don't feel like my feet breathe at all. Is it any different? I'm used to Goretex waterproofing. In my experience my feet breathe a lot better with goretexs membrane.
They’re both way more breathable than the Chelsea. Softer on the foot as well. I started wearing the summits to work in the summer at one point. No excessive foot sweating for me in my experience in those.
How much grippier are the Grips compared to the original Bolder? I see the difference between the original and the Summit, but is there really that much of a delta between the original and the Grip?
I think it's huge. The injection blown rubber soles on the original really don't have much grip at all and they wore down super fast. The rubber on the Grips is a huge improvement.
There’s another TH-cam channel that literally cuts the summit in half, and it definitely has a taller stack height in the heel. Do you think your Lems rep might have been misinformed? Thanks, great content!
I mean…. They only have 8 employees haha so I don’t think so. I’ll have to look into that, but I will say I’m very sensitive to drops in shoes larger than 4mm so….. it’s gotta be less than that
I have been wearing the Summits for a week or two, on the trail, and at work on concrete. After being in Xeroshoes for 3+ years, you can really feel that heel pain at the end of the day in the Summits. I suppose my feet got spoiled with true zero drop shoes. The summits handle great on the trail and in ice/snow, but my back and heels were killing me today after a day at work with them on concrete. I hope to try the grips in the future and perhaps not have that problem.
can you slip them on and off without lacing? I am so lazy and want a easy on/off daily boot for crummy weather
Yes. I literally have a section where I talk about that 😂
@@sonsofsever sorry i saw that eventually. need a whole video on this lol. I saw someone tie at the eyelets and then use the speed loops for making it tight after knot. hard to explain but can't find that tikttok or wherever I saw it
@@sodathief I’ve heard of that….. I’m fine with the way mine are 😂 they are tied and will never be untied
When talking about the Summit, you said compression at the forefoot, did you mean compression at the heel? The drop is higher than 2mm? I was under the impression, they are 2mm and over time the heel will compress down to zero.
Ya, that’s right. I got that backward I think. It’s all kinda confusing but the reality is it’s very minimal so it doesn’t really matter
The drop height on the summit is way higher than 2 mm. The reason I go with zero drop is I’m attempting to rebuild my arches and they collapse at a certain drop height. The Summit’s drop is actually larger than my redwing work boots after removing the insoles from both.
Pretty disappointing, but they still see some action. My main focus is drop and toe box, both of which I found lacking in the summit.
Hope to get some of the Chelsea’s soon, hopefully they deliver.
The worst part is that my wife loves the look of the summits.
😂 bummer she likes them so much. Hopefully she likes the looks of Chelseas then, we both got some for this winter and are impressed by them. Definitely zero drop and very wide toe boxes, we'll get a review out on them eventually!
Nice! I’ll be looking forward to it!
If your Summits drop is larger than your Redwings, that would mean your Redwings are zero drop. Which Redwings do you have?
How warm are they for winter wear?
With the right socks they’ll perform great. We’ve taken them into below freezing with some merino wool socks and temp discomfort was never an issue
The Grips were my first Lems product and gave me a skewed view of their lineup because of the big chunk of EVA foam between the grip outsole and the lasting board. I believe the summits are the same. Basically, everything marketed toward hiking in their lineup seems to be that way. I think the waterproof version of the regular boulder boot is a better option for anyone wanting something more minimal or at least something that will remain zero drop after use. I am a pretty big guy and the eva in the Grip molded to my foot and left an imprint like when you get custom orthotics made. You can actually see it; it is that deep into the boot. Which leaves me standing on my arches.
Anyway, now I am going to try out some different models that I know don't have that thick layer of foam. I know a local shop that has some Mid's in stock that I am going to give a try (I don't like the leather color in the regular boulder boot).
As an aside, I wish they'd make an unlined boot.
Yeah I just watched the Rose Anvil video again where he cuts the Grips in half, it's about 7.6mm of EVA, that's quite a bit! The Summit has even more.
@@sonsofsever Yeah, I saw that on their site they show a few models cut in half and explain what's inside. I wish they did that with every model so that you know if you are getting just zero drop or a more minimal shoe. Maybe it time. The grip does tell you, but I didn't know at the time, my fault, lol.
The good news is that I can try models more suited to my needs before deciding that Lems isn't for me. I think it will be fine because the only thing I don't like is that foam. I think I'm going to give the Primal 3 or Zens a go.
As always, thanks for the work you do!
Bought these and Jim Green African Rangers since job site now requires boots and i walked +20,000 steps easily on hard concrete in a warehouse setting.
I thought id miss my Nikes but starting to think these boots will actually be kinder on my feet(and wallet... Air Jordan 1s be expensive bruv!)
Nice! Let us know how you like the Jim Greens, definitely interested in hearing how people like those
@@sonsofsever 1st impressions of the rangers are good. They're comfortable, light, stitching is BEEFY. Very close to pre-ordering a pair of the barefoot version....
And a extra side note, I purchased them wed morning and they arrived Thursday night even with standard shipping. I know that's more UPS and coincidence but Jim Green was also speedy AF on their end, and seem to be very attentive.
@@sonsofsever out of chance, I got the Grips on accident. The Summit. And the aforementioned Jim Greens. I'll leave the detailed breakdown to yall on TH-cam but I'll speak to size and initial comfort.
I'm a size 10 in adidas, puma, Sperry, but size 10.5 in Nike and Vans. dress shoes are a toss up.
- I ordered the 10.5 Jim Green rangers(not barefoot, the standard fit) those are half size too big. I'd get 10 in those. Good comfort, small break-in but like a 1/10 in discomfort from it. Overall the best boot simply cuz it can be resoled imo.
- Summits I ordered in 10 and they fit perfect snug Hug for my feet type fit. They're the most comfortable things I've had on my feet in a while. They can't be resoled if I understand correctly though, and that makes it more of a shoe than a boot to me. These I'll have to $150 replace vs $50 resole.
- Grips I ordered in size 10.5 and they also fit perfect snug hug for my feet status! The grips felt almost like slippers with the lack of drop. Im gonna go with the summit n rangers for work cuz all the walking on hard flat surface, that little bit of heel is nice for me in that situation.
Hope this info helps someone save some time in ordering. I hope it helps Lems and Jim Green get even more business, cuz they're both awesome companies.
Couple weeks later)
Grips are my main work boot. These things are so comfy, I don't take them off when I get home even for walking the dogs after a full day walking. I'm a full Lems believer now after the Primal Zens and now these boots being like hugs for my feet
What's the hiking location on this video? Is it Salt lake city?
Kyhv Peak up Rock Canyon in Provo.
Would these boots get too warm in the summer? They seem perfect for me, but I am concerned how they’ll do in 80 degrees and up.
They do breath well but yeah, I'd be hesitant to use them in summer temps. The waterproof membrane makes them a good 3 season boot in our opinion.
Thanks for the reply! I’m definitely picking up a pair of the Summits to replace my Danner Tachyons. I loved my Danners, but I’ve recently made the switch to barefoot shoes and my feet just aren’t comfortable in them anymore. My search continues for a 0 drop, wide toe box, mid-style boot for summer hiking.
@@kvlt22 maybe try one of the new Xeros? Their new Scrambler Mid II has a standard and a waterproof version, I bet the standard one is decently breathable, although that's just assuming, we haven't been able to try it.
Yes! The regular scrambler mid II seems like it would be perfect for hot temps, and it is a good looking boot. I have some old Xero HFS running shoes that I absolutely love. I wear them almost every day. I’m just hoping that the scrambler has enough toe room. Thanks for the suggestion.
Did you ever hear back from Lems support team about why they labeled their width differently since you said they felt identical, but they were labeled differently?
That is something we're still working on
So, according to Lems, yes they are built on different width lasts, the Summit is the widest and the Grip is just one step down. We still don't notice much of a difference.
I want a video on how you ties those shoe laces to stay put so itt can slip on so easily haha.
Not a bad idea!
@sonsofsever I'm on my second pair of outlanders as a work boot. The shoe laces are way better than the original boulder boot laces that slipped off too easily. I double knot these once to twice a day when I use them because they occasionally come undone.
@@jeremebonesaw hmmmm laces coming undone is definitely something I haven’t had issues with
Can I use summit as an everyday shoe?
For Fall/Winter/Spring, definitely! I was a little sad last summer when I finally put them away for a few months haha
@@sonsofsever thanks. I am trying to find a gateway minimalist shoe that will help me to "train" my feet. I would like to use them for a mix of city/trail until spring and then buy lightweight zero-drop trainers for my fast hiking. The only question I have is if the summit is as durable as the boulder grip in my mixed-use scenario.
@@voxxonline yeah definitely. It's a good durable outsole. It'll be a good way to train your feet and get you used to a zero drop shoe
boulder boots are definitely not wide enough. just take a look at the toebox. it still forces the big toe to be pushed in at an angle, giving you a bunion over time. primal zen is just barely wide enough for a real human foot.
I say this a lot but that’s going to be subjective. Some people naturally have very straight toes. My two year old has only been in foot shaped shoes or barefoot. His foot is very square. His big toe is straight, it doesn’t splay medially. Lems toeboxes are not severe enough to cause bunions. They are at the very least straight. Would wider be better? Always. But they aren’t going to cause disfunction
i can promise you, those chevrons don't mean shit around here.. they won't grip slick, wet rocks around creeks.
compare it to a snow tire...
I mean…. It’s Utah 😂 we have plenty of slick wet creeks around here. Haven’t slipped and died yet…. And we’ve worn them in A LOT of those conditions
@@sonsofsever I'm in SWVA... everything I've worn with the 'large' lugs slips hiking and backpacking around here. Vivos were the absolute worst.
@@maguslascivious4980 I don’t know what SWVA is….. but my one question would be, have you tried either of these boots? Cause if you haven’t, you can’t base your experience on other boots with “large lugs.” No two tread patterns are the same unless they share the exact same pattern
South West VirginiA
FWIW I live in an AT town (Appalachian trail) and grew up on a farm. I've spent most of my life in the woods, hiking or trail running. Many a pair of boots and shoes have been worn plum out.
Recently I've been compromising with Altras.
The whole reason I'm watching videos like this is because I'm looking for a good, general purpose boot that is foot shaped but behaves like a boot and not a stupid barefoot shoe. So no I don't.. but If you want to buy me a couple pairs I'd be down to do a review. That said I do have damn near 40 years of experience in the creek beds and on the mountains around here in damn near every basic kind of tread design there is including carrying some pretty heavy packs for bivouacking. If you're doing a creek hike (which is the main 'trial run' I do around here) the large, flat, widely spaced lugs will slip on those slime covered rocks. IDC what brand they're from or how they're spaced. It's like stepping on oiled porcelain. There's a reason anti slip shoes for the food industry are designed the way they are.. and it's not with giant mud lugs.
If Lems had that 'grip' sole on a leather boot that looked like the summit. (I think the exposed seams or whatever on the boulder style of boot are ugly AF.. subjective, I know.) I'd probably snatch them right up.
I'd say the same for the outlander and primal pursuit.. but they're waterproof which is never as cool as it sounds.
@@maguslascivious4980 …… ok 😂 good luck. If there’s one thing we’ve learned so far, it’s that there’s no perfect shoe out there yet. Maybe design one? 🤷🏻♂️ I like these for my use cases but to each is own I suppose
Lems just seem astronomically overpriced for what they are. Looks like a Chinese, Amazon special that should be $40-$50. Almost $200 bucks for a slip on boot that you keep at the door for quick in and out? These seem more like Hey Dude or Croc quality. Even at $100, they are overpriced. These would sell a ton around $50. Maybe $75 for a leather pair.
Have you owned a pair? I'll agree they're overpriced, most barefoot shoes are, but to say that they're Amazon quality is pushing it. We have Amazon barefoot shoes, they're terrible haha, and Lems are not, none have failed us yet.
@@sonsofsever I have not, but they interest me. I have wide feet, and the barefoot type boots have peaked my interest. I’ve been doing research and watching videos. The brown leather Lems look great, and can be worn on any occasion as you guys said. I just have a hard time spending my own $200 bucks on something that seems so cheap, and made in China by somewhat slave labor. The Jim Greens have caught my eye as well. Their company seems very fair and decent. Boots that are actually rebuildable for the same price.
@@benjamindacunha6974 We love Jim Green! Definitely worth checking out. I like hiking in the Lems better, but I know that the Jim Green will easily outlast them.
@@sonsofsever that makes sense. If you were buying a pair with your own money, which would it be? Also, I’d like to see you compare the regular African Ranger to the Barefoot version.
@@benjamindacunha6974 for me I'd buy the Lems, just because I'm looking for something to hike in pretty heavily and they are comfier, lighter, and more nimble feeling, so I like them on trails more. That being said, you definitely gotta be real about their durability, which we haven't had any issues with but with enough use you're bound to run into