If you’re looking for a wide, zero-drop minimalist running shoe thats more durable than not, you’ll love the Lems Primal 2 which will not only exceed all your long distance road and trail running expectations, these barefoot shoes are also durably built for any harsh, beat-up, hard surface!



Like a true minimalist shoe, the Lems Primal 2 is the perfect utility for foot strength revitalization because the shoes signature fit features an ultra wide toe-box to make your toes more functionally usable, while the completely unrestrictive fit of the overall shoe is a foot strength enhancer by giving the feet more power to engage and interact.

Whats the Lems Primal 2 Good For?
The Lems Primal 2 is very versatile and is ideally suited for anything up to ultra long running distances. They’re also perfect for all of your favourite gym workouts, and are obviously a comfortable all-day, casual walking shoe. Because of the thicker protective foundation between you and the ground, the Primal 2 is a better choice for runners used to running in a more protective, cushioned running shoe.
The Lems Primal 2 is also trail-ready, especially for very treacherous rocky terrain in dry and wet conditions.
Upper Specifications
The upper is a combination of carefully positioned soft micro-fiber framing that gives a remarkably smooth feel. The upper also features panels of cross-hatching patterned closed-mesh fabrications for a closer, more comfortable, foot-conforming fit.


The wide toe-box has a good flex profile and is one of the shoes important assets because it engages the forefoot and toes at a much higher level as compared with traditional footwear which are often too narrow in the front which is a primary risk factor for bunions, neuromas and other painful foot ailments.

One of the surest ways to physically and functionally damage your feet is by routinely wearing narrow shoes with a raised heel (left). Numerous studies have verified that narrow footwear is the main cause of bunions, neuromas and other painful foot malformations. Worse still, the toes aren’t even engaged in a basic level in conventional shoes because they cannot spread, flex and extend. This leads to dangerous rises in uneven impact stress over the foot, putting you in the danger zone for injury. Thankfully, Lems footwear (right) goes above and beyond meeting all the functional needs of the feet by designing barefoot-first shoes that work with your foot, not against it. Their shoes will keep your feet fully functional, especially allowing your toes to naturally expand and extend more fully for better balance control, especially on uneven terrain!

To reduce weight and improve fit, the Primal 2’s upper has a slightly lower cut at the ankle. Even better, the uppers overall light and flexible materials makes it stretchy from forefoot to heel, yet snug enough throughout the heel and midfoot to prevent slippage when cutting corners.

The upper is also warm enough to provide protection against cold weather, especially when thicker socks are worn, but is still airy enough to keep everything light and cool in hotter conditions.
Outsole Specifications
One of the most essential features of the Lems Primal 2 is its zero-drop, 8-mm thick, air-blown rubber sole provides the perfect amount of traction on dry and wet pavement, soft trails, moderately technical surfaces as well as rocky trails. Not to mention, its ample durability will definitely serve you well as a long distance running shoe!


In addition to its rugged durability, the Primal 2’s sole also delivers moderate cushioning that doesn’t feel squishy or excessive, but is protective enough to make the bumps, rocks, twigs, acorns, etc, feel good!
Despite the added underfoot protection, the sole still allows you to feel the ground enough to keep you fully dialled into your forefoot strike.
Another bonus of the sole is it delivers a smoothing of the road and a comfortable landing that doesn’t lose comfort over longer runs or at faster paces, regardless of surface hardness! The primal 2’s also come with a removable insole for runners who enjoy an extra touch of protective cushioning.

Overall, the Primal 2’s sole packs lots of durability for high mileage on any road surface (dry or wet) and dry, rocky trails.

Final Thoughts….

Without a doubt, the Lems Primal 2s is a solid minimalist shoe for high-mileage runners looking for an improved road and trail running experience. Not to mention, the Primal 2’s are excellent for speed-work, tempo runs and road and trail races, since the sole provides good responsiveness for faster efforts!

If you’re interested in getting your paws of a pair of the Lems Primal 2, you can do so here!
For a more clear-eyed view of the Lems Primal 2s in action, check out my YouTube review on them here!
If you’ve enjoyed this review, feel free to check out my other reviews here, on the minimalist running shoes most suitable for helping adopt the forefoot running technique.
P.S. Don’t forget to check out my Run Forefoot Facebook page here! It’s a terrific place to ask questions about forefoot running, barefoot running and injury. I’m always happy to help!
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