After a year wearing my @lemsshoes Waterproof Boulder Boots I have a lot to say about them. Don’t forget to like and subscribe and follow along on instagram!
Thanks. I had seen Rose Anvil's teardown of these awhile back and now yours definitely has these on my list. I am transitioning into barefoot shoes - wearing Altra Paradigms for daily run/walks and a pair of canvass Splays for warmer weather. But I don't have any cold weather b-foot footwear yet and these are going to be it. And they bring back memories too - same brown leather and moc toe as the Sears DieHard boots I wore way back in high school. Reminiscing and Subscribed!!
I've worn the boulder waterproof as my go-to winter boot in the building trade for the last couple of years. They are great quality leather that remains strong but flexible, are breathable but are indeed waterproof. Having the taller stack height means less penetrating cold from the ground when it's freezing and paired with alpaca socks they are a winning combo for those who are outdoors all day. My only gripe is the sole. With daily load bearing work, the sole has compressed in the forefoot area, essentially rendering them no longer 0 drop but if you were just walking around I'm sure they would last longer in this respect.
i've had mine for about a year and a half, i've worn them so much that i've started to wear the stitching out lol. they are the most comfortable boots i've owned, they fit amazing
Glad you had a great experience, finally ordered some based on this review. Worst customer service ever. Double charged me and sent me both pairs, then won't respond to emails or messages to fix. Absolutely terrible service for a first time buyer.
Just ordered a shadow pair before they're gone. First time buyer. The most comfortable boots I've ever worn were Belleville C320s, which lasted me 3+ years, but still wore them for 5ish years Lmao. I think I wore the heel down into a zero-drop heel within the first year, and after that they just formed to my feet. They were light as a feather and tough as nails. Eventually I wore a hole in the sole down to the insert; They lived on as 'poo shoes' ie. slip-ons to leave my bunk for the shitter.
They look really cool, like a vintage rugged item. I hate how vivobarefoot boots look after a while because they go for a modern design and that doesnt look very good with the wrinkles in the leather and when the color starts to fade in some parts. Ill buy these pairs next! I know they are not as wide or "pure barefoot" as Vivo but it should be ok because I plan to use them only on hiking from time to time
Thanks for this review! if your feet are getting sweaty, how do they breathe? does the moisture build up and make them stink or does the moisture dissipate well enough?
Nice detailed review. This might be the boot for the colder season coming up, its hard to find "minimalist" shoes that look this good honestly. My vivo's and freet shoes are already getting cold from the thin sole so I might prefer Lems thick soles for the cold season here in Sweden. thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching! A good wool sock and these boots carried me through the winter this last season. I live in the Midwest, so it’s not arctic conditions. But… it’s below freezing for a long stretch. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
I am a remodel carpenter and have been getting interested in minimalist footwear as a solution to foot pain and long work days on my feet. I figure for heavy demo, I may have to keep some more traditional boots with heavy soles to protect my feet, but for the rest of the time I'm wondering if these could work for me. I'm really hoping fixing my footwear will chase away other developing pains I've been having.
I'm a window/door/skylight fitter in the uk. I've gone minimal for the last 6 years after boots/trainers ruined my feet. I deal with brickwork knockouts, scaffolding and ladder work and work on sites where underfoot conditions are less than ideal (hardcore etc) carrying 70kg plus individual load of tools and materials with assistance on loads up to 200kgs. My feet are now amazingly strong and pain free. I wear 5 fingers kso evo in the drier months and Vivo gobi with the lems reserved for winter. Don't worry about your feet. Once you get the brain/ground connection fixed you are so much more aware of your feet in danger areas and I have injured my feet and ankles far less than I did in heavy boots, it just takes some time for the soles of your feet to toughen up. Even socks affect how much work your feet and arches do. I love summer for the sockless 5 finger days, although they have to go through the wash every couple of days to avoid the stench from hell...
Great review, Ryan. I own the non waterproof Boulder boot for casual daily office use rather than for hiking. Would you recommend the Boulder for serious long-distance rucking? Thank you.
Check out the sizing suggestion on the website. MeSure your foot and go from there. I just followed the guide and ended up a 12. They fit me well. But I don’t wear a 12 in any other shoe. Thanks for watching!
I just got a pair of the leather ones (like your wife). The top of the boots rubbed the back of my legs sore. I'm wondering if she had any trouble with this issue and if so, what did she do to rectify it or how long did it take to break in? Thanks!
Either lace them up looser or don't lace the top two eyes until they are more broken in. I'm a construction worker and long time boot wearer. With a new pair of boots, I never lace them up all the way for a couple weeks.
@@717UT , thanks for the reply. That's exactly what I did and still the pain. I even tried them on this morning and just slipping my foot in with nothing laced the back of the boot hurts. I looked at a pair of my other boots and the top back kinda flares out away from the calf where as the Lems turn in. I'm sure that's the issue, but just not sure it can be rectified.
@@ckgonzales6743 I would say knock back to wearing them for short periods (not full days at a time) with backup shoes as necessary. Some boots take a long time to break into and get used to. I wouldn't give up on them just yet.
I go hiking, and backpacking very often. And the boulder boot tends to slip and slide in wet weather. Much like anything, don’t keep them too close to the fire if you end up getting them wet. They are very difficult to dry. I wrecked my boots from them burning and being nibbled on by squirrels and mice.
The Boulder boot is killer. To wear such a light weight boot in the NE winter and NEVER experience wet feet? Been waiting all my life for these. Going on my fourth season. Unless they stop making them - I’ll never wear another boot. (Actually have a black leather and tan non-waterproof version for dress-up)
@@Shinshiamon I just got them yesterday in mail. They look amazing! The length fit perfect! (About a cm space in front of foot, 28.5cm insole) I'm on the fence if i should return them; a little dissapointed in how narrow they are. My feet are 11cm wide at metatarsal and relaxed 12cm width at toes. I have a "bean" shaped foot so my feet are a little squished at toes and metatarsal, not sure if they will "break in" or hurt my feet. The primal 2 size 10 also fit perfect in length, they were better, but they were stretching in width and the worst part was the sole it felt as though something was bubbled under my metatarsals or stuck on bottom of shoe. Created a pressure point that got uncomfortable. Sadly I dont think Lems are for my feet. I'm going to try Be Lenka brand.
@@willywantoknow2563 I just saw a review with some Be Lenka boots. They do look to be extra ample and more round-wide, if that makes sense. I hope your feet are happy in them!
The way you move the shoe doesn't show it off enough. You're moving it too fast and it often goes out of frame. We don't need to see your face or hand gestures, we need to see the shoes up close as it has many fine details. Good review otherwise.
I have a pair of these and they are comfortable. But they’re not made in America. This is copy and pasted from their website. .” We design our shoes in-house in Boulder, Colorado which are then manufactured in a family-owned factory in China” I guess since the communist party is one big happy family I can’t believe that it’s family owned
Great review! I have the Lems Chelsea boots and I love them. I’ll probably buy those too after watching this review.
Thanks. I had seen Rose Anvil's teardown of these awhile back and now yours definitely has these on my list. I am transitioning into barefoot shoes - wearing Altra Paradigms for daily run/walks and a pair of canvass Splays for warmer weather. But I don't have any cold weather b-foot footwear yet and these are going to be it. And they bring back memories too - same brown leather and moc toe as the Sears DieHard boots I wore way back in high school. Reminiscing and Subscribed!!
Thanks for making this video, really helpful in decided whether to get these boots they look fantastic
I've worn the boulder waterproof as my go-to winter boot in the building trade for the last couple of years. They are great quality leather that remains strong but flexible, are breathable but are indeed waterproof. Having the taller stack height means less penetrating cold from the ground when it's freezing and paired with alpaca socks they are a winning combo for those who are outdoors all day.
My only gripe is the sole. With daily load bearing work, the sole has compressed in the forefoot area, essentially rendering them no longer 0 drop but if you were just walking around I'm sure they would last longer in this respect.
i've had mine for about a year and a half, i've worn them so much that i've started to wear the stitching out lol. they are the most comfortable boots i've owned, they fit amazing
Been wearing bare foot shoes for the past 6 years and I just ordered these, I can't wait to wear them. 👍
awesome review!
Thanks for the review! Have you considered the new Boulder Summits? Curious how they compare.
Which Boulder Boot is best for summer hiking? I have this pair and LOVE them. Going on four years now!
Glad you had a great experience, finally ordered some based on this review. Worst customer service ever. Double charged me and sent me both pairs, then won't respond to emails or messages to fix. Absolutely terrible service for a first time buyer.
Just ordered a shadow pair before they're gone. First time buyer.
The most comfortable boots I've ever worn were Belleville C320s, which lasted me 3+ years, but still wore them for 5ish years Lmao. I think I wore the heel down into a zero-drop heel within the first year, and after that they just formed to my feet. They were light as a feather and tough as nails.
Eventually I wore a hole in the sole down to the insert; They lived on as 'poo shoes' ie. slip-ons to leave my bunk for the shitter.
They look really cool, like a vintage rugged item. I hate how vivobarefoot boots look after a while because they go for a modern design and that doesnt look very good with the wrinkles in the leather and when the color starts to fade in some parts. Ill buy these pairs next!
I know they are not as wide or "pure barefoot" as Vivo but it should be ok because I plan to use them only on hiking from time to time
Thanks for this review! if your feet are getting sweaty, how do they breathe? does the moisture build up and make them stink or does the moisture dissipate well enough?
Can ya use brown kiwi on them or they a suade type leather?
Nice detailed review.
This might be the boot for the colder season coming up, its hard to find "minimalist" shoes that look this good honestly.
My vivo's and freet shoes are already getting cold from the thin sole so I might prefer Lems thick soles for the cold season here in Sweden.
thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching! A good wool sock and these boots carried me through the winter this last season. I live in the Midwest, so it’s not arctic conditions. But… it’s below freezing for a long stretch. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
I am a remodel carpenter and have been getting interested in minimalist footwear as a solution to foot pain and long work days on my feet. I figure for heavy demo, I may have to keep some more traditional boots with heavy soles to protect my feet, but for the rest of the time I'm wondering if these could work for me. I'm really hoping fixing my footwear will chase away other developing pains I've been having.
I'm a window/door/skylight fitter in the uk. I've gone minimal for the last 6 years after boots/trainers ruined my feet. I deal with brickwork knockouts, scaffolding and ladder work and work on sites where underfoot conditions are less than ideal (hardcore etc) carrying 70kg plus individual load of tools and materials with assistance on loads up to 200kgs. My feet are now amazingly strong and pain free. I wear 5 fingers kso evo in the drier months and Vivo gobi with the lems reserved for winter. Don't worry about your feet. Once you get the brain/ground connection fixed you are so much more aware of your feet in danger areas and I have injured my feet and ankles far less than I did in heavy boots, it just takes some time for the soles of your feet to toughen up. Even socks affect how much work your feet and arches do. I love summer for the sockless 5 finger days, although they have to go through the wash every couple of days to avoid the stench from hell...
Great review, Ryan. I own the non waterproof Boulder boot for casual daily office use rather than for hiking. Would you recommend the Boulder for serious long-distance rucking? Thank you.
Lems came out with a new boot designed more for outdoors, the Summit. Love the Boulder; can't wait to get the Summit as my new hiking boot!
Classic
I think made in China actually, says on website I’m pretty sure
So you recommend going up half a size? Is that the typical scaling? Thanks for making the review, looks like a good boot.
Check out the sizing suggestion on the website. MeSure your foot and go from there. I just followed the guide and ended up a 12. They fit me well. But I don’t wear a 12 in any other shoe. Thanks for watching!
@@mensbarefoot What is your usual size?
I just got a pair of the leather ones (like your wife). The top of the boots rubbed the back of my legs sore. I'm wondering if she had any trouble with this issue and if so, what did she do to rectify it or how long did it take to break in? Thanks!
Either lace them up looser or don't lace the top two eyes until they are more broken in. I'm a construction worker and long time boot wearer. With a new pair of boots, I never lace them up all the way for a couple weeks.
@@717UT , thanks for the reply. That's exactly what I did and still the pain. I even tried them on this morning and just slipping my foot in with nothing laced the back of the boot hurts. I looked at a pair of my other boots and the top back kinda flares out away from the calf where as the Lems turn in. I'm sure that's the issue, but just not sure it can be rectified.
@@ckgonzales6743 I would say knock back to wearing them for short periods (not full days at a time) with backup shoes as necessary. Some boots take a long time to break into and get used to. I wouldn't give up on them just yet.
She always wears hers with tall socks! So this wasn’t ever an issue.
@@mensbarefoot so do I.
how would you compare this to their chelsea
Chelsey “feels” the same as you wear it. But will have more of the regular Boulder feel not the waterproof.
Where the slippery on icy condition ?
I didn’t have any issues on ice this year. But! They have just released an even more grippy version if you are worried about it.
How do they do on trails and hiking?
Well, I’m honestly not much of a trail/hiker. But, mowing wet grass, at an angle… they did really well. Hope that helps! Lol. Thanks for watching!
I go hiking, and backpacking very often. And the boulder boot tends to slip and slide in wet weather. Much like anything, don’t keep them too close to the fire if you end up getting them wet. They are very difficult to dry. I wrecked my boots from them burning and being nibbled on by squirrels and mice.
The Boulder boot is killer. To wear such a light weight boot in the NE winter and NEVER experience wet feet? Been waiting all my life for these. Going on my fourth season. Unless they stop making them - I’ll never wear another boot. (Actually have a black leather and tan non-waterproof version for dress-up)
What is your foot length in cm For size 12 Boulder. Im about to order online cant decide on 11.5 or 12.
My feet are 28.25 and 28.09 cm.
@@mensbarefoot thanks👍
I eneded up ordering size 11 in waterproof boulder
My foot is 27.5cm
Well see how it works out.
@@willywantoknow2563 keep us posted plz
@@Shinshiamon I just got them yesterday in mail. They look amazing! The length fit perfect! (About a cm space in front of foot, 28.5cm insole) I'm on the fence if i should return them; a little dissapointed in how narrow they are. My feet are 11cm wide at metatarsal and relaxed 12cm width at toes. I have a "bean" shaped foot so my feet are a little squished at toes and metatarsal, not sure if they will "break in" or hurt my feet.
The primal 2 size 10 also fit perfect in length, they were better, but they were stretching in width and the worst part was the sole it felt as though something was bubbled under my metatarsals or stuck on bottom of shoe. Created a pressure point that got uncomfortable. Sadly I dont think Lems are for my feet.
I'm going to try Be Lenka brand.
@@willywantoknow2563 I just saw a review with some Be Lenka boots. They do look to be extra ample and more round-wide, if that makes sense. I hope your feet are happy in them!
Genuinely you just rub some beeswax boot wax into those babies and they'll look beautiful
Believe the company is in Boulder, CO. But the boot is made in China.
Yes, which was surprising to me. I thought I was helping out our economy, just to find out, I paid China
How else do you make 💰 from 🗑️?
Is it slippery 😮
I have the Chillum shoes. Same soles. Not super gripping, but very comfortable.
@@kgilliagorilla2761 I need grippy shoes and waterproof is a bonus any recommendations?
You fell for the emperor's new clothes?
The way you move the shoe doesn't show it off enough. You're moving it too fast and it often goes out of frame. We don't need to see your face or hand gestures, we need to see the shoes up close as it has many fine details. Good review otherwise.
I have a pair of these and they are comfortable.
But they’re not made in America. This is copy and pasted from their website.
.” We design our shoes in-house in Boulder, Colorado which are then manufactured in a family-owned factory in China”
I guess since the communist party is one big happy family I can’t believe that it’s family owned
Do you actually wear these with no socks?
How about saddle soap and leather treatment creams...???
Naaa. Buy new.
The tread wears out so fast there’s really no point. By the time the leather starts to suffer you’ll need a new pair anyway.
Rolled up jeans cuffs...really...??wtf...! 🤮
Hey let the man dress how he wants to