- 2%
Lems Primal Zen Suede Men's, Graphite / M5/W6.5
(1,086 reviews)
This version of the Primal Zen features a soft suede upper with perforations throughout, making it an ultra comfortable, highly breathable option. 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. 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!
This version of the Primal Zen features a soft suede upper with perforations throughout, making it an ultra comfortable, highly breathable option. 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. 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!
$215.63
in 1 offers
Colour:
Lems Primal Zen Suede Men's, Graphite / M5/W6.5
$215.63
(1,086 reviews)
This version of the Primal Zen features a soft suede upper with perforations throughout, making it an ultra comfortable, highly breathable option. 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. 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!
This version of the Primal Zen features a soft suede upper with perforations throughout, making it an ultra comfortable, highly breathable option. 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. 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!
Colour:
Size
6½
Price comparison
Last updated at 25/06/2025 16:07:12
Price history
Price history
Reviews
Almost perfect except for one thing.
25 October 2023
Derek W.
originally posted on lemsshoes.com
I was really excited when i first got these. This is my 5th pair of Lems. I love the way they fit and these are no exception. These have that same great feel but with a slightly
more substantial sole than the original primals , but less than the primal pursuit, which is perfect for me. I also love the new cork insoles. The only reason im not giving these
5 stars is unlike all my previous lems these already look terrible after only casual wear over a month. After only a couple weeks the plastic like layer on the sides started to
crack right where your foot bends as you walk. At this point that part is basically shredded, just from walking. The rest of the shoe looks brand new, but that part l...
more substantial sole than the original primals , but less than the primal pursuit, which is perfect for me. I also love the new cork insoles. The only reason im not giving these
5 stars is unlike all my previous lems these already look terrible after only casual wear over a month. After only a couple weeks the plastic like layer on the sides started to
crack right where your foot bends as you walk. At this point that part is basically shredded, just from walking. The rest of the shoe looks brand new, but that part l...
Comfortable, Light but durability is in question
4 January 2024
Jacob F.
originally posted on lemsshoes.com
I've owned these shoes for about 6 months now and feel I can speak highly of these shoes while still having some issues with their longevity. I only own 2 pairs of shoes, these
and a pair of Lem's Boulder Mids and I wear these a lot. When I spend over $50 on a pair of shoes, I want them to last, with their price point I question whether or not I will buy
them again due to the con's listed below.Pro's:-Very light and comfortable. The toe box leaves plenty of room for my toes to spread yet the shoes do not feel like they will fall
off. Very versatile, I can run, lift, hike, and travel and these shoes do well in all facets.Con's:The plastic around the toe box started cracking almost immediately. I...
and a pair of Lem's Boulder Mids and I wear these a lot. When I spend over $50 on a pair of shoes, I want them to last, with their price point I question whether or not I will buy
them again due to the con's listed below.Pro's:-Very light and comfortable. The toe box leaves plenty of room for my toes to spread yet the shoes do not feel like they will fall
off. Very versatile, I can run, lift, hike, and travel and these shoes do well in all facets.Con's:The plastic around the toe box started cracking almost immediately. I...
Excellent fit and quality
18 February 2024
Bert S.
originally posted on lemsshoes.com
I was preparing for our "around the world" trip, that was taking us literally, around the world. With only carry-on luggage, space was at a premium, so I needed a lightweight
compact closed toe shoe to accompany my sandals. Having size 15 feet limits my choices dramatically. After looking at a ton of websites, I stumbled upon Lems Shoes.I
bought a pair of "Primal Zen Suede, Graphite". I wore them every day for a month and a half of exploring many different cities in Spain, India and Cambodia. These shoes are
super comfortable for me, and are very grippy on all surfaces, even wet cobblestones. I could detect zero noticeable wear to the soles, and the shoes still looked...
compact closed toe shoe to accompany my sandals. Having size 15 feet limits my choices dramatically. After looking at a ton of websites, I stumbled upon Lems Shoes.I
bought a pair of "Primal Zen Suede, Graphite". I wore them every day for a month and a half of exploring many different cities in Spain, India and Cambodia. These shoes are
super comfortable for me, and are very grippy on all surfaces, even wet cobblestones. I could detect zero noticeable wear to the soles, and the shoes still looked...
Specification
| Variant | |
| color | Graphite |
| size | 5 |
Price comparison
Updated about 7 hours agoLems Shoes
$215.63
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Bprimal
$249.00
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Price history
Price history
Reviews
Almost perfect except for one thing.
25 October 2023
I was really excited when i first got these. This is my 5th pair of Lems. I love the way they fit and these are no exception. These have that same great feel but with a slightly more substantial sole than the original primals , but less than the primal pursuit, which is perfect for me. I also love the new cork insoles. The only reason im not giving these 5 stars is unlike all my previous lems these already look terrible after only casual wear over a month. After only a couple weeks the plastic like layer on the sides started to crack right where your foot bends as you walk. At this point that part is basically shredded, just from walking. The rest of the shoe looks brand new, but that part looks terrible. I would understand if if had been a year, or if i had been ... MoreI was really excited when i first got these. This is my 5th pair of Lems. I love the way they fit and these are no exception. These have that same great feel but with a slightly more substantial sole than the original primals , but less than the primal pursuit, which is perfect for me. I also love the new cork insoles. The only reason im not giving these 5 stars is unlike all my previous lems these already look terrible after only casual wear over a month. After only a couple weeks the plastic like layer on the sides started to crack right where your foot bends as you walk. At this point that part is basically shredded, just from walking. The rest of the shoe looks brand new, but that part looks terrible. I would understand if if had been a year, or if i had been hiking in them or something, but that isn't the case. I still love them, im just disappointed that my favorite pair of Lems ive had so far ended up looking trashed so quickly. Please fix this in the next iteration of this shoe, I will buy them.
Derek W.
originally posted on lemsshoes.comComfortable, Light but durability is in question
4 January 2024
I've owned these shoes for about 6 months now and feel I can speak highly of these shoes while still having some issues with their longevity. I only own 2 pairs of shoes, these and a pair of Lem's Boulder Mids and I wear these a lot. When I spend over $50 on a pair of shoes, I want them to last, with their price point I question whether or not I will buy them again due to the con's listed below.Pro's:-Very light and comfortable. The toe box leaves plenty of room for my toes to spread yet the shoes do not feel like they will fall off. Very versatile, I can run, lift, hike, and travel and these shoes do well in all facets.Con's:The plastic around the toe box started cracking almost immediately. I feel the durability of the tread to be lackluster a I believe the ... MoreI've owned these shoes for about 6 months now and feel I can speak highly of these shoes while still having some issues with their longevity. I only own 2 pairs of shoes, these and a pair of Lem's Boulder Mids and I wear these a lot. When I spend over $50 on a pair of shoes, I want them to last, with their price point I question whether or not I will buy them again due to the con's listed below.Pro's:-Very light and comfortable. The toe box leaves plenty of room for my toes to spread yet the shoes do not feel like they will fall off. Very versatile, I can run, lift, hike, and travel and these shoes do well in all facets.Con's:The plastic around the toe box started cracking almost immediately. I feel the durability of the tread to be lackluster a I believe the tread wears much quicker than other shoes. The suede on the front of the toe box, is a different shade of grey than the rest of the shoe, not a big deal but I do wish it matched the same grey. The stitching ripped on the heel pull the first day I owned them. Not the end of the world and the other shoe's heel pull has held up well (could be user error, could have been a poor stitch).
Jacob F.
originally posted on lemsshoes.comExcellent fit and quality
18 February 2024
I was preparing for our "around the world" trip, that was taking us literally, around the world. With only carry-on luggage, space was at a premium, so I needed a lightweight compact closed toe shoe to accompany my sandals. Having size 15 feet limits my choices dramatically. After looking at a ton of websites, I stumbled upon Lems Shoes.I bought a pair of "Primal Zen Suede, Graphite". I wore them every day for a month and a half of exploring many different cities in Spain, India and Cambodia. These shoes are super comfortable for me, and are very grippy on all surfaces, even wet cobblestones. I could detect zero noticeable wear to the soles, and the shoes still looked new. That's notable, because I weigh 250 lbs, and I am hard on shoes. As often as not, I'll have ... MoreI was preparing for our "around the world" trip, that was taking us literally, around the world. With only carry-on luggage, space was at a premium, so I needed a lightweight compact closed toe shoe to accompany my sandals. Having size 15 feet limits my choices dramatically. After looking at a ton of websites, I stumbled upon Lems Shoes.I bought a pair of "Primal Zen Suede, Graphite". I wore them every day for a month and a half of exploring many different cities in Spain, India and Cambodia. These shoes are super comfortable for me, and are very grippy on all surfaces, even wet cobblestones. I could detect zero noticeable wear to the soles, and the shoes still looked new. That's notable, because I weigh 250 lbs, and I am hard on shoes. As often as not, I'll have shoes literally falling apart after this much use. We arrived at a friend's house in Phnom Penh towards the end of the adventure, and he has the same enormous sized feet as me. He loved and coveted my Lems, and he has a hard time getting things shipped from the states, so I gifted them to him. I immediately ordered another pair, and they were waiting on my front porch when I got home. As long as the fit and quality of these shoes remain constant, I don't ever see my future self without at least one pair of Lems!
Bert S.
originally posted on lemsshoes.comGood first impression of Lems
12 January 2024
This is my first pair of Lems, and so far I'm really enjoying them. After wearing shoes for years that squeezed my toes together, to the point where my pinkies are now permanently angled inwards (hopefully Correctoes can help), I wanted to get something that would give my feet some breathing room. I had purchased a pair of Xero HFSes a couple years ago, and while they were comfortable, everyone commented on how they looked like "slippers." I also didn't like how they made noisy tapping sounds on hard surfaces, so I just got out of the habit of wearing them. Compared to those, these shoes look (and sound) much better. They're understated, and strike a great balance between a casual and athletic aesthetic.I haven't been wearing them for long enough to comment on ... MoreThis is my first pair of Lems, and so far I'm really enjoying them. After wearing shoes for years that squeezed my toes together, to the point where my pinkies are now permanently angled inwards (hopefully Correctoes can help), I wanted to get something that would give my feet some breathing room. I had purchased a pair of Xero HFSes a couple years ago, and while they were comfortable, everyone commented on how they looked like "slippers." I also didn't like how they made noisy tapping sounds on hard surfaces, so I just got out of the habit of wearing them. Compared to those, these shoes look (and sound) much better. They're understated, and strike a great balance between a casual and athletic aesthetic.I haven't been wearing them for long enough to comment on durability, but so far I don't see any obvious points of potential failure. If I have a major issue in the near future I will come back and update.When I ordered these, (very fast shipping, by the way), I was a bit concerned that they would actually be too wide, since this is supposed to be Lems' widest configuration. I find them to be roomy, but not cavernous, and love the extra space compared to other shoes. In fact, I'd say it's just about perfect. I wouldn't want them any narrower, and if they were wider they might start to look strange. I was also a little apprehensive about the cork(?) soles, since from the images they just looked really stiff and hard to me. They're actually quite cushy, and plenty flexible, so no issues there.Finally, size. If you are new to Lems like I was, hopefully this can help you out. I wear a size 11 (mens US) in Merrells and Converse, and a size 11.5 in Keens and Oboz. My Xeros are size 12, since they didn't offer them in 11.5. I ordered these Lems in 11.5, and they fit great. I may get a passable fit in 11s, but 12 would be too big for sure. I think I ordered the right size.Overall, very pleased, and assuming they hold up over time, I expect to be a long-term Lems customer.
Kellen G.
originally posted on lemsshoes.comLife Changers!!!
13 December 2023
I have a wide foot and searching for shoes is always a frustrating process. I usually end up settling for whatever shoe doesn't hurt, regardless of color or style. I have been researching Lems for a couple of years now and I finally decided to take the plunge and ordered a pair. I am so grateful I did. Not only are they stylish and well made but they are the most comfortable shoe I have ever owned. Let me repeat that. These are the MOST COMFORTABLE SHOES I HAVE EVER OWNED! They fit like a glove around my wide foot and provide hour upon hour of comfort.I was concerned that the zero drop footbed would not allow enough support and cushion. I could not have been more wrong. In fact, they are so comfortable that I continue to wear them when I get home from a day at ... MoreI have a wide foot and searching for shoes is always a frustrating process. I usually end up settling for whatever shoe doesn't hurt, regardless of color or style. I have been researching Lems for a couple of years now and I finally decided to take the plunge and ordered a pair. I am so grateful I did. Not only are they stylish and well made but they are the most comfortable shoe I have ever owned. Let me repeat that. These are the MOST COMFORTABLE SHOES I HAVE EVER OWNED! They fit like a glove around my wide foot and provide hour upon hour of comfort.I was concerned that the zero drop footbed would not allow enough support and cushion. I could not have been more wrong. In fact, they are so comfortable that I continue to wear them when I get home from a day at work. I don't want to take them off! I cannot say enough about the quality of the shoe and my satisfaction. I am planning on ordering a second pair so I can have one to wear for work and another for when I'm out and about or at home. Thank you Lems for making a shoe that people with wide feet can actually enjoy. Consider me a customer for life!!
Todd L.
originally posted on lemsshoes.comMy new daily driver
25 December 2023
This is an excellent shoe. Comfortable, well made and sturdy, and looks good. I don’t do much hiking but I did have occasion to walk up a steep, grassy hill the other day and I noticed exceptional traction from this shoe.A note on sizing: I usually wear US men’s 9, but I got the 9.5 instead. I purchased a different model shoe months before and the size 9 was too tight. However, 9.5 in this shoe is slightly on the loose side, so I think I could have done regular 9. It’s still comfortable though so maybe 9.5 is correct after all. I can still wear the size 9 in the other shoe but if I’ve neglected my toenails then they touch. But I usually keep my toenails cut because they’re hard as diamonds and I’ve unfortunately injured a toddler before with these talons. I’m not ... MoreThis is an excellent shoe. Comfortable, well made and sturdy, and looks good. I don’t do much hiking but I did have occasion to walk up a steep, grassy hill the other day and I noticed exceptional traction from this shoe.A note on sizing: I usually wear US men’s 9, but I got the 9.5 instead. I purchased a different model shoe months before and the size 9 was too tight. However, 9.5 in this shoe is slightly on the loose side, so I think I could have done regular 9. It’s still comfortable though so maybe 9.5 is correct after all. I can still wear the size 9 in the other shoe but if I’ve neglected my toenails then they touch. But I usually keep my toenails cut because they’re hard as diamonds and I’ve unfortunately injured a toddler before with these talons. I’m not proud of that, but I mention it because maybe I just have mutant toenails and that’s why I need the half size bigger shoe.I definitely will be expanding my Lems shoe collection. Very satisfied.
Robert C.
originally posted on lemsshoes.comMy second pair of barefoot shoes (ever) and they feel great.
3 May 2024
They fit very well. With normal shoes I wear a 10.5 and have wide feet. I got the 10.5 Lems. I did have to take out the cork insoles but honestly they are perfectly comfortable without them for me. As mentioned in the title I have worn a pair of barefoot shoes before (I don't remember the brand. Something I got off of Amazon though). I liked them at the time and I do think they allowed my feet to adjust to the barefoot style. So, going into these shoes I did have that adjustment period and it didn't take long (maybe a couple of days) for my feet to get used to the Lems. That previous pair was quite a few years ago.They are comfortable, and I like how they look, and I'm happy that my toes have room to breathe. Only downside I can think of is how easily they have ... MoreThey fit very well. With normal shoes I wear a 10.5 and have wide feet. I got the 10.5 Lems. I did have to take out the cork insoles but honestly they are perfectly comfortable without them for me. As mentioned in the title I have worn a pair of barefoot shoes before (I don't remember the brand. Something I got off of Amazon though). I liked them at the time and I do think they allowed my feet to adjust to the barefoot style. So, going into these shoes I did have that adjustment period and it didn't take long (maybe a couple of days) for my feet to get used to the Lems. That previous pair was quite a few years ago.They are comfortable, and I like how they look, and I'm happy that my toes have room to breathe. Only downside I can think of is how easily they have gotten 'splotches' on them (maybe from washing dishes in them). I haven't tried cleaning them off yet. I also have not worn these in wet conditions so I hope if that does happen they will hold up, but I can't comment on that. A bit on the expensive side, but I don't have enough comparisons to really say if they are 'too' expensive for the quality. The quality is great.
Leif G.
originally posted on lemsshoes.comPrimal Zen Suede: three months review
18 March 2024
I have a lot of experience with footwear. Being blessed with wide feet, I have gravitated towards (and used) Altra and Topo models. Topo is my go-to brand now but they do not offer professional looking options. I was very hopeful getting the Primal Zen suede as an every day shoe.PROS:- Love the fit and feel for my feet.- Walking motion is natural.- Wearing them all day is comfortable.- They look great!CONS:- The left shoe was painful on my heel inside where the webbing loop was stitched into the heel counter. I used the rubbing bar at my local REI to reshape that spot so it didn’t dig into my heel. This helped immensely, but most people would have to return the shoes.- The sole material is wearing noticeably at the main flex groove below the metatarsal ... MoreI have a lot of experience with footwear. Being blessed with wide feet, I have gravitated towards (and used) Altra and Topo models. Topo is my go-to brand now but they do not offer professional looking options. I was very hopeful getting the Primal Zen suede as an every day shoe.PROS:- Love the fit and feel for my feet.- Walking motion is natural.- Wearing them all day is comfortable.- They look great!CONS:- The left shoe was painful on my heel inside where the webbing loop was stitched into the heel counter. I used the rubbing bar at my local REI to reshape that spot so it didn’t dig into my heel. This helped immensely, but most people would have to return the shoes.- The sole material is wearing noticeably at the main flex groove below the metatarsal joints. I’m not hard on shoes so that’s concerning. I’d give up some flexibility for a tougher rubber outsole versus the blown rubber.- The plastic overlays on the sides cracked from the first use, and while not coming off, this plastic material does not seem like a great material choice for a flex zone.SUMMARY: I would love to give five stars, but given the cons I experienced with my pair, three stars is more appropriate. I can live with the overlay cracks, but the heel pressure point from the strap and the rapid wear would potentially deter purchasing this model again. I would love to see the Primal Zen widest fit merged with the more robust construction of the Trailhead or Pursuit models. Lems, I hope you are listening!
BE
originally posted on lemsshoes.comSuede is soft
4 January 2024
Finally a Primal with a more solid, supportive sole to walk on. The suede is soft and pliable. Though the suede requires upkeep, this was still was an excellent design choice for the pliability it offers. The designers used a last that is the widest available in their line, so I'm grateful for this.The new design also includes a solid heel back, no more folding fabric back there. Finally, finally. More sturdiness back there for support, form, and function. Good job, Lems.I'm not a true minimalist, just someone who has a very wide foot and doesn't like too much rigidity in a shoe. Given that, to make it work for me, I've placed memory foam inserts and an additional Dr. Scholl's heel and arch support insert for extra cushion. Lems is a minimalist shoe, and I'm ... MoreFinally a Primal with a more solid, supportive sole to walk on. The suede is soft and pliable. Though the suede requires upkeep, this was still was an excellent design choice for the pliability it offers. The designers used a last that is the widest available in their line, so I'm grateful for this.The new design also includes a solid heel back, no more folding fabric back there. Finally, finally. More sturdiness back there for support, form, and function. Good job, Lems.I'm not a true minimalist, just someone who has a very wide foot and doesn't like too much rigidity in a shoe. Given that, to make it work for me, I've placed memory foam inserts and an additional Dr. Scholl's heel and arch support insert for extra cushion. Lems is a minimalist shoe, and I'm very aware of my needs, which means I need extra cushion within. Overall, this is the only pair of shoes I wear and would purchase again.Would like to see a shoe in this last, with this suede, with this sturdiness in construction in a mary jane style with velcro straps, maybe a ballerina slip on, if possible...Thank you.
Angeline Y.
originally posted on lemsshoes.comVery good starter pair, could be slightly wider
5 March 2024
Being totally new to the world of wide toe-box shoes, it was tough to know where to start but overwhelmingly Lem's seemed to be a pretty safe bet for the price. I opted for the Primal Zen Suede (grey) because they looked nice, had great reviews, and were some of the widest shoes offered on the site. (I've always thought my feet were a little on the wide side, but not freakishly so.) I ordered a size 11.5 after doing several size measures (I've worn between 11 and 11.5 in the past, depending on the brand) and, lo and behold, lengthwise they were right on! Unfortunately they were not so comfy in the width, especially around the midfoot, but after (reluctantly) removing the insoles and trying an alternate lacing technique, they were comfy enough to wear.I've had them ... MoreBeing totally new to the world of wide toe-box shoes, it was tough to know where to start but overwhelmingly Lem's seemed to be a pretty safe bet for the price. I opted for the Primal Zen Suede (grey) because they looked nice, had great reviews, and were some of the widest shoes offered on the site. (I've always thought my feet were a little on the wide side, but not freakishly so.) I ordered a size 11.5 after doing several size measures (I've worn between 11 and 11.5 in the past, depending on the brand) and, lo and behold, lengthwise they were right on! Unfortunately they were not so comfy in the width, especially around the midfoot, but after (reluctantly) removing the insoles and trying an alternate lacing technique, they were comfy enough to wear.I've had them about three weeks now and they broke in almost immediately, and are among the comfier shoes I've worn in recent memory. However, removing the insoles AND having to lace them a specific way are two pretty big concessions and makes me wish they were made a bit wider by default. I've never had to go to such lengths (outside of Nikes, which are uncomfortably narrow) just to have shoes fit properly, even though the end result has been very much worth it so far.
Randall M. I.
originally posted on lemsshoes.comSpecification
| Variant | |
| color | Graphite |
| size | 5 |