Last updated at 10/05/2026 23:47:47
Men's Primal Pursuit Canyon (Suede) / 14
Delivery between 15–20 May $103.61
originally posted on lemsshoes.com
I've been wearing my Primal Pursuits (Orion Blue) for about 1.5 years now. I've had Primal 2s, and I also currently have Primal Zens.I have used them to what I would consider quite a heavy degree. They've been on hikes, camping, on soft terrain, on hard rocky terrain, through mud, rain, snow, ice... I'm currently in Patagonia where they've been my primary shoes for everything down here.I originally ordered them with the idea that they were "Primal 2s, but tailored more for the trail". They might be the closest trail-oriented shoes that fit that description, but they are no Primal 2s. They are tighter both horizontally and vertically. They simply don't have the same comfort and "perfect" feel for my feet that the Primal 2s had, and that my Primal Zens currently ... MoreI've been wearing my Primal Pursuits (Orion Blue) for about 1.5 years now. I've had Primal 2s, and I also currently have Primal Zens.I have used them to what I would consider quite a heavy degree. They've been on hikes, camping, on soft terrain, on hard rocky terrain, through mud, rain, snow, ice... I'm currently in Patagonia where they've been my primary shoes for everything down here.I originally ordered them with the idea that they were "Primal 2s, but tailored more for the trail". They might be the closest trail-oriented shoes that fit that description, but they are no Primal 2s. They are tighter both horizontally and vertically. They simply don't have the same comfort and "perfect" feel for my feet that the Primal 2s had, and that my Primal Zens currently have.I've also continually had an issue with the lacing and tongue on the left shoe. The tongue will, over time, shift leftward until it is rotated about 45 degrees out of position. I have not been able to fix this. I've tried lacing the shoe again with the laces alternating the opposite direction. I've tried a tight heel-lock during hikes. No matter what, the tongue will shift. If I leave it in place like that, it eventually feels like the blood circulation is reduced to my left foot. This is not a completely huge problem because it has an easy workaround (tug the tongue back into position every 15-30 minutes while hiking), but it is nevertheless annoying and another knock against it compared to the other Primals. Neither my Primal 2s nor my Primal Zens have this issue.The positives is that they are definitely more durable than Primal 2s for hiking, and they have much more grip to different surfaces. That's about it. Those are pretty important, but even with them, I enjoyed hiking in Primal 2s more simply because they were "perfectly comfortable".I think a big issue is that these use a different last than the 2 and Zen. They both use the "Widest" Lems last, while the Pursuit uses the "Wide". I'm sure there was a technical or logistical reason for not having the same last in this Primal compared to the others, but I really, really wish it were the same... or whatever else would be required to change to get them to have the same feel as the 2 and Zen. Whenever I put on my Primal Zens, they simply feel right. Much more comfortable than the Pursuits.Maybe one day Lems will create a "trail" shoe that is truly the same fit and feel as the Primal 2s and Primal Zens. Maybe they already have, and I just received a defective pair... or this review is of an outdated pair and they've improved them since I bought mine. Who knows.
originally posted on lemsshoes.com
The wide toe box and the zero drop felt great. I loved the style and enjoyed wearing them all day every day for about a year at work and outside in Canada and SE Asia.After this point, I started to notice issues. The first problem was the heel. For context, I wear arch-support made of hard thermoset plastic. The inside heel of the shoe started to tear seriously at the contact point with my orthotic, so I had to have a leather patch sewn in. Next, the shoe started to tear at the upper rim exposing the foam padding. Finally, the 'breathable material' tore open by the pinky toe which signalled game over for the shoe.With the great fit and durability of the rubber sole, I really hoped that this shoe would last longer, especially for the price point. I am interested in ... MoreThe wide toe box and the zero drop felt great. I loved the style and enjoyed wearing them all day every day for about a year at work and outside in Canada and SE Asia.After this point, I started to notice issues. The first problem was the heel. For context, I wear arch-support made of hard thermoset plastic. The inside heel of the shoe started to tear seriously at the contact point with my orthotic, so I had to have a leather patch sewn in. Next, the shoe started to tear at the upper rim exposing the foam padding. Finally, the 'breathable material' tore open by the pinky toe which signalled game over for the shoe.With the great fit and durability of the rubber sole, I really hoped that this shoe would last longer, especially for the price point. I am interested in trying another model, but I am afraid the results will be the same.TL;DR Perfect shoe for me by fit and aesthetic but the material quit before the two-year markAlso to note: I would not recommend them for running since the high impact may not be good for your joint
originally posted on lemsshoes.com
I purchased these about 3 years ago exclusively to use as work shoes. I am a residential painter and now aircraft painter and wear them about 10-12 hours a day. They held up extreme abuse, day in and day out; being on my feel all day, up and down ladders and scaffolds, walking on concrete, etc. The comfort is exceptional, the thicker sole is great for what I use them for. The width is perfect for swelling feet and general foot spread. I could not be happier with the quality and comfort, so much so that I just replaced these (I still use them, just not for everyday) with the primal pursuit high tops. Lems again for the great quality and excellent product. Thank you!
Men's Primal Pursuit Canyon (Suede) / 14
Delivery between 15–20 May $103.61
I've been wearing my Primal Pursuits (Orion Blue) for about 1.5 years now. I've had Primal 2s, and I also currently have Primal Zens.I have used them to what I would consider quite a heavy degree. They've been on hikes, camping, on soft terrain, on hard rocky terrain, through mud, rain, snow, ice... I'm currently in Patagonia where they've been my primary shoes for everything down here.I originally ordered them with the idea that they were "Primal 2s, but tailored more for the trail". They might be the closest trail-oriented shoes that fit that description, but they are no Primal 2s. They are tighter both horizontally and vertically. They simply don't have the same comfort and "perfect" feel for my feet that the Primal 2s had, and that my Primal Zens currently ... MoreI've been wearing my Primal Pursuits (Orion Blue) for about 1.5 years now. I've had Primal 2s, and I also currently have Primal Zens.I have used them to what I would consider quite a heavy degree. They've been on hikes, camping, on soft terrain, on hard rocky terrain, through mud, rain, snow, ice... I'm currently in Patagonia where they've been my primary shoes for everything down here.I originally ordered them with the idea that they were "Primal 2s, but tailored more for the trail". They might be the closest trail-oriented shoes that fit that description, but they are no Primal 2s. They are tighter both horizontally and vertically. They simply don't have the same comfort and "perfect" feel for my feet that the Primal 2s had, and that my Primal Zens currently have.I've also continually had an issue with the lacing and tongue on the left shoe. The tongue will, over time, shift leftward until it is rotated about 45 degrees out of position. I have not been able to fix this. I've tried lacing the shoe again with the laces alternating the opposite direction. I've tried a tight heel-lock during hikes. No matter what, the tongue will shift. If I leave it in place like that, it eventually feels like the blood circulation is reduced to my left foot. This is not a completely huge problem because it has an easy workaround (tug the tongue back into position every 15-30 minutes while hiking), but it is nevertheless annoying and another knock against it compared to the other Primals. Neither my Primal 2s nor my Primal Zens have this issue.The positives is that they are definitely more durable than Primal 2s for hiking, and they have much more grip to different surfaces. That's about it. Those are pretty important, but even with them, I enjoyed hiking in Primal 2s more simply because they were "perfectly comfortable".I think a big issue is that these use a different last than the 2 and Zen. They both use the "Widest" Lems last, while the Pursuit uses the "Wide". I'm sure there was a technical or logistical reason for not having the same last in this Primal compared to the others, but I really, really wish it were the same... or whatever else would be required to change to get them to have the same feel as the 2 and Zen. Whenever I put on my Primal Zens, they simply feel right. Much more comfortable than the Pursuits.Maybe one day Lems will create a "trail" shoe that is truly the same fit and feel as the Primal 2s and Primal Zens. Maybe they already have, and I just received a defective pair... or this review is of an outdated pair and they've improved them since I bought mine. Who knows.
The wide toe box and the zero drop felt great. I loved the style and enjoyed wearing them all day every day for about a year at work and outside in Canada and SE Asia.After this point, I started to notice issues. The first problem was the heel. For context, I wear arch-support made of hard thermoset plastic. The inside heel of the shoe started to tear seriously at the contact point with my orthotic, so I had to have a leather patch sewn in. Next, the shoe started to tear at the upper rim exposing the foam padding. Finally, the 'breathable material' tore open by the pinky toe which signalled game over for the shoe.With the great fit and durability of the rubber sole, I really hoped that this shoe would last longer, especially for the price point. I am interested in ... MoreThe wide toe box and the zero drop felt great. I loved the style and enjoyed wearing them all day every day for about a year at work and outside in Canada and SE Asia.After this point, I started to notice issues. The first problem was the heel. For context, I wear arch-support made of hard thermoset plastic. The inside heel of the shoe started to tear seriously at the contact point with my orthotic, so I had to have a leather patch sewn in. Next, the shoe started to tear at the upper rim exposing the foam padding. Finally, the 'breathable material' tore open by the pinky toe which signalled game over for the shoe.With the great fit and durability of the rubber sole, I really hoped that this shoe would last longer, especially for the price point. I am interested in trying another model, but I am afraid the results will be the same.TL;DR Perfect shoe for me by fit and aesthetic but the material quit before the two-year markAlso to note: I would not recommend them for running since the high impact may not be good for your joint
I purchased these about 3 years ago exclusively to use as work shoes. I am a residential painter and now aircraft painter and wear them about 10-12 hours a day. They held up extreme abuse, day in and day out; being on my feel all day, up and down ladders and scaffolds, walking on concrete, etc. The comfort is exceptional, the thicker sole is great for what I use them for. The width is perfect for swelling feet and general foot spread. I could not be happier with the quality and comfort, so much so that I just replaced these (I still use them, just not for everyday) with the primal pursuit high tops. Lems again for the great quality and excellent product. Thank you!
I have tried another zero drop brand with a much spongier squishy sole. They were so squishy that my foot started over extending at the joints while walking. My big toe joints on both sides got painfully inflamed. The primal pursuit from Lens has a firm sole that Keeps my foot bones more stable. I feel like the foot bed is more predictable from step-by-step. My foot pain has gone away. I also feel like they would be a decent day, hiking shoe over moderate terrain die to the firmness of the sole. A great benefit is that they look like typical shoes…. But a very nicely made pair. The Lems appear to be a much higher quality make from the design, to the stitching, to the durability of the materials. I highly recommend these! I also like that at least some of their shoes ... MoreI have tried another zero drop brand with a much spongier squishy sole. They were so squishy that my foot started over extending at the joints while walking. My big toe joints on both sides got painfully inflamed. The primal pursuit from Lens has a firm sole that Keeps my foot bones more stable. I feel like the foot bed is more predictable from step-by-step. My foot pain has gone away. I also feel like they would be a decent day, hiking shoe over moderate terrain die to the firmness of the sole. A great benefit is that they look like typical shoes…. But a very nicely made pair. The Lems appear to be a much higher quality make from the design, to the stitching, to the durability of the materials. I highly recommend these! I also like that at least some of their shoes come in different lasts. This is the medium that comes on the primal pursuit that I bought. And it’s just right for now. I bought a second pair just in case!
I am flat footed so I typically wear Vans and size them up by a half size (8.5) so that my toes are not pinched. However after a long day on my feet, my pinky toe starts rubbing. I was excited to try Lems out since I have wanted a proper shoe for walking and light hikes for a while.The Bad: I figured since this was the widest style type, if I ordered the same size I usually wear in Vans then I would have plenty of room. I was disappointed to find that the shoes were smaller than expected so I returned for a full size above my normal size. The shoe laces are also shorter than l hoped even on the full size up shoes.The Good: Very comfortable after going to a concert and being on my feet, jumping and standing a lot. Good grip on the sole.I will be buying more ... MoreI am flat footed so I typically wear Vans and size them up by a half size (8.5) so that my toes are not pinched. However after a long day on my feet, my pinky toe starts rubbing. I was excited to try Lems out since I have wanted a proper shoe for walking and light hikes for a while.The Bad: I figured since this was the widest style type, if I ordered the same size I usually wear in Vans then I would have plenty of room. I was disappointed to find that the shoes were smaller than expected so I returned for a full size above my normal size. The shoe laces are also shorter than l hoped even on the full size up shoes.The Good: Very comfortable after going to a concert and being on my feet, jumping and standing a lot. Good grip on the sole.I will be buying more Lems in the future, but I hope they expand their offerings for the 'widest' style. Finding comfortable shoes is already so difficult for me and I don't want to be further restricted to bland/unbecoming styles
I got these because I'm dealing with Plantar Fasciitis and my foot loves barefoot shoes and hates arch support. These are very stiff compared to barefoot shoes but very flexible compared to regular shoes and stupid flexible compared to boots (this sole is the same as their Outlander, which is also great). They arent squishy but are soft enough to cradle to food when needed as you add load. They only got 4 starts because they are VERY narrow. I am usually a size 9, maybe 9.5, and these are size 10.5, but they fit well. They are still a TAD narrow towards the big toe (the outside of my big toe rubs with my Correct Toes and is still there without them but barely noticeable). For what they are they are lovely. I feel stable in them. Can run in them, do Lateral moves in ... MoreI got these because I'm dealing with Plantar Fasciitis and my foot loves barefoot shoes and hates arch support. These are very stiff compared to barefoot shoes but very flexible compared to regular shoes and stupid flexible compared to boots (this sole is the same as their Outlander, which is also great). They arent squishy but are soft enough to cradle to food when needed as you add load. They only got 4 starts because they are VERY narrow. I am usually a size 9, maybe 9.5, and these are size 10.5, but they fit well. They are still a TAD narrow towards the big toe (the outside of my big toe rubs with my Correct Toes and is still there without them but barely noticeable). For what they are they are lovely. I feel stable in them. Can run in them, do Lateral moves in them, hike in them... They are NOT barefoot shoes but they ARE natural movement shoes and unless you have crazy wide feet, sizing up should make these a good option for those who want a low-top boot or need more protection when om concrete (I also have their Primal Zen in size 9.5 which are wider, but they are comfortable, but also a weird combo of barefoot and regular shoes that sometimes they hurt, because my feet don't know what to do). Oh! Side note: I put the cork insoles in the Pursuits and it was a dream. The original insole was too hard for my PF foot but the combo is perfection and I don't feel inhibited in my movement.Lems, just make them a TAD wider on the big toe area like the Zens and you'll have a perfect sneaker boot! Otherwise, everybody, just expect a boot feeling with the versatility of a sneaker, size up. And enjoy. I am. :)
My husband’s work involves a lot of walking in warehouses throughout the day. Shoes in the past would only last a few months due to the tremendous wear and tear. Plus the sourness would be in his feet and legs. Christmas 2022, he got is first pair of Lems (Primal Pursuit) and never looked back. He loves the wide toe box. He has wide feet because he was born and raised in Hawaii and spent a lot of time barefoot. The other great thing about these shoes is the durability and quality. With his work, these are the first shoes that went the distance. They lasted 11 months before the internal fabric started to tear up by the heel and feel uncomfortable to walk in. We tried to wait for the Black Friday Sale 2023 but had order a week early to save his feet again. Lems are ... MoreMy husband’s work involves a lot of walking in warehouses throughout the day. Shoes in the past would only last a few months due to the tremendous wear and tear. Plus the sourness would be in his feet and legs. Christmas 2022, he got is first pair of Lems (Primal Pursuit) and never looked back. He loves the wide toe box. He has wide feet because he was born and raised in Hawaii and spent a lot of time barefoot. The other great thing about these shoes is the durability and quality. With his work, these are the first shoes that went the distance. They lasted 11 months before the internal fabric started to tear up by the heel and feel uncomfortable to walk in. We tried to wait for the Black Friday Sale 2023 but had order a week early to save his feet again. Lems are great for my blue-collar hard working man. His feet are happy again.
I'm 2 weeks in on these shoes and think I have some helpful advice to offer. I usually wear a 10 in everything and ordered a 10. I found that my second toe which is longer a little than my big toe was constantly touching the front of the shoe. So, upon receiving 10.5 size it fit much better. Even for normal aligned toes I think they could be said to run a little small. Luckily they come in half sizes which is awesome.Next, the toe box is massive so that feels nice... unless I'm walking down hill hiking and then I found that I needed to tighten the laces to keep my pesky long toe from touching the front of the shoe. At that tightness the shoe was less comfortable so I loosened the laces later. Also, if laces are that tight I've got to retie them every time I put ... MoreI'm 2 weeks in on these shoes and think I have some helpful advice to offer. I usually wear a 10 in everything and ordered a 10. I found that my second toe which is longer a little than my big toe was constantly touching the front of the shoe. So, upon receiving 10.5 size it fit much better. Even for normal aligned toes I think they could be said to run a little small. Luckily they come in half sizes which is awesome.Next, the toe box is massive so that feels nice... unless I'm walking down hill hiking and then I found that I needed to tighten the laces to keep my pesky long toe from touching the front of the shoe. At that tightness the shoe was less comfortable so I loosened the laces later. Also, if laces are that tight I've got to retie them every time I put them on which I don't prefer. For clarity, my second toe isn't that much out of spec, just a couple mm longer than big toe.Stuff I love, the shoe is LIGHT and cushy inside but still has a stiff enough bottom to keep rocks from poking through. Over time I wonder if my review might hit 5 stars.
I'd been using Primal 2.0 for my neighborhood walking shoe but found it didn't have a thick enough of a sole. I loved the sole of the Chelsea Waterproof Boot and ordered a few styles that seemed to be about the same thickness. I was surprised this shoe was my favorite because I have wide feet and it is not the widest style from Lems. I did go up half a size from my Primal 2.0 size and it has been a perfect companion for my 4 mile walks.The only downside is that after a couple months, the fabric in the heel had holes in both shoes. I wish I wouldn't discovered the shoes when Morning Dew was still available in my size. I wasn't initially a fan of the Canyon suede palette when I got the shoe, but I've warmed up to it. I stocked up on another pair and only black was ... MoreI'd been using Primal 2.0 for my neighborhood walking shoe but found it didn't have a thick enough of a sole. I loved the sole of the Chelsea Waterproof Boot and ordered a few styles that seemed to be about the same thickness. I was surprised this shoe was my favorite because I have wide feet and it is not the widest style from Lems. I did go up half a size from my Primal 2.0 size and it has been a perfect companion for my 4 mile walks.The only downside is that after a couple months, the fabric in the heel had holes in both shoes. I wish I wouldn't discovered the shoes when Morning Dew was still available in my size. I wasn't initially a fan of the Canyon suede palette when I got the shoe, but I've warmed up to it. I stocked up on another pair and only black was left. Please, please keep making this shoe!! I've NEVER had a shoe this pain-free for my finicky foot.
Well constructed and feels more supportive than other Lems shoes when walking on rough ground. The fit is a little off: size 10 too small, size 10 1/2 too big, but I went with the larger size anyway. These come with the thicker insole, which is great and I SO WISH was available to purchase separately, for my other Lems shoes.The styling is kind of ugly, with brown suede, black mesh and white stripes, but I used black fabric paint to cover up the white stripes so that helped. The laces are slick, flop around and come undone, so I switched them out.I chose these because other Lems shoes are getting too minimal for me. The feet of people like me, who are heavier and/or older and yet walk a lot, just need more cushioning.Still better than most of the shoes out there, ... MoreWell constructed and feels more supportive than other Lems shoes when walking on rough ground. The fit is a little off: size 10 too small, size 10 1/2 too big, but I went with the larger size anyway. These come with the thicker insole, which is great and I SO WISH was available to purchase separately, for my other Lems shoes.The styling is kind of ugly, with brown suede, black mesh and white stripes, but I used black fabric paint to cover up the white stripes so that helped. The laces are slick, flop around and come undone, so I switched them out.I chose these because other Lems shoes are getting too minimal for me. The feet of people like me, who are heavier and/or older and yet walk a lot, just need more cushioning.Still better than most of the shoes out there, but please bring back the thicker insoles.
Think of the Primal Pursuit as a hybrid of the Primal 2 and the Trailhead/Mesa. PLEASE REFER TO OUR SIZING & FIT GUIDE BELOW AS THE SIZING DIFFERS BETWEEN BRANDS/MODELS.
Think of the Primal Pursuit as a hybrid of the Primal 2 and the Trailhead/Mesa. PLEASE REFER TO OUR SIZING & FIT GUIDE BELOW AS THE SIZING DIFFERS BETWEEN BRANDS/MODELS.
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Think of the Primal Pursuit as a hybrid of the Primal 2 and the Trailhead/Mesa. PLEASE REFER TO OUR SIZING & FIT GUIDE BELOW AS THE SIZING DIFFERS BETWEEN BRANDS/MODELS.
Think of the Primal Pursuit as a hybrid of the Primal 2 and the Trailhead/Mesa. PLEASE REFER TO OUR SIZING & FIT GUIDE BELOW AS THE SIZING DIFFERS BETWEEN BRANDS/MODELS.
