* Update June 2023: The current version of the Primal Pursuit will be discontinued by Lems. No further restocks will be ordered after June. *
Lems's Primal Pursuit is a retro aesthetic sneaker based on the fan favourite Primal 2 shape, with a grippy lugged tread. The ultimate do-everything shoe that can handle everything from tough terrain to sartorial critique!
Design and Function
The Primal Pursuit takes the roomiest toebox that Lems makes for its inspiration, the Primal 2 shape, and updates it with a tread that's ready for mud, grass, hiking, and dog walking. They've kept the classic Lems design that tapers towards the heel to hold your foot securely in the shoe, which also allows for a sleek, fitted appearance.
Transition and Ground Feel
With their chunky, grippy lugged tread and new-to-minimal-friendly stack height, you'll be comfy all day long in these trail to city sneakers. Or, wear them without the removable insert/sock liner for more feedback from the ground. Either way, these will be quite forgiving, making them perfect for either transitioning to minimal shoes, or just for those days when you'll be on your feet for long hours.
Styling
They're easy to style with anything from denim to athleisure to technical outdoors gear, and we know you'll find even more avenues of self expression than we can think of in the Primal Pursuit. The design looks "normal" from the outside despite being completely Zero-Drop and fitting our other standards for what makes a minimal shoe, so you can feel confident while your moving with confidence.
In Comparison
These are similar in function to some of our trail runners, but you'll find they fit into a greater variety of styling options. They're also our first Lems model to have a grippy lugged tread, offering that option to our customers who love the Lems shape. Compared to hiking boots these will give you a little more mobility around the ankle to explore, since they are a shoe rather than a boot. And compared to the Primal 2, we expect these will be slightly more supportive and stable, for those who want the Primal 2 shape but aren't as prepared for the high skill ceiling those offer. However, this will be one of the thickest soled/highest stack height options we offer, and some of our customers will prefer an option that feels more like being in bare feet.
Sizing and Fit
Lems is updating the sizing of the Primal Pursuit as of their Fall 2022 stock. Currently the Orion Blue runs a little closer to true to size than the Black and Morning Dew colour options which run smaller. The difference is about a quarter size. If you're replacing an older purchase feel free to reach out for guidance. Eventually all the colour options will be updated to match the more generous fit.
Overall people tend to size up by half a size (for narrower feet and sloping forefoot/toe shapes) or a full size up (wider feet and more square shaped forefeet/toes). If you're looking at the Morning Dew or Nocturnal Ninja black, a full size up is probably better. For the Orion, feel free to ask whether our stock in your size is the updated sizing.
If you're unsure what size to order, Lems has updated their sizing chart here to reflect the current sizing by colour: https://www.lemsshoes.com/pages/sizing-charts
Care
Spot clean with a rag and a mild solution of gentle soap in lots of water to wipe away dirt. You can hand-wash the removable inserts for freshness as desired, just lay flat to dry.
Details
Last: Lems Natural-Shape™ Last (wide toe box)
Upper: PU Synthetic vegan with air mesh for breathability
Lining: 100% moisture-wicking polyester
Outsole: All new Trail Traction outsole with 3.5mm lugs
Footbed: Adventure Insole - 4.5mm moisture wicking PU w/ firmer cushioning in heel for added protection + comfort
Stack Height: 14mm (5mm rubber outsole + 9mm EVA midsole)
Drop: 0.0mm (Zero-Drop)
Weight: 10.5oz. (Men's 10)
