Lems Primal Zen

Price
$205
Colour:Black
Size:M5/W6.5
In stock!

The successor to the beloved Primal 2! The Primal Zen offers the same minimalist casual shoe that is vegan-friendly, but with some added cushion and a more grounded base. Its newly designed outsole guarantees that ultra-light fit and feel you've come to love in the Primal 2, yet adds a bit more protection and durability with its platform. Its upper is built with a combination of breathable air mesh and microfiber, so your feet will truly feel at peace wherever your next journey takes you.

While this shoe itself is zero drop, as of June 2024 the optional insoles have a small drop (1.5mm for the Minimal Cork insole or 3.5mm for Adventure Poly insole). You can see their breakdown of which models have which insoles here.

  • Lems suggests that the insoles compress over time, so you may not notice a drop after the shoes are broken in.
  • If you prefer not to use an insole that has a drop, you can wear these without any insoles, or try a zero drop insole such as our Alpaca Insoles.
Sizing

The Primal Zen is designed with Lems’ widest Natural-Shape™ toe box, allowing your toes to spread comfortably without restriction. It fits true to size for most wearers, but those with especially wide feet or who prefer extra room may benefit from sizing up half a size. The removable insole gives you the flexibility to adjust the fit or feel closer to the ground. With a unisex design and roomy fit, the Primal Zen accommodates a wide range of foot shapes for all-day comfort.

Ground feel

The Primal Zen features a stack height of 11.0mm that offers a slightly firmer feel than ultra-barefoot shoes, making it an excellent choice for those transitioning into minimalist footwear. It still encourages a natural gait and full foot engagement, while the removable cork insole provides added comfort and cushioning, gently softening ground feedback. Over time, the shoe breaks in beautifully, becoming more flexible and adapting to your movement with ease.

Care

To keep your Primal Zens in great shape:

  • Spot clean with mild soap and cold water
  • Use a soft brush or cloth for surface dirt
  • Remove insoles and laces before cleaning
  • Air dry at room temperature – avoid direct heat or machine drying

For deeper cleaning, avoid submerging fully. Not machine washable.

Best uses

The Primal Zen is a versatile barefoot-style shoe, ideal for:

  • Everyday wear and urban walking
  • Long days on your feet (work, errands, travel)
  • Workouts, yoga, and casual hikes
  • Transitioning into minimalist footwear

Whether you’re walking the dog, exploring the city, or standing for hours, these shoes offer comfort and natural movement without sacrificing style.

Shipping Information

We’ll process Canadian orders within 2 business days (Tuesday - Saturday). International
orders ship weekly.

Discounted shipping is automatically applied to orders over $100 within Canada.

Free Local Pickup can be selected to save on shipping costs.

More Shipping information here.

Pickup available at 1390 Danforth Ave.

Usually ready in 24 hours

View store information

You may also like