Lems Chillum Grip

The Chillum Grip is the newest addition to the Chillum line, featuring enhanced attributes such as a full-grain leather upper for a sleeker appearance and a slip-resistant, non-marking rubber outsole that incorporates textured grips to prevent slipping. 

Combining style and practicality, the Chillum Grip is sure to offer a more rugged aesthetic for those seeking something a bit tougher.

Features

• The Chillum Grip is not Vegan friendly and uses a full-grain leather for the upper

• If treated with some leather treatment, the Chillum Grip could serve as a slightly water-resistant shoe but is not marketed as one

• The Chillum Grip consists of a full-grain leather upper with a pure polyester lining and a slip-resistant rubber outsole

• The Chillum Grip has a cork insole with anti-bacterial properties preventing bad odors 

• Zero drop if worn without the optional insole

• The Chillum Grip has a stack height if 13.0 mm 

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

Based on Lem's website, the Chillum Grip is expected to fit true to size, so it is recommended to choose your regular size. However, it is worth considering the possibility of stretching since the upper is primarily made of leather. 

The Chillum Grip is a unisex shoe but uses gender-specific sizing; thus, a men's size 9 is equivalent to a women's size 10.5.

Fit Notes:

• Being a new model, there is no certainty on how the shoe will stretch out over time but it is expected to due to the leather upper

• As with most Lems shoes, the foot shape best suited for the Chillum Grip is a triangle shape

• The Chillum Grip is expected to fit a range of foot volumes with a removable insole that allows for the possibility of more room

• The laces allow for the size of the Chillum Grip to be adjustable

Ground Feel

With a stack height of 13.0 mm, the Chillum Grip is expected to provide less ground feel overall. However, the inclusion of a removable insole allows for a slight increase in ground feel for those seeking a more 'barefoot' experience.

Thanks to Lems' signature injection-blown rubber, the Chillum Grip is relatively lightweight and features a flexible sole for optimal movement.

Lems, in general, is an exceptional starting brand for anyone interested in barefoot and minimal shoes, and the Chillum Grip is no exception to this rule. This model is ideal for those looking for a sleeker, more business casual style while enjoying the benefits of barefoot shoes without compromising on comfort.

Care

In regards to care, feel free to have a look at our recommendations for various sorts of materials.

Here are also two products, Otter Wax leather kit and Nikwax leather spray, recommended by Lems to use when treating the leather parts of the shoes.

Best Uses

The Chillum Grip has all the features you love from the Chillums, but with a couple of bonuses that make it a more rugged counterpart. It is the perfect versatile city shoe, offering additional qualities that protect you from slippery accidents and provide enhanced water resistance. 

Take these new kicks for a spin while exploring the city!