The Outlander from Lems is a 100% waterproof gusseted hiking boot with a grippy, lugged tread. With a 2mm drop and a bit more support than most barefoot shoes (though less than conventional hiking boots), it's a great option for transitioning to minimal shoes over the winter.
Stay above the slush in the Outlander! Plus, use them throughout the year for longer hikes when a little support can help do some of the work so you can stay out and about longer.
Sizing
We find most of our customers go up half a size in this model. The Outlander is unlikely to stretch over time.
The Outlander uses Lems's Standard shape last. Fit information:
- suits feet that are around, if not exactly, average width
- suits average foot volume, and offers adjustment to volume through the lacing
- toebox shape suits sloping, mountain, and rounded toe shapes best
- those with longer outer toes or very wide feet may want to go up a full size instead of a half size
- Lems shoes have a roughly triangular footprint shape, tapering from a wide toebox to a narrower heel with width distributed evenly on each side of the toebox
- the Outlander is a unisex style: each pair has a men's and women's US size on the label. That means a men's 9 is the same boot as a women's 10.5, for example
Ground Feel
The Outlander has a firmer sole that offers a little more support than other minimal shoes. The outsole's tread pattern, material, and lugs will give you have a great grip in various conditions.
Unlike most of the shoes we carry, the Outlander is not zero drop. The heel is raised 2mm above the forefoot in this model. This makes it a great transition option as it is in between fully minimal and conventional hiking boots (which often feature a drop of 1cm or more). However, people who are already used to fully minimal zero drop shoes may find the 2mm drop is noticeable.
Outsole: Winter traction outsole with 4mm lugs and zig-zag
Insole: 4.5mm Adventure insole
Stack Height: 14.00-16.0mm (not including 4.5mm insole)
Drop: 2.0mm
The Outlander provides very little ground feel, and may be a good choice for people with tenderness in the soles of the feet to get more room for their toes while experiencing a protective walking experience. Some customers may like being a bit higher off the ground with up to 2cm stack height in winter, as you will be further away from the cold of the ground.
Care
The Outlander uses a variety of materials for textural interest and style.
Upper: Nylon and leather
Lining: Polyester with breathable 100% waterproof membrane
We recommend using a waterproofing spray on the uppers so that any dirt or slush will slide off, making maintenance easy. However, the boots are fully waterproof by themselves. Spot clean, and wipe street salt off the leather portions to keep them looking gorgeous longer.
Best Uses
The Outlander can be used for hiking any time, and their waterproof quality makes them a great choice for winter or just rainy days. They are extremely comfortable for days when you'll be up and about for many hours, like long treks through nature or sightseeing around a new city.
If you're used to extremely supportive and stiff footwear these are a step in the right direction: get closer to the ground while giving your toes room to spread out. Let your anatomy and movement adjust closer to a barefoot experience before diving all the way in: it's a gentle way to start your transition.
