Lems Primal 3
- Price
- $194
The Primal 3 is the successor to Lems’ customer favourite, the Primal 2, with an updated outsole to provide a better fit for most feet without compromising on the core features that made the Primal 2 so popular!
Features
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New: available in half sizes for everyone
- New: outsole design is more stable side-to-side
- Microfibre and vegan mesh upper with Lems IBR outsole
- Moisture-wicking polyester lining and PU insole
- 100% Vegan
- Lightweight & breathable upper
- Made on Lems Widest-shaped last (the same as the Primal 2!)
- Wider outsole than the Primal 2 for increased stability with the same performance
- Zero drop if worn without optional insole
- Medium groundfeel - slightly less than the Primal 2 and great for those new to minimal shoes
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 3 fits true to size, and now features unisex US half-sizes across its range.
For those familiar with the Primal 2, Lems recommends the same size for those with a perfect fit, and a half-size up or down for those who found their Primal 2s either a little bit too snug or a little bit too roomy.
As with all Lems shoes, the Primal 3 uses unisex US sizing and each size is cross-listed with the equivalent men’s and women’s size. (So, for example, the same shoe will be labelled as a men’s 9.5 and a women’s 11 with 9.5/11.)
Fit Notes:
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With the same upper as the Primal 2, the Primal 3 can be expected to stretch and soften with wear
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Triangular footprint shape with an extremely wide toebox likely to fit many different foot shapes well
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Medium-high volume, like the Primal 2
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Very wide toebox that tapers towards the heel (some may find the heel area feels wider than before, so far feedback is mixed in this regard)
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Very adjustable fit with lacing and a soft mesh upper
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Somewhat plateau or mountain shaped toebox that should also accommodate squarer feet well
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Width in the toebox is well-centred
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While the fit of the upper should be very close to the Primal 2, those with narrow feet may not get as secure a fit as the previous model
Ground Feel
The Primal 3 features a wider and somewhat thicker sole than the Primal 2, meaning it is somewhat less flexible and has less groundfeel, while providing additional stability - especially for those with a wider mid-foot or heel or who found the Primal 2 to be laterally unstable.
Removing the 4.5mm PU insole will increase the groundfeel markedly, and both the outsole and the upper material can be expected to soften up with wear, while the upper will stretch out.
The Primal 3 should feel familiar to those who have worn the Primal 2 or other Lems shoes, accounting for the additional width and sole thickness, while being perfect for those new to minimal shoes or who just want a little bit more cushioning underfoot.
Care
The Primal 3 is a well-rounded, durable shoe just like its predecessor. We expect the Primal 3 to be comparable to the current Primal Zen, which tends to last.
Similar to the Primal 2 and Primal Zen, the Primal 3 can be spot cleaned as needed with gentle soap, or hand washed and air-dried with a gentle dish soap or laundry detergent when a deeper clean is needed.
Otherwise, the Primal 3 should be able to hold up well against whatever conditions you throw at them!
Best Uses
The Primal 3 is the perfect shoe for those looking to do everything without changing shoes- from a casual day of walking, a jog in the park, or a light hike into the gym or even onto the court in a pinch.
The extra lateral stability provided by the wider heel will make the Primal 3 better suited as a gym shoe than the Primal 2, while remaining a great choice as a light runner or casual sneaker.
The thicker Lems insole is also a great option for those who are looking for a little more cushion or who spend a lot of time on their feet and don’t need to be as close to the ground as possible.
Sizing
The Primal 3 fits true to size, and now features unisex US half-sizes across its range.
For those familiar with the Primal 2, Lems recommends the same size for those with a perfect fit, and a half-size up or down for those who found their Primal 2s either a little bit too snug or a little bit too roomy.
As with all Lems shoes, the Primal 3 uses unisex US sizing and each size is cross-listed with the equivalent men’s and women’s size. (So, for example, the same shoe will be labelled as a men’s 9.5 and a women’s 11 with 9.5/11.)
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.
Shipping
Order Processing:
We’ll process your order as soon as we can, usually within 2 of our business days (Tuesday - Saturday). Our products are shipped directly from our Toronto location. Orders within Canada can be expected to ship within 2 business days, and International orders ship weekly.
When we print your shipping label and your package is ready to ship, you’ll get an email notification with the tracking number and relevant info.
If you made a mistake while ordering, such as ordering the wrong size or colour, please let us know at info@cooleastmarket.com at your earliest convenience.
Shipping Options:
Discounted Flat Rate according to Region via Canada Post
We are introducing Discounted Flat Rates for customers based on where you live in Canada.
Once your cart total reaches $100* or $200, a flat rate will be applied to your check-out based on your postal code.
The flat rates include: free, $5, $10, and $15 (based on your cart total and where you live)
*if your cart total is under $100, regular Expedited shipping will be applied
Why the new shipping rates?
This new tiered flat rate system was created based on a need for our small business to catch up with rising costs of shipping, whilst also giving our customers a better shipping rate than if they were to pay at full cost. To make this fairer for everyone, we created these flat rates based on the region of the shipping address, as shipping costs are determined by region.
Local Delivery via Trexity
If you are in the GTA, you can choose the Local Delivery option at check-out.
We use a delivery service called Trexity that is based in Toronto. The order will arrive within 1-2 business days and it will be delivered by a courier straight to your destination. You will also receive an email or text letting you know when it's been delivered.
Local Pick-Up
You can also arrange to pick up directly from our store in Toronto and eliminate the shipping charge. Just choose the Free Local Pickup as your shipping option. You will receive an email letting you know when your order is ready to be picked up. When you arrive, let us know your name and/or order number.
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International Shipping
International orders are shipped through a Canadian border shipping service called Chit Chats. It is calculated based on the total weight of your order and your destination. You will be able to see the price before paying during online check-out. Once the shipping label has been printed, you will receive an email with tracking number and relevant info.
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Shipping Troubleshooting:
If you experience an issue with shipping such as getting a message that your parcel has been delivered when it hasn’t, please contact us at info@cooleastmarket.com so we can look into it for you. We’ll ask you to check a few things and then look into it with the relevant shipping service.
Custom Shipping Services:
For large orders or to arrange other shipping options such as courier please contact us directly and well in advance at info@cooleastmarket.com
Pickup available at 1390 Danforth Ave.
Usually ready in 24 hours