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
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.
