10Shoe
Lems · training · 2024
Pulse 8.6/10 2 of 8 sources Too few training shoes to rank

Lems Primal 3 Review

The ultimate minimalist shoe with supreme upgrades designed for extreme comfort, flexibility, and breathability, making it perfect for both everyday wear and outdoor activities.

lems primal 3 review

Specifications

Heel stack
9.5 mm
Forefoot stack
9.5 mm
Heel-to-toe drop
0 mm
Weight
8.6 oz
Cushion
Minimal
Arch support
Neutral
Pronation
Neutral Pronation
Widths
Standard, Wide
Available in
Mens, Unisex, Womens

Where to buy

Mens on Lems › Womens on Lems ›

Retail links may earn us a commission — it never touches the score. How scoring works.

How this score was built

  • lemsshoes.com Brand-site customers 9.4 → 8.5
  • bprimal.com.au Brand-site customers 10.0 → 8.8

Each source is re-centred against its own historical average, then weighted by tier and type. Full methodology.

What people like

  • Extremely lightweight and flexible
  • Maximum comfort
  • Great minimalist shoe for beginners
  • Wide toe box for natural toe splay
  • Zero-drop design
  • Durable outsole
  • Versatile for both casual wear and outdoor activities

What people don't

  • Limited arch support for some
  • Sizing can be inconsistent
  • May require a transition period for those new to minimalist shoes
  • Limited color options

How it performs

Comfort and fit

The Primal 3 is Lem’s newest upgrade with even more comfort, support, and breathability than previous versions. The newly designed outsole is wider and provides a more spacious toe box, making it extremely comfortable as weight is distributed throughout the foot. The removable insole can be removed for a more ground feel or left in for more cushion, making it a great hybrid minimalist sneaker perfect for beginners. This shoe is a great daily shoe that can be worn to work, run errands, light walking, and various outdoor activities. The Primal 3 now comes in half sizes, so there’s a perfect fit for everyone.

Durability

Like all Lems shoes, the Primal 3 is quite durable, especially the redesigned rubber outsole. The construction of various parts of the shoe increases its durability with quality materials holding up well over time, even with regular use.

Traction

The rubber outsole and tread have been redesigned to provide more traction on various surfaces. While this shoe is great for casual wear and light outdoor activities, it is not meant for strenuous workouts or technical trails.

Breathability

Lem’s recycled PU insole and upper mesh knit material make it extremely breathable and comfortable, especially on extended wear. The mesh upper is soft, lightweight, and provides good airflow keeping feet cool and dry.

Support

Lems is known for creating minimalist shoes that deliver a natural foot experience. The Primal 3 is no different. Redesigned with a wider footprint, this shoe will also provide more ground contact and support as weight is distributed more evenly. However, this may not be a good choice for those who need more support and cushioning.

Protection

The Primal 3 offers effective protection and is sufficient for everyday wear as well as light to moderate outdoor activities. However, there might not be enough protection for intense activities or rough conditions.

Flexibility and responsiveness

While the Primal 3 is not as flexible as the Primal 2, it’s still quite flexible and responsive, allowing a full range of motion with every step.

Style

While there are limited color options for the Primal 3, the minimalist design of this shoe matches its functionality, making it a versatile shoe that can be worn with any outfit. As a great everyday shoe, the Primal 3 can be worn for workouts and outdoor activities as well as lunch dates and office work.

Construction

Outsole

This is the highlight of the new and improved Primal 3. The redesigned outsole with air-injection rubber looks and feels different, with a wider sole and flatter heel. The sole is rounder, has a wider footprint, and is a little taller, allowing for better ground contact. Those with lower arches and flatter feet will love this shoe. This design and construction deliver a more comfortable all-day wear.

Midsole

True to a minimalist shoe, the midsole provides a close-to-ground feel while remaining cushioned and comfortable with the insole.

Upper

Like previous versions, the soft, microfiber mesh upper is 100% vegan material and extremely breathable, making it a comfortable and versatile shoe to wear all day. The construction of the upper also ensures a perfect fit for various foot sizes and shapes.

Lacing

A traditional Lems lacing system, the Primal 3 has effective laces that ensure a secure fit without pressure points.

The Lems Primal 3 is a new and improved shoe that addresses customer feedback of previous versions. Redesigned with a wider footprint, more spacious toe box, stronger outsole, and more breathable materials, this functional shoe is the perfect daily shoe to go from one activity to another while providing long-lasting comfort. The minimalist construction and design of the shoe also make it a versatile shoe that can be worn with any outfit.

Video reviews

Sources consulted (4)

Carried over from the previous methodology. Ratings shown are historical and do not contribute to a current pulse score.