Why are Lems barefoot shoes and boots so popular?
For us at Lems Shoes, it’s simple - shoes should be designed from an absolute minimum. They should fit the anatomy of the foot, while allowing your feet to move as if you were wearing nothing at all.
In 2008, Lems’ creator, Andrew Rademacher, reached the end of his search for shoes that matched the foot’s natural shape. Andrew started by dissecting his favorite running shoes and cutting away the extra, unnecessary material, and he decided to learn the art and science of shoemaking in his own way. He studied shoe fitting, last construction, and pattern making so he could design his shoes to fit like no others on the market.
Andrew began to realize that the big shoe brands had gotten it all wrong. Shoes should be built around the natural shape of the human foot, not the other way around. That meant a shoe had to be widest at the forefoot and toes, while also providing full flexibility and unrestricted movement.
After three years of research, countless hours of design, and dozens of prototypes, Andrew’s unwavering focus finally paid off. In September 2011, Lems released its first product - Primal. Although the company has come a long way since the original design, Andrew continues to study his craft while staying true to his mission of making naturally fitting footwear that gives your feet the freedom to be just as nature intended.
”If you can’t find it on the market, and no one is making it, then you have to make it yourself.” - Andrew Rademacher
