Why are Lems barefoot shoes and boots so popular?
For us at Lems Shoes, it's simple - shoes should be designed based on an absolute minimum. They must fit the anatomy of the foot, while allowing your feet to move as if you were wearing nothing.
In 2008, Lems' creator, Andrew Rademacher, reached the end of his search for shoes that fit the natural shape of the foot. 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 shoes that fit like no others on the market.
Andrew began to realize that the big shoe brands had misunderstood everything. Shoes should be built around the natural shape of the human foot, not the other way around. This meant that a shoe should 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 else does, then you have to do it yourself.« - Andrew Rademacher
