The LEMS Outlander Waterproof Boot promises to be the most versatile boot that LEMS has ever designed! The Outlander features a Natural Foot shape, and the thick, aggressive tread allows these boots to shine on slick rocks, wet roots, and soggy mud.
If you are new to this brand, let me give you a background…
LEMS’ philosophy is simple: “…shoes should be designed using the bare minimum. They should fit the foot’s anatomy, while allowing your feet to move like you’re wearing nothing all.”
After dissecting his favorite running shoes in 2008, Andrew Rademacher (LEM’s creator) decided to learn the art and science of shoemaking. In 2011 LEMS released one of my favorite shoes – the PRIMAL. This shoe is an ultralight, flexible minimalist shoe that allows maximum toe splay. Since then, LEMS has continued researching and innovating to create “natural fitting footwear that allows your feet the freedom to be just as nature intended.”
Shape Options
LEMS has since introduced three different “Natural Shape” shoe options.
ORIGINAL: This is the widest option and provides the most room for your toes to spread.
STANDARD: This is a natural food shape that is wider than most traditional shoes.
SLIM: This option is best for those who prefer a more foot-friendly version of traditional shoes or a narrow fit).
You will find all three shapes available in their growing Trail Shoes sections. According to LEMS site: “Our trail shoes are built with Mountain-to-Town technology. They are designed to take you from the mountain trails to the city streets all in the same day. All styles feature a full-length rubber outsole for increased durability and traction, as well as an EVA midsole with added cushioning and support, so you can reach new heights in total comfort and style.”
FIT/STYLE
The Outlander features the STANDARD Natural Shape. This allows for moderate toe spay and provides a medium wide fit (2E) . If you are a fan of the Boulder boot, you will love these! They feature the same STANDARD Natural Shape but offer a more aggressive tread. They are wider and more comfortable (in my opinion!) than most regular boots on the market. However, if you are used to the fit of other barefoot brands, these may feel less spacious in the toe box. You will also notice that thicker tread does not allow as much flexibility.
The Outlanders have a stack height of 16mm (not including 4.5mm insole). Stack height is the amount of shoe material between your foot and the ground. Most barefoot / Minimalist shoes range from 3-13mm, Maximalist shoes are above 30mm, and regular shoes fall between these figures. 16 mm may seem high for a brand that recommends “the bare minimum”; however, most of this stack height is due to the more aggressive tread. Grippy tread was definitely lacking in the other LEMS lineup and is much appreciated!
The Outlanders offer a Minimal drop (2.0mm to be exact!). This drop places the forefoot and heel close to the ground, and can assist with correcting posture, aligning your spine, and encouraging mid-foot strike. If you are looking for completely “Zero drop” shoes and boots, LEMS has those too! Be sure to check out the site’s Minimalist Section.
All of these facts make the Outlander a unique shoe in the market. The Outlander is an excellent option for individuals looking for boots with a natural foot shape but still appreciate (or need!) a certain amount of cushion, support and protection. They would be an appropriate choice for someone transitioning to minimalist shoes. Or, if like me, you love minimalist footwear; but understand the benefits offered by a thicker boot with more aggressive tread for specific hikes and weather conditions.
For all LEMS shoes, I strongly recommend you measure your foot! Do NOT simply order your regular size. Check out the sizing chart and order accordingly. Even within their brand, you will notice the sizes vary.
MATERIAL
The upper is created with a mix of durable nylon & leather. The lining is polyester with waterproof membrane. The sticky rubber outsoles features “Winter traction” technology to provide tons of grip thanks to the aggressive tread.
DURABILITY / PERFORMANCE
I love how grippy these boots are! I have worn other LEMS products, including the Boulder boot and Primal 2s on the trail; however Outlander provides the stability I always wished those other products had! These feature “Winter traction” outsoles created with a sticky rubber provide superior grip thanks to the 4mm lugs and a zig-zag siping. You will love them in the mud or walking over slick rocks and wet roots.
The waterproofing has been impressive! I took them to stream by home & was able to stand in a few inches of water with dry feet! I also misjudged the softness of the ground on a recent hike and ended up in some serious mud, but again dry feet! Hooray! I have not been able to test them in snow yet, but I believe they will hold up great.
COMFORT
I found the Outlanders immediately comfortable out of the box. The toe box felt a bit more narrow than I expected, but keep in mind I am comparing this with the LEMS ultra wide PRIMAL 2. The Outlander still offers a wider toe box than most traditional hiking boots! Because of my low profile foot with narrow heel and wide toes , I struggled with the lacing system to get these boots feeling l perfect. They would be fantastic for someone with a slightly wider foot than me.
I was slightly disappointed when I noticed a seam at the back of the heel. Thankfully, it did not cause blisters, but it could be a potential trigger for hot spots.
The Outlanders are not the most flexible boots, but this is a necessary compromise for the thicker and more durable tread. You lose some ground feedback, but you will love how light they are! You will appreciate having another option for durable, waterproof, and grippy winter-weather shoes!
LEMS claims these are a “4 season boot”… I believe that “3 season boot” is a more accurate statement. I tried wearing them in Summer, but they were just too hot! Fall is upon us, and they feel perfect! We are getting temperatures that drop into the 30s here in the Midwest, and I love the Outlander boots in this weather. Thanks to the waterproof liner, I am looking forward to testing them out in the snow! I think they will also hold up great in soggy, muddy Spring weather!
PROS:
- Wider than standard Toe box
- Minimal Drop (2.0mm)
- Lightweight (14.7 oz – Mens 10 or Women’s 11.5)
- Waterproof
- Natural foot-shaped boot
- Aggressive tread
- 3 season boot
- More protection & support than other natural foot-shaped brands
CONS:
- Too warm for hot weather
- More stack height than other natural foot brands (pro or con depending on preference)
- A bit bulky looking (but surprisingly light)
- Not a fan of LEMS laces or the lacing system
- Seam at heel could cause issues for some
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Outlanders are ideal for overnight, day, and winter hiking! After months of wear, my boots are holding up very well! You will appreciate the durability and stability of the newly designed tread! The Outlander is a wonderful option for foot-healthy boots, ideal for wet and cold conditions. Those looking for additional support and comfort will especially appreciate the design of this boot. The Outlander would also be a great transition boot for someone new to barefoot-inspired footwear.
Alexandrea Gerke fell in love with the outdoors at an early age growing up in Michigan. She and her husband travel the world and enjoy car camping, backpacking, mountain and gravel biking, as well as bikepacking. She is a minimalist and thoroughly researches every purchase she makes, only making room in her tiny apartment for the highest quality gear and clothing.