The Lems Primal 3 is out now! Lems Shoes makes excellent shoes for people who crave comfort and want to be kinder to their feet.
Check out my review of them in the video above for the highlights, and below I’ll share a few additional details.
Lems Primal 3 Review
These sneakers have a universal fit that works for most foot types, and is an all-around excellent shoe for people who want total comfort.
Especially for those who don’t want an ultra thin sole, spend a lot of time on their feet on hard surfaces, and/or are recovering from any kind of foot pain, the Primal 3 is a good option with a bit of cushion.
Justin loves his moderately cushioned barefoot shoes, and he has been wearing his Primal 3s to play volleyball, on long travel days, and for everyday walking the last few months. He was a long time Primal 2 fan, but has happily made the switch to the Primal 3.
Comparison to Primal 2
If you are a Primal 2 fan, you’ll want to know the biggest differences between 2 and 3. Let’s go through them one by one.
Wider outsole
The toe box is the same shape and width, but the midfoot and heel are wider. This is good for people who were spilling over the middle of the shoe in the Primal 2s.
But I did notice that the wider heel adds some lateral stability to the shoe. This will be nice for some people, but I personally prefer a slimmer heel with rounded sides (no lateral stability) for a more barefoot feel.
Thicker, More Durable Sole
The Primal 3 is a few millimeters thicker than the Primal 2 and is a little more structured. This makes for more durability and stability in the shoe – they should last longer and won’t twist around the foot or deform as it breaks in. This is great news for people who want a shoe that can take more of a beating.
But it does mean less ground feel and flexibility in all directions, so if you were a Primal 2 fan, that is important to note.
Half Sizes
Fit is important in shoes for your foot health, and having half sizes makes it easier to fine tune things. This increase in the size range should make you in-betweeners very happy!
Primal Eco
The Primal Eco is another new model coming soon from Lems this spring that is very similar to the Primal 3 but is made of 50% recycled materials for a more sustainable shoe.
The fit in the Eco is a little bit snugger in the upper because the material isn’t as soft and stretchy, which actually fits me a little better than the Primal 3. I have really low volume feet, so I love when a shoe fits nice and close around my midfoot.
Besides this fit difference and a slightly different design, the Primal Eco is made on the same shoe mold as the Primal 3 and overall is very similar.
Primal Zen
The Primal Zen from Lems is another similar sneaker. It’s made on a slightly different shoe last, but the fit feels pretty similar. However if you have a wide midfoot, you will probably be more comfortable in the Primal 3 and Primal Eco.
I love all 3 (and all 3 are excellent for toe freedom and comfort), but out of all of Lem’s wide toe box sneakers my favorite is still the Primal Zen.
The Primal 3 is spacious and durable
Ultimately, the Lems Primal 3 is going to be excellent for people who want lots of space for their feet and a more durable, functional shoe.
23 thoughts on “The Lems Primal 3 – An All-Purpose Wide Sneaker”
Hi Anya,
Thank you for the detailed review! Do you wear the same size in all 3?
Thanks,
Suzie
Yes I do, a women’s 7.5
Thank you!
Can you please send me a link for orders?
You can find Lems Primal 3 here.
I’m so bummed to see their sizing for this new shoe starts at size 6, just like the Zen. I need a 5.5.
I have the same problem. I wrote to them and they basically said “too bad.”
Same here…I considered this shoe before buying the Primal 2, but had to go with the one that came in my size.
This might be the perfect shoe for someone, but I think not for me. Lems has been moving away from their roots for awhile. Several of the primal 3 reviews on their website complain that the new sole ruins ground feel. I still think the Primal 1 is the best shoe they made. Maybe I’m not in the target customer group anymore. But these days, it’s really easy to find alternatives. Anya, thank you for these reviews, they really do help me.
Hi Anya,
Do you size up at all with Lems shoes? Normally I wear a US 8.5W, but I have a pair of the Lems Telluride and had to size up to US 9W. I’m wondering if I should do the same for the Primal 3. Your thoughts are appreciated 🙂
Yes, I size up in all my Lems. A half size up in sneakers and a whole size up in boots.
Can you put custom-made orthotics into any of the Lems? If so, please indicate which ones. Thanks!
I think you could use a custom orthotic in any of them. All models have a removable insole that you can replace with your own.
If the primal 2 is really snug all around my midfoot, do you think the primal 3 will be a better fit? It’s one of those things that is fine at the start of the day but by the end is noticeably uncomfortable.
Yes, that is one of the main differences between the two – Primal 3 is wider through the midfoot. My husband has a flat foot and so if it’s narrow in the middle he will feel it and step on it all day. The Primal 3 doesn’t press on his arch because it’s roomier there.
I have a pair of Primal 2s that I bought to have a zero-drop walking shoe, and I’ve also wondered about their run-ability. I have small feet so width has not been an issue. I’ve used Vibram 5-fingers exclusively for 10(?) years now, but it may be time for a change as they’re a pain to get on my feet and the loops on the heels inevitably break. But they do at least eliminate the possibility of sliding around in them while I run. Does anyone here have experience running in the Primal 2?
My husband plays volleyball in his Primal 2s and 3s, which is not quite the same as running in a straight line. But they’ve worked really well for that. I find I slide around more in my Primal 3s than I do in the Primal Eco. Something about the stability of the upper material. But if I tie them securely all my Lems sneakers work for running.
Is there more height room in the shoe for your toes? Tried primal zens and even with the thinnest insole I could find they were too tight height-wise.
It’s pretty similar in toe box height to the Zens.
Primal 2’s were a perfect fit for my feet – I don’t really want the additional width in the midfoot/heel that the 3’s seem to offer. Are there comparable sneakers you’d recommend that fit like the Primal 2’s (doesn’t have to be Lems)? My Primal 2’s developed holes near the big toes after a year plus of regular wear and are due for replacement. I have some SoftStar shoes, but I’m looking for something that looks more like a traditional sneaker with enough sole to walk on gravel/dirt roads. Thanks!
I would suggest Freet Pace as the most comparable alternative in shape, feel, and width!
Hi! How much space from your bigest toe to the top of the shoe do you find optimal in Primal 3 (or other barefoot sneakers)? Thanks:)
Hard to measure that, but I want to be able to lift my toes slightly while I walk. I usually just go by comfort.