Lems Nine2Five V2 Shoe Review

Our Score:

4.5 / 5

How was this score calculated?

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3-Word Description:

Sleek, classy, sophisticated

Best uses:

Office and professional settings, casual outings and social events, walking and everyday use, traveling, foot health and recovery, minimalist footwear transition

Suitable for:

Office workers, comfort-first professionals, those seeking an elevated casual shoe, minimalist footwear enthusiasts, individuals transitioning from conventional footwear, frequent travelers, foot health advocates, postural improvement seekers, those hoping to prevent or address common foot and toe problems

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Dr. Robyn's Take:

As a natural foot care proponent, I’m thrilled with the Lems Nine2Five V2. Its wide toe box, zero-drop platform, and flexible sole encourage natural foot function, which is essential for long-term foot health. This shoe provides superior comfort and foot alignment while maintaining a professional look, making it a perfect choice for anyone who spends long hours on their feet. It’s a great option for those transitioning away from conventional footwear, supporting healthier movement without compromising style or versatility.

Dr. Marty's Take:

I’m a big fan of the Lems Nine2Five V2 because it fills a critical gap in men's dress footwear. Its exceptional comfort—thanks to the wide toe box, zero-drop platform, and flexible sole—offers a foot-healthy environment without sacrificing style. For too long, dress shoes have forced wearers to choose between comfort and sophistication, but the Nine2Five V2 changes that. It’s perfect for the office, travel, or casual outings, providing a foot-friendly option for a wide range of applications, making it a versatile, all-day shoe.

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Helpful tip:

To further enhance the flexibility of your Lems Nine2Five V2 shoes, try gently bending the sole back and forth for a minute or two after each wear. This helps loosen up the rubber and enhances the shoe’s natural movement, allowing your feet to move more freely. Plus, it helps the shoe conform even better to the function of your foot over time, making them feel even more comfortable and customized with each use.

Featured Testimonial:

“I’ve been wearing the Lems Nine2Five V2 for a few months now, and I couldn’t be happier. These shoes are incredibly comfortable and lightweight, perfect for long days at the office and beyond. The wide toe box gives my feet plenty of room to move, and the flexible sole makes walking feel natural. I love how they look—sleek enough for business settings but casual enough for everyday wear. I’m so glad I made the switch!” —A.T., Minneapolis, MN

Jump to summary

The Lems Nine2Five V2, the updated successor to the original Nine2Five, is an attractive, foot-healthy, lightweight Derby dress shoe for men that’s appropriate for both business and casual settings. Tailored to those who crave the freedom of natural foot movement without compromising on professional aesthetics, this shoe redefines what it means to wear a work shoe. Whether you're navigating a long day at the office, hustling through an airport terminal, or unwinding over a casual evening out, the Nine2Five V2 promises to deliver exceptional comfort and versatility. In this Lems Nine2Five V2 shoe review, we’ll highlight the most important design features of this shoe and discuss how it can be helpful in preventing a variety of common foot problems, such as bunions, neuromas, and plantar fasciosis. We’ll also share with you how these sophisticated, wide toe box shoes can be used with other beneficial natural footgear for synergistic foot health benefits, along with providing helpful sizing information that will allow you to choose the best possible size for you.

Read on for our full review of the classy Lems Nine2Five V2!

What Are the Main Features of the Lems Nine2Five V2 Shoe?

The Lems Nine2Five V2 is a true standout among men’s dress shoes. Unlike conventional dress shoes, the Nine2Five V2 actually promotes foot and toe health while still allowing you to be fashionable. Most men’s dress shoes are riddled with injury-inducing design elements, and a lot of gents are unaware of just how unhealthy most dress shoes are. So, with that in mind, let’s delve a little bit deeper into what makes the construction of this particular shoe so special. Here are the top features of the Lems NineFive V2 shoe, as we see them:

• Wide, Anatomical Toe Box: The wide toe box of the Lems Nine2Five V2 is one of its best attributes. This anatomically appropriate toe box is built to accommodate the shape of a human foot—or at least how a human foot is supposed to be shaped. In the absence of conventional footwear with its tapering toe boxes, all of our feet would have developed to be widest at the ends of the toes, not at the ball of the foot. The toe box of the Lems Nine2Five V2 can help you restore proper toe alignment and foot shape by allowing your toes to spread the way nature intended. Letting your toes splay can be helpful in preventing foot and toe problems such as bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, neuromas, plantar fasciosis, shin splints, and runner’s knee. The Lems Nine2Five V2 helps you avoid these common problems by staying out of the way of your feet and toes as much as possible.
• Zero-Drop Platform: Another beneficial design feature of the Nine2Five V2 is its completely flat support platform from heel to toe. In the world of dress shoes (and that includes both women’s and men’s dress shoes), finding a shoe with no heel elevation or toe spring is a true rarity. The Nine2Five V2’s zero-drop platform helps enable natural arch support by allowing your big toe to be properly positioned and by placing both ends of your main foot arch—that’s your heel and your forefoot, including your toes—on the same plane. These two things are necessary for your foot to successfully support itself. Your foot works in much the same way that an architectural arch, or arch bridge, works: It needs a level surface on each end of the arch for optimal support, not an uneven, sloped platform with something propping it up in the middle.
• Flexible Sole: The Lems Nine2Five V2 possesses an extremely flexible sole that provides ample protection for your foot but also allows you to feel the ground and build up foot strength. Most conventional dress shoes have very rigid soles that effectively immobilize your feet and cause the tissues in your feet to become weak as a result of disuse. The Lems Nine2Five V2, on the other hand, conforms to the motion of your foot and encourages a strengthening of all your foot tissues by allowing your foot to work the way nature intended. The sole of this foot-healthy dress shoe can be easily bent or twisted, which is a sure sign of a shoe that respects normal foot movement and function. The flexible sole of the Nine2Five V2 also provides sufficient grip on a wide range of surfaces, helping ensure quality footfalls as you move about the world.
• Lightweight Construction: The lightweight nature of the Lems Nine2Five V2 is another design virtue that contributes to its foot-healthy status. Indeed, most conventional dress shoes are considerably heavier than the Nine2Five V2 and feel clunky or like “a lot of shoe.” A pair of men’s conventional dress shoes can weigh 2 pounds or more. Not so with the Nine2Five V2s: Each Lems Nine2Five V2 shoe weighs about 9.5 ounces. The lightweight nature of the Nine2Five V2 offers significant benefits for foot health and musculoskeletal function, as it helps reduce foot strain and fatigue, enhances mobility, and allows you to stride in a more natural way. A relatively lightweight shoe such as the Nine2Five V2 also promotes better balance and helps keep your body's alignment more neutral, reducing your risk of postural issues.
• Quality Materials: When it comes to the quality of the materials incorporated into it, the Lems Nine2Five V2 does not skimp. The upper of this minimalist dress shoe is made of premium, full-grain, polishable leather with a pebbled texture that enhances this shoe’s longevity and lends it a sleek and sophisticated look. The Nine2Five V2’s upper also includes a soft leather lining, a comfortable cushioned collar, and durable poly laces. The 9.0 mm-thick outsole of the Nine2Five V2 is made of injection-blown rubber—a clever mixture of air and rubber that makes this minimalist casual shoe both incredibly lightweight and highly flexible. A cork-topped insole is another thoughtful and quality design inclusion that enhances the feel of this shoe.

The Lems Nine2Five V2 combines numerous design features that prioritize foot health and comfort. Its wide, anatomical toe box allows your toes to spread naturally, reducing the risk of common foot and toe issues. Its zero-drop platform ensures proper musculoskeletal alignment by keeping your heel and forefoot level, and it also promotes natural arch support. Its flexible sole encourages foot strength by allowing natural movement while still providing protection and grip. The lightweight construction of this shoe reduces foot strain, enhances mobility, and supports better gait. Additionally, this shoe is crafted with high-quality full-grain leather and durable materials for long-lasting comfort.

With the top attributes of the Lems Nine2Five V2 now defined, let’s take a closer look at the various applications for which this wide toe box everyday shoe is most suitable.

What Is the Lems Nine2Five V2 Shoe Suitable For?

The Lems Nine2Five V2 is ideal for anyone seeking a balance between style, comfort, and foot health, particularly for those who want a versatile option that works seamlessly across both professional and casual settings. You can wear these attractive shoes with dress slacks or with a pair of jeans; either way, these shoes can really enhance a look, and you’ll probably get a lot of positive feedback from your friends or work colleagues while sporting them. Here at Natural Footgear, we’ve received a lot of feedback from Nine2Five V2 wearers who are very thankful to finally have a foot-healthy option for the office or boardroom. The shoe's minimalist design also makes it a great choice for traveling, especially for those who want to maintain a polished appearance without compromising comfort during long flights or days spent exploring new cities. Whether you're attending a business meeting, heading to a dinner date, or simply running errands, the Nine2Five V2 offers the perfect blend of flexibility, durability, and style. It’s a go-to shoe for anyone who values both aesthetics and foot health in a wide variety of settings.

Is the Lems Nine2Five V2 Shoe Good for Your Feet?

A shoe, such as the Lems Nine2Five V2, that incorporates the various design features we’ve already touched on is, by its very nature, health-promoting. These features allow your feet to move more naturally, accommodate proper toe alignment, strengthen foot muscles over time, and reduce the risk of foot problems like bunions, bunionettes, hammertoes, other types of crooked toes, ingrown toenails, and plantar fasciosis. Because this shoe possesses a broad, level support platform, it helps distribute the forces of body weight more evenly across all aspects of your foot, which is helpful in preventing ball of foot problems such as capsulitis, neuromas, and sesamoiditis (conventional shoes with heel elevation and toe spring route the forces of body weight directly through vulnerable ball of foot structures). Additionally, the minimalist nature of this shoe encourages healthier footfalls, which in turn leads to improved gait and enhanced function throughout the rest of your musculoskeletal system. All things considered, then, the Lems Nine2Five V2 could easily be considered a foot-health-positive shoe.

Do I Need To Transition to Wearing the Lems Nine2Five V2 Shoe?

The Lems Nine2Five V2, while technically still a minimalist shoe, is also designed to be a transitional shoe in its own right, making it an ideal choice whether you’re new to minimalist footwear or already accustomed to foot-healthy designs. Unlike some minimalist shoes that require a slow and gradual transition due to their relatively dramatic change in structure from conventional footwear, the Nine2Five V2 offers a balanced approach. It provides you with ample toe space and a zero-drop sole, which allow your feet to function naturally without the restrictive design of traditional dress shoes, yet without the stark shift often associated with full barefoot-style minimalist footwear. This makes it easier to adapt, especially if you’ve been used to shoes with narrower toe boxes or elevated heels. If you're considering switching from more conventional footwear, the Nine2Five V2 offers you a smooth introduction to healthier foot mechanics while still delivering the professional appearance and comfort you need. Whether you’re looking to improve foot health or simply seeking a more natural option for your daily wear, the Nine2Five V2 can support your transition without overwhelming your feet.

Does the Lems Nine2Five V2 Shoe Work Well With Correct Toes & Other Footgear?

One of the most important and helpful aspects of the Lems Nine2Five V2 is that it works exceptionally well with Correct Toes toe spacers for most sets of feet to promote optimal toe spacing and enhance foot form and function. This shoe’s wide, anatomical toe box is one of its standout features (as described earlier in this review), as it offers plenty of room for your toes to spread and align properly. This makes it an ideal companion for the Correct Toes appliance, which requires ample space to function effectively. The Nine2Five V2’s toe box allows your toes to move about freely, mimicking the natural shape and function of the human foot, and it helps prevent the restrictions, impingements, or discomfort that can arise from wearing shoes with narrow or tapering toe boxes. So, if you're already using Correct Toes or considering it for improved foot and toe alignment, the Lems Nine2Five V2 provides the perfect environment to support that transition, ensuring both comfort and foot health as you go about your day.

SHOP CORRECT TOES

The Lems Nine2Five V2 is compatible with other beneficial natural footgear, too, to enhance and accelerate foot and toe rehabilitation and build optimal foot function. This zero-drop casual shoe pairs nicely with Injinji toe socks to support natural toe splay, and it works well in tandem with Pedag metatarsal pads or Strutz Pro foot pads to prevent or address ball of foot issues and help straighten crooked toes. You can swap out the included (optional) insole for Naboso insoles, which promote enhanced sensory feedback, activate various foot muscles, improve balance and stability, and support better posture and alignment. The Nine2Five V2 also works well alongside other Naboso proprioceptive products and foot-building tools from BlackBoard and Human Locomotion to develop various aspects of foot function and performance. Using these products in combination with the Lems Nine2Five V2 can help you achieve and maintain long-term foot health, avoid common foot and toe problems, and restore normal toe alignment and foot strength.

What Size Lems Nine2Five V2 Shoe Should I Choose?

When choosing the right size in the Lems Nine2Five V2, it’s important to consider both the shoe's natural fit and your foot's unique shape. The Nine2Five V2 is designed with a wide, anatomical toe box, and the manufacturer recommends that you order your normal US shoe size. However, if you’re between sizes or not sure of your usual US shoe size, you can always order two or more pairs at once and then return the size or sizes that don’t fit as well for a refund (that way, you’re almost guaranteed to get your perfect size on the first try). Though most people do best with their usual size in this model, if you have relatively wide feet or desire extra space for your toes to spread, you might consider going up a half size to achieve a more comfortable fit. Lems shoes, of course, tend to have a bit more room in the toe box and a lower profile, which allows for natural foot movement, so it’s worth trying them on with your preferred sock thickness to ensure comfort and foot freedom of motion. Ultimately, the goal is to find a size that allows your foot to move freely, promotes proper foot, toe, and total body alignment, and feels comfortable from the first step. If you have questions about sizing, we recommend checking out Lems’ sizing chart or contacting us for additional information and guidance.

Is the Lems Nine2Five V2 Comfortable?

The Lems Nine2Five V2 is designed with comfort at its core, offering a unique blend of natural foot alignment and all-day wearability. Its generous toe box allows your toes to spread freely, preventing the cramped, uncomfortable feeling that often comes with wearing conventional dress shoes. Its zero-drop platform ensures that both your heel and forefoot are on the same level, which promotes a more balanced, natural stride while reducing foot strain and ball-of-foot pressure. Additionally, this shoe’s flexible sole adapts to the movement of your foot, encouraging proper foot mechanics and helping to build foot strength over time. The lightweight construction of the Nine2Five V2 means you won’t feel weighed down, and the premium materials, including the soft leather and the cushioned ankle collar, provide both a refined look and a comfortable feel. Whether you’re networking at conferences, grabbing coffee with friends, or exploring museums on your trips abroad, the Nine2Five V2 supports your feet in a way that’s both stylish and soothing. If you’re looking for a dress shoe that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for form, this shoe delivers on both fronts.

How Durable Is the Lems Nine2Five V2 Shoe?

The Lems Nine2Five V2 is surprisingly durable and built to last, especially when given the proper care and attention. Crafted with premium full-grain leather and a flexible, high-quality rubber outsole, this wide toe box dress shoe is designed to withstand everyday wear without compromising on comfort or appearance. The leather upper, with its rich finish, not only looks sleek but also holds up well over time, resisting the minor scuffs that sometimes occur with other leather dress shoes. The injection-blown rubber outsole, which combines lightweight flexibility with durability, provides excellent grip and wear resistance, even on a variety of urban surfaces. With regular maintenance, such as cleaning the leather and conditioning it to prevent drying (Lems recommends Otter Wax or Nikwax) and occasional sole checks (uneven or smoothed-out treads indicate it’s time for a new pair), the Nine2Five V2 can continue to serve you well for years. Whether you’re wearing them daily at the office, for travel, or on casual outings, this shoe is designed to endure, offering both longevity and style.

Can the Lems Nine2Five V2 Shoe Be Worn With or Without the Insole?

The Lems Nine2Five V2 can be worn with or without the included insole, offering flexibility depending on your comfort preferences and foot health needs. For some, wearing the shoe with the included insole may provide a bit of additional cushioning, enhancing overall comfort during long hours of wear. However, removing the insole can significantly increase the barefoot feel of the shoe, allowing for more direct ground contact and promoting more natural foot movement and action. This can be particularly appealing for those seeking a more connected, minimalist shoe-wearing experience. Additionally, removing the insole opens up more space for the toes and allows for the use of other foot health tools, like Naboso insoles, which can stimulate the sensory receptors in your feet and improve proprioception. This customization offers an opportunity to tailor the shoe to your specific needs, whether you’re looking for extra comfort, a more barefoot-like feel, or a way to enhance foot strength and function with specialized insoles.

Is the Lems Nine2Five V2 Suitable for Women?

The Lems Nine2Five V2 is indeed suitable for women. While its design is often more appealing to men, with a more neutral, streamlined aesthetic that aligns with traditional men's dress shoes, the Nine2Five V2 is versatile enough to work well for a wide range of foot shapes, including women’s feet. Its wide toe box, flexible sole, and zero-drop platform provide the same foot health benefits and comfort no matter your gender. However, if you’re seeking a more classically feminine look, the Lems Kourt might be a better match, offering a style that leans more into traditional women’s footwear designs. That being said, the Nine2Five V2’s comfort, durability, and foot-friendly features make it a solid choice for women who value foot health and functionality over style conventions or for those who prefer a more minimalist, gender-neutral aesthetic. Ultimately, the Nine2Five V2 works well for pretty much all sets of feet, delivering both comfort and versatility across diverse footwear needs and preferences.

Are There Any Additional Considerations for This Shoe?

While the Lems Nine2Five V2 offers numerous benefits, including comfort, foot health, and a sleek, minimalist design, there are a few considerations and limitations to keep in mind before making your purchase. These potential downsides mostly stem from its minimalist approach, which prioritizes natural foot function over the traditional features you might find in more conventional dress shoes. From its relatively subtle cushioning to its flexible heel, these aspects may not align with everyone's preferences. However, for those looking for a shoe that promotes healthier movement and foot strength, these limitations are more than manageable and can be easily addressed with minor adjustments or added accessories. Here, then, are some possible considerations associated with this zero-drop dress shoe:

• Minimal Cushioning: While the Lems Nine2Five V2 offers a comfortable, flexible fit, it may not provide as much cushioning as more traditional dress shoes. This can feel unusual (especially at first) if you’re used to thicker, more heavily padded footwear. However, this minimalist design encourages a more natural foot movement, promoting foot strength and alignment over time. The barefoot-like feel is actually beneficial for those looking to improve foot health, and for some wearers, adding specialty insoles or simply removing the included insole can provide just the right amount of comfort.
• Style Preference: The Nine2Five V2 has a minimalist, more neutral design, which might not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer a more polished, classic dress shoe look. For those who value traditional footwear aesthetics, the Nine2Five V2 might feel a little too understated. However, its simple, streamlined design is highly versatile, fitting into both professional and casual environments. Its clean, minimalist style also aligns with the growing trend of foot health-conscious fashion, offering a modern, functional alternative to typical dress shoes.
• Less Arch Support Than Traditional Dress Shoes: While the Nine2Five V2’s wide toe box and zero-drop platform naturally support your main foot arch, this shoe does not incorporate the built-in arch bumps or props that some wearers are accustomed to. This can be a drawback for those who rely on significant arch support for comfort. That said, this shoe is designed to allow your foot to naturally strengthen and support itself over time. If additional “support” is needed, custom insoles can be easily added as a bridge as you gradually transition to a more minimalist in-shoe environment.
• Less Structured Heel: The Nine2Five V2 features a flexible, soft heel counter, which provides a more adaptable fit but may not offer the same level of structural support as shoes with a firmer, more rigid heel. For some, this might feel less stable, especially if you're used to more traditional, rigidly structured dress shoes. However, this flexibility allows for a greater range of motion and comfort, letting your feet move more naturally, which can lead to improved foot function and reduced foot strain in the long run.
• Lack of Extreme Water Resistance: While the Nine2Five V2 is built with high-quality materials, it is not designed to be a waterproof shoe. Wearing it in heavy rain or wet conditions may lead to discomfort or water penetration, unlike more water-resistant or weatherproof dress shoes. However, for most everyday wear in dry (or relatively dry) conditions, this shoe performs excellently. Additionally, waterproofing sprays can be applied for those who need extra protection, and the lightweight, breathable nature of the shoe makes it ideal for warmer climates or indoor settings where moisture is less of a concern.

While the Lems Nine2Five V2 may not offer the same level of cushioning, arch support, or traditional structure found in more conventional shoes, these “limitations” are by design, supporting a healthier, more natural approach to footwear. For those open to embracing a more foot-conscious way of walking and standing, these features are not drawbacks but rather enhancements to long-term foot health. Whether it’s the flexible sole, minimalist style, or the ability to add your own insoles, the Nine2Five V2 offers a versatile, durable shoe that adapts to your personal needs while encouraging a more holistic approach to foot care and overall comfort.

Lems Nine2Five V2 Shoe Review: In Summary

The Lems Nine2Five V2 is the ideal choice for those seeking a foot-healthy alternative to traditional dress shoes, offering a perfect balance of comfort, style, and natural foot function. This lightweight, minimalist (or minimalist-like) Derby dress shoe has all the features we typically look for in a truly foot-healthy shoe, including a generous toe box that allows your toes to splay, a zero-drop platform that enables natural arch support, and a flexible sole that promotes increased foot strength. The Lems Nine2five works well in a variety of situations and adds a touch of class to almost any outfit, and its lightweight nature and packability make it an excellent travel companion. While it may not offer the extreme cushioning or rigid structure of conventional shoes, these very features are what make it a solid option for those looking to invest in their long-term foot health. At the end of the day, the Lems Nine2Five V2 excels in providing a more natural, comfortable, and sustainable way to move through your day, making it a wise choice for those who value both foot health and style.

The Lems Nine2Five V2 scores 4.5 (out of 5) on the NFAR scale, which puts it in the “excellent” range for foot-healthiness.

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