Lems Telluride Boot Review

Our Score:

4.6 / 5

How was this score calculated?

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3-Word Description:

Supple, spacious, comfy

Best uses:

Around-town errands or exploration, hikes of varying effort, intensity, or duration, nature-based activities, indoor or outdoor work

Suitable for:

Individuals seeking a comfortable walking boot for a wide range of temperatures, those interested in building or restoring optimal foot and toe health, people transitioning to thinner-soled footwear, workers who spend long periods of time in motion or on their feet

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Dr. Robyn's Take:

Three cheers for this cute and cozy boot from Lems! Loaded with features that I appreciate, the Telluride Boot is an easy pick for me when hitting the streets or trails for strolls with friends. This boot's super-soft suede upper has a really nice feel to it and is pliable enough to accommodate a wide variety of foot shapes and volumes, and I find that the Telluride Boot's sole offers me a nice mixture of protection and ground feel.

Dr. Marty's Take:

It's been a true pleasure wear-testing the Lems Telluride Boot, and it's clear that this boot will be one of my go-to's for active outdoor pursuits for many months of the year. I love this boot for its eye-catching look and many beneficial design features, but at the end of the day, it's just so unbelievably comfortable, and this is what I appreciate about it the most. Lems has knocked it out of the park with the Telluride Boot!

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Helpful tip:

The Lems Telluride Boot does, by itself, a great job of keeping your feet dry and comfortable. But if you want to take things to the next level, consider sprinkling some Dr. Swaim's Medicated Body & Foot Powder into your pair of Telluride Boots on a periodic basis. This is a simple and effective way to absorb any excess moisture and keep your boots—and your feet—feeling fresh all day and ready for adventure.

Featured Testimonial:

“This is the fourth pair of Lems footwear that I've owned, and I have to say it's my favorite so far! I thought I'd use this boot for everyday purposes, but I've found that it works great for my forest treks and flat-pedal rides too. Also, I get so many compliments from other people who see the boots, which isn't normally something I care about all that much, but it does remind me how unique and special they are. My feet are pleased!” —G.C., Bend, OR

Jump to summary

As lovers of the great outdoors, we know the importance of using footwear that aligns with our pursuits. As advocates for natural foot health, we understand the role that foot-friendly footwear plays in gait, posture, and musculoskeletal health and function. As appreciators of shoe aesthetics, we value the appearance of footwear and the role that this plays in us reaching for a given pair of shoes or boots. It's quite rare to find a single footwear option that addresses these disparate needs, but with the Lems Telluride Boot, an ultra-comfortable, lightweight everyday boot, you can truly have it all. In this Lems Telluride Boot review, we zoom in on this wide toe box boot to examine its merits and any potential pitfalls. We take a closer look at the various activities for which you might consider using these boots, discuss the compatibility of the Telluride Boot with other helpful footgear, offer up a comparison to another beloved Lems boot, and answer a host of other questions that are commonly asked about this flexible-soled offering.

Read on for our full review of the comfy Lems Telluride Boot!

What Are the Key Attributes of the Lems Telluride Boot?

Between the beneficial design elements present and the quality of the materials used in its construction, the Lems Telluride Boot possesses a stunning array of notable attributes. This is a boot that is, first and foremost, all about the foot. The various design features incorporated into it, which we flesh out below, permit foot freedom of motion and do not, in any way, encroach upon your foot or attempt to dictate its movement or function. And the materials that compose this boot are well-considered and long-lasting, yielding a high-quality boot-wearing experience. After putting this minimalist walking boot to the test, here are the key aspects of the Lems Telluride Boot:

• Ultra-Wide Toe Box: Lems is, of course, well-known as an early champion of wide toe box footwear, and the Telluride Boot is a glowing example of how a principled underlying foot health philosophy can be successfully put into practice. Every bit as wide as the widest toe boxes already present in the Lems footwear lineup, the Telluride Boot easily accommodates natural toe splay, which is crucial for a variety of musculoskeletal functions, everything from addressing foot pain and toe deformities to enabling natural arch support to preventing excessive pronation to improving blood flow to your plantar fascia, and more.
• Zero-Drop Platform: The Lems Telluride Boot incorporates a zero-drop platform, which means that there is no heel elevation or toe spring built into this boot and that your foot will rest or act upon a level plane, which is what nature had in mind when it comes to optimal foot function. Zero-drop footwear, such as the Telluride Boot, helps stabilize your foot and ankle, reduces your chances of ankle sprains and other lower leg problems, and provides your body with a strong musculoskeletal foundation. Indeed, the flat-soled nature of the Lems Telluride Boot is another benefit that will serve you well on your journey toward healthier, happier feet.
• Flexible LemsRubber Outsole: The outsole of the Lems Telluride Boot, made of air-injected rubber, is another standout feature of this foot-health-positive footwear offering. It's the flexibility of this outsole that yields the greatest benefits, as it encourages your foot to do the work of supporting your body weight, as opposed to offloading this work onto the boot itself (which is the case with rigid-soled footwear). Simply by performing weight-bearing activity in the Telluride Boot, you will be improving your foot strength and resiliency with each and every footfall, and this will lead to a more capable foot and, for many, more mindful walking.
• Low Overall Stack Height: Stack height is the total amount of shoe material that exists between your foot and the ground. The Lems Telluride Boot has a total stack height of 16.5 mm (this number includes the optional 5.5 mm dual-density, open-cell PU insole that comes with the boot). With an overall stack height of 16.5 mm, we would still consider this boot to be an example of minimalist footwear, though it's verging on being a “transitional” boot. Of course, wearing the boot without the included insole (11 mm stack height, in this case) makes it more minimalist, which you might consider doing to achieve an even greater ground feel, which is the ability to sense and react to the ground beneath your foot.
• Lightweight Build: We prize lightweight footwear for a number of reasons. First, lightweight shoes and boots are a boon to the optimal functioning of your foot and lower body. Carrying less weight on your feet means that you can move more deftly through the world. But, also, a lighter boot offers you the possibility of a lighter step (i.e., reduced joint impact) and a more natural gait, which is good for your entire musculoskeletal system. Thanks to its incredibly lightweight injection-blown rubber outsole (an outsole that's also highly comfortable and durable), the Lems Telluride Boot is exceptionally lightweight, weighing only about 11 oz. per boot.
• Luxurious Suede Upper: The upper of this lightweight casual boot is made of super-soft suede, giving it a supple look and feel. The Telluride Boot's upper is both accommodating and comfortable, and it, along with the flexible rubber outsole, helps create an in-boot environment that allows your foot to thrive. To enhance the water repellency of this boot and to protect the luxurious suede upper, consider using an aftermarket waterproofing spray, such as Nikwax. Complementing this boot's high-quality upper are thick-gauge laces that feel soft yet substantial under the fingers and a gusseted tongue to help keep debris out.
• Cozy Faux Fur Ankle Cuff: One of the most eye-catching features of the Lems Telluride Boot is the cozy faux fur ankle cuff that's incorporated into the boot. You'll find this faux fur material on the underside of the boot's tongue as well. More than just a decorative touch, this plush material will help keep your feet warm on cooler days. Having this faux fur lining around the ankle, and especially under the tongue, may also be helpful for those with low-volume feet, as the material itself serves as a sort of tongue pad to help take up any slack that might be present and prevent forward displacement of the foot while you're in motion.

With so many outstanding features, including a helpful pull loop you can use while donning it, the Lems Telluride Boot has set a high bar in the world of mountain-to-town, multi-purpose footwear. With its generous, anatomical toe box, flat and flexible sole, low total stack height, lightweight nature, choice materials, thoughtful construction, and attractive appearance, the Telluride Boot honors both foot form and function while allowing you to stride in style. With the leading features of these boots now more fully considered, and to get a better sense of how best to put these boots to work, let's shift our focus to the venues and scenarios that may be the best match for the Lems Telluride Boot.

What Activities Is the Lems Telluride Boot Suitable For?

The Lems Telluride Boot is suitable for an impressive range of situations, scenarios, and activities. On the more laid-back, casual side of the spectrum, this minimalist everyday boot is a great go-to option for those seeking a comfortable walking boot that works well in a variety of conditions and temperatures. From damp, snowy environments to warmer, drier climes, the Telluride Boot works equally well to support your foot in the way that nature intended. For around-town errands, weekend strolls to the local farmer's market, bike commuting to your co-working space, or striking off with your camera to capture the urban landscape (and so much more), the Lems Telluride Boot will take you there and back with panache. This boot also works great for those who are on their feet (or standing in place) for long periods at work, as it will leave your feet feeling every bit as good at the end of the day as they did starting out.

When it comes to the more physically vigorous side of the use spectrum, the Lems Telluride Boot does not disappoint. We wouldn't hesitate to don the Telluride Boot for hikes of just about any duration or degree of difficulty, as it's durable enough to hold up to rigorous conditions, grippy enough to keep you moving forward on slick and muddy trails, and wide enough in the toe box to preserve optimal toe alignment and function. Indeed, this boot is the kind of trail companion that will support your backcountry adventures and leave you excited for your next outing in the great outdoors. In addition to hiking, the Lems Telluride Boot works great for other nature-based activities, including birding, camping, foraging, geocaching, orienteering, rock hunting (shoutout to all you amateur geologists out there!), and just about any other activity that springs to mind.

Is the Lems Telluride Boot Comfortable for Long Hikes?

As we mentioned in the section above, we would not hesitate to use the Lems Telluride Boot for long hikes. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to find a more comfortable option for full-day hikes or multi-day treks. And you can choose your own adventure when it comes to the comfort level possible with the Telluride Boot. Earlier in this review, we noted that this lightweight hiking boot comes with an optional dual-density, open-cell PU insole, and you can modulate your boot-wearing experience based on whether or not you choose to use this insole or remove it from the boot. For those who want the smoothest ride possible on long hikes, you might consider leaving the insole inside the boot. For those who want a slightly more vigorous foot workout while on the trail or for those who want to experience maximum ground feel, you might think about removing the insole from the boot. Regardless, though, we think that, with the Lems Telluride Boot, you'll enjoy a trail experience that is seldom surpassed in terms of foot comfort.

Does the Lems Telluride Boot Have Good Grip?

Our assessment is that the Lems Telluride Boot offers good (i.e., sufficient) grip on most surfaces and moderate grip on some of the trickier surfaces, such as ice (but then again, that's true of most boots). Most wearers of this boot will find the tread pattern and the proprietary injection-blown rubber outsole material—which is highly regarded for its durability and longevity—to be adequate for most needs, and neither of these things are likely to hold you back from going where you want to go or doing what you want to do. Considering that the Telluride Boot is not touted as an expedition-style boot, we think it strikes a nice balance between comfort and performance, and it performs well on a variety of terrain. Plus, the wide nature of the Telluride Boot's outsole (especially compared to the outsoles of conventional hiking boots) means that more of the boot is in contact with the ground, which in turn makes for a more stable and steady footfall. Because of this, the Lems Telluride Boot doesn't have to rely on heavy and clunky lugs for maximum traction.

Is the Lems Telluride Boot Good for Your Feet?

When we consider the question of whether or not a particular shoe or boot is good for the feet, we focus on the extent to which it impacts how the feet move and function and the degree to which it encroaches on the toes. It's our belief that the less a shoe does to the foot, the better it is for the foot, and that a shoe or boot's main job, its highest purpose, is to let the foot function like a bare foot inside of it while providing the foot with a small yet sufficient amount of protection. So, when we examine the Lems Telluride Boot from this perspective, it's clear that this boot is a foot-forward offering. The toe box of the Telluride Boot does not crowd the toes, and it permits optimal toe splay (including when this toe splay is enabled by Correct Toes—more on this in the next section). Thanks to its flat and flexible sole and relatively low stack height, this zero-drop boot helps ensure foot and ankle stability, permits your foot to grow stronger over time, and confers good ground feel for a pleasant sensory experience. Also, its lightweight nature promotes a more natural gait. With all these things considered, then, we do indeed feel that the Lems Telluride Boot is good for your feet.

Is the Lems Telluride Boot Compatible With Other Footgear?

One of the marks of a foot-healthy boot is how easily it can accommodate other complementary footgear. Of primary importance to us is whether or not the boot is compatible with Correct Toes, a medical-grade silicone toe spacing device that slots in between your toes to bring them in line with their corresponding metatarsal bones. Most people who have worn conventional footwear for years or decades have at least some degree of passive toe deformities courtesy of the tapering toe boxes present in these shoes or boots, and many people have significant such deformities. Bunions, bunionettes, hammertoes, and other kinds of crooked toes are just a few of the problems that Correct Toes seeks to resolve. Thankfully, most wearers of the Lems Telluride Boot will find that it is Correct Toes compatible, easily housing the toes with spacers on. Those with very wide feet may find that removing the included insole opens up that little bit of extra space required to comfortably use the device in combination with the boots.

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Other footgear that pairs nicely with the Lems Telluride Boot includes Injinji toe socks, Pedag metatarsal pads, and Naboso insoles. This formidable trio of natural footgear works in concert with the Telluride Boot to enhance balance, stability, and toe dexterity, protect sensitive ball of foot structures, and stimulate the nerves in the sole of the foot while improving postural awareness, respectively. Additional items that you can use alongside the Lems Telluride Boot to help improve foot and lower leg form and function include BlackBoard training tools, Human Locomotion training tools, Zensah compression sleeves, and the Naboso Neuro Ball. Those who are making the leap to more minimalist-like footwear might also benefit from Tuli's heel cups, which are soft, unobtrusive gel pads that cradle the heel and can be helpful in relieving any point tenderness that may develop beneath the heel.

What Size Lems Telluride Boot Should I Choose?

Choosing the correct size of the Lems Telluride Boot is an important consideration, especially if you plan to use these boots for vigorous hikes or long walks. You want to select a size that affords your foot sufficient room so as to avoid crowding, but not so large that your foot is swimming in the boot. So, it's best to seek an optimal fit, and since this boot comes in half-sizes, it's usually possible to achieve this in the Telluride Boot. For this model, Lems recommends ordering your normal US shoe size. We took these instructions to heart and found that they worked well for us. Some people have reported that the Telluride Boot runs a little bit small and that going up a half-size produced a better fit. If you intend to use this boot in combination with the other footgear mentioned earlier, then you might want to consider going that half-size up. Keep in mind, too, that switching to healthy-foot-shaped minimalist footwear often results in a lengthening of the foot over time, so having that little bit of extra space beyond the toes could come in handy later on.

How Do Men’s vs. Women’s Versions of the Lems Telluride Boot Compare?

All Lems footwear, including the Lems Telluride Boot, is gender-neutral, meaning that it works well for most sets of feet, period. There are differences between men's and women's feet: Men's feet tend to be relatively longer (in heel-to-ball length), and women's feet tend to be relatively narrower and taller—in the toe region, throughout the instep, and at the medial and lateral malleoli—than those of men. Women's feet do differ in size and shape from men's feet, then, and they are not simply algebraically scaled, smaller versions of men's feet. Some footwear manufacturers try to cater to these differences (with varying degrees of success), which can be helpful for some in achieving a more personalized fit. While Lems does not offer gender-specific options in the Telluride Boot or other models in their footwear lineup, they have, in our opinion, done a remarkable job of producing generally accommodating footwear that feels great on the foot and permits most sets of feet to function at their best.

How Wide Is the Lems Telluride Boot?

Throughout the heel and midfoot, the Lems Telluride Boot is comparable in width to many other boots on the market. It's at the level of the forefoot that this boot really starts to deviate from a lot of other offerings out there. Instead of tapering toward the foot's midline starting at the ball of the foot, this boot's toe box actually gets wider as it heads toward the ends of the toes. This widening of the toe box is one of the hallmark features of the Telluride Boot, and it's a conscientious footwear design inclusion that we value highly, given its positive impact on foot health and performance. Within the Lems footwear suite, the Telluride Boot is among the widest toe box models, comparable to the Primal Zen and Chelsea Boot, all of which are built using Lems' WIDEST Natural-Shape last. If you're looking for a wide toe box boot for work or play, the Lems Telluride Boot will stand you in good stead. For more info about how to determine the proper shoe (or boot) width for your unique feet, we recommend that you check out this article from our Educational Articles blog.

How Do Lems Telluride Boots Compare to Lems Boulder Boots?

Those who are familiar with Lems Shoes will no doubt also be familiar with one of the brand's signature offerings: The Lems Boulder Boot. One of Lems' earliest available models, the Boulder Boot was—and continues to be—a popular option that set the standard for lightweight, packable backcountry boots (that also have crossover appeal for urbanites seeking a comfortable and attractive boot for around-town wear). In this regard, and in the fact that both models possess a treasure trove of foot-friendly design features, the Boulder Boot and the Lems Telluride Boot are quite similar. The principle differences between these two models lie in the materials used to construct their uppers (leather for the Boulder Boot, suede for the Telluride Boot), the tread pattern and grip (most wearers find the Telluride Boot's outsole to offer better purchase on varied surfaces—with the exception of the Boulder Boot Grip, which offers superior traction), the set of lasts used to construct the boots (the Telluride Boot possesses a slightly wider toe box than the Boulder Boot), and the waterproofness of the boots (most versions of the Boulder Boot are waterproof, the Telluride Boot is not).

What Temperatures Is the Lems Telluride Boot Suitable For?

With its plush faux fur ankle cuff and sturdy design, the Lems Telluride Boot looks very much like a hardy winter boot that's suitable for even the coldest of days. However, in our experience, we've found that this boot works best in cool weather. When paired with a thick wool sock, the Telluride Boot is, for most people, a fine option for temperatures as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius), though of course every set of feet is unique in terms of how they experience the cold. For anything cooler than this, and especially if you want to use Correct Toes while out and about (the spacers can get quite cold next to the toes in very cold temperatures), you may be more comfortable in a dedicated winter boot with thicker insulation. On the other side of the spectrum, we think you'll find the Lems Telluride Boot to be a pleasant option during all but the warmest times of the year, at which point you may want to go with an airier model. At the very least, though, this boot makes for an excellent choice for the shoulder seasons and well into both summer and winter in many parts of the world.

Are There Any Additional Considerations for This Boot?

Thanks to its bevy of foot-healthy design features, durable and supple materials, and overall attractive appearance, the Lems Telluride Boot makes for a great match for many sets of feet. Having wear-tested these boots, though, we do have a few thoughts and ideas on how this already-excellent boot could become a stellar one, as well as things you may want to consider before investing in your very own pair of Telluride Boots. Some additional considerations for this boot, then, include the following:

• Faux Fur Lining: While this cozy inclusion does confer some warmth to the foot, it's largely ornamental. Instead of just an ankle cuff, we'd love to see the entirety of this boot (i.e., all parts of it from heel to toe) lined with faux fur, which would turn it into a true deep winter boot (though doing so would, no doubt, make it less likely you'd want to use this boot in the warmer months). Perhaps the happy compromise here is the eventual production of a separate, fully-lined version of the Telluride Boot for those seeking to optimize for foot warmth and comfort in the colder times of year.
• Traction on Ice: The Telluride Boot offers moderate traction on icy surfaces, which may be good enough for some but suboptimal for others. The fact that the outsole of this boot is so wide, though, ensures greater stability than other conventional models with similar tread pattern and grip (i.e., more of the boot's sole is in contact with the ground, which translates into better balance and steadiness throughout the gait cycle). If you want to be absolutely certain of having good footing in icy conditions, we recommend that you pair the Lems Telluride Boot with a dedicated winter traction aid, especially one that's compatible with a wide toe box boot such as this.

Apart from these cold-weather considerations, there are a few other things to ponder when it comes to the Lems Telluride Boot ...

What follows are relatively minor critiques, but critiques nonetheless. Here, then, are the additional points to weigh when deciding if the Lems Telluride Boot will be right for you:

• Donning Process: If you're looking for a boot that's easy on and easy off, and if this is a major factor for you when it comes to footwear, you may want to consider a different model. With the Telluride Boot, you'll need to loosen the laces at the top-most three eyelets, at least, to comfortably get your foot into and out of the boot. This process is, however, aided by the convenient heel loop located on the back of the boot. Some may also find the FootFitter Travel Shoe Horn helpful in this regard.
• Gusseted Tongue: The Lems Telluride Boot does have a gusseted tongue, which means that its tongue is connected to its upper along the openings where the laces run, rather than being a primarily free-floating piece of material attached only at the bottom (which is more common in other footwear). This feature is intended to keep dirt, debris, and moisture out of the boot, and it typically works quite well, which is true of the Telluride Boot. However, the caveat here is that the gussets incorporated into the Lems Telluride Boot are not elasticized and are therefore not as stretchy as they could otherwise be, lightly affecting the user experience.
• Waterproofing & Protection: If you're going to invest in a pair of Lems Telluride Boots, you will probably also want to purchase some waterproofing spray from Nikwax or another such company that produces these kinds of shoe care products. Though this is an additional outlay of both money and time, treating the boots in this manner (prior to their first use) is well worth doing, in our opinion, to enhance their water repellency and protect them from stains that might otherwise be difficult to remove from the suede upper. Just to say, then, that these boots come with some additional obligations when it comes to care and treatment, and some users—especially those who are seeking a lower-maintenance boot-wearing experience out of the box—may find this to be a deterrent.

It's important to consider the above things when determining whether or not the Lems Telluride Boot aligns with your footwear requirements. You'll want to assess all aspects of this minimalist casual boot, including the above-mentioned points, keeping in mind, too, the many merits of the Telluride Boot, such as its ultra-wide toe box, flexible zero-drop sole, lightweight nature, low overall stack height, limber upper, long-lasting outsole, performance in a wide range of temperatures, and general attractiveness. With all considerations now listed and explored, we feel that the Lems Telluride Boot is a well-grounded choice that deserves all the plaudits it's thus far received from wearers of all stripes.

Lems Telluride Boot Review: In Summary

With its unique blend of foot-forward design features and top-quality materials, and with its compelling look and luxe textures, the Lems Telluride Boot is a true minimalist masterpiece that offers you the possibility of improved foot form and function as well as peak foot comfort. And being in Telluride (as pretty as it is) is not a prerequisite for wearing these accommodating boots! Indeed, no matter where you are or what you plan to do, you can do it in your Lems Telluride Boots. If you're seeking a lightweight, ready-to-wear boot that helps you put your best foot forward, this boot is for you. If you are searching for a sturdy performer that works equally well in the city and on the trail, then this boot is also for you. For its thoughtful construction, wide range of potential uses, and commitment to natural foot health principles, the Lems Telluride Boot has earned a spot on our list of top functional footwear.

The Lems Telluride Boot scores 4.6 (out of 5) on the NFAR scale, which puts it in the “excellent” range for foot-healthiness.

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