“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
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!
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:
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
Other footgear that pairs nicely with the Lems Telluride Boot includes Injinji toe socks, Pedag metatarsal pads or Strutz Pro foot 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.
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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.
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.
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.
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).
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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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
The Lems Telluride Boot is Natural Footgear Certified, which means that it lives up to our strict criteria for what constitutes a healthy and beneficial natural foot product. In order to receive Natural Footgear Certification, products must conform to the key criteria we have identified as essential in supporting long-term foot and musculoskeletal health, and footwear must additionally score at least 4.4 out of 5.0 on the NFAR scale.
Disclosure:
We may receive affiliate compensation in connection with the purchase of footwear mentioned on this page (this doesn't cost you, the purchaser, anything, and it helps to keep Natural Footgear going). Even though we may receive compensation, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on or about all models. See our Ethics Policy for more details.
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The Lems Chelsea Boot is an attractive and versatile footwear offering that exists at the crossroads of chic design and high practicality. In a step toward fashion-forward footwear, Lems has managed to retain a foot-healthy fit in a shoe that’s as classy as it is functional. With premium full-grain leather or suede uppers and a durable sole, these boots—an up-leveled take on a beloved classic—perform as well on the trail...
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When it comes to functional outdoor footwear, the Lems Boulder Boot is a true pioneer. Touted for its many impressive design features (as well as its comfort), the Boulder Boot has long been a go-to option for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to flash some style around town. Baked into this boot are a number of design features that are intended to let your foot do the walking, so to...
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