Shoe & Footgear Reviews: Casual Shoe Reviews

The Astral Loyak may just be the hybrid champion of the minimalist footwear field. Marketed—and highly touted—as a water shoe, the impressive Loyak is as functional on land as it is on a boat, SUP, or rocky creek bed. With its foot-healthy design features and its ultra-sticky Flex Grip outsole, the Astral Loyak promotes exceptional balance, stability, and foot function on... Read more

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... Read more

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... Read more

With a foot-healthy design and stylish appeal, the Lems Chillum is an exciting addition to the Lems lineup. Built using the same last as the celebrated Boulder Boot, this attractive casual option is an easy pick for errands around town, dinner out with friends and loved ones, or workplace functions that call for smart footwear. If you’re already a fan of the... Read more

The Lems Nine2five is an attractive, foot-healthy, lightweight men's Oxford dress shoe that’s appropriate in both business and casual settings. In this product review, I’ll highlight the most important design features of this shoe and share with you the reasons why I believe this shoe can be helpful in preventing a lot of common foot problems, such as bunions, neuromas, and plantar fasciosis. I’ll also share with... Read more

Among functional footwear, the Lems Primal 2 is a true standout. Hailed for its foot-friendly design, comfort, and overall attractiveness, the Primal 2 has stood the test of time and continues to be one of the most popular minimalist shoe models in the Natural Footgear community. Lightweight, foldable, and easily packable, this travel-ready shoe has also become a favorite of... Read more

After testing the Lems Primal Pursuit over a range of conditions, climates, and activities, we’ve been impressed by its incredible versatility and its ability to handle everything we've thrown at it. Sporting a durable design and a foot-friendly environment, this shoe is thoughtfully constructed and out-of-the-box-ready for your next adventure. With the Primal Pursuit, Lems has managed to create an... Read more

After over a decade of success with the Primal 2, Lems has now introduced a new iteration—a whole new model, really—to complement their beloved, zero-drop staple: The Primal Zen! With a similar yet modernized look, the Primal Zen is a reimagined Primal 2, equipped with a bit more cushioning and a slightly wider toe box. The flexible injection-blown rubber (IBR)... Read more

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... Read more

Founded in 2009 as a small, boutique company manufacturing DIY sandals, Xero Shoes has since become an industry staple in the minimalist footwear market, producing a wide variety of ready-made sandals and closed-toe shoes and boots in both the athletic and casual footwear spheres. With the thoughtfully designed HFS, Xero has shown how attention to detail can improve... Read more