Lems Boulder Boots run small, even though they have a wider forefoot than most boots. If you have standard width feet, I recommend choosing a half-size larger than you normally would with your sneakers. If you have wide feet (E width or greater), get a full size larger than your most common sneaker size.
Lems Boulder Boots are comfortable…
If you get the right size.
The problem is, they don’t fit like most sneakers and boots do. It can be tricky to get the correct fit for your foot.
So in this sizing guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about how Lems Boulder Boots fit, and how to choose the correct size for your foot shape.
Lems Boulder Boot Sizing
Lems Boulder Boots run small. You likely won’t have an issue with your forefoot fitting into the boot, but it’s easy to get your boot too small at the “waist” of your foot.
Lems are narrow at the arch of your foot, and that’s really why you’ll want to size up a half size larger than you normally would with your sneakers.
Let’s take a look at how the Lems Boulder Boot is shaped:
As you can see, the toe box is considerably wider than the middle, or “waist” of the boot. The Boulder Boot is wider in the toe than most boots and shoes, which is part of what makes it a “barefoot” style boot.
Even if you’ve been wearing barefoot style shoes for a while and your toes are splayed out, I wouldn’t worry about your toes not fitting in the boot—that’s not the issue.
It’s the middle of the boot around the arch that can be problematic for people.
I’m a size 10.5D on the Brannock device (the metal thing you see in shoe stores meant for measuring feet). All my sneakers and dress shoes are a size 10.5.
In the Lems Boulder Boot, I got the best fit with a size 11.
I have standard width feet (D width), so choosing a half-size larger than my normal size got me the best fit.
However, this is different if you have either wide or narrow feet.
A lot of guys have wide feet (E, EE, or EEE on the Brannock). If you’re not sure if you have wide feet or not, you probably don’t. But if you always have to buy your boots and shoes with a ton of extra room in the toe to allow them to fit your feet comfortably, then maybe you’ve been needing wider E width boots the whole time.
The best way to find out is to get your foot measured in a Brannock device.
So if you do have wide feet, then go a full size larger in the Lems Boulder Boot than you would with your regular sneaker size.
But if you have narrow feet (B width or narrower), then you shouldn’t change the size at all and get your regular sneaker size in the Boulder Boot.
The Lems Boulder Boot is a fantastic introduction to the world of zero-drop footwear. If you want a good looking everyday zero-drop boot and don’t plan on any difficult hikes with these boots, you’ll enjoy your experience with Lems.
Lems Waterproof Boulder Boot Sizing
The Waterproof Boulder Boot has more material between the upper and the lining, so you should definitely still size up a half size from your regular sneaker size.
Lems recommends choosing a full size larger if you plan on wearing thick socks, though your socks would have to be very thick to make your boots uncomfortable.
Most wool socks won’t affect the overall volume of your feet much. There are some super thick thermal socks that require a larger boot size, but unless you live in an extreme cold environment like Michigan or Wyoming, then those thick thermal socks aren’t necessary.
The Heavyweight from Camel City Mill is the best work sock you can get for a steel toe boot. The padding is heavy in the heel and toe, but since it's made with Merino wool, this sock is also very breathable and won't make your feet sweaty.
I think if you’re wearing Lems boots in the winter, then it can’t be too cold where you live. In extreme cold, an insulated boot is a better choice.
Do I wear socks with Lems Boulder Boots?
Yes, you should wear socks with your Lems Boulder Boot—if you don’t, they’ll get stinky fast. Wearing socks also helps you prevent blisters and athlete’s foot. You can find individual toe socks if you want, but you’ll still have full flexibility with regular socks as well in Lems.
Do Lems Boulder Boots Stretch?
If you get a leather version of the Lems Boulder Boot, it’ll stretch a bit as you wear it in. If they feel too snug when you first put them on, it’s worth returning them—they should never feel tight.
But if they feel loose when you first put them on, it’s not going to get better.
Leather stretches a bit as it heats up, absorbs moisture, and is strained due to regular walking activity.
Again, I wouldn’t let this fact change what size you’re going to get, but it’s important to note if you’re trying on your Lems for the first time and wondering how the sizing is going to be in a few months.
The leather and nylon version of the Boulder Boot doesn’t stretch as you wear it. That will retain its shape, even after the boot is broken in.
Conclusion
Getting the correct size for your Lems Boulder Boot is quite easy. I recommend getting a half size larger than you normally would for your sneakers.
If you plan on wearing thick socks or you have wide feet, order a full size up.
The sizing for the Boulder Boot isn’t the same as for other Lems shoes—depending on the model you get, you may need to go a full size larger, or just get your true size.
It’s the one thing that’s frustrated me when shopping with Lems, but with this guide, you won’t have to make the same mistakes I did.
The Lems Boulder Boot is a fantastic introduction to the world of zero-drop footwear. If you want a good looking everyday zero-drop boot and don’t plan on any difficult hikes with these boots, you’ll enjoy your experience with Lems.
FAQs
Do Lems run true to size?
No, Lems don’t run true to size. They run small compared to other sneakers and boots.
Are Lems good for wide feet?
Yes, Lems are good for wide feet. Just make sure you order a full size larger than you normally would for your sneakers and you should have a comfortable fit experience.
Are Lems shoes good for narrow feet?
Yes, Lems shoes are great for narrow feet, despite the wide toe box. Order your normal sneaker size, and you should have a comfortable fit experience.
