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Field Report Vol. 04 - Mountain Running Series Now Live
Head-to-Head

Giesswein vs Lems Shoes

Two foot-shape minimalist brands compared on fit, ground feel, durability and best use case. Giesswein is better for lifestyle, winter, while Lems Shoes is better for everyday comfort, travel, transition.

Giesswein = lifestyle, winter. Lems Shoes = everyday comfort, travel, transition.
Austria · Foot-shape minimalist (transition)

Giesswein

Austrian merino-wool minimalist with a wider last.

Ground feel5.0
Toe-box width8.0
Durability8.0
Style8.0
Value7.0
Overall7.2
USA · Minimalist (foot-shape)

Lems Shoes

American minimalist comfort brand. Closer to 'foot-shape lifestyle' than true barefoot. and that's why it works.

Ground feel6.0
Toe-box width9.0
Durability9.0
Style8.0
Value9.0
Overall8.2

Specs

GiessweinLems Shoes
CountryAustriaUSA
CategoryFoot-shape minimalist (transition)Minimalist (foot-shape)
Drop4 mm0 mm
Natural fitAnatomicalWide last, light cushioning
Best forlifestyle, winterEveryday comfort, travel, transition
Price tier$$$$
Family-testedEditorialYes

Winner by category

Natural fitLems Shoes
CushioningLems Shoes
DurabilityLems Shoes
StyleTie
ValueLems Shoes
OverallLems Shoes

Which should you buy?

Buy Giesswein if: You want lifestyle, winter from a foot-shape minimalist (transition) brand. EU winters.

Buy Lems Shoes if: You want everyday comfort, travel, transition from a minimalist (foot-shape) brand. Transitioners and people who need a real boot.

Our take

Lems Shoes edges out overall (8.2 vs 7.2) on the categories above. Giesswein is still the better pick if you specifically want lifestyle, winter. Bottom line: choose Giesswein for lifestyle, winter, choose Lems Shoes for everyday comfort, travel, transition.

Where to buy
Visit Giesswein

Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our disclosure.

Where to buy
Visit Lems Shoes

Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our disclosure.