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

Groundies vs Lems Shoes

Two natural-footwear brands compared on fit, ground feel, durability and best use case. Groundies is better for urban barefoot style, office, everyday, while Lems Shoes is better for everyday comfort, travel, transition.

Groundies = urban barefoot style, office, everyday. Lems Shoes = everyday comfort, travel, transition.
Germany · Barefoot

Groundies

German urban barefoot. The polished pick for office, city wear and dress occasions.

Ground feel7.0
Toe-box width8.0
Durability8.0
Style9.0
Value8.0
Overall8.0
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

GroundiesLems Shoes
CountryGermanyUSA
CategoryBarefootMinimalist (foot-shape)
Drop0 mm0 mm
Toe box / Natural fitWide anatomicalWide last, light cushioning
Best forUrban barefoot style, office, everydayEveryday comfort, travel, transition
Price tier$$$$
Family-testedYesYes

Winner by category

Ground feelGroundies
Toe-box widthLems Shoes
DurabilityLems Shoes
StyleGroundies
ValueLems Shoes
OverallLems Shoes

Which should you buy?

Buy Groundies if: You want urban barefoot style, office, everyday from a barefoot brand. Office workers who need one barefoot brand for everything.

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 8.0) on the categories above. Groundies is still the better pick if you specifically want urban barefoot style, office, everyday. Bottom line: choose Groundies for urban barefoot style, office, everyday, choose Lems Shoes for everyday comfort, travel, transition.

Where to buy
Visit Groundies

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.