The Lems Path Blazer is a zero-drop path shoe with a large toe field designed for hikers and outside fanatics who need the identical match for footwear that may be worn to the workplace or out in town. Whereas appropriate for strolling and reasonable hikes, they lack the lugs, grip, air flow, and safety discovered in additional aggressive path runners or method footwear. Nonetheless, I can testify that they make nice strolling footwear for simpler trails, journey, and even contra dancing.
- Gender: males’s and ladies’s fashions
- Weight per shoe: 12.2 oz (dimension US10.5, mens)
- Drop: 0mm
- Stack peak: 14mm
- Sizing: True to dimension
- Vast sizes: No
- Match: True to dimension
Should you’ve ever wished for a trendy zero-drop shoe you possibly can put on while you’re not crushing path miles on the Appalachian Path or the Pacific Crest Path, the Lem’s Path Blazer is a winner. I fell in love with them the second I put them on. Finally, I believed. A solidly constructed zero-drop shoe that I might put on round city, for strolling on bike paths or rail trails, and for simpler outings.
Match and luxury
The Path Blazer’s standout trait is its roomy, foot-shaped toe field. From the primary put on, your toes unfold and splay naturally. The zero-drop platform and versatile sole let your foot transfer extra like it could barefoot, which reduces fatigue and improves stability on uneven floor. Cushioning is modest however sufficient; the midsole gives a pleasing, low-profile really feel that’s responsive fairly than plush. For hikers preferring extra assist or numerous underfoot padding, these could really feel too minimal. Break-in time is brief. I might put on them comfortably straight away.
Weight and packability
One of many Path Blazers’ largest benefits is weight. These are very gentle in contrast with conventional climbing footwear or boots, making them ultimate for day hikes or journey while you need one pair that does many issues. They pack down small and dry shortly in the event that they get moist.
Traction and outsole
The outsole supplies competent traction on hard-packed trails and fireplace roads. The lug sample grips filth and softer surfaces fairly nicely, however the Path Blazer lacks the stickiness and traction discovered on Hoka, Altra, or Topo path trainers. Should you spend quite a lot of time on technical, moist, muddy, or extremely rugged terrain, you’ll need one thing with deeper lugs and a stickier rubber compound.
Sturdiness
Development is easy however nicely executed. The higher makes use of a breathable, quick-drying textile and has a bolstered toe bumper. The stitching and bonded seams are stable for regular path use; nevertheless, the skinny midsole will compress earlier than beefier alternate options. Anticipate wonderful longevity for informal climbing and light-to-moderate use.
Safety and assist
Safety is minimal, though the leather-based toe cap supplies surprisingly good toe safety in opposition to entrance impacts. However the sole’s thinness means sharp rocks and roots are extra simply felt. Arch assist is minimal and solely appropriate for neutral-footed hikers or these utilizing third-party insoles, however not ultimate for folks requiring sturdy medial assist. The lacing system secures the foot adequately, though it isn’t specialised for micro-adjustments the way in which a path runner is. The inventory laces are flat and extra like these discovered on sneakers, so that you’ll in all probability wish to double-knot them to maintain them safe.
Suggestion
The Lems Path Blazer is a thoughtfully minimalist shoe finest suited to hikers who need pure foot motion, gentle weight, and a roomy toe field. It excels on low-to-moderate problem trails, informal use, and journey. Should you want aggressive traction, heavy safety, or substantial cushioning, have a look at extra substantial alternate options from the likes of Hoka, Altra, or Topo. For a lot of walkers and informal hikers who prioritize consolation, packability, and floor really feel, the Path Blazer is a superb, economical alternative.
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Disclosure: Lems donated footwear for evaluate.
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