Lems Chelsea Waterproof - Women's Review

While not as light as a barefoot shoe, these minimalist boots are a great option for chilly months where mesh just won't cut it. They are constructed from durable full-grain leather and can handle bumps with no trouble. They have a removable insole, so you can get even closer to the earth, should you choose. We even hiked on a snowy trail and were surprised at how much traction we had.

Performance Comparison

Ground Feedback

To start out, we took these boots into various terrains, including sidewalks, grassy parks, and on snowy trails to see how “barefoot” they truly felt. We noted how well we could feel the earth beneath our feet. If the rocks and pavement was dampened by the boot, we deducted points. For barefoot footwear, we want to feel mostly everything under our feet, but with the light level of protection.

Being a boot, the Lems Chelsea isn't as responsive as some of the shoe models in our lineup. The outsole is a bit stiffer than other models, but never enough that our feet felt restricted. We wouldn't necessarily do a gym workout in these for that reason, but they were more than enough for chilly outdoor conditions. We even hiked through some snow in these and were happy to have warm and dry feet when we were finished - a feat that most barefoot shoes couldn't handle. We appreciate this zero drop and roomy option that doesn't completely sacrifice the barefoot nature. If you are in the market for a barefoot boot, the Chelsea is our go-to, even with the slightly dampened ground feedback.

Stability

While almost all barefoot shoes feature a zero drop and low stack height, some have a winning combination, and the Lems is one of those. They feature a mid-range 9.5-millimeter stack height and a wide toe box. Being a Chelsea style boot, they have elastic on each side. This allows the ankle to bend and the foot to flex more than a hiking boot. Keep in mind these are leather boots. Though we found them comfortable right out of the box, they became even better after we wore them a few times and the leather began to take shape.

The over-the-ankle leather construction adds to their stable feeling. We took these on a hike with mixed snow and hardpack dirt, and we appreciated the extra ankle support. We felt low enough to the ground with a wide base that the chance of rolling over our side foot felt unlikely. Additionally, the traction on the different ground types added to the overall stability. We never found ourselves slipping and sliding on wet rock. Instead, we were comfortably held in place on these wide-base boots.

Traction

We were able to take these boots to many locations to test out their traction. We spent many days by the river, stepping in and out, and walking up and down the bank. The rubber outsole stuck to the wet rocks where we would usually expect a slip. We also wore these around town, while walking our dogs, and running endless errands. We were impressed with their performance the entire time.

These boots don't have traditional style lugs that stick out of the boot. Instead, the tread pattern almost appears inverted. However, the gaps in the tread were large enough to be effective on various terrain types. We hiked through snow and didn't feel unstable. We also made our way down hardpack dirt trails, feeling completely capable the entire time. However, these boots aren't necessarily hiking boots, so we would recommend something with a more beefy outsole if you plan on tackling big, technical hikes. For a barefoot shoe, though, they are pretty effective.

Weight

Barefoot shoes are usually the lightest you can find. They have minimal materials underfoot and are constructed from lightweight materials. Boots, of course, will have more material than a below-the-ankle shoe. Likewise, boots made from leather are going to be heavier.

The Waterproof Chelsea is not the lightest in our lineup, and that is due to it being a boot. It has more upper material than others in the lineup, so it weighs more. Plus, these boots are full-grain leather, which is generally heavier than synthetic materials. We think this weight is worth the trade-off. For under a pound and a half you get a high-quality barefoot boot that will likely last for many seasons.

Durability

The Lems Chelsea truly shines in its durability. These boots saw it all during our testing, and we never had any concerns about their durability. The leather upper took on bumps and scrapes without showing signs of wear. As we crossed through rivers, the boots would dry and look as good as new. A few times we had water dump in from the top, completely soaking the insides. It took a little longer for the insides to dry, but they did, and we had no concerns after.

The outsole was also very durable. We hiked through streams, snow, and rocky terrain and never had any major signs of malfunction. Even with a few months of wear, these boots look fairly new and the traction isn't worn away.

Should You Buy the Lems Chelsea Waterproof?

If you are specifically after a pair of barefoot boots, these are our pick. They are very durable, waterproof, and ready for the seasonal changes. Even so, we were more than happy to wear them in the summer months when it wasn't as hot outside. Still, many barefoot shoes simply can't tackle the cold weather. And, when it inevitably comes, we like these for keeping our feet dry and warm. If you live in an arid climate, you likely won't need the waterproof version of these boots. Instead, a barefoot shoe will do just fine.

What Other Barefoot Shoes Should You Consider?

We also tested the Xero Tari, which is much narrower than the Lems Waterproof Chelsea. The Tari is another leather and waterproof boot that will work for those with the right foot shape. But, our testers with wider feet preferred the Chelsea. Lems also has a barefoot shoe that we love, called the Primal Zen. These shoes are much more breathable, with a mesh upper. Plus they are very flexible and comfortable right out of the box.