Kizik Lima 2 Review

A number of small improvements have been made to the Kizik Lima 2 over its previous iteration. Notably, the upgraded four-way knit stretch upper provides more structure, flexibility, and breathability than the simpler mesh of the last version. Also, the updated EVA midsole and molded Arch Form insole offer improved support, and more cushioning has been added around the heel collar to improve comfort.

Comfort

The first time you slide your foot into the Kizik Lima 2, you understand why it is beloved by many. Like a well-worn slipper, slide, or flip flop, the shoe allows your foot to glide into place unhindered. You'll likely have to tie up the laces once to your liking, and then never again. It's as easy as putting on a shoe can get.

And the same goes for taking the shoe off. Just press the heel against your other foot, or something else solid like a wall, and pull your foot out. No need to bend down to fiddle with the laces or grab onto a heel tap or loop. It's quite fundamental, yet it makes the shoes so convenient and comfortable for short walks or quick tasks like going to the grocery store.

Shoe Exterior Shoe Interior

The upgraded stretch mesh upper gently hugs your feet for a comfortable and secure fit. The mesh is exceptionally breathable, which is a nice boon for warm days. And your toes have plenty of room to splay out in the wide and stretchy toe box.

The midsole foam has a subtle squish to it that is adequately comforting for standing and short walks. However, it lacks the rebound and support required to make long days of walking more comfortable.

Similarly, while the Kizik Lima 2 utilizes a cushioned collar around the stiff heel cage, it proves to be helpful mostly in the short term, but fails to provide long-lasting comfort when the number of steps in a day reaches into the multiple thousands. We appreciated the added arch support in this latest model of the Lima, but some users have noted that it feels intrusive. We also found there to be a bit of a pinch in the midfoot where the heel structure comes to an end — it wasn't irritating, but it was noticeable.

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Support

With a less-than-average 32 mm stack height, the midsole isn't all that thick. A thinner midsole like this means less cushioning and less room for stabilizers, but it also means a lower chance of rolling an ankle. The newly added Arch Form is a step in the right direction, but the Lima 2 doesn't have the level of support you would find in all-day trainers.

In a way, the best support the Kizik Lima 2 offers is the internal cage at the heel. It's solid, which helps lock your heel into place and prevents ankle rolls. The stretch mesh then supplies a bit of support around the rest of the upper foot, though not nearly as substantial. The laces can be adjusted to tighten the mesh upper's hold on your foot. Its flexibility, however, doesn't allow for total lockdown. We experienced some foot slipping inside the shoe on steep surfaces. Nothing alarming, mind you, but noticeable.

Underfoot, the sole is mostly flat, though there is modest arch support. The sole is thin and flexible, giving you a good feel for the ground beneath and allowing your foot to mold around pebbles and roots. This increases stability on mild and moderate surfaces by allowing your foot to adjust to the terrain naturally.

On the other hand, the shoe lacks any real sole structure to keep you stable when the terrain gets tricky. It does have an 8 mm heel-to-toe drop, but there is no rigidity to promote a rocker-style foot flow or protect your feet from destabilizing breaks in the terrain, such as uneven sidewalks, loose gravel, or large obstacles like rocks.

Durability

The added heel rubber in Kizik Lima 2 improves durability over the original model. Now that the bottom of the shoe is mostly rubber-covered, we believe the outsole will wear evenly.

After thousands upon thousands of steps performed during our testing, we don't see any reason why any particular part of the shoe would wear faster than anticipated.

Our main concern is that the rubber across the entirety of the outsole is somewhat thin. So while it will likely wear evenly, it will wear faster than a shoe with thicker rubber.

Otherwise, the midsole foam has been molded into a protective toecap, but it itself is not protected by rubber. And the mesh does appear to be robust, but an awry branch or thorn might easily ttear through the material, so you'll want to be careful where you step. It might be best to avoid trails in these shoes for various reasons.

Traction

The Kizik Lima 2 features more rubber where it meets the road than its predecessor. As such, the grip has improved. It's most notable on flat surfaces, such as pristine concrete or tile. The rubber outsole is soft enough to grip well on these surfaces. The traction performs at its best on well-kept urban walkways.

The grip is less reliable on uneven and loose terrain, such as dirt and gravel. The tread pattern leaves much to be desired in terms of grip on these more natural surfaces.

Lacking lugs and depth of texture, the outsole remains relatively flat. On loose surfaces, you need three-dimensional tread that can bite into the soil and hold on to small roots and rocks to maintain traction. The Kizik Lima 2 tread pattern is shallow and lacks any purposeful design aimed at trail-ready grip. As such, you'll often find yourself slipping and sliding if you trek off the beaten path.

Weight

We weighed the Kizik Lima 2 in at 10.64 ounces per men's size 10.5 shoe, or just over 21 ounces for the pair. That's a fairly lightweight result. They're not quite “ultralight,” but they won't feel like they're weighing you down in any sense.

The relatively thin midsole, light use of rubber on the outsole, and airy stretch mesh all keep the weight to a minimum. The result is a shoe that feels light and breezy with every step you take.

The added structure around the heel and the fully gusseted tongue add weight where it counts, providing stability and protection where it matters. We believe those design choices are worth their weight in gold, because those elements are what make this shoe as convenient and comfortable as it is.

Should You Buy the Kizik Lima 2?

As a shoe that's incredibly easy to slip on and step outside with on a moment's notice, the Kizik Lima 2 is a game-changer for anyone frequently heading in and out of their house. If you like the convenience of flip-flops and slippers but need a good-looking shoe for daily tasks like grocery shopping or dog walks, this is a fantastic option. But it's not the best choice for those in search of an athletic walking shoe that will keep your feet feeling fresh mile after mile. Nor is it a great all-terrain option. Stick to short walks and flat, even terrain to get the best out of these shoes. They'll be your first choice for quick excursions outside of the home.

What Other Men's Walking Shoes Should You Consider?

The Asics Gel-Contend 9 is similar in many ways to the Kizik Lima 2, but at a much lower price point and with a bit more support for long walks. It lacks the convenience of being super easy to slide on and off, but it's nearly identical in heel stack and weight. Alternatively, the Altra Experience Flow 3 is an across-the-board improvement over the Lima 2 that's more comfortable, more supportive, lighter in weight, and just about as easy to use, at only a slightly higher price point.