Kizik Lima Slip On Review

The Kizik Lima's innovative design features a heel that springs back into place, meaning you don't have to bend over to put them on. Once adjusted to your liking, the laces stayed tied, so you can simply slip your foot in and go. The soft, flexible mesh upper molds to the foot, while the integrated padded tongue adds extra comfort.

Comfort

The Kizik Lima comfort is the result of the RabbitFoam sole, which features a plush 32 millimeter heel stack. The sole is rather flexible and smoothly transitions through the 13-millimeter heel-to-toe drop with ease. The stretchy mesh provides excellent breathability, while the padded tongue and heel collar enhance comfort and fit. The toe box is notably spacious, allowing for ample toe splay and vertical movement, making it ideal for those whose feet may swell during walking or extended use.

The shoe ran about a half size too small for me, so I needed to size up to get the right fit. I found the width to be appropriately sized. If you need the extra room, they are available in both wide and extra-wide options. During my initial use, I noticed some discomfort in the forefoot and plantar area, which subsided over time. I attributed this to a break-in period. With faster motion, the foot tends to slip slightly inside the shoe, even when the laces are tightened, but this does not result in hotspots or blisters. This shoe is designed to slip on and features a stretch upper, which isn't surprising.

Shoe Exterior Shoe Interior

The advertised hands-free characteristic of the shoe proved to be accurate and convenient, making it a good choice for quick tasks like taking out the garbage and checking the mail. The heel cup is described as having Internal Cage technology, which allows the heel to spring back after you step into the shoe, and I found this feature performs very well. The shoes come with traditional-style laces that don't require adjustment for each use; simply tie once and forget about it.

Support

The Kizik Lima landed in the middle of the road when it came to the support department, and left me wanting just a little more stiffness in the sole. During the flexion test, the Lima flexed in the toe box with some slight flexion towards the midfoot, which is a good sign, though the midfoot should remain stiff to provide support when walking.

The shoe felt relatively stable, with minimal lateral movement, and the wider, flat sole contributed to improved stability. I also noticed that the shoe flexed under the foot and tends to give a greater tactile feel of the ground beneath, meaning it can detect rocks or debris. The Lima didn't offer a lot of arch support, so these would be best suited for someone with a neutral gait and normal arch.

The shoes come with standard lacing, and I didn't feel the need to adjust them regularly as they are meant to slip on. I did find the upper mesh material has some stretch, and despite tightening the laces, I still felt some foot slide.

The Lima showed some resistance to torsion but allowed movement in the midfoot and toe, but the heel remained stable. The Lima provides good support, but I wouldn't use this for long walks or if additional gait and arch support is required.

Traction

The shoes didn't offer superior or inferior traction but performed well on all terrains tested. The shoe has a horizontal wavy tread pattern that is shallow but still performs rather well. Since the rubber sole is flat, there is a lot of contact and friction with the ground.

On concrete, the shoes performed well with no issues, and ascending and descending hills were no problem, wet or dry. On indoor surfaces like tile, linoleum, and vinyl, the Lima held a firm grip on the ground and transitioned from surfaces like carpet to a waxed floor without sliding forward. The traction wasn't as great on gravel and dirt with the shallow tread pattern, but it still performed well enough for regular walks in the woods. These shoes would not be great for deeper loose terrain, but they performed well enough on hard-packed dirt trails. One nice aspect of the shallow tread depth is that it doesn't trap debris like some other shoes.

Weight

The Kizik Lima falls just past the middle of the pack, leaning slightly to the heavier side of the testing group, yet still weighs in at about 12.5 ounces for a men's size 10.5. The flexible mesh upper and thinner rubber sole help to mitigate weight while still providing a good fit.

Wearing the Lima, I didn't notice the weight or size, which is a nice change from some of the other walking shoes. The shoes feel sleek and agile, allowing for a natural foot strike. When used for extended periods, there is no bulky feeling, and I didn't experience any fatigue from the shoe's weight.

Durability

The upper construction is composed of a breathable knit material that offers some stretchy properties to facilitate a hands-free process. We were concerned about the heel area crushing with regular hands-free use, but the shoe held up very well to that abuse. The foam sole didn't show evidence of breakdown or cracking and maintained the same cushioning effect. Covering the foam sole is a rubber layer that provides traction and shows minimal wear or tear.

Some users reported holes in the toe fabric with use, and although I did not experience this issue during testing, I understand how it could become a problem with prolonged use. Should the shoes become quite soiled and dirty, cleaning recommendations include spot-cleaning the upper with mild detergent and water and allowing them to air dry. The upper can be spot cleaned with a soft cloth, and the removable insole is machine washable and air-dryable.

Should You Buy the Kizik Lima?

The Kizik Lima fills a specific niche in the walking shoe market, offering the convenience of hands-free entrance, along with a flexible and breathable design. These shoes offer acceptable comfort and stability, making them suitable for tasks around the house or running errands. However, they lack a supportive shock absorber, so they may not be ideal for distance walks or long days on your feet. If you're looking for a simple-to-use, neutral shoe or walker, in wide or extra-wide sizes, the Lima is worth considering.

What Other Walking Shoes Should You Consider?

If a simple slip-on shoe is your desire, then the Skechers Go Walk Max or Dansko Professional are quick on and off. We loved the Dankso for a long shift at work. If you need a wider toe box, the Altra Experience Flow was a testing favorite. If weight is the ultimate factor, the Vamjam Ultra Lightweight is the winner of that category, but we don't recommend it for extensive walks.