If you're a fan of minimalist footwear, you've probably already discovered the comfort and freedom of Lems. Known for their light, flexible designs and wide toe boxes, Lems has mastered the art of creating barefoot-inspired shoes that support natural foot movement without looking overly technical.
Their clean, versatile aesthetic makes them a go-to for everything from light hikes to daily errands. For anyone who loves the Lems philosophy of combining foot health with simple style, we’ve rounded up 19 other brands that hit that same sweet spot. Here are a few more amazing brands to check out:
Vivobarefoot pushes the barefoot philosophy to its peak with ultra-minimalist designs that let your feet do what they do best. They offer everything from sneakers to boots, all built on thin, flexible soles with a strong focus on eco-friendly materials like recycled plastics. Style-wise, they share Lems' commitment to foot health, but Vivobarefoot leans even harder into sustainability and has a slightly more "barefoot purist" vibe.
Shop now at vivobarefoot.com
Inspired by barefoot running, Xero Shoes delivers minimalist sneakers, sandals, and boots that are lightweight, flexible, and surprisingly affordable. Like Lems, they prioritize a wide toe box and a zero-drop sole for natural movement. The main difference is that Xero Shoes often feels a bit sportier and is heavily geared towards an active, athletic audience, while Lems strikes more of a balance between outdoor and casual wear.
Shop now at xeroshoes.com
Merrell brings its legacy of rugged outdoor gear to the minimalist world with its Barefoot collection. These shoes are designed for trail walking and adventure, featuring roomy toe boxes and flexible soles that provide excellent ground-feel. If you love Lems for light hiking but want something with a bit more of a traditional outdoor brand's backing and durability, Merrell's barefoot line is a perfect choice.
Shop now at merrell.com
The New Balance Minimus line successfully merges minimalist design with the brand's trusted athletic performance. These shoes are perfect for runners and gym-goers who want a barefoot-style shoe without ditching the reliability of a major athletic brand. They are a bit more performance-focused than Lems, offering a great option for those who want less cushioning for their workouts.
Shop now at newbalance.com
For the eco-conscious minimalist, Saola Shoes is a dream brand. They create sleek, stylish sneakers from recycled and natural materials without sacrificing the minimalist feel of a thin, flexible sole and wide toe box. Their modern aesthetic is similar to Lems, but Saola's primary hook is its deep commitment to sustainability and ethical production, making every pair a vote for the planet.
Shop now at saolashoes.com
Wildling creates unique, vibrant barefoot shoes for both adults and kids, focusing on natural foot mobility and development. Their shoes are known for exceptionally thin soles that offer an incredible connection to the ground. While sharing the core values of Lems, Wildling's styles are often more playful and distinct, making them a great option for those who want their minimalist shoes to make a bit of a statement.
Shop now at wildling.shoes
Groundies proves that barefoot shoes can be stylish and sophisticated. They offer well-designed minimalist sneakers, loafers, and boots that are polished enough for a business-casual office but comfortable enough for all-day wear. If you love the comfort of Lems but need something a little more dressed up, Groundies elegantly fills that gap with its chic, European designs.
Shop now at groundies.com
Crafted from natural and sustainable materials, FEET601 offers minimalist sneakers and slip-ons with a modern, clean look. They're all about marrying a foot-friendly design - think wide toe boxes and thin soles - with an eco-conscious ethos. They share Lems' simple style but are an excellent choice for minimalists who prioritize sustainable manufacturing above all else.
Shop now at feet601.com
For warmer weather, Luna Sandals are the ultimate minimalist choice. Inspired by traditional huaraches, these handcrafted sandals are lightweight, durable, and designed for everything from trail running to beach strolling. While Lems offers closed-toe shoes, Luna provides the perfect open-air alternative that stays true to the barefoot philosophy of function and natural movement.
Shop now at lunasandals.com
This isn't a standalone brand, but the collaboration between Vivienne Westwood and Nike has produced some incredibly sleek, eco-conscious sneakers for the fashion-forward minimalist. These designs blend high-fashion aesthetics with minimalist principles, creating statement pieces that don't overload you with bulk. It’s the Lems ethos with a high-fashion, collectible twist.
Shop now at nike.com
If you subscribe to the barefoot philosophy, it makes sense to start 'em young. VivoKids is the children's line from Vivobarefoot, offering playful yet functional shoes that support natural foot development. With flexible soles and wide toe boxes, they are built on the same principles as Lems but perfectly tailored for growing feet, ensuring kids start off on the right foot - literally.
Shop now at vivobarefoot.com/us/kids
Striking a balance between comfort and simplicity, Instride offers minimalist sneakers and loafers that are great for everyday wear. They check all the barefoot boxes - thin soles, generous toe room - but often come in at a more accessible price point. Like Lems, they're focused on creating functional, foot-healthy shoes without fuss, making them a great practical alternative.
Shop now at instride.com
Kigo designs eco-friendly minimalist sneakers and loafers that are perfect for the urban lifestyle. Made from recycled materials, their shoes are lightweight, flexible, and have a versatile look you can easily take from work to the weekend. They share Saola's sustainability focus but with a clean, city-ready aesthetic that feels right at home next to Lems.
Shop now at kigoshoes.com
Be Lenka brings a touch of European design to the barefoot world with stylish sneakers, boots, and sandals. Every pair features a signature ultra-wide toe box and a thin, flexible sole for maximum comfort and freedom of movement. If you love Lems but wish they had a bit more variety and a fashion-forward sensibility, Be Lenka is definitely worth exploring.
Shop now at belenka.com
Earth Runners creates minimalist sandals designed for connecting with the ground - literally. Many of their designs incorporate copper plugs or other grounding elements to foster a direct link with the earth. More adventure-focused and rugged than a brand like Lems, they are a fantastic choice for hikers and nature lovers who align with the barefoot, eco-conscious ethos.
Shop now at earthrunners.com
Barefoot Tess isn't a brand itself but rather a curated hub for minimalist footwear enthusiasts. The site brings together a wide variety of barefoot-style brands (often including Lems) in one place, making it an amazing resource for discovering new shoes. If you're a devoted follower of the minimalist movement, think of it as your own personal shopper.
Shop now at barefoottess.com
Minnaar creates beautifully simple, minimalist shoes from natural and biodegradable materials. Their focus on eco-friendly craftsmanship and comfortable, flexible designs puts them right in line with the Lems philosophy. Their collection of sneakers and slip-ons offers an understated aesthetic that's perfect for those who appreciate quiet quality and sustainable practices.
Shop now at minaars.com
Handmade in Oregon, Softstar Shoes offers minimalist footwear with an artisanal touch. Their moccasins, sandals, and sneakers use natural materials and are designed for a truly barefoot feel. They share Lems’ commitment to foot health but stand out with their handcrafted quality and customizable options, appealing to those who love supporting small-scale, eco-friendly makers.
Shop now at softstarshoes.com
The Ecco Biom line combines classic Scandinavian design with natural biomechanics. These sneakers and casual shoes are lightweight, ergonomically shaped, and incredibly comfortable for daily wear. While a bit more polished and mainstream than many barefoot brands, the Biom collection shares Lems' focus on making healthy foot movement feel effortless and look good.
Shop now at ecco.com
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