Warmer temperatures and longer days. Swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Vacation time to travel and explore. Camping under a starry night sky. The summer is hands-down one of our favorite seasons of the year. 

With the endless sunshine and better weather these next few months, you want to make sure you’re geared up with healthy footwear for the trail, the waterway, the backyard, and everywhere in between. That’s why we’re sharing our Lems gear recommendations to help you get the most out of your summer adventures, from adventure sandals to trail shoes and beyond. Go ahead, treat yo’self. 

A Summer Essential: Lems Adventure Sandals

When the sun’s out and the weather’s hot, it’s time to break out the sandals that can keep pace with wherever the summer takes you. At Lems, our Switchback lineup provides the versatile adventure sandals you need for both relaxing and active summer days:

Switchback Sandal

Our classic Switchback sandal (available in men’s and women’s styles) has redefined what it means to be adventure sandals. This starts with the sandal’s simple, yet revolutionary design: a durable, adjustable sandal made with only one piece of webbing and one buckle. Called our Switchback Slydr™, this single webbing guide allows you to achieve a secure, yet flexible fit that moves with you, without extra straps getting in the way. 

The Switchback also features the Barefoot Footbed™, crafted to mimic the shape of your foot. This 3mm drop footbed provides all-day comfort, as well as sensory feedback to help you feel the ground across all kinds of terrain. Below, the full-rubber outsole supplies the perfect traction while walking across rugged surfaces. 

Like our other natural shape shoes, the Switchback includes a wide toe box, giving your toes the space to move freely. All in all, the Switchback combines comfort, performance, and the minimalist shoes experience you’ve come to love at Lems into one adventure-ready sandal you can count on.

Switchback Sandal Knit

We’re always adapting and updating our shoe designs at Lems (we even have a non-thong sandal in the works for 2027). With that said, we’ve rolled out a knit version of our Switchback sandal (in men’s and women’s styles). Offering the same functionality and features of our original Switchback, the Switchback Knit comes equipped with a soft, breathable knit upper for a comfortable and adaptive fit. 

The Switchback Knit also features a variety of new colorways for our adventure sandals, including: Twig, Ivy, Prism, and Dew (women's).

The Prism version even comes with extra interchangeable straps so you can make the look your own. With the Switchback Knit, you’ll be stylish for those casual summer hangs and ready to take on the day when your wanderlust calls. 

Zero-Drop Shoes for Summers On the Go

Whether you’re jet-setting across the country, out and about for a day of fun, or soaking up the sun at the beach, you want an easy, comfortable shoe through it all. These are some of our favorite go-to options when summer keeps you busy:

Women’s Laguna

Perfectly blending support and freedom, our Women’s Laguna shoe is crafted to fit the female foot just right. Zero-drop with a wide toe box, these minimalist shoes keep you cool and comfortable, whether you’re wearing socks or not. The Laguna comes with an effortless slip-on design and collapsible heel, giving you a flexible, choose-your-own adventure fit. And with both canvas and suede options, the shoes provide a sleek, stylish summer look to match the occasion.

Men’s Malibu

Our Men’s Malibu shoe combines convenience and a roomier fit to give you the style, comfort, and versatility you need for any casual adventure. Compared to the Laguna, the Malibu provides increased volume in the vamp/toe box for an even wider natural shape shoe. With the Malibu’s ultra-flexible, slip-on design and eco-friendly cork insole, you can stay comfortable and confident on all types of terrain. 

Everyday Trail Shoes for Summer Exploration: Lems Primal Zen

When you’re out for a hike or kicking it around town, you need a shoe for your everyday adventures on the trail, city street, or gym floor. That’s where our best-selling barefoot shoe, the Primal Zen (in men’s and women’s styles), stands out. 

These versatile, zero-drop minimalist shoes provide so much comfort all day long that you may forget you’re wearing shoes at all! Made with 100% vegan, lightweight, and durable materials  the Primal Zen offers a light, flexible fit and feel with a natural-shape cushion for extra protection without the extra weight. 

Featuring a low stack height, wide toe box, and flat outsole, the Primal Zen keeps you grounded and stable—ideal when you’re working out at the gym or in need of hiking shoes for your next trek. Through it all, this healthy footwear also helps correct posture, align your spine, and encourage mid-foot strike.  

Healthy Footwear for Every Season

With Lems, your feet can no doubt remain happy and healthy all summer. And we’re here for you when your adventures continue into the fall and beyond. From natural running shoes and waterproof boots to hiking shoes and more, we have healthy footwear for every season. Shop online now or find a retailer near you

Additional Articles

Healthy Footwear for Road Running: How the Lems ZENSPEED Supports Natural Running Movement

With low drop platforms and a foot-shaped fit, the ZENSPEED is intentionally designed to promote natural running while maintaining the performance you’d expect over daily road miles. When it comes to running shoes, you can finally have the healthy footwear your feet deserve with the Lems ZENSPEED. 

Meet the Trail Thrasher: Minimalist Shoes for Your Off-Road Adventures

Sometimes you just want healthy footwear that can handle whatever adventures come your way, whether you’re single-track pedaling, hiking, or blazing your own backcountry path. That’s why our Trail Thrasher and Trail Thrasher Pro have become some of our biggest sellers at Lems. Still zero-drop with a wide toe box, these versatile, minimalist shoes are perfect for helping you move freely and comfortably on the trail—and terrain—ahead. 

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