Lems Shoes and Wyde Footwear both make shoes with a wide toe box, zero drop on their everyday styles and a flexible build. They differ most in sole thickness across the range, materials, where the shoes are made, price and the activities each brand designs for. Lems designs its shoes in Boulder, Colorado, and sells everyday, trail, running and waterproof styles. Wyde is a shoe brand that designs for everyday city wear on concrete and pavement.

Contents

This comparison covers models, soles, drop, toe box, materials, production, sizing, prices as of October 2026, returns and care. Wyde Footwear publishes this blog.

How do Lems Shoes and Wyde Footwear compare at a glance?

The two brands share a wide toe box and zero drop on their everyday shoes. The clearest differences are sole thickness at the top of each range, where the shoes are made and price. Lems lists 9.5 mm to 11.0 mm on its everyday sneakers, while Wyde's soles run from 10 mm plus insole to 24 mm.

What are the main differences in short?

• Thickest soles: Wyde Soma at 22 mm and the Chelsea and Norra boots at 24 mm are thicker than every Lems everyday sneaker in this comparison.
• Similar sole thickness: Wyde Nova (10 mm plus insole), Lems Kourt (10.0 mm) and Lems Primal Zen (11.0 mm).
• Zero drop: every Wyde model, and the Lems Primal, Chillum, Kourt and Nine2Five styles. The Lems ZENSPEED+ has a 5 mm drop.
• Production: Wyde makes six models by hand in Portugal and the Soma in China. Lems has its shoes made in a family-owned factory in China.
• Lower listed prices for everyday sneakers: Lems, at €150 for the Primal 3 and Primal Zen. Wyde sneakers start at €179 or 1,875 kr.
• Vegan shoes: Lems lists vegan models. Wyde has no vegan shoes.
• Range: Lems also makes trail, running and waterproof shoes. Wyde designs for everyday city wear.

Which models do Lems Shoes and Wyde Footwear make?

Lems sells more styles than Wyde, grouped into everyday, outdoor, running, waterproof and sandal lines. Wyde sells seven models: two sneakers, two sandals, a slip-on and two boots.

What does Lems sell?

The Lems EU store groups its range into Everyday, Outdoor, Run, Waterproof and Sandals. Everyday styles include the Primal, Chillum, Chelsea Boot, Malibu, Kourt, Clog, Nine2Five and Boulder Boot. Outdoor styles include the Trail Thrasher, Trail Blazer, Mesa Verde and Outlander. The Run group holds the ZENSPEED+ and ZENSPEED Lite, and the Sandals group holds the Switchback Sandal.

What does Wyde sell?

Wyde sells the Nova and Soma sneakers, the Maia and Maia Strap sandals, the Nilo slip-on and the Chelsea and Norra boots. Each model comes in several colours. The range is unisex. Wyde designs it for everyday city wear on concrete and pavement.

How thick are the soles of Lems and Wyde shoes?

Lems lists 9.5 mm to 11.0 mm on its everyday sneakers. Wyde lists 10 mm plus insole on the Nova, 14.6 mm on the sandals and slip-on, 22 mm on the Soma and 24 mm on the boots.

How does Lems describe its soles?

Lems gives one stack height per style. The Primal 3 is 9.5 mm, the Chillum, Kourt and Nine2Five V2 are 10.0 mm, and the Primal Zen is 11.0 mm. All of them use an injection blown rubber outsole and a minimal cork insole.

Lems calls the Primal Zen a super minimalist, kicking-around-town shoe with a touch more cushion than the Primal 2, while keeping the weight off. At the other end of the range, the ZENSPEED+ running shoe has a 31 mm heel stack, a 26 mm forefoot stack and a 5 mm drop. The Mesa Verde trail shoe has a 14 mm stack with an EVA midsole and 3 mm lugs.

How does Wyde describe its soles?

Wyde gives one stack height per model. The Nova has 10 mm plus the insole. The Maia, Maia Strap and Nilo have 14.6 mm: a 10 mm cork midsole and a 4.6 mm rubber outsole. The Soma has 22 mm with an EVA midsole. The Chelsea and Norra boots have 24 mm and a cork insole. Wyde notes that the Nova looks like it has a higher stack height than it does.

If you want the lowest number in this comparison, the Lems Primal 3 at 9.5 mm is it. The Wyde Nova and the Lems Kourt sit close together. If you want more sole under the foot, the Wyde Soma and the two boots have more.

Do Lems and Wyde shoes have zero drop?

Yes, on the everyday shoes compared here. Every Wyde model has zero drop and no toe spring. Lems lists zero drop on the Primal Zen, Primal 3, Chillum, Kourt and Nine2Five V2, but its ZENSPEED+ running shoe has a 5 mm drop.

Zero drop means the heel and the toes sit at the same height. Toe spring is the upward curve at the front of many shoes that lifts the toes off the ground. Wyde makes its shoes without it, so the toes rest flat.

How wide are the toe boxes?

Both brands make a wide toe box. Wyde uses the same wide, foot-shaped toe box on every model. Lems grades its width by style.

How does Lems describe width?

Lems says most of its shoes are about a 2E width in the toe box. They are foot-shaped, so they narrow to a regular width through the midfoot and heel. Some styles fit wider than others, depending on the upper and the last. The Primal Zen and Primal 3 carry the WIDEST Natural-Shape label, and the Kourt and Nine2Five V2 carry WIDE Natural-Shape.

Lems says its Trailhead and Mesa are narrower. The ZENSPEED+ comes in a Wide and a Medium width. If you need more width or volume inside a Lems shoe, you can wear it without the insole.

How does Wyde describe width?

Wyde lists the insole width for every size, from 10.0 cm in EU 36 to 12.2 cm in EU 47, which is 11.2 cm in EU 42. You can measure the widest part of your forefoot and compare it with that number. Wyde says you do not need to size up for width, because the wide toe box is standard on every model. Choose your size by foot length.

What are Lems and Wyde shoes made of?

Lems uses microfiber, mesh and full grain leather. Wyde uses LWG certified leather, nubuck and suede on its leather models and air mesh with suede on the Soma.

Which materials does Lems use?

The Primal Zen has a microfiber and air mesh upper with a polyester lining, and Lems calls it vegan. The Primal 3 has a super-soft microfiber and open-weave mesh upper, which Lems calls 100% vegan. The Kourt has a full grain leather upper and a polyester lining. The Nine2Five V2 has a full-grain leather and microfiber upper with a soft leather lining, and Lems lists it as not vegan.

Lems lists weights in EU 43: 230 g for the Primal Zen, 245 g for the Primal 3 and 225 g for the Kourt. It recommends Nikwax for fabric styles and Otter Wax or Nikwax for the Nine2Five V2.

Which materials does Wyde use?

Wyde's leather models use LWG certified leather. On the Nova it depends on the colourway. Most Nova uppers use LWG Gold certified leather, Nova White uses LWG Silver certified aniline leather and Nova Patent Black is patent leather. The Nova has a Coolmax lining and cotton laces.

The Maia and Maia Strap have a waxed leather upper and a suede lining, both LWG Gold certified from Portugal, with a cork midsole. The Nilo has an LWG Gold suede upper and lining. The Chelsea and Norra boots use LWG Gold certified leather from Portugal, a cork insole and an Acquastop membrane that Wyde says keeps out wind and water. The Soma has an air mesh and suede upper, a velvet lining, an EVA midsole and a rubber outsole, and weighs 300 g in size 39.

The Leather Working Group audits leather makers, not shoes, so the rating relates to the tannery. Wyde has no vegan shoes, and even the Soma includes suede.

Where do Lems and Wyde make their shoes?

Lems designs its shoes in Boulder, Colorado, and has them made in a family-owned factory in China. Wyde makes six of its seven models by hand in Portugal: the Nova, Maia, Maia Strap, Nilo, Chelsea and Norra. The Soma is made in China.

Lems says it works closely with its manufacturers on production and to make sure its factories are safe and clean. Wyde says its leather models come from three family-run factories in Portugal and the Soma from a long-standing partner in China. Wyde states that its Soma factory is ISO 9001:2015 certified and BSCI audited. Each Wyde product page says where that model is made.

How do sizing and fit compare?

Both brands sell unisex sizes in EU numbers, but they size differently. Lems shows the insole length of each size and Wyde shows foot length and insole width. Use each brand's own chart, because the same EU number can fit a different foot length.

How do you choose a size at each brand?

• Lems: measure your foot from heel to longest toe and choose a size with an insole at least 1 to 1.5 cm longer than your foot. A 25 cm foot needs an insole of at least 26 cm.
• Lems: if you are between two sizes, choose the larger one.
• Wyde: stand upright, measure from the back of the heel to the tip of the longest toe and choose the size that fits your longer foot. EU 42 covers 25.9 to 26.6 cm.
• Wyde: if you are between sizes, size up. Do not size up for width, because the wide toe box is standard.
• Wyde Maia and Maia Strap: size down one size from your Wyde sneaker size.

Lems uses half sizes on some styles, and Wyde sells full EU sizes from 36 to 47 only. If you need help with fit at Wyde, email support@wydefootwear.com or use the contact form on wydefootwear.com. For the full process, read Wyde Footwear Sizing, Size Exchanges and Returns Explained.

How much do Lems and Wyde shoes cost?

Lems lists the Primal Zen and Primal 3 at €150 on its EU store. Wyde lists the Soma at 1,875 kr or €179 and the Nova at 2,375 kr or €215. All prices are as of October 2026.

What does Lems list on its EU store?

• Primal 3: €150.
• Primal Zen: €150.
• Primal Zen Leather in Walnut: €185.
• Kourt: €165.

What does Wyde list for each model?

• Maia and Maia Strap sandals: 1,425 kr or €130.
• Nilo slip-on: 1,675 kr or €155.
• Soma sneaker: 1,875 kr or €179. Soma Earth Black: 1,975 kr or €189.
• Nova sneaker: 2,375 kr or €215. Nova Patent Black: 2,500 kr or €225.
• Chelsea boot: 2,775 kr or €269.
• Norra winter boot: 2,975 kr or €289.

Wyde shows prices in kronor on wydefootwear.com and in euros on its EU store. Lems shows euros on its EU store and dollars on its US store. Check the product page for the current price before you buy. For every Wyde model and what it includes, read Wyde Shoe Prices: What Each Model Costs and What You Get.

How do the return policies compare?

Both brands give 30 days on their EU terms. Wyde counts from delivery and Lems counts from the purchase date. Wyde offers free size exchanges in Sweden, the EU and the US, while Lems processes all European returns as refunds.

What are Lems's return terms?

On the EU store, Lems accepts returns within 30 days of the purchase date. Shoes must come back in the condition you received them. Lems asks you to try them on indoors on a carpeted surface and does not accept shoes with signs of outside wear. Return labels are sold at cost price, for example 49 DKK (EUR 7) from Sweden and 79 DKK (EUR 10) from Germany. If you need a different size, you place a new order. On its US store, Lems accepts unworn returns within 60 days of purchase.

What are Wyde's return terms?

You have 30 days from the day you receive your order to register a return in Wyde's return portal. Shoes need to come back unused, in original condition and in the original box. A few minutes of walking around indoors is fine. Size exchanges are free in Sweden, the EU and the US. For a refund, Wyde deducts 100 SEK in Sweden and €10 in the EU to cover the label and handling. In Norway, Switzerland, the UK and Canada you place a new order for a different size and register the original as a return.

How do you care for Lems and Wyde shoes?

Lems lists Nikwax care for its fabric styles and Otter Wax or Nikwax for the leather Nine2Five V2. Wyde recommends a soft dry cloth, or a damp cloth with a mild soap solution for tougher stains.

Wyde also says to store its shoes away from direct sunlight and to rotate them with other pairs to extend their lifespan.

What is each brand designing for?

Wyde designs for everyday city wear on concrete and pavement. Lems designs for a wider mix of uses, from everyday wear to trail shoes, running shoes and waterproof boots.

Wyde's warranty does not cover shoes used outside their intended purpose, and Wyde gives sneakers used on rough trails as an example. Lems lists a trail line with the Trail Thrasher and Trail Blazer, and a running line with the ZENSPEED+ and ZENSPEED Lite. It calls the Primal Zen a go-to favourite in the fitness space for weightlifting and cross-training. It also says its boots are minimalist boots and not heavy duty work boots.

When does Lems suit you better?

Lems suits you better if you want trail or running shoes, a vegan option, half sizes or a lower listed price for an everyday sneaker.

What are Lems's strengths?

• More choice of styles, with everyday, outdoor, running, waterproof and sandal lines.
• Lower listed prices for everyday sneakers: €150 for the Primal 3 and Primal Zen.
• Everyday sneakers with 9.5 mm to 11.0 mm of stack height.
• Vegan options in the Primal Zen and Primal 3.
• Half sizes on some styles.
• A Wide and a Medium width on the ZENSPEED+.

When does Wyde suit you better?

Wyde suits you better if you want more sole under your foot for city pavements, a leather or suede shoe made in Portugal, or an insole width listed for every size.

What are Wyde's strengths?

• More sole under the foot on the Soma (22 mm) and on the Chelsea and Norra boots (24 mm).
• Insole width published for every size, from 10.0 cm in EU 36 to 12.2 cm in EU 47.
• One unisex range with the same wide toe box on every model, so you size by length only.
• Leather and suede models handmade in Portugal with LWG certified leather.
• Removable insoles on every model, so you can use your own orthotics. There is no traditional built-in arch support.
• Free size exchanges in Sweden, the EU and the US.

For more on the design ideas behind Wyde's shoes, read Foot-Shaped Shoes: Wide Toe Box, Zero Drop and Flexible Soles Explained. To see how other brands compare on width, read Best Brands for Wide Toe Box Sneakers: 8 Brands Compared.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Lems Primal Zen thicker than the Wyde Nova?

They are close. Lems lists the Primal Zen at 11.0 mm and Wyde lists the Nova at 10 mm plus insole. The Wyde Soma has 22 mm and the Wyde boots have 24 mm.

Which is cheaper, Lems or Wyde?

In October 2026 Lems listed the Primal 3 and Primal Zen at €150 on its EU store. Wyde listed the Soma at €179 and the Nova at €215 on its EU store.

Do all Lems shoes have zero drop?

No. Lems lists zero drop on the Primal Zen, Primal 3, Chillum, Kourt and Nine2Five V2. Its ZENSPEED+ running shoe has a 5 mm drop. Every Wyde model has zero drop.

Where are Lems and Wyde shoes made?

Lems designs in Boulder, Colorado, and has its shoes made in a family-owned factory in China. Wyde makes the Nova, Maia, Maia Strap, Nilo, Chelsea and Norra by hand in Portugal and the Soma in China.

Does Wyde make vegan shoes?

No. Wyde has no vegan shoes, and the Soma upper includes suede. Lems lists the Primal Zen and Primal 3 as vegan.

Should you size up for wide feet at Wyde?

No. Wyde says the wide toe box is standard on every model, so choose your size by foot length only. If you are between sizes, size up.

Do Lems shoes come in half sizes?

Some do. The Lems EU store lists half sizes on the Primal Zen and Primal 3. Wyde sells full EU sizes 36 to 47 only.

How long do you have to return shoes?

Wyde gives 30 days from delivery. The Lems EU store gives 30 days from the purchase date, and its US store gives 60 days from purchase. Wyde offers free size exchanges in Sweden, the EU and the US.

Can you wear Wyde shoes on trails?

Wyde designs its shoes for everyday city wear on concrete and pavement, and its warranty gives sneakers used on rough trails as an example of use outside the intended purpose. Lems makes a separate trail line.

What are the sources?

Lems Shoes EU, Men's Primal Zen: https://lemsshoes.eu/products/mens-primal-zen-asphalt

Lems Shoes EU, Men's Primal 3: https://lemsshoes.eu/products/mens-primal-3-black

Lems Shoes EU, Men's Kourt: https://lemsshoes.eu/products/mens-kourt

Lems Shoes EU, FAQ: https://lemsshoes.eu/pages/faq

Lems Shoes EU, Sizing and Specs: https://lemsshoes.eu/pages/sizing-charts

Lems Shoes EU, Returns and Exchanges: https://lemsshoes.eu/pages/return

Lems Shoes EU, product list: https://lemsshoes.eu/products.json

Lems Shoes, Men's Primal Zen: https://www.lemsshoes.com/products/mens-primal-zen

Lems Shoes, Men's Nine2Five V2: https://www.lemsshoes.com/products/mens-nine2five

Lems Shoes, Men's Mesa Verde: https://www.lemsshoes.com/products/mens-mesa-verde

Lems Shoes, Men's Chillum: https://www.lemsshoes.com/products/mens-chillum

Lems Shoes, Men's ZENSPEED+: https://www.lemsshoes.com/products/mens-zenspeed

Lems Shoes, Refund policy: https://www.lemsshoes.com/policies/refund-policy

Wyde Footwear, Nova White product page and FAQ: https://wydefootwear.com/products/nova-white

Wyde Footwear, Soma White product page: https://wydefootwear.com/products/soma-white

Wyde Footwear, Maia Black product page: https://wydefootwear.com/products/maia-black

Wyde Footwear, Nilo Gray product page: https://wydefootwear.com/products/nilo-gray

Wyde Footwear, Chelsea Black product page: https://wydefootwear.com/products/chelsea-black

Wyde Footwear, Norra Espresso product page: https://wydefootwear.com/products/norra-espresso

Wyde Footwear, FAQ: https://wydefootwear.com/pages/faq

Wyde Footwear, Size guide: https://wydefootwear.com/pages/size-guide

Wyde Footwear, Refund policy: https://wydefootwear.com/policies/refund-policy

Wyde Footwear, EU store product list: https://wydefootwear.eu/products.json

Leather Working Group, Certification: https://www.leatherworkinggroup.com/certification/