Lems Men’s Trail Thrasher Mountain Bike Shoe

Review by Will Trail

Initial Impressions

A new addition to the Lems shoe lineup, the Lems Men’s Trail Thrasher is the Colorado brand’s first dedicated MTB shoe and I was intrigued to try them out. Built around Lems’ signature barefoot philosophy and their WIDEST Natural-Shape™ design, the shoe features a wide, foot-shaped toe box and a zero-drop platform that keeps the heel and forefoot level, promoting natural posture and comfort.

Construction & Design

The Trail Thrasher is built on a rugged rubber outsole with 4 mm chevron-shaped lugs that deliver durable, sure-footed traction across a variety of surfaces while maintaining strong pedal contact. The spacing of the lugs provides plenty of grip yet still allows natural flex, and the medium-soft rubber compound gives flat-pedal pins something to bite into. The zig-zag siping on the lugs (shaped like tiny mountains!) adds extra grip on slick surfaces.

Above the outsole sits an EVA midsole engineered for shock absorption while still allowing good pedal feel. The construction balances comfort and flexibility both on and off the bike.

The upper is made from Nubuck leather with perforated suede flex zones, offering a mix of durability, structure, and flexibility. Inside, a removable PU sockliner contours to the foot and adds to the overall cushioning.

A traditional lace-up system with six eyelets per side secures the foot nicely and distributes pressure evenly.

Specs

• Cushioning: Minimal poly insole with EVA midsole
• Support: Neutral
• Drop: Zero drop
• Stack height: 16 mm
• Waterproofing: None
• Colors: Moss (reviewed), Ghost, Astroid

Detailed Review

The fit felt spot-on from the start—no pressure points once laced, and the heel cup held my foot securely without any lift. They’re quick to put on and easy to adjust, providing a stable, responsive pedal feel while staying light on the feet. I also appreciate the clean look and solid construction, which give me confidence they’ll hold up well for years.

I tested a Men’s US 10.5. I normally wear 10.5–11 and the toe box felt noticeably roomier than most shoes in the same size. I have standard-width feet and found the WIDEST Natural-Shape™ platform to be an excellent match. As always, trying footwear in person is ideal.

Over several rides ranging from 10 to 20 miles, the shoes broke in nicely after a few outings. During hike-a-bike sections, traction was solid, and I never experienced pedal slippage. Off the bike, they’re comfortable enough for walking or everyday use, making them an appealing option for bike commuters.

As a tradeoff for their walking comfort, the shoes are not as stiff as some flat-pedal MTB models. More aggressive riders may notice a slight loss in pedaling efficiency.

Breathability is good; the upper kept my feet cool, and I never experienced overheating. However, there is no waterproofing, so expect wet feet in rain or muddy conditions. The zero-drop platform falls right in line with my typical flat-pedal preferences, and I didn’t experience any unusual aches or discomfort during testing. While there are no lace retention features, I didn’t have any issues with laces catching or interfering with the drivetrain. The tongue is anchored on both sides with stretchy material, keeping it centered and preventing that annoying sideways slide.

Closing Thoughts

The Lems Men’s Trail Thrashers offers excellent pedal contact, grip, and comfort in a stylish, versatile package. The WIDEST Natural-Shape™ toe box delivers exceptional fit, allowing natural foot splay and plenty of toe room. I’m a fan of how these shoes perform, fit, and look with the only real tradeoff being a bit less pedaling stiffness than some riders may prefer. Overall, Lems has created a winner with the Men’s Trail Thrasher and I consider them “Trail Approved”.

Will Trail

Will grew up in Idaho (fifth generation!) where he enjoyed the outdoors, riding his bike, participated in multiple sports, and working on the family ranch from time to time.

During college at Montana Tech, he played football for a few years and worked as a wildland firefighter during the summers.  He met his future wife, Erin Trail, there and after graduating with a degree in Geophysical Engineering, they moved to Texas where he was involved with racing his Subaru WRX, camping and powerlifting.