Lems Trail Thrasher Pro Waterproof Mountain Bike Shoe

Review by Will Trail

Initial Impressions

A new addition to the Lems mountain bike (MTB) shoe lineup, the Lems Men’s Trail Thrasher Pro Waterproof builds off their original MTB shoe, the Trail Thrasher, and adds a different outsole and waterproof materials. 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 Lems Trail Thrasher Pro Waterproof is built on a rugged Vibram® Megagrip rubber outsole with 4 mm chevron-shaped lugs that deliver durable, sure-footed traction across a variety of wet and dry surfaces while maintaining strong pedal contact. The spacing of the lugs provides plenty of grip yet still allows natural flex, and the medium softness rubber compound gives flat-pedal pins something to bite into. The mountain shaped siping on the lugs adds extra grip on slicker surfaces.

The EVA midsole positioned above the outsole is designed to absorb impact while maintaining a strong pedal feel. Its construction provides a balance of comfort and flexibility, making the shoe effective both on and off the bike. The lower stack height enhances pedal feedback compared to shoes with thicker midsoles.

The upper is made from Nubuck leather with 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 large difference from the previous model is the addition of a waterproof membrane in the upper to seal out moisture.
A traditional lace-up system with six eyelets per side secures the foot nicely and distributes pressure evenly across the foot without any nagging pressure areas.

Specs

• Cushioning: Minimal poly insole with EVA midsole
• Support: Neutral
• Drop: Zero drop
• Stack height: 16 mm
• Waterproofing: Yes
• Colors: Volcanic (reviewed)

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 other brand’s MTB shoes in the same size. I have standard-width feet and found the WIDEST Natural-Shape™ platform to be an excellent match. This shoe fits exactly like the preceding Lems Trail Trasher and works with my feet very well. 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 off the bike sections, traction was solid, and I never experienced pedal slippage when using several different flat pedal options. Off the bike, they’re comfortable enough for walking or everyday use, making them an appealing option for bike commuters. As with other shoes I’ve used that feature Vibram® outsoles, the grip is top notch.

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.
I didn’t experience any overheating while riding in temperatures ranging from 45–70°F. The waterproofing performed well in rainy conditions, keeping my socks dry throughout the ride. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to test them in snow, the waterproofing appears capable of handling snowy conditions as long as snow depth stays below ankle height. The zero-drop platform aligns well with my usual flat-pedal preferences, and I experienced no unusual aches or discomfort during testing. Despite the absence of lace retention features, the laces never caught or interfered with the drivetrain. The tongue is secured on both sides with stretchy material, which keeps it centered and prevents it from sliding sideways.

Closing Thoughts

The Lems Men’s Trail Thrashers Pro Waterproof shoes combine excellent pedal contact, grip, and comfort in a stylish, versatile design, now enhanced with waterproofing to keep your feet dry during wetter seasons. The WIDEST Natural-Shape™ toe box provides an exceptional fit, allowing natural foot splay with plenty of room for your toes. I’ve been impressed with how these shoes perform, fit, and look, with the only notable tradeoff being slightly less pedaling stiffness than some riders may prefer. The Vibram® Megagrip rubber outsole delivers outstanding pedal traction while also performing well off the bike. Overall, Lems has another standout with the Men’s Trail Thrashers Pro Waterproof, earning a spot on my “Trail Approved” list for year-round riding.

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.