At The Coolector, we have long championed the philosophy that your feet shouldn’t have to suffer for the sake of your adventures. Lems Shoes has been a trailblazer in this regard, offering that “barely there” feeling with their zero-drop platforms, wide toe boxes, and impossibly lightweight construction.

They bridged the gap between the hardcore barefoot enthusiast and the guy who just wants a comfortable boot that looks good with denim.

But the world of natural movement and foot-shaped footwear is vast and growing. Whether you are looking for something with a bit more rugged durability, a different aesthetic for the office, or simply a new flavor of zero-drop goodness to rotate into your EDC, there are plenty of makers out there prioritizing the health of your soles. Here are 25 men’s footwear brands similar to Lems that deserve a spot on your shoe rack.

1. Vivobarefoot

If Lems is the gateway drug to natural movement, Vivobarefoot is the main event. Based in the UK, they are arguably the biggest name in the barefoot game. Their shoes are wider, thinner, and more flexible than almost anything else on the market, focusing on letting your feet do the thing they were evolved to do. From their rugged Tracker boots to the city-slicking Ra, they offer impeccable style with zero compromise on sensory feedback.

vivobarefoot.com

2. Xero Shoes

Born from a “sandals made of invisible tires” ethos, Xero Shoes has exploded into a full-fledged footwear empire. Like Lems, they prioritize a natural fit, low-to-the-ground feel, and lightweight materials. Their Prio and HFS models are fantastic for gym and trail work, while their Denver boot offers a direct, flannel-lined challenger to the Lems Boulder Boot.

xeroshoes.com

3. Altra Running

For those who love the Lems “foot shape” but crave a little more cushion under the hood, Altra is the answer. Originally designed for ultra-marathoners, Altra keeps the zero-drop platform and massive toe box but adds substantial stack height. It’s the perfect transition brand if you want your toes to splay without feeling every single pebble on the pavement.

altrarunning.com

4. Freet

A UK brand that flies slightly under the radar but punches well above its weight. Freet (Freedom for Feet) offers a range of boots and sneakers that are exceptionally breathable and boast a 4-in-1 toe design for maximum spread. Their Ibex boot is a waterproof, leather beast that rivals the durability of any Lems product while offering superior ground feel.

freetbarefoot.com

5. Be Lenka

Hailing from Slovakia, Be Lenka has mastered the art of making “barefoot” look “business casual.” Their toe boxes are some of the widest in the industry (rejoice, hobbit-footed friends), and their craftsmanship is top-tier. Their City and Icon models are perfect for the guy who needs to look sharp at the office but refuses to squeeze his toes into a point.

belenka.com

6. Wildling

If you want to feel like a ninja, get a pair of Wildlings. Based in Germany, their shoes utilize a unique split-sole design inspired by Japanese Jika-tabi boots, offering flexibility that is practically unmatched. Using natural materials like wool, washi paper, and hemp, they are incredibly sustainable and offer a tactile experience that makes Lems feel like combat boots by comparison.

wildling.shoes

7. Feelgrounds

Ideally suited for the sneakerhead transitioning to minimalist footwear. Feelgrounds stripped away the narrow toe box and stiff sole of the classic high-top and replaced them with a soft, flexible, foot-shaped chassis. Their aesthetics are undeniably cool and urban-focused—perfect for the guy who wants the health benefits of Lems without looking like he just hiked the Appalachian Trail.

feelgrounds.com

8. Jim Green Footwear

While not a “barefoot” brand in the strict sense, this South African heritage brand has caught the attention of the minimalist community with their African Ranger boot. They offer a zero-drop option and a naturally wide last that rivals the Lems Boulder Boot in comfort but crushes it in sheer, bombproof durability. Built to tackle the African bush, these are boots for serious abuse.

jimgreenfootwear.com

9. Topo Athletic

Similar to Altra, Topo Athletic champions the “roomy toe box” philosophy but often incorporates a very low drop (0mm to 5mm) rather than strictly zero. This makes them an excellent alternative for Lems lovers who need technical performance for trail running or hiking. Their Vibram outsoles provide the grip that some lighter minimalist shoes lack.

topoathletic.com

10. Softstar Shoes

Handcrafted in Oregon, Softstar is the OG of the moccasin world. If you love the Lems primal fit, the Softstar Primal RunAmoc will blow your mind—it is quite literally the shape of a foot. Using premium ethically sourced leathers and sheepskin liners, their chukkas and boots are cozy, eccentric, and wonderfully American-made.

softstarshoes.com

11. Astral

Originally designed for kayakers who needed grip on wet rocks, Astral has morphed into a lifestyle brand that Lems fans will adore. Their shoes are level footbed (zero drop), wide, and possess incredible water-shedding capabilities. The Hemp Loak is a stylish, casual sneaker that looks great at the brewery and performs on the trail.

astraldesigns.com

12. Birchbury

One of the biggest complaints about minimalist shoes is that they look, well, weird. Birchbury solves this by making the Bramford—a leather sneaker that looks indistinguishable from a classic court shoe but features a hidden wide toe box and flexible sole. It’s the stealth bomber of the barefoot world.

birchbury.com

13. Splay

California-based Splay started with kids’ shoes and realized the adults were jealous. Their “Freestyle” sneaker is a canvas, vulcanized-style shoe that looks like a classic skater kick but offers the signature “duck foot” shape we love. They are affordable, durable, and offer a great casual alternative to the Lems Chillum.

splayshoes.com

14. Groundies

German engineering meets urban style. Groundies offers two different fits—”Regular” and “Barefoot”—so you can choose your width. Their universe includes everything from Chelsea boots to retro runners, all featuring their TrueSense® sole technology which is incredibly durable yet flexible. A stylish step up for the fashion-conscious walker.

groundies.com

15. Mukishoes

Based in Portugal, Mukishoes is obsessively transparent about their sustainability. They use cork, burel wool, and recycled cotton to create shoes that are impossibly light. They have a very grounded, raw feel similar to the lighter Lems models, but with a more artisanal, European flair.

mukishoes.com

16. Bearfoot

If you think Lems are wide, wait until you try Bearfoot. Their “Ursus” model is designed for powerlifters and people who refuse to have their toes squished. With a focus on grounding and stability, these high-tops offer a rugged, almost work-boot aesthetic with a sole that keeps you connected to the earth.

bearfoot.store

17. Origo Shoes

Origo is all about using natural materials to create everyday classics. They use cactus leather and corn starch in their construction, making them a vegan-friendly powerhouse. Their Retro sneaker vibes perfectly with the Lems aesthetic—simple, clean lines with a wide toe box that lets your feet breathe.

origoshoes.com

18. Bohempia

Hemp is the name of the game here. Based in Prague, Bohempia makes eco-friendly footwear that mimics the style of classic Chuck Taylors but fixes the narrow fit. They are breathable, antimicrobial, and come in a standard or wide fit. If you wish Lems made a plimsoll, this is it.

bohempia.eu

19. Flux Footwear

A newcomer making waves in the gym and running space. The Flux Adapt Trainer features a “widest-in-class” toe box and a unique sole structure that offers sensory feedback while protecting the foot during high-impact workouts. A tech-forward alternative to the casual Lems vibe.

fluxfootwear.com

20. Carets

For the man who wears Lems on the weekend but requires dress shoes for the boardroom. Carets creates high-end Oxford dress shoes that look like traditional stiff footwear (complete with a fake heel stack) but are actually zero-drop and wide-toed. It is a brilliant optical illusion for the corporate barefoot enthusiast.

carets.com

21. Realfoot

If you have truly splayed toes and find even Lems a bit snug, Realfoot is the final boss. Their shoes are shaped exactly like a spread-out human foot. It’s an aggressive aesthetic, but for pure functional comfort and toe freedom, they are unmatched in the industry.

realfoot.cz

22. Magical Shoes

A family-owned brand from Poland making super flexible, vintage-inspired footwear. Their Explorer model is a leather casual shoe that feels like a slipper. They are incredibly lightweight—even lighter than some Lems models—making them perfect for travel.

magicalshoes24.com

23. Duckfeet

While not zero-drop (they have a slight heel), Duckfeet shares the “foot-shaped” DNA. These Danish icons are built with thick, sustainable leather and crepe soles. They have a massive toe box and a break-in period that is legendary, but once molded, they offer a lifetime of comfort similar to a heavy-duty Lems Boulder Boot.

duckfeetusa.com

24. Tropic Feel

Made for exploring everything, from New York City to the Galapagos: Versatile, Quick Drying, High Tech and Anti-Odor.

tropicfeel.com

25. Joe Nimble

With a philosophy based on “Toe Freedom,” Joe Nimble works closely with biomechanics experts to create shoes that restore foot function. Their Trail Addict and geometric city shoes offer high performance with the necessary width to keep your feet functional and pain-free. A serious brand for serious foot health.

joe-nimble.com