Our First Running Shoe

Lems was built around a simple idea: shoes should mimic the natural shape of the foot and allow for movement that feels unrestricted, free, and comfortable.

That philosophy traces back to 2008, when our founder Andrew Rademacher was frustrated with the lack of options that truly fit the foot’s natural anatomy. In search of something better, he began dissecting his own running shoes, cutting away excess materials and studying their construction to understand why traditional footwear felt so restrictive. 

Even though Lems became known for casual footwear, the roots have always been in movement and performance. Andrew was a collegiate decathlete with a passion for running, and that mindset has been part of the brand from day one.

Designing a running shoe has always been on the roadmap. We wanted to do it the right way and at the right time.

The ZenSpeed brings back running the way it was meant to be. Unrestricted, intuitive, and connected to every mile beneath you. Built to move free and run wild.

 

Why Running, Why Now

The running category today is filled with highly engineered, often overbuilt shoes with thick stack heights, excessive features, and designs that can feel disconnected from natural movement.

That works for some runners. But we saw an opportunity to offer something different.

We believe there is a place, especially now, for a return to the basics. A natural fit, a wide toe box, lower drop platforms, and a design that lets your foot move the way it was intended to.

Stepping into the run specialty space felt like a natural evolution for us. It allows us to connect with runners who are thinking deeply about how they move and what they are putting on their feet.

Meet the ZenSpeed Lineup

Every runner moves differently, so we designed two styles built for different ways of running.

• ZenSpeed+ for longer miles and an energetic ride
• ZenSpeed Lite for a more minimal, grounded feel
  

At the core of the ZenSpeed design is a balance between natural movement and performance. Each model is built on our TrueFit™ last to align the toes and create a more secure, foot shaped fit without unnecessary bulk. Low drop platforms and lightweight construction help promote a more natural stride, while carefully tuned cushioning levels allow each shoe to perform in its intended use, whether that is longer road miles or a more minimal, close to ground feel.

Another key design feature across the ZenSpeed line is our Lems injected rubber outsole. This outsole is lighter than traditional solid rubber while offering high abrasion resistance and long lasting durability.

The ZenSpeed will be available in men’s and women’s styles, offered in both wide and medium fit options.

ZenSpeed Lite

The ZenSpeed Lite takes things back to basics.

With a lower drop and reduced stack height, it delivers a more connected, natural feel. It is ideal for runners who want to stay closer to the ground.

Key Features

• 2mm drop for a more natural platform
• Lower stack height for ground feel and stability
• Lightweight and flexible for everyday movement
• Designed for the minimal daily runner, lightweight

Specs

• Weight: 8.8 oz (M10)
• Stack Height: 24mm heel and 22mm forefoot
• Drop: 2mm
• Insole: Cork
• Last/Fit: TrueFit™ (foot shaped, tailored fit)
• Wide Fit: Wide toe box (similar to a D width)
• Medium Fit: Less wide toe box (similar to a B width)
• Midsole: Highly responsive EVA and 10% PEBA
• Outsole: 3.5mm super light floating rubber

 

ZenSpeed+

The ZenSpeed+ is a road runner built with the healthy fit and low drop platform Lems is known for.

It is designed for runners who want cushioning and efficiency without losing connection to natural movement.

Key Features

• 5mm drop with a rocker profile to promote a smooth midfoot strike
• TrueFit™ last aligns your toes and secures the foot without bulk
• Medium cushioning with an energetic, responsive ride
• Built for longer miles and daily training

Specs

• Weight: 9.4 oz (M10)
• Stack Height: 31mm heel and 26mm forefoot
• Drop: 5mm
• Insole: Cork
• Last/Fit: TrueFit™ (foot shaped, tailored fit)
• Wide Fit: Wide toe box (similar to a D width)
• Medium Fit: Less wide toe box (similar to a B width)
• Midsole: Highly responsive EVA and 10% PEBA
• Outsole: 3.5mm super light floating rubber

Built Around Natural Movement

Both models are grounded in the same core principles that define Lems:

• Foot shaped fit
• Wide toe box with fit options
• Low drop platforms
• Lightweight, flexible construction

This is not about stripping things away for the sake of it. It is about giving your feet what they actually need and nothing they do not.

Introducing the Lems Fast Logo

With a product release this big, we knew it needed its own visual identity.

So we created something new, our Fast Logo.

Designed to represent movement, speed, and forward momentum, it marks a new chapter for Lems as we step into running.

 

This Is Just the Beginning

This is our first step into running, and it’s just the beginning.

The ZenSpeed is coming Fall 2026