Skip to content
Menu
Quick & Precise Gear Reviews
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Running
  • Cycling
  • Drones
  • Travel
  • Shop
Quick & Precise Gear Reviews

Chilling with the LEMs CHILLUM

Posted on May 24, 2021November 18, 2024

With Covid-19 and the lockdown for the past year, I’ve been 99.99% barefoot and never had to wear my LEMs Nine2Five or LEMs Boulder Boot leather or Carets Wingtip – my three go-to shoes for my workplace. The only shoes I wore instead are running shoes when I go out for weekend runs.

Now that the majority of the US population have been vaccinated, I’m ready to slowly go places and have limited social interactions. Besides the LEMs Chukka as my casual shoe, I’m delighted to learn that LEMs is launching many new models starting with the CHILLUM and jumped at the chance to wear test them for my future ventures – getting outdoor (besides running or cycling)!

Featuring the new LEMs Chillum

Built on the same last and outsole as the Boulder Boot, the Chillum is a “lace-up kicking-around-town and enjoying-a-drink-with-good-friends kind of shoe” according to LEMs Shoes.

In a nutshell, business in the front, party in the back. Canvas in the front, wool in the back, and suede accent in the outer portion lining the outsole. There is also a cork layer foot bed (removable) that you can take out for extra room.

LEMs Chillum removable cork foot bed

Wide toe box allows my toes to splay naturally with sockless wear. If it is too tight wearing socks like the Injinji toe socks, you can remove the cork insole. I never wear socks with running or casual shoes – exception is when wearing a suit with my Carets Wingtip… or in the freezing weather of Wisconsin when I ran in the streets.

Since the uppers are canvas/wool/suede, it is not waterproof. However, I use Scotchgard on my canvas shoes to make them water-repellant and/or waterproof.

Comparing the Chillum to the Nine2Five (my favorite LEMs shoe), the Chillum easily replaced them. Chillum is a lot lighter with a visually better looking toe box. But it’s not a direct comparison as the Nine2Five is a business casual leather shoe. And I wore them from 7am to 7pm when I was required to be physically in the corporate office. In the new normal, LEMs Chillum is now my favorite shoe.

Super lightweight, breathable, and lightly cushioned, the Chillum won’t slow you down. Since I wear all my shoes barefoot, I did notice that the cork keeps your feet cool in warm weather and warm in colder weather. Additionally, the cork is ultra comfortable!

One thing I learned about using cork in some of the shoes I have tested in the last decade: moisture wicking, odor absorbing, fast drying and anti-bacterial. These properties are naturally in cork material so I’ll take all of them. Cork will also mold to the shape of your foot over time – think memory foam.

Honestly, I can run in the Chillum for short distances without any issues – something to think about when you have to rush to catch a train or going after your runaway dog!

Note that the Chillum is lighter than most non-minimalist running shoes in the market today!

LEMs Chillum versus Chukka

With most of the LEMs shoes that I have tested thus far, it’s normally just the men’s version. Starting with the Chillum, one of my female wear tester was impressed by the design and look that she wanted to try them out. And since all the current models are available for both men and women, albeit with a modified last, there aren’t any women’s only models yet (like Vivobarefoot) – maybe this will change in the future but we will be watching out for them and I have two female wear testers ready to pounce on that.

My female wear tester is a fan of zero drop shoes with minimal cushioning and especially those from Vivobarefoot, Topo Athletic and Altra Running. She also has narrow feet so wide toe boxes are sometimes an issue for her if the laces are not tight. With the Chillum, no issues with the fit and comfort. With regular lacing tightness, her narrow feet didn’t create an issue like she had with other wide toe box shoes – affects her walking gait as she adjusts to the extra space and sometimes slippage. Nothing like that with the Chillum – nice 🙂

In summary, if you’re a fan of LEMs shoes and loved the same last and outsole as Nine2Five or Boulder Boot or Chukka, you’ll feel right at home with the Chillum. If you’re new to LEMs shoes or looking for a business casual or casual shoe (functional and good looking), go with the Chillum.

Technical Specifications

  • Outsole: 9.0mm LemsRubberâ„¢ (air-injection rubber)
  • Insole: Ultra-thin 0.8mm cork top layer with 3.0mm PU under layer
  • Stack Height: 10.0mm (not including 3.8mm insole)
  • Drop: 0.0mm (Zero-Drop)
  • Weight: 8oz (Men’s 10)

Where To Buy

Available now on LEMs Shoes online in two colorways for both Men & Women: Varsity Blue (white outsole), Spruce (brown outsole). Black Jack (black outsole) will be available later (uses microfiber instead of suede for the accent).

LEMs Chillum Colorways: Spruce (left) and Varsity Blue (right)

Access Newsletter Archives

Minimalist Shoe Reviews

by Brand

Recent Posts

  • Jack Be Nimble, Jack Be Quick. Jack Wore The Altra Superior 7.

    Jack Be Nimble, Jack Be Quick. Jack Wore The Altra Superior 7.

    May 28, 2025
  • One for Work. One for Travel. Which KÜHL Pant is Right for You?

    One for Work. One for Travel. Which KÜHL Pant is Right for You?

    May 22, 2025
  • The new Ruko U11MINI 4K Ultra-Portable Pocket Drone

    The new Ruko U11MINI 4K Ultra-Portable Pocket Drone

    May 19, 2025
  • The Altra Experience 4mm Drop Shoe Collection: Flow, Wild, and Form

    The Altra Experience 4mm Drop Shoe Collection: Flow, Wild, and Form

    May 18, 2025
  • REI Anniversary Sale 2025

    REI Anniversary Sale 2025

    May 17, 2025
  • WTGR Gear Giveaway: LEMs Shoes Switchback Sandals

    WTGR Gear Giveaway: LEMs Shoes Switchback Sandals

    May 14, 2025
  • Get ready for Summer with Smartwool Everyday Short Sleeve Shirt & 8-inch Shorts

    Get ready for Summer with Smartwool Everyday Short Sleeve Shirt & 8-inch Shorts

    May 13, 2025
  • The Switchback Innovative Game Changer From LEMs Shoes

    The Switchback Innovative Game Changer From LEMs Shoes

    May 10, 2025
  • Comparison of Xero Shoes Sandals & New Spring Colors

    Comparison of Xero Shoes Sandals & New Spring Colors

    May 7, 2025
  • LEMs Shoes Tariff Buster - 20% OFF Sale

    LEMs Shoes Tariff Buster - 20% OFF Sale

    May 5, 2025

SPONSORED

Never Miss A Post

Join our mailing list:

Post Archives

  • May 2025 (10)
  • April 2025 (7)
  • March 2025 (11)
  • February 2025 (1)
  • January 2025 (4)
  • November 2024 (16)
  • October 2024 (10)
  • September 2024 (7)
  • August 2024 (6)
  • July 2024 (4)
  • June 2024 (6)
  • May 2024 (4)
  • April 2024 (5)
  • March 2024 (1)
  • February 2024 (1)
  • January 2024 (1)
  • December 2023 (2)
  • November 2023 (4)
  • October 2023 (5)
  • September 2023 (2)
  • August 2023 (2)
  • June 2023 (4)
  • May 2023 (7)
  • April 2023 (1)
  • March 2023 (4)
  • November 2022 (6)
  • July 2022 (2)
  • June 2022 (1)
  • May 2022 (4)
  • April 2022 (2)
  • May 2021 (1)
  • November 2020 (1)
  • September 2020 (1)
  • August 2019 (1)
  • November 2018 (2)
  • September 2018 (1)
  • August 2018 (2)
  • June 2018 (1)
  • May 2018 (3)
  • February 2018 (6)
  • January 2018 (2)
  • December 2017 (2)
  • November 2017 (5)
  • October 2017 (1)
  • September 2017 (6)
  • August 2017 (3)
  • July 2017 (3)
  • June 2017 (6)
  • May 2017 (12)
  • April 2017 (4)
  • March 2017 (7)
  • February 2017 (7)
  • January 2017 (3)
  • December 2016 (5)
  • November 2016 (6)
  • October 2016 (2)
  • September 2016 (6)
  • August 2016 (6)
  • July 2016 (6)
  • June 2016 (6)
  • May 2016 (6)
  • April 2016 (1)
  • March 2016 (11)
  • February 2016 (2)
  • January 2016 (3)
  • December 2015 (8)
  • November 2015 (6)
  • October 2015 (10)
  • September 2015 (2)
  • August 2015 (1)
  • July 2015 (8)
  • June 2015 (8)
  • May 2015 (6)
  • April 2015 (10)
  • March 2015 (12)
  • February 2015 (8)
  • January 2015 (12)
  • December 2014 (12)
  • November 2014 (19)
  • October 2014 (10)
  • September 2014 (6)
  • August 2014 (4)
  • July 2014 (8)
  • June 2014 (6)
  • May 2014 (5)
  • April 2014 (7)
  • March 2014 (5)
  • February 2014 (4)
  • January 2014 (9)
  • December 2013 (12)
  • November 2013 (9)
  • October 2013 (13)
  • September 2013 (7)
  • August 2013 (6)
  • July 2013 (8)
  • June 2013 (7)
  • May 2013 (13)
  • April 2013 (6)
  • March 2013 (14)
  • February 2013 (14)
  • January 2013 (13)
  • December 2012 (12)
  • November 2012 (15)
  • October 2012 (14)
  • September 2012 (5)
  • August 2012 (10)
  • July 2012 (13)
  • June 2012 (7)
  • May 2012 (10)
  • April 2012 (5)
  • March 2012 (20)
  • February 2012 (11)
  • January 2012 (8)
  • December 2011 (7)
  • November 2011 (8)
  • October 2011 (6)
  • September 2011 (7)
  • August 2011 (10)
  • July 2011 (8)
  • June 2011 (6)
  • May 2011 (7)
  • April 2011 (10)
  • March 2011 (15)
  • February 2011 (10)
  • January 2011 (4)
  • December 2010 (8)
  • November 2010 (10)
  • October 2010 (1)
  • August 2010 (1)
  • June 2010 (2)
  • May 2010 (7)

Compliance

Review
WTGR received one or more of the products or services mentioned in our reviews for free in exchange for a full test review article in our blog. Some of the links in the review posts are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, WTGR will receive an affiliate commission.
Regardless, WTGR will only recommend products or services that will be good for our readers. WTGR is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
  • Minimalist Running Shoes
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Where To Buy
©2025 Quick & Precise Gear Reviews | Powered by SuperbThemes | Hosting by Host Gator Cloud