Disclosure: This is not a compensated or sponsored post. I was provided the product for review purposes only. All opinions expressed here are my own.

During the past couple of months, I have been doing tons of outdoor activities. I love getting outside and walking around and taking long hikes. This way I get my exercise and not have to worry about anyone being around. I started to realize that with this increase in activity I needed to look into more gear.

One of the best shoe brands out there that I found was Lems.  Lems started by making barefoot running and hiking shoes and has expanded its line to include minimalist hiking shoes with a bit more padding and traction.

Lems Shoes’ philosophy is simple-less is more. Instead of spending time trying to develop the next footwear fad, they dedicate themselves to creating sustainable shoes that consider the foot above all else. All of their products are flat, flexible, and fit the natural shape of the human foot. Through such design focus, their shoes emphasize proper fit, comfort and, functionality without unnecessary material or marketing ads.

Lems recently releases a shoe called the Mesa and I was excited to try it out.

Comfort always comes first when I’m looking for a shoe now. I’ve had far too many shoes that I thought looked cute or seemed technically good, but they hardly ever ended up leaving my closest because they pinched my toes or gave me blisters. Lems started out by making barefoot shoes. Having small feet becomes a problem in finding the perfect shoe.

The Mesas have a bit thicker of a sole which puts them more at a minimalist shoe than a true barefoot shoe, but this also means they are better equipped to handle more rugged terrain. There is enough padding in the Mesas that I’ve never felt any discomfort whether I’m running or walking on asphalt or a dirt trail.

A good portion on the uppers on the Mesa is knit mesh. It feels durable but breathable, and my feet haven’t gotten hot and sweaty while walking. These shoes are also supposed to be quick drying.

The mesh on Lems Mesa is reinforced with a TPU frame overlay on the sides and a coating around the toe box. I’m impressed by the amount of traction and grip on this shoe – the solid rubber outsoles are much more in line with a hardcore hiking shoe than a lightweight sneaker. The materials and quality of this shoe seem to be in line with the price tag. These shoes still look great after several walks and run.

This shoe is part of what Lems calls its mountain-to-town collection, meaning it can easily make the transition from trails to city streets. The fact that this shoe is lightweight and has such a simple design makes it versatile enough to use throughout most of my travels. The weight and flexibility also make the Mesa a great packable shoe, though I’d just as easily wear it through the airport.

Since getting the Lems Mesa, they’ve become my go-to shoe for walks around the block, and all the little things in between.