Launching a brand new mountain bike shoe is ambitious. Not only are mountain bikers notoriously tough on their footwear, just a few big brands with years of experience already dominate the space. Throwing caution to the wind, the Lems Trail Thrasher is here, and after hundreds of miles of testing, I’ve found it’s a surprisingly capable and refreshingly different flat pedal shoe.
Based in Boulder, Colorado, Lems has been selling outdoor-focused shoes since 2011, gaining a loyal following for their zero-drop, wide toe box footwear designed with a natural foot shape and comfort in mind. The Trail Thrasher brings that same philosophy to mountain biking.
Lems Trail Thrasher key specs
- Mens US sizes 4.5-15, Womens US sizes 6-12
- Flat pedal shoe with zero drop
- Weight: 840g/pair (size 46 EU)
- Price: $155
- Buy from Lems
Built for the trail (and hike-a-bike too)
The Trail Thrasher features a suede upper that gives off retro hiker vibes, complete with bold colors and a splash of personality that stands out from the sea of all-black mountain bike shoes. The name and logo are retro-cheesy, but honestly, I’m here for it. This shoe is different, and different is refreshing in a category that tends to take itself a little too seriously.
The rugged outsole is one of the Trail Thrasher’s standout features. Lems pairs a durable rubber tread with a thick EVA midsole to strike a nice balance between pedal feel and foot support. The sole is medium stiff — stiffer than most hiking shoes but not as board-like as more gravity-focused models, and certainly not as stiff as a clipless-pedal XC shoe. On the bike, this translates to a stable platform for mashing pedals. Personally, I’d like the sole to be a touch stiffer. Out of the box they feel just right, but become more flexible as they’re broken in.
Off the bike, the Trail Thrasher delivers exceptional comfort and traction in loose terrain, wet roots, and everything in between. A lot of flat pedal shoes I’ve tested are only grippy on smooth rocks and firm, dry surfaces; these behave more like a proper hiking shoe when it counts.
Pedal grip is excellent as well. The lug pattern interfaces well with flat pedal pins, and I never felt like my feet were wandering or skating across the platform, even on rough descents. The outsole, with 4mm lugs, mimics the same pattern found on Lems boots, and it works surprisingly well with flat pedals like the Race Face Chesters.
Lems Trail Thrasher fit, feel, and function
True to the Lems ethos, the Trail Thrasher is built on a zero-drop platform. For those who aren’t familiar with the term, zero drop means that the wearer’s heel and toe are at the same height off the ground. Flat pedal shoes already stick pretty close to zero drop (they’re called flats, after all) though some cycling shoes, like those for XC riding, have an 8-10mm drop from the heel to the toe. If you’re used to riding flat pedal shoes, the Trail Thrashers will feel totally natural.
Sizing seems fairly true to size, though the roomy toe box does bias the fit toward sizing down if you’re on the fence. The wide toe box offers a roomy feel without being sloppy. There’s plenty of wiggle room, which is a huge plus on long rides if your feet tend to swell. Front to back the Trail Thrashers fit great with very little heel slip when cranking on the pedals. Available in men’s US sizes 4.5 to 15 and women’s 6 to 12, with half sizes below size 13 (size 12 for women), most riders should be able to find a good fit.
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The sides of the tongue are sewn into the shoe with stretchy material, which keeps it centered and eliminates that annoying tendency for the tongue to slide to one side. The thick laces are effective, however there’s no lace garage or strap to tuck them out of the way. Fortunately, on my size 46 EU shoe the lace length is just right, so the laces don’t dangle or get caught in the drivetrain.
At 840g per pair (size 46 EU), the Trail Thrasher isn’t the lightest shoe out there, but it doesn’t feel heavy or cumbersome on the trail either. They’re a bit bulky for the hottest summer rides, though otherwise I’ve found them comfortable in a wide range of conditions. They even kept my feet warm for a couple of hours while mountain biking in the low 40s and upper 30s recently.
All-day comfort
One of the most impressive things about the Trail Thrasher is how comfortable it is both on and off the bike. After a long ride, I’ve worn these the rest of the day without thinking twice. They look and feel like casual sneakers or trail shoes, not something designed exclusively for cycling. And that makes them ideal for riders who do a lot of hike-a-bike, bikepacking, or just want a versatile flat pedal shoe that looks good too.
Pros and cons of Lems Trail Thrasher
Pros
- Thick outsole provides great hike-a-bike grip
- Comfortable on and off the bike, and good fit
- Standout style, quality materials, and solid construction
Cons
- The sole could be stiffer without giving up too much comfort
- No lace strap
Bottom line
Among the flat pedal MTB shoes I’ve tested over the years, the Lems Trail Thrasher easily makes my top three list along with the OG Five Ten Freerider and Shimano GF600. For riders who want a capable, all-around flat pedal shoe with legit hiking traction, natural comfort, and a little extra flair, the Lems Trail Thrasher absolutely delivers. It’s not just a first try from a brand that’s new to mountain biking — it’s already a real contender for flat pedal trail bike riders.
At $155, the Trail Thrasher is priced right in line with premium flat pedal shoes, and given the real suede upper, rugged sole, and thoughtful design, it feels like a solid value.
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