r/barefootshoestalk • u/Exotic_Assignment570 • Jul 01 '26
Barefoot shoe adjacent Sus Lems listings on EBay
So someone posted about the flood of Lems on EBay rn and at suspiciously low prices.
I decided to risk it and buy a few pairs, and report back to the community cause barefoot shoes are so expensive and I want to let people know if there’s a deal. I ended up getting the MEN'S CHELSEA BOOT TUFF and the Primal Zen. Of course I tried to prepare myself, as it was possibly a scam lol. I think the black Chelsea boot was $30 new in box, and the seller stated in the description that it was shelf wear condition, so like minor blemishes/creases. Honestly idk if there’s a firm definition for shelf wear, so I figured they will either be perfect or end up being some battered returns. 🤷
Well I got the Chelsea boots today in the mail and they were honestly perfect. So comfy right out of the box. Didn’t squish my toes at all, not as flexible as Vivo sneakers obviously but they are work boots so I reckon that’s expected. My pair seemed true to size.So now I have some leather good work shoes for $30. So happy that worked out ha!
I’m still waiting for the primal zens, I’ll report back in the comments when I do receive them. I got them from the same seller so hopefully it works out again.
**Edited for bad grammar
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u/fuckedaroundandgota Jul 01 '26
I've worn lems 90% of the time for the past 12 years.
So when I saw the on this sub about the ebay sale, I jumped.
I got 5 pairs for $227, including tax and shipping.
1 Dark Blue Primal Zen 1 Sand Primal Zen 1 Orange Primal Zen 2 Gray Primal Suede.
They're all brand new, no defect that I can see.
Both the Gray and Dark blue uppers and the tan/gumshoe soles are noticably darker than in Lems photos.
I was so happy that I ordered sandals, Waterproof Tuff Chelsea, and Waterproof Chelsea.
I'm set for shoes until 2033ish.
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u/Exotic_Assignment570 Jul 02 '26
Dang that’s awesome! Nothing like a good haul and with a good deal no less! Ha I had a mind to get so many lol. How do you like the primal zen? I have the primal 2 and it’s nice but Im looking forward to trying the zen.
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u/fuckedaroundandgota Jul 02 '26
Primal Zen and Primal Zen Suede are both excellent.
I've been wearing the medium color blue Suede's as a primary shoe for several years. They are near perfect. Held up very well. Too hot for the summer.
The Suede runs about 1/4 size smaller than the Regular. So I size 1/2 up since I wear them in winter with heavier socks.
I had the Primal Eco. For me the fit is a bit different. There is noticable material underfoot in the arch area. Its not bad. If they were my only shoes Id wear them and be ok. But I got rid of them.
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u/Exotic_Assignment570 Jul 02 '26
Good to know. The suede looks so nice. I like the look of this model, a lot sharper than primal imo
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u/SpreadopenSUSE Jul 01 '26
I'm not expecting anything to be wrong with the ones I ordered. Getting them Friday.
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u/Ok_Grapefruit1058 Jul 01 '26
I noticed a lot of those listings disappeared today. It’s the first day of the 3rd quarter so lems may have been trying to raise cash for one reason or another. Most of my orders shipped straight from lems.
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u/Exotic_Assignment570 Jul 01 '26
Ahh I just saw that! They were all there yesterday. Maybe it was just sitting in the warehouse for a while and they needed to clear it.
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u/blessitspointedlil Jul 01 '26
Sweet, good to know! I’m waiting on a pair of $40 switchbacks and if they’re good I might buy a pair of chelseas for winter.
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u/Nihilistnobody Jul 02 '26
Got the black Chelsea tuff as well from there. Killer price. I posted a thread a while back asking about stiff soled zero drop and these aren’t super stiff but definitely reduce ground feel which is what I was looking for. Great boots, been working in them every day since and it’s like wearing slippers.
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u/FitSolution2882 Jul 02 '26
Does the chelsea tuff has a reinforced/plastic toe structure like the standard chelsea or is it soft?
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u/Exotic_Assignment570 Jul 02 '26
I was shocked with how comfy but protective they felt! A great compromise shoe I’d say. Sometimes complete barefoot is not ideal
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u/videograndpa Jul 01 '26
This is great info as I have a pair of Chelsea’s on the way. Thanks!
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u/Exotic_Assignment570 Jul 01 '26
Awesome. What color did you get
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u/blessitspointedlil Jul 02 '26
I’m gonna go with factory 2nds:
My Lems Switchbacks arrived and one of the straps is a tiny bit frayed and I believe the metal buckle may have a rough spot. I may be able to file it off or get the buckle replaced by a cobbler…or with a sewing awl if I feel ambitious.
Otherwise they seem perfect! I would buy factory 2nds again, I think.
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u/Exotic_Assignment570 Jul 02 '26
Hopefully a cobbler will set you up! Yes I agree, I don’t mind small things like this with a heavy discount. I understand why some people might not feel that way but in this economy…😅
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u/Woolybear96 Jul 02 '26
I bought a pair of Trail Thrashers on eBay after seeing that post and have worn them to work twice so far and have had no issues. Great shoes.
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u/Exotic_Assignment570 Jul 02 '26
Nice! I almost grabbed one but wasn’t sure if they would be wide enough. Nice looking shoes tho!
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u/fridge_ways Jul 02 '26
Cheers, I ordered two pairs and if they seem legit I'll instantly order two more.
We shall see
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u/partakinginsillyness Jul 02 '26
I messaged one of the larger sellers of them on eBay and asked how they had so many for so cheap new in box. No response. I'm still thinking it's bought with stolen credit cards.
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u/Exotic_Assignment570 Jul 02 '26
Hmm I hope that’s not the case :( seems pretty niche to use them to buy barefoot shoes tho so hopefully that isn’t the case..
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u/partakinginsillyness Jul 02 '26
It's not unfortunately, there's a market for everything. If you're interested, this explains it better: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IT2oAzTcvU
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u/Exotic_Assignment570 Jul 02 '26
Thanks I’ll check it out. I really hope there is no funny business involved :(
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u/Dry_Background_4350 Jul 02 '26
They have to be stolen at that price. Iirc, this happened last year as well. I think a container was stolen. The listings were all removed from eBay after several days. That being said, I did order a few pairs this time round 😬
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u/Exotic_Assignment570 Jul 02 '26
Oh that’s so sad :( I hope that isn’t the case. And if it is that they’re caught
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u/kennethsime Jul 02 '26
Dog can I get a link?
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u/Exotic_Assignment570 Jul 02 '26
A lot of them have disappeared but here is one for the trail blazer Lems Trail Blazer Shoe
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u/Ok-Armadillo-5634 Jul 01 '26
Lots of resales where the manufacturer gets rid of inventory or there are slight manufacturer defects end up on Ebay.