Lems Switchback Knit Sandal Review

Bottom Line

The Lems Switchback Knits are an amazing step up for those who want a little bit more than the most ultralight minimalist sandal option. Sporting amazing comfort with a grippy, contoured footbed and knit straps, techy traction with a well-designed rubber outsole, and versatility for almost any outing, the Switchback Knits are a top contender in our best hiking sandals for men guide.

We put over 125 miles on our pair in a large variety of terrain around the trails of Moab, Monument Valley, and Boulder, CO.

Where do the Lems fit into the grand scheme of things? For only a couple of ounces more than the most ultralight options on our list, you get a sandal that steps it up in both comfort and versatility. The EVA foam midsole and rubber outsole form a 14 to 17-millimeter stack height, which we found to be a great balance between underfoot protection and stability.

While most ultralight sandals are zero drop, which can put a lot of stress on your calves, the Switchback Knit’s ring in at 3 millimeters, offering just enough of a differential for those used to a larger drop in their day-to-day shoes.  Combine this with the contoured footbed and a bit of arch support, and you’ve got the perfect sandal for those looking to transition to a lightweight option when standard ultralight options are a bit too… minimal. Or for those who love having a sandal that can tackle both trail and water.

However, these sandals aren’t perfect. We maxed out the strapping on ours when going barefoot, meaning those with smaller-volume feet might have trouble securing the fit without socks. The toe end of the outsole and midsole is already showing cosmetic signs of wear, indicating average durability and projected lifespan. The toe post design isn’t for everyone and might cause discomfort for those transitioning to the style. 

Despite these pain points, the Lems Switchback Knits are a comfortable and versatile sandal option worth serious consideration, especially for those tentative about making the leap to the most ultralight minimalist options.

Comfort

The Lems Switchback Knits are minimalist, lightweight between-the-toe-strap sandals — not what you usually think of when it comes to substantial comfort. But the devil is in the details! Three total adjustment points let you dial in the Switchback Knits for the perfect fit. The two innovative webbing guides on the inside and outside of the ankle allow you to lock in your heel without a hook-and-loop fastening. The knit upper is comfortable and cushy against both skin and sock, with the between-the-toe strap well-designed and not too thick to cause discomfort. 

Taking a look at the footbed, there is an almost topographical design. This is Lems’ textured footbed that delivers a non-slip grip inside the sandal, along with a gentle contour and a touch of arch support to make those longer-mile days a bit easier to navigate. The contoured footbed comes in a wider design that allows for some foot splay and fits like a dream. The 14 to 17-millimeter stack height is just enough for some cushion and protection without adding unnecessary weight. And the 3-millimeter drop is perfect for those who don’t want to go all the way down to zero but still stay on the lower end of the heel-to-toe height differential.

On the negative side, we had to cinch the adjustable strapping down to its limit to get a secure fit without socks. Those with lower-volume feet might have a bit of trouble locking their sandals down without some extra assistance. And having a toe post isn’t for everyone. It can be quite the annoyance on longer mileage days if you haven’t built up this area-specific callous. We’d recommend applying a bit of leukotape in this area while you adjust to reduce the risk of blisters, if needed.

Traction

Getting quality traction in this day and age can be a challenge, but the Switchback Knit fits the bill. Lems went for an entirely rubber outsole compound with this new design. It’s a flexible, sticky blend that grips well on both wet and dry surfaces, with durability in mind. You’ll have no problem taking the Lems on slick river rock or talus-covered trails alike.

The lug pattern features a blend of larger diamonds at the heel running to smaller oblong rectangles at the toe with various curving striations throughout and larger channels in between. The blend is unique and exceptionally well-suited to varying types of terrain, as it combines many elements into one.

Mud, sand, gravel, and all types of rock are tackled well with this pattern. The outsole even extends up the edges of the sandal into the midsole, providing grip to the very edge and lateral support when tackling technical terrain or side-hilling. The design even reminds us of basketball shoes, meaning you’re likely to have a great time hitting the Switchbacks with speed.

After a trial run on slick desert sandstone near Moab, the Lems earned our trust enough to take them up steep scrambles in the flatirons above Boulder, CO. After a lap on the 5.0-rated Freeway route, we felt confident enough to take it a step further and take the Switchback Knits up the 5.3-rated Atalanta on the first flatiron. To our delight, they performed amazingly well given the moderate stack height and excellent stability along with the grippy outsole and solid ground feel, and offered a secure ride even when down climbing.

The downside of the outsole design is the thinner striations. They trap tiny rocks and gravel, which requires occasional digging out. We would’ve also enjoyed seeing the lugs a little deeper to prolong the life of the outsole and overall use of the Switchback Knits. But alas, this is the trade-off for a bit more stability.

Stability

The Lems are an amazingly stable sandal with balance on trail in mind. The wide-footed design provides a solid platform, improving balance on uneven ground and rocky terrain. The ample ground contact and moderate stack height provide a high-quality ground feel that makes hiking and even trail running quicker and more enjoyable. The textured footbed does a great job of providing additional response even when feet are wet or sweaty, allowing for a very flowy experience on trails where second-guessing steps is minimal.

The straps can take a bit of time to get just right and are best adjusted when the sandals are off your feet, but once they’re dialed in, the Lems hug the foot securely and keep your feet in place without feeling confining. The strap running from the ankle to the toe post is wider than most other designs, providing ample surface area to distribute pressure across the forefoot.

Adjustability

While not the quickest strap system to adjust, the Switchback Knits provide ample options for fine-tuning. Dual sliders on the outside and inside of the ankle allow an adaptable fit that coordinates with the third adjustment point near the front of the ankle, eliminating the need for a velcro heel strap. A small band keeps excess material from flapping around – but unfortunately, it can only move so far, and if you’ve maxed out the strapping due to lower foot volume, you’ll still have a flapping strap. 

The other counterbalance to this design is that the system isn’t the easiest to tweak and requires two hands to maneuver either of the ankle slide points. Because of this, dialing in the fit with the sandals off, before or after a hike, is best. We love that the system stays put once set and eliminates the need for any hook-and-loop fasteners or excess material at the heel, but it does require a touch of effort.

Durability

The Lems Switchback Knits are looking about average in durability so far, with about 125 miles of rugged trail use and around-town wear. The knit straps are beginning to show minor cosmetic signs of fraying and loose threads, although nothing is affecting the structural integrity. We can tell the sewing is well-intentioned and thoroughly inspected, with bar tacking at the heaviest stress points. 

Meanwhile, the midsole near the toe is fairly chewed up from rocky and abrasive terrain out in the desert around Moab and the grippy flatirons of Boulder. That being said, the straps and midsole look remarkably clean for the amount of abuse and sun exposure they’ve received so far.

The outsole, on the other hand, shows minimal signs of wear, with only some light usage near the toe end and some blackening from the rubber absorbing dirt along the way. The footbed even looks brand new, with the rubber having softened slightly with use to help even further conform to the shape of our feet.

Overall, given the current pattern of wear, we expect the Lems Switchback Knits to be good for 400 to 500 quality trail miles — similar to the average durable trail runner, and even more if you don’t bring them on remarkably rugged terrain.

Versatility

The adaptability of our pair of Lems is above and beyond basically every other sandal on the market. The grippy, contoured footbed and rubber outsole do an amazing job of handling slick terrain and river crossings, while the strapping system delivers a locked-down feel that lets you glide over trails with efficiency and ease. They’re lightweight enough to be your backup footwear option on a thru-hike as a camp and town shoe, and stylish enough to be worn to every casual event your family or friends invite you to. 

We love the colorway options Lems offers that strike the right balance between bright and earthy. The funky combinations work well when hitting any water event, whether that’s the beach, paddleboarding, or spending the day at a theme park. The fast-drying footbed and comfortable knit strapping work well for any type of barefoot day. 

That said, they aren’t built for everything. The toe post can be irritating if you’re not used to the design. If you want to wear socks, you’ll need to sport toe socks, which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. The open-foot design is exceptional for breathability and drying your feet after river crossings, but your feet will be exposed to all manner of rocks and thorns, which requires some care on certain trails. And while there’s some moderate cushion, these sandals wouldn’t be the best as your primary footwear with a heavy pack.

Despite this, when you need a lightweight sandal that offers a step-up in support and comfort over the most minimalist options, the Lems Switchback Knits should be a top contender on anyone’s list.

Should You Buy the Men’s Lems Switchback Knit Sandals?

The Lems Switchback Knits are a great choice for day hikers who want a sandal that styles well around town, backpackers who want a lightweight backup footwear option for camp and town, and water enthusiasts who want a sandal that can also toe the line on technical trails. They’re exceptionally comfy for most foot shapes and sizes, especially those with wider or higher-volume feet. And they pack a stylish punch for those who want to let their feet breathe during social events or on days on the water.

These aren’t the best choice for the absolute most technical trails, maximum durability, or the most ultralight, minimalist option. The open design leaves feet exposed to sharp rocks and thorny brush. The strap between the toes may rub you the wrong way and cause some irritation. The midsole and outsole are showing average durability so far in our testing. And adjustments are relatively straightforward, but they can be time-consuming.

Still, if you’re searching for a lightweight sandal that balances style, comfort, and versatility, the Switchback Knits are among the better options we’ve tested.

What Other Men’s Hiking Sandals Should You Consider?

Did the Lems Switchback Knits catch your eye? Hop over to our best hiking sandals for men guide to see how they stack up against the competition. Also, check out these amazing alternatives:

Bedrock Cairn EVO 3D Review: The Bedrock Cairn EVO 3Ds are an ultralight, minimalist alternative for those who want something a little more stripped-down while retaining high-end comfort and traction.

Tread Lab Redways Review:  The Tread Lab Redways are an alternative option with comfort and traction in mind. An over-the-toe Z-strap configuration is perfect for those who don’t like the toe post, while retaining similar qualities to the Switchback Knit’s – just without being as quick-drying or water capable.

Chacos Z/1 Review: The Z/1s come in versions with both a toe strap and an open-toe design, and they also have reliable traction like the Switchback Knits. But Chacos are far heavier and thicker, and they don’t offer much ground feel.