Our verdict
The Lems and the Elevar Arc Racer are too close to call — we rated both 9.5/10. There's no clear winner here, so it comes down to what you want it for. We break that down below.
Lems
Elevar Arc Racer
Side by side
| Attribute | Lems | Elevar Arc Racer |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 9.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| Best for | The rare minimalist boot that looks like a normal boot, with excellent comfort—divisive design and wide toe box need adjustment. | If you don't care about the logo on the side, this is the smarter buy. |
| Standouts |
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| Watch-outs |
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Which one is right for you?
Choose the Lems if…
The rare minimalist boot that looks like a normal boot, with excellent comfort—divisive design and wide toe box need adjustment.
- Actually looks like a normal boot, not minimalist footwear
- Extremely lightweight at 9 oz
Choose the Elevar Arc Racer if…
If you don't care about the logo on the side, this is the smarter buy.
- Extremely comfortable (9.5/10 rating)
- Lightweight—15g lighter per shoe than Ultraboost
Why we rate them this way
Lems — 9.5/10
The rare minimalist boot that looks like a normal boot, with excellent comfort—divisive design and wide toe box need adjustment.
What we liked: Actually looks like a normal boot, not minimalist footwear, Extremely lightweight at 9 oz, Excellent comfort (9.5/10 rated), Flexible yet stable design, Zero-drop with wide toe box at great price point.
Worth knowing: Wide toe box takes a few wears to normalize, Divisive, unconventional aesthetics, Lighter outsole reduces traction for serious hiking, Base model is not waterproof.
Elevar Arc Racer — 9.5/10
If you don't care about the logo on the side, this is the smarter buy.
What we liked: Extremely comfortable (9.5/10 rating), Lightweight—15g lighter per shoe than Ultraboost, Great breathability (9/10 rating), Secure sock-like fit without separate tongue, Exceptional value at $80 vs $150+ Ultraboost.
Worth knowing: Insole fit could be improved.
Common questions
Is the Lems or the Elevar Arc Racer better?
We rated both 9.5/10 — it's a genuine toss-up. Lems: The rare minimalist boot that looks like a normal boot, with excellent comfort—divisive design and wide toe box need adjustment. Elevar Arc Racer: If you don't care about the logo on the side, this is the smarter buy.
What's the difference between the Lems and the Elevar Arc Racer?
Short version — Lems: The rare minimalist boot that looks like a normal boot, with excellent comfort—divisive design and wide toe box need adjustment. Elevar Arc Racer: If you don't care about the logo on the side, this is the smarter buy.