Testing status: this guide is written from manufacturer specifications, published product data and the merchants’ stated policies. It is not a claim of long-term wear testing by our team.
The Short Answer
Lems and Birchbury are both small foot-shape-first brands, which makes this a closer comparison than Birchbury vs Vivobarefoot. The split is simple: Lems is broader and more casual-outdoors; Birchbury is narrower and more office-facing.
| Birchbury | Lems | |
|---|---|---|
| Catalogue | 3 leather models | Larger casual range: sneakers, boots, trail-leaning styles |
| Dress-code reach | Up to business dress (Brenston oxford) | Mostly casual to smart-casual |
| Drop | Zero across all models | Mixed zero and low-drop — check per model |
| Price band | $120–$197 at time of writing | Broadly overlapping range depending on model; check current |
| Materials | Full-grain leather focus | Leather and synthetic mixes by model |
| Sizing | One unisex cm-based scale | Men’s/women’s per model with brand fit notes |
Where Birchbury Wins
The office. If the reason you are shopping is a dress code plus a forefoot that cannot take a tapered last, the Brenston is the most conventional-looking option either brand offers — closed-lacing plain oxford, full-grain leather, visual heel block. Lems does not really contest this territory.
Simplicity is the second win: three models, one size chart, one materials story. There is less to research and less to get wrong.
Where Lems Wins
Everywhere casual. More silhouettes, more colours, boot options with more outdoor intent, and models aimed at travel and light trail that Birchbury simply does not make. If your week is jeans and weekends outdoors rather than chinos and meetings, Lems gives you more shoes to actually want.
Availability is also broader — Lems has been around longer and shows up at more third-party retailers, which can mean easier returns or occasional store try-ons depending on where you live.
Pick by Situation
| Your situation | Sensible pick |
|---|---|
| Business dress or formal office | Birchbury Brenston |
| Casual office, jeans acceptable | Either — compare specific models |
| Weekend + light outdoors + travel | Lems |
| One leather sneaker that dresses up | Birchbury Bramford |
| Strict zero-drop requirement | Birchbury (all models) or a confirmed zero-drop Lems model |
| Widest possible model choice | Lems |
SHORT VERSION
Honest Bottom Line
- Closest competitor comparison in this space — both are foot-shape-first brands
- Birchbury owns the dress end; Lems owns the casual-outdoor end
- Zero-drop purists should note Lems mixes drop specs by model
- In the overlap zone, decide on the specific model’s look and current price, not brand loyalty
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Lems and Birchbury direct competitors?
Only partially. Both make casual, foot-shaped footwear, and both offer dress-leaning models. Lems’ range is broader in casual and boot styles; Birchbury is narrower and more dress-focused. The overlap is the everyday leather shoe and the office-acceptable shoe.
Which has the wider toe box?
Both are built on foot-shaped lasts with substantially more forefoot room than conventional shoes. Exact internal width varies by model rather than by brand — a Lems boot and a Birchbury oxford are shaped for different purposes. If your feet are extra wide, compare the specific model’s published fit notes.
Is either brand zero-drop across the range?
Birchbury is zero-drop on all three models. Lems mixes zero-drop models with some low-drop (a few millimetres) models, so check the drop spec on the exact Lems shoe you are considering.
Which should I buy for the office?
For a formal or business-casual office, the Birchbury Brenston is the more conventional-looking option. Lems’ dress-leaning styles sit closer to smart-casual. For trail, chukka-style casual boots and relaxed wear, Lems has more choices.
Leaning Birchbury?
Compare the three models, colours and current pricing directly.
View Birchbury ShoesWe may earn a commission on qualifying Birchbury purchases. We have no affiliate relationship with Lems — that comparison is provided for context only.