LEMS, a Colorado-based footwear company, has recently launched an enhanced version of its widely acclaimed mountain biking shoe, the Trail Thrasher Pro. Building upon the success of the original zero-drop model known for its retro aesthetic and generous toe box, this new iteration introduces key upgrades designed to meet the demands of serious riders. The Pro model maintains the signature Vibram sole, ensuring excellent grip, while incorporating a waterproof leather upper for superior weather protection.
LEMS Unveils Trail Thrasher Pro: Enhanced Durability and Waterproofing for Mountain Biking
In January 2026, LEMS, a footwear brand headquartered in Colorado, launched the Trail Thrasher Pro, an advanced version of its successful Trail Thrasher mountain biking shoe. The original Trail Thrasher, released in November, quickly garnered popularity due to its zero-drop design, wide toe box, and retro styling, leading to rapid sell-outs. The new Pro model aims to build on this success with significant enhancements. It features a Nubuck leather upper complemented by a waterproof membrane, designed to keep riders' feet dry in challenging conditions. While this adds an element of weather resistance, it's noted that the Pro version may not offer the same level of breathability as the original, which used perforated suede. This places the Trail Thrasher Pro among competitors like Shimano, Fox, Endura, Five Ten, and Fizik, all of whom offer waterproof mountain biking footwear. Currently, the Pro is available in a single colorway and weighs approximately 14.3 ounces per shoe (men's size 10), making it about an ounce heavier than its predecessor. Priced at $175, an increase of $20 over the original, the Pro model retains the simple lace-up closure without a lace keeper, which might be a point of consideration for riders seeking a more secure fastening system like a BOA or hook-and-loop strap. A key feature carried over is the Vibram sole, sporting a tread pattern identical to the original, paired with the same midsole and insole to deliver a medium-stiff platform with ample cushioning for impacts. LEMS specifies separate men's and women's versions of the Trail Thrasher Pro, though clarifies that the only difference lies in the sizing. The Trail Thrasher Pro is now available for purchase on the LEMS website.
The introduction of the Trail Thrasher Pro highlights LEMS' commitment to evolving its product line in response to market demand for more robust and versatile mountain biking gear. By addressing the need for waterproof functionality, LEMS expands its appeal to riders who encounter diverse weather conditions. However, the decision to retain a traditional lacing system without a lace keeper, while keeping the price point higher than the original, suggests a strategic balance between innovation and cost-effectiveness. This move underscores the ongoing challenge for brands to deliver advanced features without compromising accessibility or deviating too much from a successful core design. It will be interesting to observe how the market reacts to these trade-offs and whether the enhanced weather protection outweighs the desire for more sophisticated closure mechanisms in future iterations.