25 Best Oboz Hiking Boots And Shoes For Men And Women (2024)
Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Nicole
Oboz is a company that makes outdoor footwear, such as Oboz hiking boots and shoes. John Connelly, who had decades of experience in design and manufacturing with outdoor sportswear companies such as Keen and Tecnica, launched his new footwear brand in 2007 with eight styles for men and women. The company started in Bozeman, Montana and the brand name came from a splicing together “Bozeman” and “Outside”.
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Loving the Outdoors
All Oboz footwear gives back to the planet as the company plants a tree every time it sells a pair of shoes. Oboz’s commitment to green practices doesn’t stop with trees but extends to its supply chain and other working methods. When you explore Oboz’s exceptional products, keep in mind that by purchasing Oboz shoes, you are not only acquiring hiking shoes that keep your feet comfortable and supported but also making a choice that champions sustainability. If you are interested in purchasing hiking boots that are as eco-friendly as possible, consider searching for the factors discussed in this article Eco-Friendly Hiking Boots: How Sustainable Are They?
How These Reviews are Organized
The best Oboz hiking boots feature a selection of proprietary Oboz footwear technologies. Below, I highlight those features in each Oboz shoe and explain how they contribute to making Oboz hiking shoes a superior product. After the reviews, I provide a Buyer’s Guide with a more detailed discussion of what makes a superb hiking boot or shoe and how the Oboz technologies contribute to that.
Some of the footwear, like the Oboz Bridger, come in a range of tops – low, mid-cut, and higher. Where appropriate, I’ve grouped together similar Oboz hiking boots to highlight the similarities and differences to help make your decision about which ones would be the best hiking shoes for your personal cirumstances.
Other Options
As you will see below, Oboz footwear offers a lot to hikers. However, if you have not found exactly what you are looking for, I would suggest taking a look at the following:
- Both Adidas and New Balance have taken their excellent athletic footwear technology and incorporated it into a range of hiking shoes and boots. For a review of their products, please see:
- 13 Best Adidas Hiking Shoes For Ultimate Comfort;
- 10 Best New Balance Hiking Shoes For Exceptional Comfort.
- Columbia Sportswear is an industry leader in outdoor gear. For a comprehensive guide to all of its hiking footwear, please review 11 Rugged And Best Columbia Hiking Boots And Shoes.
Oboz Bridger
All the Oboz Bridger hiking boots and shoes feature:
- O Fit insole.
- Granite Peak Midsole
- Granite Peak Outsole
The waterproof Oboz hiking boots feature the B-DRY system for breathability and waterproofing. Accordingly, these are some of the best Oboz hiking boots around.
Oboz Bridger Low Waterproof Hiking Shoes For Men
Features Of These Oboz Bridger Hiking Shoes
- Nubuck leather and abrasion-resistant mesh in the upper- durable and comfortable.
- Waterproof and breathable with the B-DRY system.
- Molded rubber toe cap and heel counter.
- Low cut for those that prefer a sneaker-type walking shoe.
- Toe rocker – helps with a natural gait.
- Webbing eyelets lacing system.
- Available in wide fittings.
- Brown or grey color options.
Conclusion
These Oboz hiking shoes are low cut and will keep your feet dry while hiking, backpacking, sightseeing, or working in your yard. The 4mm deep lugs on the sole give excellent traction. The more aggressive lugs on the sides and extending into the toe area provide extra grip when hiking on more challenging terrain when you need an additional hold on uneven surfaces.
Not everyone is a fan of webbing eyelets, but these Oboz Bridger hiking shoes are robust and comfortable to wear straight out of the box. The TPU chassis performs double duty as a rock plate keeping the underside of your foot protected from hard stones on the trail. The rubber sole is rugged and abrasion resistant and has a unique tread reflecting the granite peak mountain range. These sneaker-style Oboz hiking shoes are ideal for the hiking enthusiast, and they are good looking so that they seem right at home on city streets.
Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots For Men
Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots For Women
Features Of These Oboz Bridger Hiking Boots
- Nubuck leather and abrasion-resistant mesh in the upper – durable and comfortable.
- Waterproof and breathable with the B-Dry system
- Molded rubber toe cap and heel counter.
- Toe rocker – helps with a natural gait.
- Mixture of webbing and metal eyelets.
- Available in wide fittings.
- Brown, grey, or black color options. (Ladies have an additional option of Rio red)
Conclusion
These Oboz hiking boots give you all the plus points of the low-cut version, with a higher top providing more ankle support. This style is a halfway option for those who don’t want a full hiking boot but want additional support around the ankles.
These will keep your feet dry and fresh, plus the higher top gives you more protection from trail debris and lets you splash through deeper puddles. You get different color options, and they are stylish Oboz hiking boots for your outdoor adventures.
Oboz Bridger Mid Vent Waterproof For Men
Differences Between Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof and Mid Vent Waterproof
The only differences between these Oboz Bridger hiking boots are:
- Mesh panels (or vents) to increase breathability.
- Different color options – brown and green.
If you like ventilation around your feet, then opt for these Oboz hiking boots. Only limited sizes still available.
Oboz Bridger 7″ Insulated Hiking Boots For Women
Features Of These Oboz Bridger Boots
In addition to the usual Oboz Bridger features, you benefit from insulation and a soft wool lining.
- B-Dry breathable, waterproof system.
- Nubuck leather uppers with cozy wool lining the cuff.
- 200g Thinsulate for cold weather.
- Thermal wool topped insoles.
- Molded rubber toe cap.
- Molded rubber heel kick with easy on/off lip that allows secure fixing for a snow strap.
- Combination of webbing and metal lacing.
Conclusion
These Oboz hiking boots are not ice boots, but they give superior traction on snow, and the extra insulation is welcome in helping to keep your feet warm when the temperature drops. The B-dry system effectively keeps your feet dry, and the higher top means that you get less risk of water or snow getting into the boots in typical winter hiking.
One point to note is that the front part of the boot is 7,” but the back is lower at 6″. This feature means they are more comfortable to wear but not as deep as you think. Only an issue if you intend to tackle extra deep snowdrifts and puddles.
Oboz Bridger 8″ Insulated Waterproof Hiking Boots For Men
Features Of These Oboz Bridger Hiking Shoes
- O Fit thermal insoles.
- 200g Thinsulate insulation in the 100% nubuck leather upper.
- Molded rubber toe-cap.
- Molded rubber heel kick.
- Webbing and metal lacing system.
- Gaiter D-ring.
- Board last.
Conclusion
A board last refers to the insertion of a platform across the entire sole. This feature gives a more rigid and stable shoe, which is stiffer and less flexible than other shoe construction methods. Why is this an advantage? You get a more stable and durable boot which is a plus for winter hiking when you don’t necessarily need a super-flexible sole.
These Oboz hiking boots are warm, comfortable, and dry. The addition of a gaiter D-ring is a helpful way of keeping your gaiters secure, benefiting you with additional waterproofing for your lower leg. The rubber heel kick has a small ridge that helps take the boot off and secure snow straps, small extra features that set Oboz footwear apart.
Oboz Bridger 10″ Insulated Waterproof Hiking Boots For Men
Oboz Bridger 9″ Insulated Waterproof Hiking Boots For Women
Features Of These Oboz Bridger Hiking Shoes
- O Fit thermal insoles.
- Molded rubber toe-cap.
- Molded rubber heel kick with snow strap ridge.
- Winterized rubber on the outsole.
- 400g Thinsulate insulation.
- Available in black and brown.
Conclusion
These Oboz hiking boots are excellent for snowshoeing and hiking. The winterized rubber performs better in cold conditions, and the 400g of insulation is enough to keep your feet warm in very cold weather, as well as dry. The thermal O-fit insoles give you all the targeted support and additional thermal comfort. The higher top means you can dispense with the gaiter and still enjoy a warm and dry lower leg.
Oboz Sawtooth II Hiking Shoes Range
The Sawtooth II range of Oboz footwear features the Sawtooth midsole and outsole (includes map of Sawtooth mountain range) as standard. The waterproof versions use B-Dry for the ideal combination of breathability and waterproofing. You get as standard in each of these Oboz hiking boots and shoes:
- O Fit insole.
- Sawtooth midsole.
- Sawtooth outsole.
Oboz Sawtooth II Low Waterproof Hiking Shoes For Men
Oboz Sawtooth II Low Waterproof Hiking Shoes For Women
Features Of These Oboz Sawtooth II Hiking Shoes
- B-DRY waterproofing with breathability
- Abrasion-resistant nubuck leather and textile upper.
- Asymmetrical collar for comfort around your ankles.
- Molded rubber heel counter keeps your foot in place for better stability.
- Available in greys and browns (women’s versions include green and lavender).
- Available in wide and half fittings.
- Webbing eyelets.
- Outsole extends partly up toe as a bumper and on the sides.
Conclusion
These Oboz hiking shoes for men and women are ideal for those that prefer a lower-cut sneaker feel. Your feet stay dry and fresh, and you get plenty of traction on challenging trails. In addition, these hiking shoes are great for thru-hiking and backpacking with a supportive and durable ride. The heel and forefoot have adequate cushioning, giving you equal shock absorption going uphill (forefoot strikes first) and downhill (heel strikes first).
You can go sightseeing in a city center with these on your feet, but it is a bit like taking a high-performance race car on your weekly shopping trip.
You get excellent fit, longevity, comfort, and dry, fresh feet with these Oboz hiking shoes in his and her sizes and styles.
Oboz Sawtooth II Low Hiking Shoes For Men
Same Oboz Sawtooth II hiking shoe features as above, but without waterproofing.
The nubuck leather and abrasion-resistant textile uppers are water-resistant, but the B-DRY membrane’s absence means these are not waterproof. Why would you opt for non-waterproof Oboz hiking shoes? Although the B-DRY membrane gives you breathability, it is not as well ventilated as an Oboz hiking shoe without the membrane. If you hike in hot, dry, arid conditions, ditching the membrane for enhanced airflow is a good choice for foot comfort.
Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Hiking Boots For Men
Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Hiking Boots For Women
Features Of These Oboz Sawtooth II Hiking Shoes
- Abrasion-resistant nubuck leather and textile upper.
- Asymmetrical collar.
- Molded rubber heel counter keeps your foot in place for better stability.
- Mixture of webbing and metal eyelets.
- Low supply.
Conclusion
These Oboz hiking boots are not waterproof, but you get all the advantages of the proprietary O-fit insole giving superior fit and support. The uppers are robust and durable and will let you walk long distances with a heavy backpack.
The asymmetric collar improves the fit around your ankle. The absence of the B-DRY system enhances ventilation. The upper is water-resistant, so light showers are not an issue. If you don’t need the waterproofing, these Sawtooth II shoes are excellent mid-cut Oboz hiking boots for challenging trails.
Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots For Men
Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots For Women
The only difference between these Oboz Sawtooth II hiking boots is the B-Dry system supplying full waterproof boots. If your hiking and backpacking involve heavy rain, puddles, and streams, these are the better option.
Oboz Sawtooth X Hiking Shoes Range
The Sawtooth X range of Oboz footwear features similarities with the Sawtooth II range with a couple of differences.
In terms of similarities, the O Fit Insole still offers comfort and support. The outsole extends partly up the toe as a bumper and for those hiking shoes that are waterproof, the technology is the same – B-DRY waterproofing for the ideal combination of breathability and waterproofing..
As for differences, the Sawtooth X midsole is now called Sawtooth X ACT Impact Midsole which offers lighter weight cushioning.
The outsole changes to Trail Tread which supplies superior slip-resistance, improved elongation and strength in material.
High tenacity fiber and recycled material is added to the oiled nubuk leather.
You get as standard in each of these Oboz Sawtooth X hiking boots and shoes:
- O Fit insole.
- Sawtooth X ACT Impact Midsole.
- Sawtooth Trail Tread outsole.
- Recycled material.
Oboz Sawtooth X Low Hiking Shoes For Men
Oboz Sawtooth X Low Hiking Shoes For Women
Oboz Sawtooth X Mid Hiking Boots For Men
Oboz Sawtooth X Mid Hiking Boots For Women
Features Of These Oboz Sawtooth X Hiking Shoes
- Fiber, recycled material and oiled nubuk leather.
- Molded rubber heel counter to keep foot in place for better stability.
- Available in wide and half fittings.
- Hooked and or punched eyelets.
- Outsole extends partly up toe as a bumper and on the sides.
Conclusion
These Oboz hiking shoes for men and women are ideal for those that are looking for light, comfortable, and supportive shoe with excellent traction on challenging trails. The heel and forefoot have great cushioning, giving you equal shock absorption going uphill and downhill.
Oboz Sawtooth X Waterproof Mens’ Low Hiking Shoes
Oboz Sawtooth X Waterproof Womens’ Low Hiking Shoes
Oboz Sawtooth X Mens’ Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots
Oboz Sawtooth X Womens’ Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots
Same Oboz Sawtooth X hiking shoe features as above, but with waterproofing.
All the features of Sawtooth X but with B-DRY membrane for waterproofing. Accordingly, if you hike a lot in wet environments, this is an excellent choice to keep your foot dry. However, if you mostly hike in hot, dry, arid conditions, this is not the right Sawtooth X shoe. Instead, opt for the shoes without the B-DRY membrane to increase ventilation.
Oboz Sypes Hiking Boots For Men And Women
The Oboz Sypes hiking boots and shoes feature the following
- O FIT Insole® BLOOM™. The insoles are made with sustainable Algae oil for durability and comfort.
- Recycled Materials creating laces and webbing with quick drying material.
- Includes long Lasting Materials, such as leather and CORDURA fabric for high tenacity and durability.
- Bend Midsole for lightweight midsoles for long-lasting durability, support and rebound.
- Asymmetrical anatomical TPU heal clip for support around heel.
- Bend Outsole for superior grip. Includes deep directional lugs and increased surface.
- Oboz B-DRY Waterproof that allows breathability while also being waterproof.
Oboz Sypes Mens’ Low Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Oboz Sypes Womens’ Low Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Oboz Sypes Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots For Men
Oboz Sypes Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots For Women
Features Of These Oboz Sypes Hiking Shoes and Boots
- Waterproof nubuck leather and high tenacity mesh fabric upper
- Waterproof and breathable with the B-Dry system
- Welded TPU toe cap and form hugging heel cup
- rPET (recycled) webbing, lining, and laces
- Punched eyelets
Conclusion
The Oboz Sypes range of hiking shoes and boots offer waterproof nubuk leather and other man made materials to create waterproofness, breathability and durability. The midsole offers exceptional cushion and comfort whereas the outsole provides excellent grip so that you can enjoy your day on the trails.
They are lightweight with more sustainable and recycled features than other models.
Oboz Arete Hiking Boots For Men And Women
The Oboz Arete hiking boots and shoes feature the following:
- O FIT Insole for cushion, comfort and support.
- A3 Chassis™ for midsole and heel support – Two Piece Suspension that supplies natural flex while hiking but with structure so keeps foot in natural walking motion. In addition, it provides an integrated shank & ESS Plate at heel and along length of foot so that it reduces flexion for structure and protects your feet from stone-bruising.
- Tempest Outsole with multi directional lugs and grooves for superior traction and grip.
- B-DRY system for waterproofing and breathability.
Oboz Arete Mens’ Low Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Oboz Arete Womens’ Low Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Oboz Arete Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots For Men
Oboz Arete Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots For Women
Features Of These Oboz Arete Hiking Shoes and Boots
- Weather resistant jacquard woven mesh with no-sew panels.
- Synthetic TPU overlays
- Waterproof and breathable with the B-Dry system
- Welded TPU toe cap
- Mixture of webbing
- Rubber sole
Conclusion
The Oboz Sypes range of hiking shoes and boots offer waterproof nubuk leather and other man made materials to create waterproofness, breathability and durability. The midsole offers exceptional cushion and comfort whereas the outsole provides excellent grip so that you can enjoy your day on the trails.
They are lightweight with more sustainable and recycled features than other models.
Oboz Hiking Boots For Women Only
Oboz Sapphire Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
Features Of These Oboz Hiking Boots
- O-Fit insole
- Swift Current Midsole
- Swift Current Outsole.
- B-DRY waterproofing with breathability.
- Women’s specific fit with an asymmetric collar.
- Bright webbing eyelets
Conclusion
The fit of these Oboz hiking boots is narrower in the heel and wider in the toe, which suits the proportions of a woman’s foot. You benefit from enhanced underfoot protection with TPU chassis and the ESS plate in the forefoot.
These Oboz shoes perform excellently uphill and down on city streets and trails. They are supportive and come in brighter color options than the average hiking boots – not neon bright but beautiful dark berry and coffee shades with colorful accents on the webbing eyelets and midsole.
Buyer’s Guide: What Do You Get With The Best Oboz Hiking Boots and Shoes?
The best Oboz hiking boots have proprietary technologies to improve their trail response and give you a better ride on your adventures.
O Fit Insole
The insole molds to fit every pair of Oboz hiking shoes perfectly. This tailored construction gives a bespoke fit and feel. The insoles are anatomically correct, and you can buy separate Oboz insoles to get that supportive Oboz feel in all your footwear.
Thermal insoles feature an insulated top sheet and Mylar on the bottom, reflecting heat, further enhancing the warmth of your Oboz hiking boots. Thermal insoles appear in Oboz hiking boots’ insulated range.
The perfectly structured O fit insole integrated inside your Oboz hiking boots results from a uniquely designed anatomically correct last (shoe form) to give you superior foot comfort and arch support on every trail. Strategically positioned pods in the insole cope with rebound energy and reduce fatigue. The O-fit insole keeps your foot in the correct position and avoids issues with friction.
The upper layer is breathable, moisture-wicking, and contributes to keeping your feet fresh and dry.
Supportive Midsoles
Oboz hiking shoes feature one of their proprietary midsoles:
- Granite Peak Midsole uses a single density EVA foam layer with a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) chassis and a nylon stability shank. The TPU chassis protects underfoot from hard stones and torsion without compromising the necessary flexibility. This midsole is ideal for hiking and backpacking over several days.
- Sawtooth midsole uses dual-density EVA foam to provide strategic cushioning and support. A nylon shank also offers midfoot stability. It is another excellent midsole for hiking and backpacking.
- Mountain Town midsole provides less EVA cushioning because these Oboz hiking shoes are intended for city streets. You can still walk the trails because they have all the standard hiking boot features, but you wouldn’t pick these for an endurance trek or challenging terrain across a mountain range.
- Swiftcurrent midsole features EVA cushioning, a TPU chassis, and an ESS (EVA super skin) plate in the forefoot in a women-specific design. You get strategic cushioning and underfoot protection that is designed for the unique features of a woman’s foot.
Outsoles
The outsole design matches the insole in most Oboz hiking shoes. Winterized rubber is an option with most outsoles, giving better performance and grip in the cold.
- Granite Peak Outsole uses durable rubber providing excellent traction and additional protection from underfoot bruising. The map molded in the bottom tread features Granite Peak.
- Sawtooth outsole uses flexible rubber and features a map of the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho molded into the tread pattern.
- Mountain Town outsole uses low profile lugs to give traction and grip on trails but are primarily for urban sports like skateboarding. It is an Oboz hiking boot outsole for the urban environment that can take you from town to country.
- Swiftcurrent outsole is gender-specific for the women’s range of Oboz hiking boots and features lower lugs for walking on city streets and trails. The molded map on the durable rubber tread features Swiftcurrent mountain (Glacier park). These Oboz hiking boots are for town and trails but probably not best for backpacking.
B-DRY Waterproofing with Breathability
Current Oboz Hiking boots use a proprietary waterproofing system that uses technical fabrics and membranes to allow water molecules to pass from the foot to the outside but not in the other direction. Your feet stay dry and fresh from external water and internal sweat.
Before the advent of waterproof membranes, you could have waterproofing or breathability, not both. Your boots could keep out the water, but they also kept in the sweat, leaving you with hot, slippery feet and blisters at the end of a long walk. Now, Oboz footwear gives you dry, fresh feet.
Asymmetrical Collar
An asymmetrical collar on some Oboz hiking shoes gives more comfort around the ankle. Your foot is not symmetrical, and this collar design recognizes the necessity of the Oboz hiking boots fitting your foot rather than your foot adapting to your boot.
Last Word
The best Oboz hiking boots and shoes are well thought out and designed to meet the specific demands of hiking over different and difficult terrain and in all kinds of hot and cold weather. They are good looking, help you to meet hiking etiquette, and easily fit into a city setting as well as outdoors trails. If you are looking for one of the best hiking shoes or boots for your upcoming adventure, you should be able to find what you are looking for in Oboz shoes.