My Oboz brand review is based on thousands of miles of personal experience with Oboz hiking boots and hiking shoes. I've owned several Oboz models since 2014, including three pairs of Bridgers, several versions of the Sawtooth, the Hyalite, the Bozeman, and each of the Katabatics. The brand used to specialize in burly hiking boots and hiking shoes, but it now boasts some competitive lightweight hiking shoes, too. This Oboz brand review highlights the brand's history, fit, pros and cons, and recommendations for the brand's best hiking boots and hiking shoes.
Oboz Brand Review
Born in Bozeman, Montana in 2007, Oboz (short for "outside + Bozeman") quickly established itself as one of the best outdoor footwear brands in the United States. Oboz hiking boots and hiking shoes are made for (and named after) the mountains of Montana and the Greater Yellowstone basin. The small company remains based in Bozeman after being sold in 2018 to Kathmandu, an outdoor retailer in New Zealand.
As a bonus, Oboz plants a tree for every pair of boots or shoes they sell.
How good are Oboz hiking shoes and hiking boots?
Oboz makes really good hiking shoes and hiking boots. As the former footwear manager at Appalachian Outdoors, I rate Oboz as the best U.S. brand for hiking and backpacking footwear. In my experience, Oboz is a much better brand than Merrell, beats KEEN for durability and support, and makes more performance-oriented hiking boots and hiking shoes than Danner.
The three main reasons to choose Oboz hiking boots and hiking shoes are comfort, fit, and durability.
Oboz Comfort
One thing that differentiates Oboz from other hiking footwear brands is their O Fit insoles. These expensive insoles provide targeted cushioning and support where other brands typically skimp with a cheap-ass piece of foam. These insoles generally make Oboz more comfortable and supportive than most brands.
Oboz Fit
Oboz has one of the smartest fits out of all the brands I've personally worn and sold. Oboz hiking boots and shoes run snug in the heel to prevent heel slippage. They then offer more room in the forefoot and toes—with their regular sizes running standard width and their wide sizes adding more room where many hikers need it. Between those two widths, Oboz seem to fit more hikers than other brands.
Durability
My Oboz hiking boots and hiking shoes have lasted longer than any other brands I've worn. (On the left is my first pair of Oboz Bridgers at approximately 1200 miles of wear— and still hike-able). Made for Montana mountains, Oboz footwear is tough enough to take on harder hikes and tougher terrain—moreso than other popular US brands like Merrell and KEEN.
Overall, Oboz is best known for traditional leather hiking boots and shoes, such as the Bridger and Sawtooth. These are good options for hikers who value support and durability over weight savings. It took several years for Oboz to land any lightweight hiking boots and hiking shoes. However, the Katabatic series includes some legitimate lightweights the seem here to stay.
In 2026, Oboz reshaped its leadership team with an eye towards re-energizing the brand. Look for some fun new updates in 2027—including new trail running shoes that might appeal to hikers.
Best Oboz Hiking Boots
For a full rundown of Oboz hikers, please check out my guides on how to choose Oboz hiking boots and how to choose Oboz hiking shoes. Here are mini-reviews of the best Oboz hiking boots and hiking shoes that I've tested and reviewed:
OBOZ BRIDGER
Best Oboz Hiking Boot
Main Benefits:
I've personally hiked more than 2,000 miles in the Bridger—the flagship Oboz hiking boot. This long-time best seller hasn't been updated in years because it's the prototypical midweight hiking boot: flexible enough for day hiking and strudy enough for backpacking. The Bridger is highly protective with its leather uppers and sturdy toe cap. I've also been impressed by its durability and downhill traction. For me, the Bridger edges the Sawtooth as the best Oboz hiking boot because it has more aggressive traction and better durability.
For more, see my full Oboz Bridger review
Best Fit
standard to wide feet (available in wide sizes)
Best Match
moderate to difficult day hikes, backpacking
Men's Oboz Bridger
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Women's Oboz Bridger
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OBOZ KATABATIC LT MID GTX
Best Lightweight Oboz Hiking Boot
Main Benefits:
"Lightweight" and "Obox" used to be an oxymoron, but the Oboz Katabatic LT Mid is a lightweight Oboz hiking boot that could impress fast hikers with light packs. During testing, I most appreciated the Katabatic LT on groomed trails, but I also hiked Colorado's Maroon Bells in my test pair. This lightweight hiking boot weighs less than several low-cut hiking shoes. It also features GORE-TEX Invisible Fit, which is less bulky and more breathable than traditional GORE. The Katabatic LT is not as supportive as heavier Oboz hiking boots. But it's a good match for hikers who mostly hike easier trails or like to move quickly over mixed terrain.
For more, see my full Katabatic LT Mid Review
Men's Oboz Katabatic LT Mid
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Women's Oboz Katabatic LT Mid
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Best Oboz Hiking Shoes
OBOZ SAWTOOTH X LOW
Traditional Oboz Hiking Shoe
Main Benefits:
The low-cut Sawtooth is Oboz's classic hiking shoe. For its tenth anniversary, Oboz has released the new Sawtooth X. The Sawtooth X is the rare hiking shoe that can not only handle moderate to difficult trails, but also deliver all day comfort, thanks to Oboz's O-Fit insoles. I've not only sold these to hikers, but also surgeons, nurses, factory workers, and sales people who spend most of the day on their feet. Sawtooths aren't light, but they're solid hiking shoes for people looking for good support, cushioning, durability, and value. I've sold a ton of these to men and women—and so has Oboz. Historically, the Sawtooth Low has been the brand's overall best seller.
For more, see my full Sawtooth X hiking shoe review
Men's Oboz Sawtooth X Low
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Women's Oboz Sawtooth X Low
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Oboz Katabatic Wind
Best Lightweight Oboz Hiking Shoe
Main Benefits:
Oboz may be better known for burly boots and shoes, but their Katabatic Wind can compete with the best lightweight hiking shoes. The brand's most technologically advanced trail shoe features a cushy yet responsive nitrogen-infused foam, added rocker, and a forked, carbon plate for more speed and rebound. This super-shoe is made for fast hikers with light packs and weighs less than other Oboz, starting at 9.8oz/shoe for women. This is the most athletic Oboz I've personally tested and reviewed. The Oboz Katabatic Wind could be a good buy for you if you're lookiing for a lightweight, high-performance hiking shoe,
For more, see my full Katabatic Wind review
Men's Oboz Katabatic Wind
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Women's Oboz Katabatic Wind
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Should you buy Oboz hiking boots or hiking shoes?
No doubt, Oboz is one of the best brands for hiking boots and hiking shoes. However, the key is buying the brand that best fits your feet and best matches your hikes.
As for fit, Oboz hiking boots and shoes generally fit true to size with a sculpted heel and average width in the forefoot. They offer their best sellers in wides, which also feature a snug fit in the heel (to prevent heel lift and keep your feet from sliding forward) and extra width in the forefoot and toe boxes. Pro tip: the Katabatic LT runs slightly narrower than other Oboz (regular size) but is available in wide.
As for matching your footwear to your hikes, it's helpful to consider the pros and cons of Oboz hiking boots and hiking shoes:
Conclusion:
With Oboz, the positives (literally and figuratively) outweigh the negatives. Their shoes and (to a lesser extent) boots may run a little heavier than some brands. But those few extra ounces give hikers more foot and ankle protection, cushioning, and durability than most brands. That makes it a good brand for men and women who mostly hike moderate to difficult trails.
Are you ready to buy Oboz?
Oboz is a good brand for men and women who want support, comfort, and durability out of their hiking boots and hiking shoes. The brand's lightweight hiking boots and shoes—the Katabatics—are getting better.
If Oboz doesn't seem like a good fit for your feet or good match for your hikes, please check out my other recommended brands or my other brand reviews. If you ARE feeling one of these Oboz hiking boots or hiking shoes, please consider purchasing them through the affiliate links above. Hiking Feet may receive a small commission from the retailer—and no cost to you—if you click on a link and make a purchase. That gives me a little something back for the thousands of hours I've spent publishing free content to help others find the best hiking boots, hiking shoes, and trail running shoes for their hiking feet.
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