Choosing the best Oboz hiking shoes for you can be tricky business. The fact that the brand has several strong options complicates things. Plus, many models have multiple versions. Should you buy the Katabatic LT, Katabatic RT, or Katabatic Wind? What's the difference between the Sawtooth X and Sawtooth X Pro? Lucky for you, I've hiked 3000 miles in Oboz hiking shoes—and personally know every shoe in its line. My Oboz hiking shoes guide will help you understand each shoe's best uses, so you choose the best Oboz hiking shoe for YOU.
Oboz offers several shoe collections—and I've personally tried them all. If you want low-cut Oboz hiking shoes, the two most important series to know are Sawtooths and the Katabatics.
Hiking Colorado's Maroon Bells in the Oboz Katabatic LT
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Oboz Sawtooth Hiking Shoes
The best selling Oboz hiking shoes are the Sawtooths. These are traditional hiking shoes with
- protective leather uppers and toe caps
- sturdy soles for added support
- moderate cushioning
- moderate traction for mixed terrain
- Oboz's proprietary B Dry waterproofing
- Expensive O Fit insoles for added cushioning and foot support
My wife hiking the "Australian Grand Canyon" in the Oboz Sawtooth
Sawtooths are more durable and protective than the average hiking shoe, but this means they're heavier, too. The Oboz Sawtooth collection makes the most sense for hikers who care more about comfort, support, and durability than they care about weight or price.
You can choose from 4 different Sawtooths:
Oboz Sawtooth X Hiking Shoe
Last updated in 2021, the Sawtooth X is the current version of Oboz's best-selling hiking shoe. It's the best Oboz hiking shoe for the average day hiker because it's flexible enough for easy trails and sturdy enough for difficult trails. I've found it highly durable, too.
Oboz Sawtooth X Pro Hiking Shoe
New for 2026, the Sawtooth X Pro is the premium version of the Sawtooth—with GORE-TEX waterproofing, Vibram outsoles, and full-grain leather uppers. If you like these material upgrades, you may want to spend an extra $15 for the Pro version of the Sawtooth.
Oboz Sawtooth II
The Sawtooth II is an older version of the Sawtooth with limited availability. It's similar to the Sawtooth X but has a higher volume fit and more aggressive look.
Oboz Sawtooth Ascent Hiking Shoe
The Sawtooth Ascent is Oboz's entry-level hiking shoe for budget-oriented hikers. It's the best Oboz hiking shoe for men and women who care more about price than about weight or performance.
Oboz Katabatic Hiking Shoes
The Oboz Katabatic collection is made for fast and light hikers—men and women who hike fast with little weight on their backs. In contrast to the Sawtooths, the Katabatics have a more modern look and feel with
- synthetic uppers (lighter and less protective than leather)
- lightweight builds (except for the heavier Katabatic RT)
- Ortholite insoles (lighter, more breathable, less cushion/support than classic Oboz O Fit insoles)
- GORE-TEX waterproofing (more reliable and breathable than Oboz B Dry waterproofing)
- Vibram rubber outsoles
Testing the Oboz Katabatic Wind hiking shoes in New Mexico
With their lighter construction, the Katabatics aren't as supportive or as protective as traditional Oboz hiking shoes, such as the Sawtooths. Oboz Katabatic hiking shoes generally make more sense for modern hikers who prefer lighter, less supportive hiking shoes to more protective and durable ones.
Hikers can choose from 3 different Katabatics:
Oboz Katabatic LT Hiking Shoe
The Katabatic LT (LT = "light") is made for light hiking. If you prefer a lightweight hiking shoe and mostly hike easy, well-maintained trails, the Oboz Katabatic LT is probably the best Oboz hiking shoe for you.
Oboz Katabatic Wind Hiking Shoe
The Oboz Katabatic Wind is Oboz's most technical, lightweight hiking shoe. With its carbon plate and supercritical foam, the Katabatic Wind is the best Oboz hiking shoe for fastpackers and speedhikers who move quickly over mountain terrain.
Oboz Katabatic RT Hiking Shoe
Much heavier than the other Katabatics, the Katabatic RT is made for rugged terrain ("RT"). If you mostly hike tough trails and prefer a stiffer hiking shoe with a newer look, The Katabatic RT might be the best Oboz hiking shoe for your hiking style.
How to Choose the Right Oboz Hiking Shoes
The key to buying hiking shoes is choosing a shoe that (1) fits your feet and (2) matches your hiking style.
Oboz makes #1 easy because its hiking shoes have a similar fit: snug in the heel with average width in the forefoot. If you have wide feet, Oboz offers its best sellers in wides (which is a true wide).
Oboz also designs each hiking shoe for a specific use. As a general rule, you should choose the Oboz hiking shoe made for the type of hiking you do most of the time.
Here are the 2026 Oboz hiking shoes by their recommended uses—with more casual shoes towards the top and more performance-oriented hiking shoes towards the bottom:
MODEL | BEST USE | Available in wide? | WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|
Oboz Bozeman II | Casual Use | Yes | Heavy |
Oboz Hyalite | Trail to Town | No | Heavy |
Oboz Katabatic LT | Light Hiking | Yes | Light |
Oboz Sawtooth Ascent | Budget hiking | No | Heavy |
Oboz Sawtooth X | Average Day Hikes | Yes | Heavy |
Oboz Katabatic Wind | Fast Packing | No | Light |
Oboz Bridger Low | Moderate/Difficult Day Hikes | Yes | Heavy |
Oboz Katabatic RT | Day Hikes on Rugged Terrain | No | Heavy |
Testing the Oboz Sawtooth X hiking shoe in Pennsylvania's Ridges & Valleys Region
Oboz Hiking Shoes by Recommended Use
Testing the Oboz Sawtooth Pro hiking shoe in New Mexico's Sandia Mountains
Should you buy Oboz hiking shoes?
I've personally hiked more than 3000 miles in Oboz, so I obviously think it's a good brand. Oboz fit most hikers because it offers its best sellers in wide. Plus, it now makes a range of hiking shoes that cover most types of day hiking. If Oboz hiking shoes fit your feet and match your hiking style, you can feel confident that they're well made and generally last a long time.
