My Oboz Sawtooth X Low review evaluates the 10th ("X") anniversary re-fresh of Oboz's best-selling hiking shoe. I'm no stranger to Oboz or to the Sawtooth. I've personally owned all three versions of the Sawtooth and used to sell tons of them as a Backcountry Gearhead and the footwear guy at Appalachian Outdoors. So I was stoked to pick up the new Sawtooth X shortly after it came out and test it out on some of Pennsylvania's signature hiking trails.
The Sawtooth X is new, but is it improved? My Oboz Sawtooth X Low review has the scoop on the support, weight fit, waterproofing, traction, durability, and value of Oboz's best-selling hiking shoe.
What's new? Oboz Sawtooth X Low vs Sawtooth II Low
So, what's new with the Sawtooth X? The changes are mostly aesthetic — with a few tweaks in fit and performance:
- lower volume: the Sawtooth X has a lower cut and less volume than the older Sawtooth
- aesthetics: less aggressive heel, more leather, fewer mesh ventilation windows
- midsoles: new Act+ midsoles feature a rubberized EVA compound for more durable cushion
- outsoles: softer rubber for better rock traction, less heel brake, wider lug spacing to shed mud
- shoe laces: flatter laces offer better hold and are made from recycled materials
- wide fit: the wide size is now a true wide--roomier than Oboz's old wides
For the most part, these changes are pretty minor—which makes sense. Shoe companies knows that a small segment of hikers will completely lose their shit whenever their favorite shoe changes. Having worked in outdoor retail, I know that many hikers take any (real or imagined) changes personally— as an attack on them as much as their favorite shoe.
Personally, I prefer the old look, but the Sawtooth X is clearly still a Sawtooth. It may not be as tall or as muscular as its predecessors, but the Sawtooth X remains a supportive, comfortable, and durable hiking shoe—an Oboz.
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Oboz Sawtooth X Low Review
Over the past several months, I've hiked regularly in the Oboz Sawtooth X Low BDry to evaluate its support, weight, fit, comfort, traction, waterproofing, durability, and overall value. (Disclosure: Oboz provided me with a pair to review on their website. However, this is an independent review that was not sponsored or influenced by Oboz. Hiking Feet does not publish sponsored content or promise positive reviews in exchange for demo merchandise.) My test hikes included a variety of trails to evaluate how the X performs on different terrain. This included several of Pennsylvania's signature hiking trails, including sections of the Standing Stone Trail, Mid-State Trail, and Allegheny Front Trail.
Hiking the Mid-State Trail in the Oboz Sawtooth X Low BDry
SAWTOOTH X: SUPPORT
The Sawtooth X provides above average support for a hiking shoe. My (flat) feet and (crooked) ankles have felt supported in the X, even in the ankle-breaking rock gardens of Pennsylvania (aka "Rocksylvania"). Moderately stiff through the midsole with an easy flex at my foot's natural flex point, the Sawtooth X Low has good foot support and torsional rigidity — resistance to side-to-side twisting — which may prevent twisted ankles on uneven terrain. The soft leather uppers also offer foot protection from sharp rocks and vegetation.
SAWTOOTH X: WEIGHT
The trade off for that support is weight. The Sawtooth X weighs a few ounces more than the average hiking shoe. My pair (Men's 12 Wide) weighs 2.5 pounds — as much as some mid-cut hiking boots. Given the trend towards lightweight footwear in the outdoor industry, it's surprising that the new Sawtooth X is not lighter. If you value support and comfort over weight savings, that's not a big deal. (It's a myth that weight on your feet is five times worse than weight on your back. Empirical evidence suggests that the average hiker doesn't hike fast enough or far enough for weight on the feet to make a significant difference.) However, the Sawtooth is not a smart choice for fast-and-light hikers who prefer a lightweight hiking shoe over a more supportive one.
SAWTOOTH X: FIT
The Oboz Sawtooth X low should feel true to size for most hikers. Like other Oboz, it fits snug in the heel (to lock your feet into place) with a standard fit in the forefoot. They usually fit hikers with standard or slightly narrow feet. However, it's also available in wide. New for 2022, Oboz's wides are now a true wide (EE on Brannock device)—wider than their old wide last. In my experience, most hikers find a decent fit in either the standard or wide size.
The Sawtooth X has a slightly different fit than the Sawtooth II. My size 12 wide in the Sawtooth X is measurably wider and longer than my size 12 wide in the Sawtooth II. At the same time, there's less volume. The X hits the ankle lower (a better fit for my foot and ankle structure), and it's shallower in the toe box (which may be an issue if you have chunky, high volume feet).
SAWTOOTH X: COMFORT
When I used to manage footwear at a hiking and backpacking shop, I often told customers that Oboz has the most comfortable footbeds in the industry. Oboz's main calling card is their expensive O-Fit insoles. Most brands use crappy foam inserts that don't do anything for your feet — not Oboz. Those O-Fit insoles (which sell for $35) cup your feet and support the heel and midsoles (almost like an orthotic). They also sit on soft EVA foam and sturdy outsoles for plenty of cushioning and foot support.
All of that is still true for the next Sawtooth X Low. It's got soft and supportive soles that act like shocks and struts for your hiking feet. The soft leather uppers and new laces wrap around the feet for comfort. If anything, the X might be slightly more comfortable than the older Sawtooths —which I recommended to people who work on the feet for their all-day comfort.
Comfort has a lot to do with fit and personal preference. However, there's a great chance you'll find these shoes comfortable if they fit you.
SAWTOOTH X: TRACTION
The Sawtooth X has moderate traction that should be good on most surfaces. Its moderately deep lugs have some purchase in mud, scree, and loose gravel while the wider lugs offer decent grip on solid rock.
The Sawtooth X has good grip for moderate trails and can handle harder terrain, too. Its new outsole does not feature as deep of a heel brake or as aggressive of a lug pattern as the Oboz Bridger, which is better on steep descents on soft and lost surfaces (where most falls occur). However, this is versatile tread that's performed pretty well for me on a range of trails.
SAWTOOTH X: WATERPROOFING
My new pair of the Oboz Sawtooth X Lows have been fine so far in light to moderate moisture. The combination of leather uppers plus Oboz's proprietary waterproof membrane should equal dry feet in light to moderate rainfall and snow. For the best results, you should keep your Oboz clean and re-apply DWR as needed with a product such as Nikwax's Nubuck and Suede Proof: here's how.
In my experience, Oboz's proprietary BDry membrane is good (not great)— better than many brands but not quite as waterproof or as breathable as GORE-TEX. Keep in mind, too, that the waterproof membrane does not extend up the entire shoe. Hiking shoes only give you 2-3 inches of water protection—maybe enough clearance for mowed grass and shallow puddles, but not much else.
DURABILITY
I'm only two months into my Oboz Sawtooth X Low review, so it's too early for me to judge the shoe's durability. Over the years, however, my Oboz hiking boots and hiking shoes have lasted longer than other brands. That includes older versions of the Sawtooth.
My guess is that the Sawtooth X will also be a durable hiking shoe (which is one of the benefits of that extra weight). My only concern is that the new foam midsoles are now exposed on the sides of the shoe. My pair has already shown some wear there, thanks to rocks scraping up against the sides of the shoes on gnarly trails, such as the Standing Stone and Mid-State trails. I'll update this review with comments on wear and durability as my miles add up in the Sawtooth X Low.
Oboz Sawtooth X Low: Pros vs Cons
Overall, the Oboz Sawtooth X Low has fared well in this review:
Conclusion:
The conclusion of this Oboz Sawtooth X Low review is that the new Sawtooth is a solid hiking shoe—like the older Sawtooths. It may be a strong choice for hikers who prefer supportive, comfortable, and durable hiking shoes. It's not a great choice for the fast-and-light crowd since the low-cut Sawtooth X weighs as much as some mid-cut hiking shoes. Overall, it's an above average hiking shoe that's priced at or below the average price for quality hiking shoes. There's a lot to like here . . . if the Oboz Sawtooth X Low fits your feet and matches where you hike and how you hike.
Do you think the Sawtooth X might fit your feet, your budget, and your hikes? If so, please consider purchasing them through the affiliate links below. Hiking Feet may receive a small commission from Backcountry at no cost to you. These commissions fund this site (and compensate me for the hundreds of unpaid hours I spent creating free content to help you buy the right hiking boots or shoes). If you’re not feeling the Sawtooth, feel free to browse my recommendations for the best hiking shoes for men and women.
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