How to Choose Hiking Boots

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Built with the most rugged outsoles Oboz offers, the waterproof Oboz Wind River III women's hiking boots can handle the toughest treks you endeavor, while keeping you comfortable, stable and dry.
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View all Oboz Women's Backpacking BootsBest Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Footwear Height | Over-the-ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Waterproof | Yes |
Type of Waterproofing | BDry waterproof breathable membrane |
Upper | Nubuck leather/fabric |
Lining | Nylon |
Midsole | Polyurethane heel/EVA forefoot |
Support | Asymmetric thermoplastic polyurethane chassis |
Outsole | Rubber |
Weight (Pair) | 2 lb. 8 oz. |
Gender | Women's |
6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 12 | |
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U.S. Women's | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 12 |
UK | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9.5 |
EU | 36 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 38.5 | 39.5 | 40 | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 44 |
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I tried on about 10 pairs of hiking boots to finally find this one. I bought them around 10 am and decided to break them in at 1:00 PM. They are supportive and help propel your stride when hiking. The trail I went on was Sluice Boxes State park which has multiple water crossings, dirt paths, and "rock climbing" areas, along with old wooden bridges. I hiked about 8 miles in the first day with all kinds of terrain, and my feet had 0 blisters and were pain free. Despite being a hot day out my feet did not overheat, and after the water crossings and being wet and in the shade I did not get cold. These are my perfect boots!
I don’t often write reviews but I have to give a shout out to Oboz! I have gotten heel blisters from every pair of boots I’ve ever owned. I wore liner socks, bought expensive hiking socks, adjusted how I tied the boots, nothing worked. After reading reviews on these boots, I decided to give it one more try. Hallelujah! I have a narrow heel and arch but need a full size toe bed. These boots fit like they were custom made for ME! First hike right out of the box and NO BLISTERS. These boots are so well made they’ll last until my knees wear out. Thank you REI and Oboz!,
Really supportive haven’t taken them out into the Wild wet Mycological environment yet expect warm dry feet to come. They are size 8.5. Normally wear a 7.5 to 8. So they run half size large. I’ve ordered some Gortex Gators that will offer added protection from the elements. These boots feel stable and seem to connect with the ground nicely. I am impressed with their construction and like the toe guard, and extra set of laces included. I’d never heard of Oboz before. Glad I took a chance on them, besides with REI they guarantee most products as long as they haven’t been deliberately misused. As a Coop member since 1986 I can assure you REI has the right stuff to aid you in your journey.
This shoe is well built and rugged. They are a good looking shoe with a ton of support. Unfortunately for me it too much and way too stiff. The foot box did not move with my feet. I think my socks were probably not the best match either. Subsequently my feet were shredded the first hike I went on, even after wearing them around On several occasions prior. I definitely should have taken more time to break them in and get used to them but I probably would have still retuned them. I still think they are a great shoe and I have several friends who are happy with this brand. I typically prefer Merrell shoes With the wider toe box but had wanted to try something new. I have bony feet, wider at the toes and a high arch. These shoes negatively reinforced my need to feel the ground beneath my feet and so these have been returned. Three stars because they are great hiking shoes, they just weren’t a good match for me.
I bought these after going to REI in-person on recommendation from the person working that day (they were very kind and helpful, and the boots felt good in the store - no judgement there). I have to say, they are incredibly waterproof. Unfortunately, after just over a year of use, I am giving up on these. I have got blisters in places I've never had them before - most notably on the bottom of my toes. I thought they'd just have to be broken in, but no dice. They're also pretty heavy.
I'm a huge Oboz fan, often buying two pairs at time. I've solo-walked across Scotland twice (200mi, 360mi) in Oboz Bridgers, and I wear Oboz Sawtooth for day-hikes around our home in the mountains of Northern Arizona. I was excited when I saw Wind River III on sale, and bought a pair in the 1/2 size larger than my "street" size that I wear for through hikes. I was especially excited about their height, welcome in boggy back-country conditions. This model seems cut on a narrower mold than other Oboz, however - perhaps why they are being discontinued? Sadly unworkable for me, and I had to return mine. I'm excited to see the "Yellowstone" that has come out as the Wind Rover III successor, and I'm looking forward to buying a pair (if they ever go on sale...they're very expensive!). Finally, I wish Oboz would make the "half half size" that some European companies do. I'm somewhere between 8.5 and 9.0 - I would really love 39.5 ("8.51/2") !
I love to hike and I have an arthritic big toe. I ordered over 20 pairs of different hiking boots. This pair has such a solid bottom that I have NO pain when hiking in this boot. I returned the 19 others and kept this boot. I have worn this hiking boot in all wet and dry weather conditions and have never had wet feet. I now have 2 pairs because I have learned that over time, certain shoe models are no longer produced and then I have to go through the process all over again!
I didnt want to believe the reviews about the narrow sole issue but I had to return these shoes. I wore them around work, deciding that they were "broken" in, but I tested them on a non-strenuous hike and an hour within, I couldn't feel my toes. I really wanted to like them, they are SO comfortable but with a thin hiking sock, theyre just too tight. I had to return them with a heavy heart. everything about the boot is beautiful, and it really is comfortable but it just didn't work out. I got a regular size 8, but if you want Oboz, you're going to have to get an 8W.
This boot has excellent ankle support and is rugged- it’s pretty stiff and I bet could handle a backpack trip no problem. After a few hours of wearing them the soles do prove a tad owy - not great arch support . I haven’t tried putting in a different insole.
I bought these boots in 2019 for fieldwork that involves hiking in all sorts of terrain. I love the way the boots "hug" my feet and keep them secured. I have weak ankles and wanted something that would completely immobilize my foot and prevent slipping. This absolutely accomplishes that. They are a bit heavy but my feet never feel sore after wearing them all day. I went in-person to try on boots and the REI rep was extremely helpful and let me walk around in several pairs before deciding on this one. I am typically an 8 in sandals and a 9.5 in sneakers. I purchased a size 9 and it fits perfectly.