How to Choose Hiking Boots

Even more capable than the original, the women's Oboz Sawtooth X Low Waterproof hiking shoes retain the same great fit and let you take on wet trails with improved comfort, traction and durability.
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Imported.
View the Oboz Sawtooth Product LineView all Oboz Women's Hiking ShoesBest Use | Hiking |
---|---|
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Waterproof | Yes |
Type of Waterproofing | B-DRY single-layer membrane |
Upper | Oiled nubuck leather/CORDURA fabric mesh |
Midsole | Heel puck/rubber-blended adaptive foam |
Support | Nylon shank |
Outsole | True Tread rubber |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 12.2 oz. |
Gender | Women's |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
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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Iv'e hiked in the OBOZ Sawtooth low waterproof model for at least 9 years. Purchased a new pair every 2 years. Each time I would purchase a 9.5 to accommodate a custom orthotic. I took a 3 mile easy hike in these and had to take out the orthotic and remove my sock in order to avoid getting blisters. They seem to run small now. There is a fold of fabric under the tongue where it is attached to the shoe that was also digging into my ankle (see photo.) I liked the old lacing system better ( see photo.) Overall the shoe seems really stiff and uncomfortable. Don't know why they changed such a good shoe. I am so disappointed. I will definitely be returning these.
I'm so disappointed. After counting on Oboz for years with the great toe box and perfect Day 1 fit, I have to return these Sawtooth X and go back in a time machine to get the Sawtooth I loved. The pics compare my 1st Sawtooth with the current generation. I have normal feet, but my little toes were smashed. That's not how to hike. The quality materials are all there, but not the previous fit. I saw Sawtooth II on Oboz site and will try to grab them there.
After trying on umpteen different hiking shoes (low), I settled on these. As other reviewers have written, they run slightly narrow and about 1/2 size small - so SIZE UP! Simple solution. I usually wear 9.5 womens in trail runners that I use for long walks and hiking (5-15 miles/day), and recently bumped my purchases up to a 10 to give more room for my toes to move and feet to swell and very happy I did. I tried these in a 10 and they were a bit narrow and felt more like a 9.5. Then I sized up to a 10.5 and couldn’t be happier with the fit. They are easy to put on, roomy enough in the toe box for my average width foot, and my toes don’t jam up at the front on the downhill. All winning criteria for me. I am not a previous Sawtooth II owner like many of the other reviewers are, so have no comparison. But I can say for my fussy feet and for me needing a solid shoe for distance walking off-road and on, these fit the bill right out of the box. I learned a long time ago not to be too proud about shoe size, for my purposes it pays off to size up for ultimate comfort and I’m glad I did.
Frankly, I'm devastated. I presume the changes that OBOZ has made to the Sawtooth model are cost savings-related. That's the only rationale I can come up with. The new model is a lot "squishier" than the old model. It is impossible to cinch it up tightly (the lacing system is entirely different and doesn't respond to my efforts to lace it up snugly). There is a bit of a loosey goosey gap in the topline area (the rim of the shoe around the ankle) that was a real disappointment. I am going to check with REI about another brand of trail shoe that offers the unusual combination of stiffness and comfort that OBOZ once provided. Sigh.
Even though I had read reviews here before purchasing, I went ahead and ordered the Sawtooth X Low Waterproof Hiking Shoes because I have worn the previous model for several years and found the fit to be wonderful and the construction very good. The new design is made with inferior materials - even the shoelaces are insubstantial! The tread is not as good as the previous model and it has much less breathability due to the Cordero material being placed where mesh used to be. I am truly saddened that this expensive hiking shoe is no longer being made in the way it should be. Now I have to look for a better option with a wide toe box.
I needed a shoe the right shoe for hiking in Hawaii and comfortable travel shoe for the next day! Went to REI and just chanced this shoe. I’ve had Merrel’s, Salomon’s, Ahnu’s , etc for hiking but these really topped them all In comfort, support, traction, light weight, looks, etc name it! One thing I want to share, I wear a 7.5 and Bunions on both feet so you can just imagine how difficult it is to get the right comfortable shoe. I bought this in 7.5 I wide and it made the greatest difference. We did lots of walking in Hawaii for 7 days whether it was hiking or even on the beach these shoes really pulled through in every way. Give this brand a try.
I absolutely love my Sawtooth's from 2019. Wear them daily and they've held up well. I live in MN and the ground is covered with snow and ice. I walk with these and feel much safer than in boots. They are sturdy and have fantastic ankle and arch support. These new ones...not so much. They do not feel sturdy and they are a lot flatter, lacking basic arch support. I tried several of these on, including the wides and was told I could buy an Oboz insert if I wanted. At this price point, though adding $35 extra for arch support is not worth it. Ended up buying the Merrills instead.
Long time Oboz fan and I definitely had to go up 1/2 size with these. The are still feeling pretty ridged though so hoping some more miles on them will help with that and with softening of the tongue. The folds in the tongue seem to hit in a weird place and rub a bit. I fully understand the need for the design of the tongue of waterproof shoes; it just seems like less thick material or smoother seems would be more beneficial to the wearer. I like these due to heel collar cushioning which is great with narrow heels and helps heel slipping. The toe box is pretty average for a medium width IMO. Remaining hopeful that the tongue issue will work itself out. !
I’ve had dry low sawtooth’s for so many years and loved every pair. This new style is way different. too tight, the arch support is gone, don’t like the style changes at all. Sending them back and off to find a new brand of hiking shoe. A big disappointment.
I was nervous about the redesign Sawtooth, as many others were. I loved my old model and decided it was worth it to try the new model. Like many others mentioned, the initial fit was tight! Wearing these for the first few days was painful. It took me about 3 weeks for these to fully break in. It felt like a really long time to break in, but now they feel so much better. The water proofing is great and I've got a feeling these will last me years to come. Patience, and tying the shoes a little differently were the key to success!