How to Choose Hiking Boots

Light enough to move fast on the trails yet built for wet weather, the women's Oboz Katabatic Mid hiking boots are breathable, waterproof and supportive, so you can comfortably put in the miles.
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Imported.
View all Oboz Women's Day Hiking BootsBest Use | Hiking |
---|---|
Footwear Height | Over-the-ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Waterproof | Yes |
Type of Waterproofing | Oboz B-DRY single-layer waterproof/breathable membrane |
Upper | Mesh/TPU overlays |
Midsole | Single-density EVA/ESS plate |
Outsole | Trail tread rubber |
Vegan | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 10.8 oz. |
Gender | Women's |
6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 12 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 was super excited to find hiking boots in my small size (6) that fit and were lightweight and waterproof. I wore them on a day where we walked on forest trails and lots of sidewalks and I found that there was insufficient cushioning for the balls of my feet. The heels were comfortable, but by the end of the day, the fronts of my feet were toast. I think the sidewalks are what killed me because I felt every step on the concrete on the balls of my feet. Alas, I had to return them. I fared much better in my trail running shoes from a different manufacturer for the remainder of the trip.
Overall, these shoes were a good learning experience for my first REAL pair of hiking shoes. Aside from breaking them in, I only wore them for my AT Approach Trail Hike. After the first 6 miles or so, my feet were sore, and the next day, so were my toes (I was fitted by someone at REI but in hindsight the shoes were one size too big). There was great grip on the shoe bottom for the various terrain, awesome ankle support but it probably would have left blisters had I not been wearing thick and long socks. There was also peeling on the outside seam by the front of shoe where the rubber meets the mesh towards the end of the hike, I was worried that my shoe would break but I’m glad they didn’t. I ultimately chose to return them because I paid too many of my pretty pennies for them to have already started falling apart.
I tried these on at REI before purchasing along with a few others These ones were the most comfortable right away so I splurged and got myself new boots! So far I’ve worn them on two 6-8mile hikes and they have held up well and are very comfortable! One of the hikes was partially in snow so I was able to try out the wateproof ability and they seem to work well! Overall I am really happy with my purchase and can’t wait to hike in them more. They are lightweight and I really like the color I got, the light grey purple ones. I purchased a size 10 which was true to my size for hiking boots. Highly recommend :)
They brought back a wider toe box in this model compared to the sawtooth x which I love. So far it’s supper comfy while being lightweight and cute. Tread seems good on trail and it is definitely waterproof but slightly warm.
Took these out for a short hike to break in before a longer trip and could pretty quickly tell they weren’t for me. I’m not one with a wide foot, but these we’re definitely narrow on me. I tried loosening the laces but they were still very uncomfortable. They’re a great boot otherwise—they’re actually waterproof unlike some other boots labeled as waterproof. Maybe if they fit differently I’d like them, but unfortunately these ones are going back.
I bought those for my Patagonia trip in February and did not have time to break them. Surprisingly they feel very comfortable even on a first hike. Good traction, waterproof. Five star!
Not waterproof. Went on a hike on a snowy packed down trail in Anchorage on April 12 2024 and came back with wet boots and wet socks. Water stains on boots. First day out with them. Bought them yesterday. Other than that they were comfortable
To be fair, the arch pain may be my arch's response to the boot. Even so I would return these boots because they are difficult to put on and take off. The tongue is is sewn too tightly to the sides. I so wanted to like these shoes. They were light weight and comfortable during my in-home and subsequent 3 mile Greenway walk (no pack). Then I loaded my day pack to 12 pounds for a planned 10 mile rt hike up Basin Creek where there are 16 stream crossings. I wade at least half. The first 2 miles are on a dirt fire road with one little wade. I had to pull all the laces to pry my foot out and then reverse the process after shoving my foot in. At the true TH I decided to return and do this wearing an easier boot. Shortly into the return walk there was a sharp pain on my right foot arch and I couldn't walk on it. I limped back wearing my wading slippers. Two days later the arch is improving but not pain free.
Gave me the support I needed at the ankles. Hard to tie up though.
Very well made hiking boot. They were too narrow and not comfortable for my feet. I did return them.