How to Choose Hiking Boots and Shoes

10 years ago, the Sawtooth put Oboz on the map in outdoor footwear. The Sawtooth X Low hikers retain the original qualities that made them popular—plus now have aggressive style and updated materials.
Imported.
View the Oboz Sawtooth Product LineView all Oboz Men's Hiking Shoes| Best Use | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Footwear Height | Ankle |
| Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
| Upper | Oiled nubuck/CORDURA mesh/TPU heel counter/micro-injected PU window underlay |
| Midsole | ACT+: Rubber-blended adaptive foam, heel puck |
| Support | TPU shank |
| Outsole | Trail Tread rubber |
| Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 15.6 oz. |
| Gender | Men's |
| Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
| 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Men's | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| U.S. Women's | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | ||||||
| UK | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| EU | 39.5 | 40 | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 |
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
The previous Sawtooth I and II, which I can’t find anymore, were great. Fit perfectly out of the box, laced up with one tug. The new “Sawtooth”, which resembles the old Sawtooths in name only, is hard to lace up, just doesn’t fit as well or have the same support. I’m at a loss understand why they took a popular, successful design and frankly botched it. Waiting for Oboz to hopefully bring back the old Sawtooth, and if they insist on keeping the X, at least stop calling it an Oboz Sawtooth.
... we used to wear through the soles but the shoe was still intact and looked good? Thank you Oboz for returning us to that bygone era!
I’ve bought and worn 4 or 5 pairs of Sawtooth low tops over the years. Always size 13, always fit well, always fit the same. Apparently with the changes to this model of Sawtooth, Oboz lost their sizing template, since these size 13 fit like a very snug glove that would soon be painful on my feet. Disappointed and will return them.
Totally New Design from the Sawtooth II, which I wore for years. Does not fit my foot any more, irrespective of size. Recommend Oboz go back to the old design if at all possible.
Heal loop broke first week, at this point I was just wearing them to work to break them in. I guess they are fine for around town, but would not want to rely on them on a long hike.
Oboz has ruined my favorite, best fitting shoe. Whether hiking or walking around the block my Sawtooth were the best. I knew at the time I had to buy a second pair and tuck them away for when the day came… but at last I didn’t buy a pair to tuck away. Now all the other 1 star and 2 star reviews have clearly stated the problems with the new version of the Sawtooth. All the praise I’ve given Oboz over the years. Now my sister’s boyfriend looks at my and then his version of the Sawtooth and wonders why I praised the shoes he now does love like I loved mine. So, sad Oboz I returned this new version.
I think this review will be helpful as this was my first pair of Sawtooths (Sawteeth?) and thus won't simply be mad that Oboz changed the shoe from a previous design. I was excited to give these a try after Merrell made updates to the Moab that I didn't like. After about one year of moderate use, I'm eagerly waiting for the Oboz boots to burn out so I can justify buying something else. Generally, I have found these shoes to be poorly made. The tread has worn flat after only a year of moderate use (I would typically get 3+ years out of my Merrells) and the heel loops both tore out immediately with only light pressure. The break in process was also uncomfortable, with a very narrow toe box and stitching on either side of the tongue that created hot spots. In warm weather, this shoe makes my feet hot and sweaty as the upper is mostly leather. As for the positives? I kind of like the flat laces, they don't come untied as much. Verdict: Do not buy these shoes, you'll quickly be wishing you'd spent your money elsewhere.
Sole started separating from the uppers after only two months of use. Another company that used to make amazing gear!
These are comfortable shoes that come with excellent inserts that make for a great hiking experience. There is one problem that I read from several other reviewers. Probably why shoes are discontinued. The stitching on the front toes comes undone after about 6 months. It's happened on 2 different pairs in the same place. I take them to my local shoe repair place for mending for $10, so it's worth it. This will be my 4th and final pair. The last 2 pair I bought on big discount from REI. I love the shoes, but would not pay full price if the still come apart in the future. Get it together Oboz!
HORABLY MADE SHOES THIS REPLACED A MUCH BETTER MODEL, DON'T BUY