How to Choose Hiking Boots

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These Oboz Sapphire Mid waterproof hiking boots aren't only about a women-specific fit; they're about women-specific comfort while tackling any trail.
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View all Oboz Women's Day Hiking BootsBest Use | Hiking |
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Footwear Height | Over-the-ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Waterproof | Yes |
Type of Waterproofing | B-DRY waterproof/breathable membrane |
Upper | Waterproof nubuck leather/synthetic toe rand and heel guard |
Midsole | EVA/EVA Super Skin (ESS) forefoot armoring |
Support | TPU chassis |
Outsole | Swiftcurrent |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 11.2 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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Not what one comes to expect from a company who once made the best Sawtooth II boots! Clearly corners have been cut at the factory, football has been shortened, I usually purchase 1/2 size larger for hiking boots, these OBOZ were too short! My toes banged into the toe box (narrowed). Just picking them up from inside box I could feel the weight was not present, they looked & felt like Walmart shoes; disposable. The sidewalls were deformed in a warped manner (see images), doubtful anyone inspected these before they went out the door. Laces are synthetic and would not stay tied for a test walk on carpeting when I tried them on. Insole was slippery, my foot was sliding about. Thank goodness REI accepts returns without any hassle. So wanted theses to be awesome!
I've been searching for a waterproof, lightweight yet durable and flexible hiking boot for bagging peaks. I didn't want a heavy duty backpacking boot, because it's not needed on day peaks. I am so happy with these boots! I've had to return two previous boots and this was my third pair. Fit is flexible, but sturdy and firm. The ankle support has a little flex to it, but not too much. Surrounds my ankle without feeling like a cast. I absolutely LOVE the look of the boot with the navy, plum and brown colors. Trendy but not *too cute* for a tomboy girl like me. I normally wear a size 9 and sized up to 9.5 which fit perfectly. While the 9 fit, my toes hit the end of the shoe on downhill strides. I would say these are a little more narrow in the toe box, but feel that helps with less bulk. Might not work for those who need a wide shoe. As for being waterproof, I walked with them across some snowy areas and my foot stayed dry. Definitely a good buy! Completely recommend!
I bought them for a visit to a snowy mountain area, but primarily use them for walking around PDX during winter. The boots are comfortable once they are broken in, but are very stiff at the beginning. However, I just noticed that the lace guide along the toe of the left boot has torn out, leaving a hole on the top of the boot. Unfortunately, both the REI and the Oboz warranties are only for one year and these boots are now out of warranty by several months. Since I use them for walking, not hiking, it seems that there is a quality control issue that, naturally, occurs once the warranty period is over.
I've gone to REI twice now and tried on every boot in the store and have picked these Oboz both times. They have a nice wide toe box and good ankle stability. They've served me well for everything from a short family hike to Mt Whitney (although my feet were very cold on Whitney, they are not the best winter boot). My biggest complaint is that after 6 months and about 100 miles, the bottom lace strap broke rendering these no longer waterproof. I just replaced with another pair of the same boots so hopefully these last longer. That said, my husband has worn Oboz exclusively for the last 5 years and is still on his 2nd pair. He's had this pair since October 2015 so I know this brand can last!
Oboz is my favorite brand of hiking boot. Every pair I have ever purchased has been comfortable and fit well. Granted, they run a little small, so I generally have to order a full size up (some people only have to order half a size up). I wear a size 7 in office shoe, so I order 8.5 in an Oboz in order to have a little toe wiggle room - especially when my feet swell during a hike - and to be able to wear thicker socks. I like the higher ankle to these boots as I tend to roll my ankle quite a bit when hiking. i also think the blue/purple color (huckleberry) is pretty cool (that's just an aesthetics choice on my part). I wish the tread were a little deeper, though. I'm not that sure-footed on rocky, uneven trails, and deeper tread helps. That being said, I am taking these boots with me on a trip to Padre Island National Seashore and think they will be perfect for walking on the sandy beach. I like these boots so much, I am planning on ordering another pair.
Sadly, these are the most comfortable boots I have ever worn. Bought for trip to Dingle away in Ireland. Wore them on a stormy, rainy day for a test run…..I ended up with boots full of water, socks and liners so wet they needed to be wrung out. Sadly, I can’t get the video to post. Back to the store they go.
QTN: Where can I buy the same pink hiking laces? These are special laces, narrow & slightly flat to thread through the metal eyelets. These are the BEST women's hiking boot I've ever had. Narrow & sculpted fit that's perfect for my narrow foot. Rugged enough for rocky day hikes up in Sequoia to walking on slippery hilly trails. I especially like the way they hug my ankles, soft & comfortable. Still look good after 3-years hiking at least once a week. The only issue is the laces which look a bit thread bear and may break in the next month or so. (Note: I'm reviewing on my husband's account).
These are SO comfortable, and I was able to power through using them for five days of hiking in Montana, despite the fact that one of the silver lace hooks at the top of the boot popped off the very first time I laced them up (the morning we were about to leave for Montana). Didn't have trouble with the seven other hooks during the five days of hiking... so it must have just been a fluke! I plan to take them back to the store to exchange for a new pair (of the same ones!).
Very disappointing. My wife used these boots on a hike while I used the Oboz Bridger Mid Bdry. We bought these boots on the recommendation of REI staff after stressing the importance of a waterproof boot. We went on a half day hike with the family and got caught in a torrential downpour that lasted for hours. At the end of the day, her feet were soaked. She had to pour water out of her boots and wring the water out of her socks. My feet were completely dry. We didn't walk through any brooks or streams. This was just from very bad rain. Stay clear of these boots if the waterproof feature is important to you. These boots were barely water resistant.
I am so happy with these hiking boots! Day one I put them on and went evening hiking through our local park. A little bit of varied terrain, no super challenging mountains, but wet grass, hills and some concrete. They were perfect! Kept my ankles from turning, and no slipping going up in the mud. No hot spots and super comfortable! Love the color. I have to use my own orthotics, which fit perfectly! Getting anything to fit my problem feet is extremely hard. Also, so many companies are no longer making 10.5. I am overjoyed with these boots...in fact, I just purchased a second pair in brown!!