How to Choose Hiking Boots

Built for lightweight versatility and designed with sustainable materials, Oboz Sypes Mid Leather waterproof hiking boots offer support, comfort and around-town style you can wear all day, every day.
Imported.
View the Oboz Sypes Product LineView 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 waterproof/breathable membrane |
Upper | PFC-free waterproof nubuck leather/CORDURA AFT mesh/TPU overlay |
Midsole | Polyurethane |
Support | Nylon shank |
Outsole | Bend |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 11.6 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 |
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
I really loved the fit of these shoes unfortunately the quality is terrible. I only hike 2-3 times a month and maybe 5 miles max. I bought these shoes in May 2022 and the toes have already worn out. They look like I hiked the entire AT several times. These were not cheap shoes either. I am disappointed and will not buy this brand again.
I just got these, so they haven't been put to the test on the trail yet, but I can speak to form and fit. They fit like my other Oboz with the wide toe box I love. Compared to the Bridger and Sawtooth, they are more streamlined in appearance, and have a less rugged feel as well. They are comfortable out of the box, and I like the option of patterned or solid laces. Although they are mid cut, they don't come quite as high on the ankle, or are as thickly padded around the collar as my Bridgers. The sole is somewhat flexible, while the Bridgers are firmer with a bit of rocker action. Since I bought these for shorter, less technical day hikes, I think they are going to fill that niche perfectly. An added bonus is they will look nice for wearing casually as well.
I purchased my Oboz Sypes Mid Leather B-Dry Waterproof Hiking Boots in July 2021. After less than one year of wear, the tow cap is completely shredded. The fit and comfort are excellent. The exterior workmanship and toe cap materials are inferior.
I've been on a few short hikes and am trying different strategies with the laces to see what works. #1 love the look and the color, I purchased the green. #2 Shoe does not open wide enough to make a smooth quick entry, for the price a hook should be on the top lace holes. #3 The arches are correctly placed and nice. #4 toe box a bit too short, meaning it should be taller/higher, but the heel fits nicely. The one thing I do not like and would be the main reason for a return is there is not enough padding in the foot bed. I want a shoe for hiking that mitigates the rocks, these do not. They feel very much like tennis shoes with an aggressive soul.
This is the most poorly made hiking boot ever!!! We made this purchase only because the original boot was unavailable in the size we needed. I was skeptical because we didn't research the "Sypes" style but the sales person said it would hold up well. We planned several small hikes (to test new equipment) before our multi-day South American Andes hiking trip; and after Sypes initial usage, and only 3 miles, in a state park - the toes portion ripped!!!! And it ripped on both boots, in multiple locations, including cracking. Needless to say, this will NOT work for our trip in South America as it barely held up in a state park and 3 miles. Only 3 miles!!! I can't believe Oboz produces this product for purchase as a 'hiking boot,' it's bad for their reputation. It misleads the customer. If you want extra support for grocery shopping at your neighborhood store, this boot may work. If you want to give a false appearance that you hike, on your way to check your PO Box, this may work. THIS IS NOT A HIKING BOOT!!! The quality of this boot rivals the $15 sneaker at WalMart. Extremely disappointed. Extremely frustrated. I would recommend to REI that there is more transparency when selling this product as a 'hiking' boot; especially when it carries this kind of price tag!
I previously left a very positive review 2 months into owning these boots, but after using these for 9 months the inside of the heel is ripping and exposing hard supporting layers underneath that cut into my heel while walking. I previously owned Solomon's for years and expect my hiking boots to last at least a couple of years so I am disappointed I'm having issues with these boots. I really don't want to go back to Solomons as I don't like the hooks on them that are used for laces (causes tripping). If I have to replace these boots within a year then I may be forced to go back to Solomon's as I know they have good durability.
Originally I was not satisfied with this boot. I thought it was too lightweight when compared to my Oboz Bridger's. But for repeated daily use on the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland, this boot was a God-send. It gave my feet a rest since it was much lighter in weight than my Bridger's. I now appreciate the flexible toe and increased speed because I could now turn my feet over quicker. I have purchased a second pair to add to my collection. The boot does what it promises. And it is waterproof
Not a good hiking boot. More for around town. Love them, they fit great. The leather started to wear in the toe after 1 hike. And after 1 year I have a hole in the toe. My other hiking boots lasted 5 years! The tread could go on forever, but the toe and rubber is falling apart.
I bought these because I needed ankle and arch support but didn't want a stiff shoe. The arch support is moderate but compared to many of the other boots at the store, this was much better. The boot feels like a hybrid of a sneaker and a hiking boot which suits my needs. The material scratches easier than I would like but it's been minor thus far. The tread is great and manages rocky hikes well. The difference between 8 and 8.5 felt big to me; the 8 felt slightly too snug so I opted for the 8.5 which was borderline too big. I wear thicker socks and it works. This is my first pair of Oboz and so far I'm liking it and would try another style.
I find reviews helpful bc they point out things I may or may not care about. These have been my “go to” boots for everything for a good while, which means I have put a hurting on them, for sure. They showed the wear and broke down a bit but are VERY waterproof. Huge plus for me. Knowing I would stay dry meant that I could stay in them for all of my activities on street or on trail. After long, they didn’t hold shape and appearance well but protected my foot from all my abuse. I cross through rough terrain so I am sure I contributed to tearing them up a bit. They are slick on a few wet rocks but not all. No boot has ever gripped like my Asolos, the ones with a natural foot shape. Nonetheless, I agree with some of the comments but will buy again bc I loved them so much. Boot love is subjective and I love my Syoes. Keeping the old and getting a new pair to keep cleaner for street wear. I’m not a total avid hiker but spend much time outdoors working and playing.I have loved them dearly. The toe box is slightly bigger in this newer design from Oboz and suits my foot perfectly. Not a clunky as I found the Bridger to be and the shape is better for my foot.