How to Choose Hiking Boots

Pairing classic style with modern tech, these Oboz waterproof hiking boots offer the best of both worlds. All-leather uppers are waterproof and breathable, and the deep lugs give serious grip.
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Imported.
View the Oboz Bridger Product LineView all Oboz Men's Day Hiking BootsBest Use | Hiking |
---|---|
Footwear Height | Over-the-ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Waterproof | Yes |
Type of Waterproofing | B-DRY waterproof/breathable membrane |
Upper | Waterproof nubuck leather |
Lining | Nylon mesh |
Midsole | Dual-density EVA |
Support | Thermoplastic urethane forefoot plate/nylon shank |
Outsole | Granite Peak carbon rubber |
Weight (Pair) | 2 lbs. 6 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | |
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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 |
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These were awesome out of the box, no break in needed. They feel light for how rugged they are. Great fit for me (not too wide in the toe like others). In the month I've had them I've done 3 trips totalling 150 miles and 25k vert, with about a third being off trail across loose boulders, along ridgelines, down skree, etc. The grip on rock is just like all other boots; not good. I'm disappointed. To be fair they've been on some seriously ridiculous terrain (I.e. Emmons to Kings Peak UT). That said, for $180, 150 miles seems early to need shoe-goo in several places on both shoes. I don't mind the low density foam along the sole that instantly started chipping away (though I'm curious why they did this), but I definitely have an issue with the multiple knobs on the sole peeling up; seems like poor design. I slipped trusting them (I knew better) on a rock and faceplanted with a backpack on, and somewhere in the chaos the top metal lace loop got pinch closed (trapping my foot in the boot). Unfortunately the whole loop just fell right off when I bent it back to get my foot out. I think they deserve the benefit of the doubt that this was a freak accident and not cheap materials, but it is nevertheless very unfortunate. Long story short, 150 miles in and I'm left with boots that lace part of the way up, have the soles coming off, and need a bunch of shoe-goo. My old keens with 500+ similar miles on them are nearly in better shape than these (see pictures), though, they're too wide in the toe and always give me blisters (unlike the Obos, which is my favorite part about them). Maybe I'm being unreasonable. Maybe I just need to stick to trail runners.
These boots are terrible. I wore them on the Appalachian Trail. They lasted 360 miles. Started falling apart. Sole started separating. Got holes in the sides of the leather. They are not with their cracked up to be. I would not buy this product ever again. Contacted the manufacturer and they offered me a 50% off coupon. On a new pair. These boots didn’t even last five weeks. They are cheaply made.
I tried these and the Men's Bridger 8" Insulated, both in 9 Wide. This review is a comparison of the two in terms of their sizing/shape, which can be summed up as: if you need a wide boot, get the 8" insulated. The shorter boot was both narrower and shorter: even with one relatively thin pair of socks, it was tight; it's possible that I could fit in a 9.5 wide, but it probably wouldn't be ideal. In contrast, the 8" boot had enough room for my foot wearing two pairs of socks. Although I'd prefer a shorter boot, I can always wear the 8" boots without lacing the top hooks. For me the 8" are WAY more comfortable.
I Initially loved these boots due to the deep heelcup and wonderful insole. They fit like a dream. I really wanted them to last me years to come, but the front lungs have begun to rip off entirely. Also, an opening between the sole and the toe guard has begun to form on one side. These boots are just not meant to last, which is a shame because the grip and traction were so wonderful at first. A product at this price point can not justify these shortcomings. Will be returning shortly.
Excellent boots. probably the most comfortable boots I've had since my first pair of LL Bean hikers back in 1994!!!! Good room and fit where you need it around the ball and toes and snug where you need it around the instep all with a comfy "cuddle" around the entire foot.
11 years and hundreds of Adirondack mountain miles! Just but bought my second pair today. Good to go right out of the box. Great traction for 200++ lbs hiker. Snow shoes and micro spikes prematurely wore our the upper but still lasted a long time. Won't be using new ones with any attachments.
First thing, I love these boots. They are comfortable and I like the way they perform. The grip they provide in mixed terrain and conditions has always been excellent. These have been my favorite go-to boots for the last three years. With all of this said, I will never buy them again. The is the second pair I have owned in that time. The first pair I owned came apart around 9 months (about 75mi on the AT and various other MT hikes) after I purchased them. The leather began to separate from the rubberized toe box and then the boot is completely shot and useless. Chalking this issue up to a manufacturing defect, REI was very accommodating with their replacement of the boot. I had the option to buy something else, but no, I stuck with a local (to me) company and went with a second pair because I liked them so much. Here I am now with my second pair of boots and the same exact issue, again. The boot looks like it has 100's of miles of tread left on them, the leather still looks good, the boot is still in good shape except for that toe box being separated. I have loved these boots and have not missed an opportunity to give them proper care but they will not carry me any further, or ever again and that makes me sad. It was fun while it lasted, but they should have lasted so much longer.
Oboz Bridger BDry review: Purchased mid-summer 2016. Good snug fit. Hard to take off, the lace eyelet configuration makes taking the shoes off even more difficult. Feel great, very comfortable. Soft soles provide good traction on rock, but not very durable. I started loosing bits off of the sole with the first trips I took in 2016 like Mt. Pickering, but this weekend's hike up Moapa really did the boots in, notice a that a significant chunk of the heel is now missing. 16 months and I need to shop for new boots - these boots wore out much quicker than any I've had before. Conclusion: These boots are not suitable for the type of hiking that I do.
I wish I could give Bozos shoes zero stars. I had these boots approx 18 months and the sole came off (see images). I know it was 6 months outside the warranty but the only response from the company was a ChatGPT response thanking me for my "continued support". My support will be to make sure as many people as possible know what a scam the "18-million-acre laboratory where we test our designs" is. Trust me, there is no quality control happening since this is the second pair that have failed. The company didn't stand behind the first pair that came apart and I was foolish to try again because they were quite comfortable. I will never make that mistake again and I will do my best to make sure others never purchase from here either. Spend a couple extra bucks on a pair by Zamberlan, the fit and quality is far beyond anything you'll be able to find at Bozos.
First time i had heard of Obiz boots. I have always bought cheaper hiking boots before. I tried 3 different pairs of boots and found these to fit like a running shoe. Unbelievable fit from the sole up to the top of the boot. Used them 3 times so far and their are like walking in comfy tennis shoes. I will suggest these to all my friends. Awesome quality, waterproof and light weight