Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Hiking Shoes- Women’s Review

Let’s Talk About Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Hiking Shoes- Women’s

The Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Hiking Shoes- Women’s are designed for the adventurous woman who demands comfort, support, and durability on the trail. Manufactured by Oboz, these shoes are a popular choice for day hikes and multi-day backpacking trips alike. Their reputation for a comfortable fit and reliable traction makes them a contender in a crowded market, but do they truly live up to the hype?

As someone with over a decade of experience in outdoor gear, I was looking for a hiking shoe that could handle varied terrain without sacrificing comfort for longer treks. My old boots, while sturdy, were causing blisters on anything longer than a 5-mile hike, and I needed a solution. I was drawn to the Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Hiking Shoes- Women’s because of their reported out-of-the-box comfort and reputation for supporting arches, a problem area for me.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the quality of the materials. The nubuck leather and abrasion-resistant mesh felt durable yet flexible, and the stitching appeared solid. The shoes felt surprisingly lightweight for a mid-height hiker.

Compared to other options I considered, such as the Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof and the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX, the Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Hiking Shoes- Women’s stood out due to the O Fit Insole. I’d read reviews praising its arch support, a feature I desperately needed. While the Salomons offered a sleeker, more modern look, the Oboz seemed more focused on practical comfort, and I was ready to prioritize that.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. They looked like they could solve my foot pain issues on the trail, but the true test would be how they performed under real-world conditions.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Hiking Shoes- Women’s to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Hiking Shoes- Women’s on a 7-mile hike in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The trail was a mix of rocky terrain, muddy patches, and steep inclines. The weather was damp, with a light drizzle throughout the hike.

The shoes performed admirably in the varied conditions. The Vibram sole provided excellent traction on both wet rocks and muddy trails, giving me confidence on the more challenging sections. I appreciated the mid-height design for the added ankle support.

The shoes were remarkably comfortable right out of the box, with minimal break-in required. There were no immediate hot spots or signs of blisters.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including multiple hikes ranging from 5 to 15 miles, the Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Hiking Shoes- Women’s have proven to be remarkably durable. There are some minor scuff marks on the leather, but the soles show minimal wear and the stitching remains intact. They’ve also been used on a camping trip in the desert and I was impressed with their performance in the dry, dusty conditions as well.

Maintaining the shoes has been relatively easy. I simply wipe them down with a damp cloth after each hike and occasionally use a leather conditioner to keep the leather supple. The O Fit Insole has retained its shape and support, even after repeated use.

Compared to my previous hiking boots, the Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Hiking Shoes- Women’s offer significantly better comfort and support. My foot pain has decreased dramatically, and I can now enjoy longer hikes without worrying about blisters.

Breaking Down the Features of Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Hiking Shoes- Women’s

Specifications

The Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Hiking Shoes- Women’s boast a robust set of specifications designed for comfort and performance. They feature a Nubuck leather and abrasion-resistant mesh upper for durability and breathability. The proprietary O FIT Insole provides exceptional arch support and cushioning.

The Vibram® Sawtooth outsole delivers reliable traction on various terrains. The shoes weigh in at 14.1 oz (per shoe), making them relatively lightweight for a mid-height hiking boot. The mid-height design provides added ankle support.

These specifications are crucial for hikers seeking a balance of comfort, durability, and performance. The leather and mesh upper offers protection while remaining breathable, preventing overheating. The O FIT Insole is vital for hikers with arch issues, providing the necessary support to prevent foot fatigue and pain.

Performance & Functionality

The Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Hiking Shoes- Women’s excel at their primary function: providing comfortable and supportive hiking footwear. The traction is excellent, allowing for confident movement on uneven terrain. The shoes offer adequate protection from rocks and roots, preventing foot bruising.

The strengths of these shoes lie in their comfort, support, and durability. The main weakness is that they are not fully waterproof, despite the Water Resistance Level: Waterproof specification given, and sustained exposure to heavy rain will eventually lead to wet feet.

Overall, the Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Hiking Shoes- Women’s meet and slightly exceed my expectations. They deliver on their promise of comfort and support, allowing me to hike longer and more comfortably than before.

Design & Ergonomics

The Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Hiking Shoes- Women’s feature a classic hiking boot design with a modern touch. The materials used feel high-quality and the construction appears solid. The rubber heel counter adds stability and helps prevent heel slippage.

The shoes are relatively user-friendly, with a traditional lacing system that allows for a customized fit. There is no significant learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience so far, I expect the Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Hiking Shoes- Women’s to last for several years with proper care. The leather upper is durable and the Vibram sole is known for its longevity. The stitching appears to be well-done and reinforced in key areas.

Maintaining the shoes is simple, requiring only regular cleaning and occasional leather conditioning. Replacement insoles are also available, extending the lifespan of the shoes even further.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Hiking Shoes- Women’s come with the O FIT Insole as a standard accessory. While no other accessories are included, the shoes are compatible with aftermarket insoles should you desire even more customized support.

The lacing system also allows for the use of different types of laces, such as paracord laces for added durability.

Pros and Cons of Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Hiking Shoes- Women’s