Oboz Ousel Mid Insulated B-Dry Shoes- Women’s Review

First Impressions of Oboz Ousel Mid Insulated B-Dry Shoes- Women’s

Winter in the mountains demands footwear that can handle icy trails, snowy sidewalks, and everything in between. That’s why I was immediately drawn to the Oboz Ousel Mid Insulated B-Dry Shoes- Women’s. Oboz is known for their supportive insoles and durable construction, and the promise of insulation and a side zipper for easy on-off made these boots particularly appealing for winter’s daily grind.

My aging knees have been complaining about the effort it takes to wrangle into my winter boots every year. The side zipper and the promise of all-day warmth sounded like a solution to my winter woes. I had been considering the Sorel Explorer Joan and the Merrell Thermo Chill Mid Waterproof, but the Oboz reputation for fit and the unique combination of features tipped the scales.

Upon unboxing, I was impressed with the clean lines and the quality of the LWG Gold Rated Nubuck Leather. The boots felt solid without being overly heavy. My first impression was definitely excitement: these looked like they would deliver on their promise of warmth and convenience.

Real-World Testing: Putting Oboz Ousel Mid Insulated B-Dry Shoes- Women’s to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Oboz Ousel Mid Insulated B-Dry Shoes- Women’s on a snowy hike near my home. The temperature was hovering around 25°F, and the trails were covered in a mix of packed snow and icy patches. They proved easy to get on and off with the side zipper.

The grip on the snowy trail was excellent. I was immediately grateful for the warm insulation, as my toes stayed toasty even after a couple hours in the cold.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of daily wear, including snow shoveling and dog walks, the Oboz Ousel Mid Insulated B-Dry Shoes- Women’s have proven to be reliable performers. The leather is holding up well, showing no signs of excessive wear. Cleaning is a breeze.

A quick wipe with a damp cloth gets rid of any dirt or salt stains. Compared to my previous winter boots, these are far more comfortable for all-day wear.

Breaking Down the Features of Oboz Ousel Mid Insulated B-Dry Shoes- Women’s

Specifications

Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications that make the Oboz Ousel Mid Insulated B-Dry Shoes- Women’s a winter-ready choice:

• Weight: 17.5 oz (per shoe) – This is a reasonable weight for an insulated winter shoe, providing a balance between support and agility.
• Footwear Upper Fabric/Material: LWG Gold Rated Nubuck Leather – The leather offers durability and water resistance while being sourced from a responsible tannery.
• Insole Material: O FIT Insole Thermal – The insole provides insulation and support, contributing to all-day comfort.
• Water Resistance Level: Waterproof – The waterproof membrane keeps feet dry in wet conditions.
• Midsole Material: 60% Recycled Polyester Collar Textile – A sustainable choice, and contributes to the overall comfort and support of the shoe.
• Lining Material: B-DRY – B-DRY lining ensures waterproofness and breathability.
• Footwear Closure: Laces – Laces provide a secure and adjustable fit.
• Activity: Hiking – Designed for hiking, these shoes are also suitable for a range of winter activities.
• Women’s Shoe Width: Medium – Offers a standard fit for most women’s feet.

These specifications translate to a shoe that is both durable and comfortable, ready to tackle winter’s challenges.

Performance & Functionality

The Oboz Ousel Mid Insulated B-Dry Shoes- Women’s excel in providing warmth, waterproof protection, and reliable traction. The insulation keeps my feet warm even in sub-freezing temperatures. The waterproof membrane effectively blocks out snow and slush.

The side zipper makes them incredibly easy to slip on and off, a huge plus on busy winter mornings. One minor weakness is that the laces could be a little longer to allow for easier tying with gloves on. Overall, they meet and even exceed my expectations for a winter shoe.

Design & Ergonomics

The Oboz Ousel Mid Insulated B-Dry Shoes- Women’s boasts a sleek and practical design. The quality of the Nubuck Leather is evident, and the molded heel and toe caps add extra protection. The shoes offer a comfortable fit right out of the box, with no significant break-in period required.

The side zipper is discreetly integrated into the design. There is minimal learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The LWG Gold Rated Nubuck Leather upper is clearly built to last. The reinforced heel and toe caps provide extra protection against wear and tear.

Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. With proper care, these shoes should last for several winter seasons.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Oboz Ousel Mid Insulated B-Dry Shoes- Women’s don’t come with many accessories, focusing instead on core performance. However, the O FIT Insole Thermal is removable, allowing for the use of custom orthotics if needed. The lacing system can be customized with different colored laces to personalize the look.

They are compatible with most aftermarket traction devices, such as microspikes, for added grip on icy conditions.

Pros and Cons of Oboz Ousel Mid Insulated B-Dry Shoes- Women’s

Who Should Buy Oboz Ousel Mid Insulated B-Dry Shoes- Women’s?

The Oboz Ousel Mid Insulated B-Dry Shoes- Women’s are perfect for women who live in cold climates and need reliable footwear for everyday winter activities. They are ideal for:

• Urban Commuters: The side zipper and comfortable fit make them great for navigating city streets.
• Dog Walkers: The warmth and waterproof protection are essential for long walks in snowy conditions.
• Casual Hikers: The supportive insole and durable construction are suitable for light to moderate trails.
• Snow Shovers: Easy to get on and off makes them ideal for quick trips outside in winter weather.

These might not be the best choice for serious backcountry enthusiasts who require a more technical and aggressive boot. Someone seeking highly customizable features should look elsewhere. A good must-have accessory would be a pair of aftermarket microspikes for icy conditions.

Conclusion on Oboz Ousel Mid Insulated B-Dry Shoes- Women’s

The Oboz Ousel Mid Insulated B-Dry Shoes- Women’s are a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a warm, waterproof, and convenient winter shoe. The Oboz quality and thoughtful design make them a worthwhile investment. The current sale price of $133.33 makes them an exceptional value.

I would highly recommend these shoes to anyone looking for reliable winter footwear. Don’t let winter slow you down – grab a pair of the Oboz Ousel Mid Insulated B-Dry Shoes- Women’s and conquer the cold in comfort and style!