Are OBOZ Boots any good? (A well-worn, 3 year review)

Elevate your outdoor experience with Oboz

How do Oboz fit?

How good are Oboz Boots?

How long do Oboz last?

Oboz VS Merrell Which is better?

Three years of outdoor experiencein Oboz: A well worn review.

The work boots that became hiking boots.

My three year review of Oboz Sawtooth II Mid

The Work Boots that became Hiking Boots

This story begins on January 25, 2021..

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I needed a new pair of work boots. And I was NOT about to buy another pair of Columbia snow boots again. (not waterproof or comfortable; and the STINK! 🦨).

Pre-Oboz days; in the thick of COVID. Working my route.
In need of better boots.

In my days as a medical courier; I was a workaholic. I worked six days a week; sometimes 70+ hours a week.

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I did a lot of walking (and a ton of driving). Delivering to homes. Walking through mud, snow, grass, muck, and yes.. sometimes sidewalks.

I had a list of “MUSTS”:

Must be waterproof
Must be comfortable
Must be tall enough to cover my ankles from snow

I tried on several snow boots. The Arch support was non-existent.

I thought about “maybe hunting boots”. The steel toe gave some discomfort. Plus, I’m really NOT a “camo girl”.

Then I thought “what about hiking boots?”. They should be comfortable for walking, right?

I decided that hiking boots would make great work boots.

In the end it came down to a battle of the two:

Merrell Moab 3 Mid VS

Oboz Sawtooth II Mid

Both the Oboz and Merrel feel like a solid shoe. Keen was out of the question; it’s a narrow fit.

The OBOZ seems to be wider in the toes, narrower in the heel. Perfect for those with wide feet or high arches.

When I was in the search for boots; I wanted something that would fit comfortably for 12+ hour work days.

Great arch support was a MUST.

I liked the design colors on the Merrell Moab boots; but they did not fit as comfortably. By a small, comfortable margin: The oboz won.

I’ve never heard of Oboz. I had barely heard of Merrell or Keen. Simply put; outdoor recreation was not my territory.

I went to the check out, and bought the “unheard of” brand.

The hunt was finally over! I found seemingly comfortable boots to wear to work in the snow!

I hope these are good boots.

How good are Oboz?

In the first few days of wearing these boots; I realized that they were much more comfortable and stable than my Nike tennis shoes.

…and they stay dry!

And keep my feet warm!

I began wearing my Oboz to work whether it was snowing, raining, or “mudding”. Only wearing my tennis shoes on sunny warm days.

These boots ~~were~~ ARE the ultimate.

Whatever there was/is to tackle; the Oboz will do the job! Dig a ditch? Deliver 280 packages in a rain storm? Go sled riding?

In my weight loss journey; I realized that happiness doesn’t come from things. My resolution of Buy Less, Create More took place. No more shopping for funsies!

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Create and make more memories!

In March of 2022; the very first of what is now known as a “Day Hike” took place.

The work boots became hiking boots.

From my workaholic days to this very fully-present day:

These boots have been through quite a journey.

Summer 2022;
Hiking the Poconos in my Oboz

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How long do Oboz last?

At this time of writing; I’ve been wearing them for 39 months.

Hiking in the Summer, daily in the Winter.

I cannot wear tennis shoes in the Winter. My toes freeze! Oboz Sawtooth II Mid keep my feet warm and toasty. Beyond hiking; I don’t wear these much in the Summer.

In a list of pros and cons; The only CON is..

They’re too dang warm for daily use in the Summer. By afternoon, my feet are literally, the “🥵” emoji.

After almost three years of wear; for Christmas of 2023; I asked for new laces. The laces were getting thin.

These boots are well worn. There’s nicks and chips on the soles. However, there’s plenty of tread left!

I might squeeze another two years out of these boots.

Exhibit A; 3 years of wear and tear.
Exhibit B; Brand spankin’ new.

Clearly the brand new pair has more grip and traction.

These boots have a lot of miles and hours. I pretty much wear ’em everywhere, every day.

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I have an “extra” pair that I may dedicate only for hikes. Just for extra grip, ya know. Maybe.

These old boots are so worn in.

And comfortable.

Summary

You’ve may have never heard of Oboz.

But, don’t let the unfamiliarity stop you!

These are a solid shoe.

I am a fan for life!

And I’ll continue to recommend these shoes to workers, hikers, and anyone who needs a pair of “boots”.

Oboz are true to size.

They’re super comfortable.

They stay dry.

They hold up for years.

Go get a pair and tackle the ultimate!

Oboz will plant a tree for each pair you purchase! The company takes pride on environmental sustainability. For more information, read; History of the Brand OBOZ.

Seriously, go grab a pair!