I have found, hands down, the best hiking boots. I am absolutely in love with my Oboz Sapphire Mid B-Dry Hiking Shoes. These boots aren’t just ridiculously comfortable but extremely functional.
My husband and I have really taken to serious hiking over the last few months and decided that it was time to invest in good hiking boots. You might think that this is a no-brainer. Go to the store and pick a pair of boots that are comfortable and fit your needs. Easy peasy. Honestly, how many kinds of boots could there be? You’d be surprised. One look at the hiking boot section and I was overwhelmed. Hopefully, this review will help you narrow down the choices for yourself.
Research and Explore
Regardless of what hiking boots you plan on buying, it is essential that you try them on. Do not buy them online until you have tried them on your feet and walked around the store for a few minutes. I recommend, if you are able to, visit REI in Rochester for several reasons. One is they have a superb return policy. You have up to a year to return your boots. You aren’t going to find that kind of policy anywhere else. It is a good insurance policy for purchasing something as expensive as hiking boots (or any sporting goods purchases for that matter.) This store features all things outdoors and has an especially good hiking shoe section. The other reason is the staff are true outdoors people who know what they are talking about. They take selling hiking boots very seriously. They will measure your foot and help you select the perfect fit.
What Makes Oboz the Best
I will be honest and tell you that what first drew me to these particular boots was how they looked. I loved both the construction of them and the color. Then I tried them on. At first, it was a struggle to get used to having the boot fit snuggly around my ankle. However, after wearing them a few times, I grew accustomed to the feeling and actually found that they are quite supportive.
Waterproof
These boots are waterproof and I can vouch for this. My feet have remained completely dry while hiking in these boots and they have been submerged in water, mud, and snow. I even washed them in the sink to get some of the mud off so I could take pictures of them for this post. The inside stayed completely dry. Even the webbed part near the front of the boot, which had me somewhat dubious as to whether that area would be waterproof, is completely water resistant.
Great Traction on Soles
These boots have saved me more than once. I am not exactly what you would call graceful or coordinated. Hiking is a challenge for someone like me, especially with the trails my husband likes to tread. These boots have great traction on the bottom and they really grip every surface. I have even used them on the ice and I felt very sure-footed. The other day, I miss judged a patch of mud, that was far slicker than I had anticipated. The shoes gripped like champs and I stayed on my feet in a situation that would normally have had me on my butt.
Extremely Comfortable
As with any hiking boot, I had to break these in a bit. After about two short hikes, the shoes seemed to conform to my foot and I found that these are about the most comfortable shoes I own, short of my slipper. I have also noticed that my feet don’t swell and remain cool during longer hikes. The salesperson at REI recommended buying the boots a 1/2 size larger than I normally buy. This allows for swelling. (apparently, your feet swell a 1/2 size over the course of a normal day.) My boots fit me perfectly and I find that even after wearing them for hours, hiking miles at a time, my feet do not hurt or ache in any way. I sometimes have this problem where my heels will ache after wearing a pair of shoes for a long period of time, even sneakers. I have not had that issue with my Oboz.
Lifetime Laces and Insole Replacement
Oboz will provide free lifetime replacement of laces and insoles. When you purchase your shoes, make sure to hang onto the box, as this has all the information on it that you will need to submit to receive the correct laces or insole. To me, this is one of the best bonuses. Buying shoelaces is a pain as it is, but buying them for hiking boots is nothing short of a nightmare. I can never seem to get just the right length laces, they are either too long or too short. Insoles are another part of my shoes that tend to quit before the rest of the shoe, making wearing them uncomfortable. It is nice to know that I will never have this issue with my Oboz.
Environmental Bonus
Oboz will plant a tree for every pair of hiking shoes purchased. While this in itself isn’t enough to make me shell out my hard-earned money, it is a nice “little something” that makes you feel good about the purchase.
Oboz Hiking Shoes Come with a One Year Warranty
This is another unique feature of Oboz. They come with a one-year warranty. Oboz is willing to stand behind its product. This is especially unique, seeing these shoes will be taking on serious use and wear, in varied terrain. To me, this says these shoes will hold up against anything I can subject them to and that they are very well made. That in itself made me feel better about my purchase.
The Downside of Oboz
While there aren’t many downsides to these hiking shoes, here are a few.
Expensive
These are not cheap shoes, by any means. Be prepared to dig deep and part with some cash. Although you shouldn’t have to replace these shoes for several years, you have to make sure that the investment is worth it for you.
Hard to Find Oboz Dealers
Oboz are not sold at many stores, so if you are looking to buy a pair, you will want to visit their website and use their dealer locator.
I want to clarify that I don’t receive anything from Oboz for writing this review or for anyone purchasing their boots. I am just excited to share a great pair of hiking boots with my readers. Of course, footwear, especially hiking boots, are extremely subjective and what is right for one person, isn’t necessarily good for another. I just love them and wanted to share that with all of you.