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How Running Brands Are Bringing These Tech-Loaded Styles to the Masses

For day hikes, you can do no better than this low-top-sneaker fusion from Oboz.

Lightweight walking boots usually compromise on durability, but Oboz is determined to buck the trend with the Katabatic range. We find out if Oboz has succeeded.

The collection includes outdoor accessories and footwear made for long winter days.

"Well I'm pleased to say that the Katabatic ticks virtually every box for a walking/approach shoe, a feat that's left me mightily impressed."

For the more advanced hikers, there's the Oboz Bridger 7" Insulated Waterproof Boots.

Making changes to a popular shoe comes with a lot of pressure. But Oboz believes the next boot bearing the Sawtooth name will please both longtime fans of the franchise and attract a fresh wave of outdoor explorers. The Sawtooth hiking boot franchise was introduced 10 years ago, and in the years since, the brand has only made minor changes to the line. A decade later, Oboz has come up with its latest update: the Sawtooth X.

Depending on who you ask, hiking can mean anything from a 20-minute walk in the woods to a weeks-long trek through the Alps, which is why there's no such thing as the single best hiking boot for women. Some boots look and feel like sneakers, others are made of fine leather and have enough traction to take on the wettest, muddiest hikes. With help from both the pros and editors who've hit the trails, we've found 15 hiking boots that should appeal to all sorts of travelers—the light packers, the intense backpackers, and even the indoor people who might not consider trekking a vacation.

One sign of a good hiking boot is when you finish a walk, day hike or long backpacking trip with happy feet. So how do you know which of the best hiking boots for men are right for you? While you should take into account factors such as support (like the level of midsole cushioning and height of the upper) and materials (from full leather waterproof to mesh for breathability), the most crucial factor is getting the right fit.

Ready to get out there? GQ uncovers the 17 finest shoes and boots including our Bridger Low BDry for doing just that.

The outdoor industry benefited from a hiking boom last year brought on by COVID-19. However, there still is plenty of room to grow, especially in the women’s market...Historically, Zalinski said women shoppers at Treadz are buying Oboz more than any other brand, specifically its Sawtooth and Firebrand looks.

Made with a leather upper and breathable, moisture-wicking nylon mesh liners, the Oboz Sawtooth II hiking shoes are breathable yet still provide protection against abrasions.

The under-2-pound Sawtooth ($110) slices through harsh terrain better than most midheight hiking boots. The leather-and-textile hybrid upper defies abrasion. And the outsole design has enough rocker to make walking easier on rollers and steeps. It comes out of the box ready to hike. It promotes more foot freedom with a wider toebox and a heel cup that combats shifting even on daunting descents.

Boots insulated enough for the coldest winter days usually feel like moon shoes—good for warmth, bad for precision. The Sawtooth II is a standout exception: Its stellar warmth-to-bulk ratio comes courtesy of a lean layer of 200-gram 3M Thinsulate insulation, which hoards heat without adding too much volume.

Hiking footwear has been trending toward fast and light for the past few years, and it’s easy to see why. These shoes are significantly nimbler and more agile than their bulky hiking boot counterparts, and many designs retain impressive stability and support. Oboz’s new-for-2020 Arete fits the bill well: this shoe weighs less than 1.5 pounds (for the women’s version) but manages to pack in a good deal of cushioning and nicely isolate you from the trail.

Ever wondered what would happen if a rugged boot had a baby with a lightweight trail runner? If so, put your weird dreams to bed and take a look at the Oboz Arete Low hiking shoes. This is a strong boot from the ankle down that can power through most any terrain you’d want to put it up against (just don’t forget the gaiters). Striking a nice balance between rugged boot and lightweight trail shoe, the Aretes are an interesting hybrid to check out.

The Oboz Bridger 10 is not only the best overall winter boot according to our wide variety of performance tests, but is also the best choice for winter hiking. All of our testers who have worn this boot have taken a liking to the comfortable and secure fit that starts with an excellent O-fit insole. The uppers are moderately stiff, providing excellent support when hiking or snowshoeing, with a lace system that is user-friendly and secure...