Oboz Sawtooth X Mid: A Step Up in Trail Comfort and Conscience
ReviewOkay, so I’ve been a bit of an Oboz fan for a while now. It’s not just about the boots themselves (though, spoiler alert: they’re great). Knowing that they plant a tree for every pair sold? That’s a feel-good bonus in my book. So, naturally, I was itching to try out the updated Sawtooth X Mid when I first caught wind of them.
Right off the bat, these boots felt familiar, in a good way. I always thought the original Sawtooth was comfy straight out of the box, but the “X” version? It’s like they cranked up the comfort dial. That O FIT insole is no joke; it really hugs your arches and keeps your feet happy, even when you’re logging serious miles. Case in point: I recently took these bad boys for an eight-mile romp in the Smokies, with some pretty decent climbs. My feet? Singing praises the whole time. Seriously, no blisters, no rubbing, just pure, happy feet.
And that ACT+ midsole? It’s not just marketing fluff. It really does strike that sweet spot between cushioning and stability. I felt totally sure-footed scrambling over rocks, and the downhill sections? The boots soaked up the impact like champs. The Trail Tread outsole also deserves a shout-out. It gripped everything from dry dirt to slick rocks like a champ. Didn’t hit any crazy mud, but I reckon they’d handle it just fine.
Now, let’s talk ankle support. The mid-height design is a winner in my book. It’s not like being strapped into ski boots or anything, but it definitely gives you that extra bit of stability, especially when you’re hauling a pack. And the materials? They just scream quality. The oiled nubuck leather upper feels like it could take a beating, and the recycled polyester mesh? Smart move for keeping things breathable. Plus, I’m all about Oboz using Leather Working Group Gold Certified leather – it shows they’re serious about doing things the right way.
Oh, and I put that B-DRY waterproof membrane to the test with a stream crossing. Dry feet? Check! I haven’t gone full-on wading in them, but they seem more than capable of handling a bit of wetness.
A couple of things to keep in mind:
- Weight: Yeah, at 19.2 ounces each, they’re not featherweights. But honestly, the extra support and toughness are worth those few extra ounces, especially if you’re planning on longer hikes.
- Break-in: They’re comfy from the get-go, but give them a little break-in time to really mold to your feet. You won’t regret it.
So, the bottom line?
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The Oboz Sawtooth X Mid is a fantastic all-around hiking boot. It nails that sweet spot of comfort, support, durability, and, let’s not forget, a conscience. Whether you’re tackling a thru-hike or just hitting your local trails on the weekend, these boots are a solid bet. They’ve quickly become my go-to choice for day hikes and shorter backpacking trips. If you’re after a dependable, comfy hiking boot that you can feel good about lacing up, the Sawtooth X Mid should definitely be on your radar. Trust me.