BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details
Allen is addicted to the rush of that a-ha moment while testing products. He’s obsessed with ensuring no one around him wastes money.
A popular choice for its durability and comfort on long treks, this shoe is reliable, but definitely an investment.
Crafted from 100% leather with a sturdy rubber outsole. "O" fit insole is designed for a specified fit with long-lasting support. B-DRY waterproofing system allows for sweat to escape while protecting feet from wet weather conditions. Comfortable enough to wear for hours with impressive traction.
Can be quite expensive. Tends to have a very tight fit.
This casual hiking shoe is known for its specialized insole and is surprisingly darker than users expect.
Durable and stylish. Upper made from nubuck and genuine split-suede with signature "O" fit insole. Midsole is light yet comfortable and supportive. Can be worn for light hiking or casual days running errands. One of the most affordable styles.
Color is much darker than pictured. Some concerns about genuine quality.
Users love this pair because it offers a comfortable fit and relief for wide feet and foot soreness.
Upper boasts waterproof split-suede and nubuck leather materials. Equipped with B-DRY and "O" fit technology to keep feet dry and comfortable. Users' pick for wide feet and those who regularly suffer from foot discomfort. Rubber outsole has excellent grip.
Some complaints about the toe box shape and fit; toes can become crowded and uncomfortable.
A stylish and supportive shoe that is ideal for light hiking, but it tends to run fairly narrow.
Low-profile shoe ideal for short, mild hikes and day-to-day wear. Stylish, attractive, and comfortable for those with narrow feet. "O" fit insoles designed for arch support and a smooth gait. Users say they are durable and withstand daily use.
Very narrow; even the wide sizing is too tight.
Despite some issues with width sizing, this pick boasts solid arch support and grip for slippery hiking terrain.
Polyurethane sole construction is light yet sturdy enough for years of hiking use. Upper is breathable and equipped with B-DRY technology to allow sweat to escape. "O" fit insole provides hours of support and comfort on long treks. Impressive traction and grip.
Not wide enough — some users complain that the narrowness is uncomfortable.
We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
Hiking boots are a special kind of footwear. More than other shoes, they must protect your feet and ankles from treacherous terrain and unexpected hazards. Many hikers classify their hiking boots as the most important item in their hiking gear arsenal. If you want the best hiking boots, you need to purchase them from a company that truly understands the needs of the avid hiker.
The people who work at Oboz footwear know what it takes to make a great hiking boot because they are outdoor adventurers themselves. Oboz hiking boots are designed to be durable and waterproof with a comfortable fit so annoyances like blisters do not hamper your journeys.
In this guide, we show you the best Oboz hiking boots and take a look at this company’s dedication to the planet. We also explore hiking boot features, such as insulation and rubber toe caps, that can make your hikes all the more rewarding.
Size is the most important factor to consider when purchasing Oboz hiking boots. If the footwear doesn't fit, the comfortable experience you were expecting may be less than pleasurable.
While Oboz hiking boots run true to size, the thickness of your socks and the size and width of your feet impact comfort. Also, do not fall into the trap of overestimating or underestimating the size of your feet. This includes foot width.
A hiking boot will feel a little different on your foot than other types of shoes. The heel and midfoot should be snug, but the toe box should be roomy. If the heel isn't snug, you will probably end up with blisters.
If the toe box is too small, you will likely experience sore toes and toenails. Also, if the boots aren't laced properly and the fit isn't snug around the midfoot, your ankles won't have the support they need.
Another key aspect to consider when purchasing Oboz hiking boots is the type of activity you will be doing. For instance, if you will only be walking on paved surfaces, you won't need the same type of rugged design as if you were trekking off the beaten path. An individual who is doing the latter would need thicker outsoles that are heavily textured for traction along with superior ankle support.
All Oboz upper materials are treated to be water-repellent out of the box. However, to maintain this quality, the boots will occasionally need to be treated.
While some models of Oboz hiking boots have upper sections made of mesh for breathability, if you are going to be hiking in all kinds of weather, it's important to get a waterproof hiking boot.
All Oboz hiking boots are manufactured to provide a balance of support and comfort for extended hikes. However, only a few models are insulated. These special models not only keep your feet dry, they keep them warm and cozy with a layer of Thinsulate as well.
A few Oboz hiking boots have a molded rubber toe cap. This feature provides an extra layer of protection from hazardous terrain and gives the boots added durability.
The uppers on Oboz hiking boots come in a variety of materials, from light and breathable mesh to heavy and durable leather.
Additionally, you can get boots that are a mix of synthetic materials and real leather. While leather is a desirable material, it also increases the cost.
Oboz hiking boots come in a range of styles. Some are colorful and have more of a “high top sneaker” appearance. Others look more like traditional work boots with a sneaker tread. Once you have chosen all the important elements that ensure a comfortable fit and sufficient protection, you can fine-tune your selection by picking the style that best matches your personality.
Oboz only recommends two products for the care of their hiking boots. One is used to clean the boots, and the other is used to waterproof them. These two items are sold as a set. The appropriate set for you depends on the material with which your boots are made.
Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Proof
This pack features Nikwax's Footwear Cleaning Gel, a soap-based cleaner for smooth leather, suede, or fabric. It also includes Nikwax's Nubuck and Suede Proof, a waterproofing treatment for nubuck or suede. These products are water-based, biodegradable, and contain no PFCs or VOCs.
Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof
This pack features Nikwax's Footwear Cleaning Gel as well as Nikwax's Fabric and Leather Proof, a waterproofing treatment for smooth leather or fabric. These products are water-based, biodegradable, and contain no PFCs or VOCs.
The pricing for men's and women's Oboz hiking boots runs from $135 to $240.
From $135 to $170, the hiking boots feature breathable mesh, ankle support, and all-day comfort.
From $170 to $199, the boots may feature a supportive heel cup with a rubber toe guard and a more durable outsole. This is where you will find insulated options as well.
Above $200 is where you will find Oboz hiking boots that are manufactured with premium materials and construction. For the ultimate hiking experience, look here.
If a standard insole isn't enough for colder climates, Oboz makes a thermal O FIT Insole with a wool top for insulation and a mylar bottom to reflect heat back up to the foot.
Straight out of the box, no treatment or care is needed for your Oboz hiking boots. However, as the boots are exposed to the elements, the waterproofing will wear down. Caked-on mud can also make them age faster.
Here are a few tips to help you get the most mileage out of your Oboz hiking boots.
A. Oboz began a decade ago in Bozeman, Montana, a region rich in outdoor splendor. The individuals who started the company love being outdoors, exploring the 18 million acres of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem on a daily basis on foot. As the company puts it: "Outside + Bozeman = Oboz."
A. The founders of Oboz love the outdoors, so the company practices earth kindness. First, for every pair of Oboz footwear sold, the company plants a tree. Second, Oboze donates all unsellable (but still trail-worthy) shoes to organizations that help people in need of footwear. Third, the company office runs on wind, solar, and biomass power, making it 100% green.
A. The only model of Oboz footwear that is currently vegan is the Arete (available for men and women). The company cannot guarantee that any of its other products are vegan because the cements used to bond the outsoles contain animal fats.
Get emails you’ll love.
Learn about the products you’re wondering if you should buy and get advice on using your latest purchases.