While in the US, I stopped in Sedona, Arizona for a few days and decided to try the Oboz Bridger Mid B-DRY boots on the Little Horse hiking trail.
So, let’s jump into the Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof review and see if these held up to our standards.
Our Verdict
The ample cushioning and padding of these winter hiking boots were surprisingly effective, and the outsole managed to be very adhesive and protective of the underfoot.
Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof
It is a great boot, designed to offer good ankle support to withstand rocky trails.
However, these waterproof hiking boots are a little heavier than most hiking boots in the lightweight tier, making the Oboz brand’s trail running shoes better choices for casual hikes.
Aside from that, the boots felt solid, making them one of the sturdiest pairs of backpacking boots I’ve worn.
Specs
- Weight: 19.0 oz / 538 g
- Waterproof: Oboz B-DRY
- Insole: O-FIT
- Midsole: Dual-density EVA
PROS
CONS
Things We Tested When We Reviewed Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
1. Traction
This Oboz footwear is designed with a Granite Peak outsole, which does well at sticking to rocks and loose gravel thanks to the lug depth and aggressive tread patterns.
The Little Horse hiking trail is very rocky, but the steep ascents and descents for this backpacking boot were extremely safe and grippy.
Even on light trails, there have been no downsides to the Granite Peak outsole’s excellent traction compared to most hiking shoes we’ve tested.
2. Comfort
The Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof is lined with the brand’s O-Fit footbed, which is reinforced by the dual-density EVA midsole for increased stability and cushioning for the heel and arches [1].
However, while it’s a comfortable boot overall, the forefoot stiffness makes it a little difficult to properly flex the foot. Fortunately, that’s nothing the break-in period won’t eventually solve.
3. Breathability
When we trialed this product, the nylon mesh linings of this Oboz footwear did well with pulling in the air and keeping my feet dry.
On the Little Horse hiking trail, I didn’t have many issues with ventilation, which is good since I’m not as familiar with the BDry membrane as I am with a Gore-Tex or M-Select Dry waterproof membrane found in other boots
I’m pleased to say that it didn’t run as warm as some high-end water-repellant liners usually do.
4. Durability
As indicated by our tests the Oboz’s nubuck leather uppers are long-lasting and so are the rubber toe cap and rubber outsole.
Even after several rocky adventures over hundreds of miles, I can hardly tell that these waterproof hiking boots have been used at all.
However, the high build quality of these winter boots also lends evidence to their toughness, which may be a lot to handle for some hikers.
5. Weight
It weighs 2 lbs. 6 oz., despite its bulky build. The padding in these waterproof hiking boots and the ratio of leather to mesh make them seem a lot heavier than they actually are, especially around the ankles.
Despite being lightweight boots, some people may not like the contrast between the numbers and how they actually feel.
6. Waterproofing
The Oboz Bridger Mid waterproof’s upper is made with waterproof nubuck leather and BDry water-repellant membrane.
On my hikes, I’ve had the inside of the boots remain dry after nearly submerging my feet in the water.
Even when the leather and mesh did manage to retain some water, it almost immediately dried up, never getting my feet wet. For me, these are some of the best women’s hiking boots for rainy weather.
7. Support
These waterproof hiking boots are also some of the best hiking boots I’ve worn for arch and ankle support.
The nylon shank in the midsole, combined with the TPU forefoot plate, increases the reliability you’ll have on technical terrain.
Overall, the thick sole, solid heel counter, and internal padding on this boot do well at locking your heel in place to prevent slippage or blistering, while also having great ankle protection.
8. Fit & Sizing
They fit perfectly and come in both normal and wide sizes.
We also made a complete review of the best hiking boots for wide feet, where we have included the Oboz Bridger.
Even though these boots are heavier, they’re sized just right.
The heel stays locked in, the toe box is roomy, the lacing system is snug, and the foot doesn’t feel like it’s too constricted or too free, so this model can easily accommodate a thicker sock pair.
However, I’d like to see improvements to the flexibility of the boot and a decrease in how long the rigidness is present.
How Does it Compare with Other Products?
1. Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid
Compared to the Bridger Mid Waterproof, both X Ultra 3 Mid men’s and women’s boots have a lighter build and more flexibility.
Being some of the best hiking boots of all-time, the X Ultra 3 is designed for light-day hiking.
The Oboz’s heavy design and thick padding provide more protection, especially on the underfoot, so it’s suited for more advanced hikes.
Overall, these shoes serve different purposes for different skill levels. As a mid-lightweight hiking boot, the Oboz performs much better than the X Ultra 3 would on jagged rocks and steep inclines.
2. Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid hiking boots are meant to perform well on difficult and technical trails.
However, unlike the Oboz Bridger, the Lowa Renegade doesn’t have a non-waterproof version, making it a poor choice for people who hike in warmer weather.
Additionally, the Oboz Bridger is less expensive, costing only around $190, compared to the $255 Lowa Renegade. For a lower price, it gives the same build quality and more ankle support for above-average protection.
3. Oboz Sawtooth X Mid
The Oboz Sawtooth X Mid is a versatile hiking boot that’s effective both on and off the hiking trail.
Both the Oboz Sawtooth X Mid and Oboz Bridger are meant to be extremely cushioned and protective, offering good ankle support.
However, the Sawtooth X Mid, because of its heaviness, makes long hiking trips a little difficult. While it is a durable boot, the stress it puts around the ankle tires out the foot very quickly.
The Oboz Bridger also has a heavy design though, so it really all comes down to style and personal preference on this front.
Where Does the Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof Perform Better?
Compared to other hiking boots, it performs better on trails where you’d encounter more risks to your feet, or where you would need the most protection possible. As mentioned before, the leather upper that lines this waterproof boot is highly durable and scratch resistant.
The outsoles can also take exposure to light snow, wet sediment, and mud without wearing down too quickly.
While these aren’t the best hiking boots for light trails, where the bulk could be more than you need, the Oboz Bridger performs well in many other environments and especially in rainy weather where it can keep you from getting wet feet
Custom Reviews
Even though our test methods are what we mostly rely on, we also want to share some online reviews.
Do We Recommend it?
We also like that they fit on various hiking boots and footwear, giving everyone the confidence they need to walk outdoors in icy areas securely.
It is a product we would highly recommend for hiking. These waterproof hiking boots are perfect for moderate-advanced backpacking trips, so we would recommend them for seasoned backpackers.
If you’re someone who hikes in mild conditions or on very simple trails of up to a few miles, the features of the Oboz Bridger could be overkill.
Aside from the stiff and weighted design, which was convenient for the Little Horse hiking trail and some other heavy traveling I’ve done, these are highly durable and protective pieces of footwear that I would use for any challenging hike.
| WHERE TO BUY? | FOR MEN | FOR WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| REI | See Pricing» | See Pricing» |
| Amazon | See Pricing» | See Pricing» |
| Backcountry | See Pricing» | See Pricing» |
FAQs
Yes, Oboz hiking boots are well-regarded for backpacking. Their sturdy build, comfortable fit, and excellent traction make them a reliable choice for long-distance treks, ensuring support and performance on challenging trails.
Oboz hiking boots are known for their durability, comfort, and traction. They receive positive reviews from outdoor enthusiasts for their performance on various terrains, making them a good choice for hiking and backpacking adventures.
The Oboz Bridger does not run small. All Oboz shoe models are measured to be true-to-size. However, we do recommend visiting an Oboz retailer for the best possible fit.
Oboz is an American brand. The Oboz manufacturing plant is based in the mountains of Bozeman, Montana, which is also a reference to how the brand got its name.
