Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Hiking Boots Review

Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Hiking Boots are vented hiking boots that can be comfortably worn out of the box but are burly enough for any terrain.  They are deliberately not waterproof to keep your feet cooler in hot weather while providing durable and comfortable foot protection on the trail and off.

Specs at a Glance

• Footwear Height: Over-the-ankle
• Footwear Closure: Lace-up
• Upper: Nubuck leather/abrasion-resistant textile/rubber heel counter
• Lining: Nylon
• Midsole: Dual-density EVA
• Support: Nylon shank
• Outsole: Rubber
• Weight: 2 lbs. 2.6 oz.
• Fit: True-to-fit

I have been backpacking in southern Utah for years and never found a pair of hiking boots that worked well for desert conditions until I tried the Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Vent Hiking Boots.

Backpacking in the desert requires footwear that can keep your feet cool when it gets hot and that dries quickly when your feet get wet. Most people don’t realize that your feet can get wet in the desert as you cross the meandering rivers and streams that run through vaulted sandstone canyons.

In the desert, a boot with a waterproof liner is worthless as it will never dry out. Vented boots, like these Sawtooth II Mids shed water quickly and dry up fast. In fact, I have grown to prefer a vented boot to a “waterproof” boot in most conditions where winter-like cold is not a factor.

When I first put on the Oboz Sawtooth II Mid vent boots, I knew that my feet had found a home.  These boots have a deeply lugged sole that provides great traction in mud, snow, and across rock, gravel, and even slick rock sandstone. A nylon shank, heel counter, and dual-density EVA midsole provide excellent support when carrying a multi-day pack, something that I haven’t been able to find in lighter-duty trail runners and hiking shoes.

The Sawtooth II Mids have an asymmetrical collar that provides over the ankle support while not overly constricting or rubbing against the ankle bones with a lacing system that makes it easy to lace up, adjust, or remove the boots quickly. Vents on the top and the side of the boots keep your feet cool while shedding water quickly so your boots can dry faster.

But the most distinct aspect of these boots compared to others that I’ve tried is the O-FIT Insoles provided in the shoes. These provide excellent arch support and I have found they perform as well with my custom orthotics. As someone who’s experienced Plantar Fasciitis, it’s nice to have a boot that includes a quality insole without having to pay extra for one, like Green Superfeet, which cost over $50/pair.

In my experience, these boots fit like a glove, they formed around my feet like moccasins, and they carried my weight as well as the much heavier boots I have used over the years.

Comparable Non-Waterproof Vented Mids

Recommendation

While every foot is different, for hikers and trekkers that are looking for a full-featured vented hiking boot that drains and dries fast while providing stability, superior arch support, comfort and grip over all types of terrain; the Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Vent is a boot to consider.  With a snug yet comfortably effortless fit, this boot is an affordable option for adventures where having cold feet is not a concern yet long days on the trail are the norm.  While not as lightweight as trail runners, for those who prefer hiking boots to hiking shoes, the Oboz Sawtooth II Mid vent strikes the right balance between fit and function. I will be picking up another pair before I completely wear this boot out on the trail: when I find something I like as much as I do this boot, it feels right to have more than one pair.

Disclosure: The author owns this product.