When it comes to hiking boots, finding the perfect pair can be as challenging as the trails themselves.
Two of the top contenders in the market for rugged, waterproof hiking boots are the Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots and the Oboz Men’s Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots.
Both are designed to tackle tough terrains and unpredictable weather, but they offer distinct features that cater to different hiking needs.
In this article, we will explore the specifics of each boot, compare their features, and help you determine which one is the best fit for your outdoor adventures.
Please also check these products’ features on their official websites because sometimes our articles may contain errors.
1. Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
Check it out on the official website.
The Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots are designed for those who seek adventure on rugged trails. These boots are crafted for hiking, excelling on trails with numerous obstacles and heavy debris. They are engineered to handle frequent changes in speed, direction, and elevation, making them a versatile companion for any outdoor enthusiast. The Moab 3 features a mid-height design that offers additional ankle support, crucial for navigating challenging terrains.
One of the standout features of these boots is their waterproof membrane, which ensures that your feet stay dry in all conditions. The exclusive Moab 3 footbed contours to your foot, providing a more comfortable stride, while the Merrell Air Cushion maximizes shock absorption for a smoother experience. The boots also boast a best-in-class Vibram TC5+ outsole, which delivers optimal traction and performance on any surface, whether wet or dry.
For added protection, the Moab 3 includes a rubber heel and toe cap, allowing you to stride with confidence. Additionally, the boots are made with eco-friendly materials, including 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh lining, making them Merrell’s most environmentally conscious Moab yet. These features collectively ensure that the Moab 3 is not just a hiking boot, but a reliable partner for all your outdoor adventures.
Main Features and Materials
- – Made for hiking on rugged trail
- – Waterproof membrane for dry feet in all conditions
- – Mid-height design for additional ankle support
- – Exclusive Moab 3 footbed contours to your foot for comfort
- – Vibram TC5+ outsole for optimal traction and performance
- – Merrell Air Cushion for maximum shock absorption
- – Protective rubber heel and toe cap
- – Made with 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh lining
2. Oboz Men’s Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Check it out on the official website.
The Oboz Men’s Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is a versatile and stylish choice for outdoor enthusiasts, combining waterproof protection with a streamlined construction. Crafted with a durable nubuck leather upper and breathable mesh panels, this mid-profile trail boot offers added ankle protection. It features the B-Dry waterproof breathable membrane, which allows vapor to escape from your foot while preventing water from entering, ensuring your feet stay dry and comfortable in various conditions.
The traditional lace-up style ensures a secure fit, while the O FIT Insole is designed to position your foot neutrally, enhancing overall stability and support. This insole boasts a high-density EVA sculpted arch for superior support, a deep heel cup for maximum stability, and EVA pods that provide excellent shock absorption and rebound. Additionally, the insole includes a moisture-wicking comfort top layer to keep your feet dry.
The Sawtooth midsole offers precise torsional stability and protection, being firm yet lightweight to allow for streamlined outsoles. It features a nylon shank for added support between the heel and forefoot, as well as a dual-density EVA midsole that provides balanced cushioning.
The Sawtooth outsole, a favorite among thru-hikers, is designed to be versatile, flexible, and supportive. It even includes a map molded into the bottom, showcasing the Sawtooth mountain range near Sun Valley, Idaho. Overall, the Oboz Men’s Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is a reliable and comfortable option for those who seek both performance and protection on the trails.
Main Features and Materials
- – Versatile style
- – Waterproof protection
- – Streamlined construction
- – Nubuck leather upper with breathable mesh panels
- – Mid-profile for added ankle protection
- – B-Dry waterproof breathable membrane
- – Traditional lace-up style for a secure fit
- – O FIT Insole:
- – High-density EVA sculpted arch for superior support
- – High-density EVA deep heel cup for stability and support
- – EVA pods for shock absorption and rebound
- – Medium-density EVA for underfoot support
- – Moisture-wicking comfort top layer
- – Sawtooth Midsole:
- – Firm but lightweight design
- – Nylon shank for added support between heel and forefoot
- – Dual-density EVA midsole for balanced cushioning
- – Sawtooth Outsole:
- – Versatile, flexible, and supportive
- – Map molded in the bottom featuring the Sawtooth mountain range
- – B-DRY Waterproof system
3. Comparison
Here are the main differences between these two products:
- Outsole:
- Merrell Moab 3: Vibram TC5+ outsole for optimal traction and performance.
- Oboz Sawtooth II: Sawtooth Outsole, versatile, flexible, with a map of the Sawtooth mountain range.
- Waterproofing:
- Merrell Moab 3: Waterproof membrane for dry feet in all conditions.
- Oboz Sawtooth II: B-Dry waterproof breathable membrane.
- Upper Material:
- Merrell Moab 3: Nubuck leather upper with breathable mesh panels.
- Oboz Sawtooth II: NA.
- Footbed/Insole:
- Merrell Moab 3: Exclusive Moab 3 footbed contours to your foot.
- Oboz Sawtooth II: O FIT Insole with high-density EVA sculpted arch, deep heel cup, and EVA pods for support and shock absorption.
- Midsole:
- Merrell Moab 3: NA
- Oboz Sawtooth II: Dual-density EVA midsole with supportive balanced cushioning and nylon shank for added support.
- Shock Absorption:
- Merrell Moab 3: Merrell Air Cushion for maximum shock absorption.
- Oboz Sawtooth II: EVA pods provide shock absorption and rebound.
- Design:
- Merrell Moab 3: Mid-height design for additional ankle support, protective rubber heel, and toe cap.
- Oboz Sawtooth II: Mid-profile trail boot for added ankle protection.
- Eco-Friendly Features:
- Merrell Moab 3: Made with 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh lining.
- Oboz Sawtooth II: NA
- Support Features:
- Merrell Moab 3: Protective rubber heel and toe cap.
- Oboz Sawtooth II: High-density EVA sculpted arch, deep heel cup, and nylon shank for added support.
- Comfort Features:
- Merrell Moab 3: Exclusive footbed contours to the foot, Merrell Air Cushion.
- Oboz Sawtooth II: Moisture-wicking comfort top layer, O FIT Insole designed for a neutral foot position.
Both boots are designed for rugged trails with waterproof features and provide good support and comfort, but they differ in the specifics of their materials, design, and additional features.
4. Which is Better?
The choice between these boots largely depends on the specific conditions and preferences of the hiker.
The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots are designed for rugged trails with many obstacles and heavy debris. They feature a best-in-class Vibram TC5+ outsole, providing optimal traction and performance on any terrain, making them ideal for trails with frequent speed, direction, and vertical changes.
The Moab 3 also includes a Merrell Air Cushion for maximum shock absorption, which is beneficial for those who need extra comfort and protection on challenging hikes. Additionally, the mid-height design offers extra ankle support, which is crucial for maintaining stability on uneven terrain.
The eco-friendly materials used in the Moab 3, such as 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh lining, make it a good choice for environmentally conscious hikers.
On the other hand, the Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots are also well-suited for rugged trails but excel in providing a balanced combination of support and flexibility. The O FIT insole is designed to put your foot in a neutral position, offering superior support and stability with its high-density EVA sculpted arch and deep heel cup.
The Sawtooth midsole and outsole are built for precise torsional stability and protection, making these boots ideal for thru-hikers and those who require a versatile, flexible, and supportive boot. The B-DRY waterproof breathable membrane ensures that your feet stay dry by allowing sweat to escape while keeping moisture out, which is particularly useful in wet and muddy conditions.
In summary, if you prioritize maximum shock absorption, superior traction, and eco-friendly materials, the Merrell Moab 3 might be the better choice for you.
However, if you need a boot that offers a balanced combination of support, flexibility, and superior moisture management, the Oboz Sawtooth II would be more suitable.
Both boots provide excellent waterproof protection and support, but the specific features and design elements of each cater to different hiking needs and preferences.