When it comes to hiking boots, choosing the right pair can significantly impact your outdoor experience. Two standout options from Oboz are the Men’s Bridger Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot and the Men’s Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot.
Both boots offer exceptional waterproofing, durability, and comfort, but they cater to different hiking styles and preferences.
The Bridger Mid is designed for serious hikers tackling rugged terrains, while the Sawtooth II Mid emphasizes versatility and comfort for various trail conditions.
In this article, we will examine each boot’s unique features, helping you decide which one is the perfect fit for your next adventure.
Please also check these products’ features on their official websites because sometimes our articles may contain errors.
1. Oboz Men’s Bridger Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
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Check it out on the official website.
The Oboz Men’s Bridger Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot has long been a favorite among serious hikers due to its combination of comfort, durability, and advanced features. One of its standout attributes is the short break-in period, which allows hikers to enjoy comfort almost immediately.
This comfort is largely attributed to the O-FIT insole, a proprietary technology that molds to the specific shape of each pair, delivering an unmatched fit, feel, and performance.
The boot’s B-DRY waterproofing technology ensures that your feet remain dry regardless of the journey’s length, while the Granite Peak outsole with a lightweight TPU chassis and rubber toe guard provides excellent protection and stability.
This design allows hikers to tackle challenging terrains like roots and rocks confidently. The upper material is crafted from waterproof Nubuck leather and features a molded rubber toe cap and heel counter for added durability.
The Granite Peak midsole is versatile enough for both day hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. It includes a TPU chassis that enhances stability and prevents stone bruising without restricting flexibility, complemented by single-density EVA for cushioning and comfort.
Additionally, the Trail Tread rubber compound offers superior slip resistance, enhanced durability, and improved elongation and tensile strength.
Overall, the Bridger Mid Waterproof is engineered to provide exceptional support, durability, and performance on the trail, making it a reliable choice for avid hikers.
Main Features and Materials
- Short break-in period
- Comfortable O-FIT insole
- Durable construction
- B-DRY waterproofing technology
- Granite Peak outsole
- Lightweight TPU chassis
- Rubber toe guard
- Upper Material: Waterproof Nubuck leather
- Oboz B-DRY waterproof/breathable membrane
- Molded rubber toe cap & heel counter
- Granite Peak Midsole: TPU Chassis, Single-density EVA
- Trail Tread Rubber: Superior slip-resistance, enhanced durability, improved elongation and tensile strength
- Improved B-DRY lining (100% recyclable, made from 25% post-industrial waste)
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 known for its versatile style, waterproof protection, and streamlined construction. The upper part of the boot is made from Nubuck leather combined with breathable mesh panels, providing a balance of durability and ventilation.
This mid-profile trail boot offers added ankle protection, making it suitable for various hiking conditions.
Equipped with the B-Dry waterproof breathable membrane, the boot ensures that moisture from external sources is kept out while allowing vapor to escape, keeping your feet dry and comfortable. The traditional lace-up style ensures a secure fit for any adventure.
The O FIT INSOLE is designed to maintain your foot in a neutral position, featuring a high-density EVA sculpted arch for superior support, a deep heel cup for maximum stability, and EVA pods for shock absorption and rebound.
The medium-density EVA throughout the insole offers unmatched underfoot support, complemented by a moisture-wicking comfort top layer.
The Sawtooth Midsole provides precise torsional stability and protection, with a firm yet lightweight design. It includes a nylon shank for added support between the heel and forefoot and a dual-density EVA midsole for balanced cushioning.
The Sawtooth Outsole is a favorite among thru-hikers, known for its versatility, flexibility, and support. It features a map molded into the bottom, depicting the Sawtooth mountain range near Sun Valley, Idaho.
The B-Dry waterproof system effectively manages moisture, ensuring that sweat escapes while keeping external moisture at bay.
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:
- 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:
- Upper Material:
- Bridger Mid Waterproof: Waterproof Nubuck leather, Molded rubber toe cap & heel counter.
- Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof: Nubuck leather upper with breathable mesh panels.
- Insole:
- Bridger Mid Waterproof: O-FIT insole with a high-density EVA sculpted arch, deep heel cup, EVA pods, medium-density EVA, and moisture-wicking comfort top layer.
- Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof: O-FIT insole designed to put your foot in a neutral position with similar features to the Bridger Mid.
- Midsole:
- Bridger Mid Waterproof: Granite Peak Midsole with TPU Chassis, single-density EVA.
- Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof: Sawtooth Midsole with Nylon shank, dual-density EVA.
- Outsole:
- Bridger Mid Waterproof: Granite Peak outsole with lightweight TPU chassis and rubber toe guard.
- Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof: Sawtooth Outsole, featuring a map of the Sawtooth mountain range, designed to be versatile, flexible, and supportive.
- Purpose and Design:
- Bridger Mid Waterproof: Great for both day hiking and multi-day backpacking trips, with a focus on stability, durability, and comfort.
- Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof: Versatile, flexible, and supportive, designed for added ankle protection and precise torsional stability.
- Waterproofing:
- Bridger Mid Waterproof: B-DRY waterproofing technology, improved lining for increased waterproofness and breathability.
- Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof: B-DRY waterproof breathable membrane, same waterproofing system as the Bridger Mid but with a focus on allowing vapor to escape while keeping moisture out.
- Additional Features:
- Bridger Mid Waterproof: Short break-in period, super durable, traditional lace-up style.
- Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof: Traditional lace-up style, map molded in the bottom of the outsole.
4. Which is Better?
The Oboz Men’s Bridger Mid Waterproof and the Oboz Men’s Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof Boot each have their unique strengths, making them suitable for different hiking scenarios.
The Bridger Mid Waterproof is ideal for serious hikers embarking on longer or more challenging trails. Its short break-in period and O-FIT insole ensure comfort right from the start. The boot’s durability and B-DRY waterproofing technology make it a reliable choice for keeping feet dry, even in wet conditions.
The Granite Peak outsole with a lightweight TPU chassis and rubber toe guard provides excellent protection and stability, making it perfect for tackling rugged terrain with roots and rocks. This boot is versatile enough for both day hikes and multi-day backpacking trips, offering superior support and slip-resistance.
On the other hand, the Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof is known for its versatility and comfort. It features a dual-density EVA midsole and a nylon shank for balanced cushioning and support, making it a great option for thru-hiking and lighter backpacking.
The Sawtooth outsole is flexible and supportive, with a design inspired by the Sawtooth mountain range, which enhances traction and durability. The B-DRY waterproof membrane in this boot also ensures that your feet stay dry while allowing sweat to escape, making it suitable for various trail conditions.
In summary, if you are planning a long, rugged hike or a multi-day backpacking trip, the Bridger Mid Waterproof would be the better choice due to its superior durability and protection.
However, for day hikes or thru-hikes where comfort and flexibility are paramount, the Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof would be more suitable. Both boots offer excellent waterproofing and support, but their specific features cater to different hiking needs.