Reviews > Footwear > Trail Shoes > Oboz Sawtooth II Low Trail Shoe > Test Report by Michael Pearl

OBOZ SAWTOOTH II LOW
TEST SERIES BY MIKE PEARL
INITIAL REPORT

INITIAL REPORT - June 22, 2020

TESTER INFORMATION

I have a great appreciation for the outdoors and get out at every opportunity. I am a three-season, learning to be a four-season backpacker and year-round hiker. Currently, my trips are two to three days long as well as an annual week-long trip. I utilize the abundant trail shelters in my locale and pack a backup tarp-tent. I like to cover big distances while still taking in the views. I have lightweight leanings but function and reliability are the priority. I mostly travel woodland mountain terrain but enjoy hiking beautiful trails anywhere.

INITIAL REPORT

PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: Oboz Footwear
Year of Manufacture: 2020
Manufacturer's Website: ObozFootwear.com
MSRP: US$110.00

Listed Weight: 15.6 oz (442 g) per half pair US Men's 9
Measured Weight: 32 oz (907 g) per PAIR US Men's 9 and 16 oz (454 g) per half pair

Sizes Available: US Men's 7 - 15
Size Tested: US Men's 9
Colors Available: Pewter, Dark Shadow / Brandy Brown and Canteen / Walnut
Color Tested: Pewter

Upper Materials: Nubuck leather and abrasion-resistant textile with 3D molded heel counter

Features:
* Rubber Heel Counter - helps maintain a snug and comfortable heel hold over time
* Asymmetrical Collar - tongue and collar designed to comfortably articulate with ankle motion
* Large Mesh Vents - mesh panels to let feet breathe
* O Fit Insole - proprietary insole molded to match specific shape and construction to deliver purpose-designed fit
* Sawtooth Midsole - dual-density EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) provides cushioning and stability and a nylon shank for added support under foot
* Sawtooth Outsole - made to be versatile, flexible and supportive with molded map of Sun Valley, Idaho Sawtooth mountain range

Oboz Fit Tip - Length runs true to size. Form hugging heel cup, sculpted mid-foot and a wider forefoot and toe box.

Oboz Fun Fact - One More Tree initiative plants a tree for every pair of Oboz sold

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

The Sawtooth hiking shoes arrived packaged in the standard type shoebox. Inside they were wrapped in tissue paper featuring a topographic map of the Gallatin area of Yellowstone National Park. I found this pretty cool as it brought back memories of a backpack trip there many years ago. The shoes themselves have a combo look of sturdy, breathable and comfortable. They look well designed with aggressive traction and even balanced ideally placed mesh panels. All materials and construction appear to be of high quality and well executed.

READING THE INSTRUCTIONS

No user manual on this one. Phew plug and play, this might be highly engineered and manufactured gear but no instructions needed.

This is a good place to go into a little more detail about the insoles though. I always thought insoles were kinda boring when compared to the shoe itself but recently I have begun to think differently. Oboz puts some emphasis on this too pointing to their proprietary O Fit Insole mentioned earlier. Oboz states that all their footwear is designed and engineered around this insole. That now makes sense to me as it's the first thing the foot makes contact with in the shoe.

The O Fit Insole is made of EVA of three different densities. A medium density is used throughout the insole. High density is used in the heel and arch and low density pads at the ball of the foot and heel. The areas of differing densities can be seen in the photo below. The gray is the low, yellow medium and black high density. Each section has a specific density or combination of densities to suit the needs of that area of the foot. The high impact of the heel and support of the arch gets denser EVA. Low density is located at constant contact areas of the ball of the heel and forefoot for cushioning. Then medium throughout is for support and cushion. I didn't fully appreciate this until I tested Oboz footwear in the past. Then moved onto a different brand of shoe and now back to Oboz again. This naturally leads to the next section of this report.

TRYING IT OUT

Slipping my feet into the Oboz, my feet would say if they could speak aahh. Tightening the laces the shoe feels more secure than snug. The tongue provides enough cushion that I don't feel pressure from the laces in any one spot. The whole shoe comfortably wraps around my foot without any pressure points. The arch support is ample and toe box roomy. I have rather high arches and wide feet at the first toe joints. My heel is nicely cradled and toes flex easily with each step. The Oboz Sawtooth shoes are a very good match for my foot type. The fit is spot on.

SUMMARY

The Oboz Sawtooth II Low hiking shoes are well designed and made. The style yells hiking but is restrained enough to fit in a casual setting. At this point of the series where they excel for me is fit and comfort. The Sawtooth's are some of the most comfortable hiking shoes I have put on. The next area of interest will naturally be out on the hiking trails. There I hope to see how the current fit and comfort translate and withstand outdoor use. Outdoor use also brings to question traction and durability, all things I will discuss in my next report.

This brings my Initial Report to a close. Please check back to see how these shoe fare in two months for my Field Report. I would like to send my appreciation to Oboz Footwear and BackpackGearTest.org for making this test series possible.

Reviews > Footwear > Trail Shoes > Oboz Sawtooth II Low Trail Shoe > Test Report by Michael Pearl