I’ve been carrying Oboz Footwear climbing boots for the final 6 years, ever since my beloved Montrails obtained discontinued. Considered one of my favourite pairs of Oboz is the Sawtooth II, a lighter-weight, but sturdy climbing shoe that may deal with no matter terrain you encounter, from massive boulders to unfastened scree. It’s even a favourite of mine for walks round my neighborhood.
When Oboz introduced they had been revamping the Sawtooth II for the primary time in a decade, I used to be excited but in addition a bit nervous to see if the brand new technology would truly be an enchancment over what I believed was already a fairly good climbing shoe.
Named the Sawtooth X to have fun their 10-year anniversary, the Bearfoot Concept staff and I’ve been testing out the totally different fashions of Oboz’s latest Sawtooth climbing boot for the final 6 weeks and we’re completely happy to seek out that the Sawtooth X has all the options of the Sawtooth II and extra!
On this Sawtooth X overview, we share our staff’s collective ideas on Oboz’s latest climbing boots and their consolation, performance, sturdiness, and extra.
You should definitely enter our giveaway on the backside to win a model new pair of Oboz Sawtooth X climbing boots for your self!
The New Oboz Sawtooth X
The Oboz Sawtooth X are available each males’s and ladies’s mannequin and a low or mid model in each waterproof and non-waterproof in quite a lot of colours. The mid non-waterproof model can be accessible later this summer season.
We’ve hiked within the waterproof low, the non-waterproof low, and the waterproof mid-ankle variations and share our full overview under.
Sawtooth X Match & Really feel
The very first thing we love concerning the Sawtooth X climbing boots is that they’re comfy proper off the bat and don’t require any break in interval. Every of us was in a position to lace these up and head proper out the door for a hike with none chafing, discomfort, or blisters. We instantly discovered them to be very sturdy feeling with out being too stiff.
I personally examined the Waterproof Sawtooth X Low and observed a distinction straight away from the Sawtooth II. I observed there was good cushioning across the ankle which I actually respect – there is no such thing as a bizarre rubbing no matter how I transfer and flex my ft.
I’ve a slender ankle and a wider forefoot, and my foot feels pretty comfortable and supported in place in these climbing sneakers with out being constricted. I additionally discovered that I’ve sufficient wiggle room within the toe space to accommodate swelling which is at all times essential. My ft additionally really feel supported by the insole which Oboz is thought for – their proprietary O FIT insole is an enormous a part of what makes these climbing sneakers so comfy.
The longest hike I’ve been on thus far within the Sawtooth X climbing sneakers is 9 miles. I haven’t skilled any fatigue, discomfort, or blisters which is large.
My solely want is that the highest of the low model shoe hit only a millimeter or two greater on my ankle. Sometimes on steep uphills, I discover my heel slipping ever so barely, possible as a result of my slender ankles. I’ve addressed this challenge by drawing the laces by way of the extra loop and ensuring they’re pulled tight.
BFT staff member Linda has been testing the non-waterproof Sawtooth X Low. She lives in Baja California and wished one thing extra breathable for climbing in scorching climates. Linda has a flat, extensive foot and whereas some climbing boots she’s tried have been somewhat on the slender facet, the Sawtooth X had been completely comfy, hanging simply the appropriate steadiness between spaciousness and the snugness wanted to be supportive. She didn’t discover the heel slippage that I skilled, possible as a result of variations within the width of our heels and ankles.
Courtney, one other BFT staff member, has been carrying the Waterproof Mid-Ankle Sawtooth X and loves the additional ankle help for an added layer of security on the path. As a full-time van lifer who usually hikes in diverse terrain from desert to mountains to forests, she prefers an “all-in-one” climbing boot that’s versatile sufficient for day hikes, backpacking journeys, moist climate, and all kinds of topography, and the waterproof mid-ankle Sawtooth X delivers.
The upper ankle offers agency ankle help with out feeling constrictive or shedding vary of movement. Courtney likes the additional comfortable cushioning across the ankle, which suggests no rubbing or soreness after carrying these boots. She has a slender foot and excessive arch and typically has to make use of insoles in climbing boots for added arch help. After carrying the Sawtooth X on two longer hikes, she’s not had any foot ache and hasn’t wanted insoles.
Sawtooth X Efficiency & Sturdiness
Like many different Oboz climbing boots, the Sawtooth X is made with a mix of leather-based and further sturdy but breathable CORDURA cloth, and the laces and webbing are product of recycled PET polyester.
Whereas we’ve solely had these for six weeks, I can really feel how sturdy they’re and mine don’t present any scuffs or put on but. In the event that they’re something like my outdated Sawtooth IIs, they’ll final a very long time. I’ve simply obtained a pair hundred miles on my Sawtooth IIs, and the only real surprisingly nonetheless has some tread left. I’ve additionally discovered my Oboz Bridger and Oboz Sypes to be actually sturdy in comparison with different manufacturers that lose tread after just some months, incomes them each spots on our finest ladies’s climbing boots listing.
I anticipate these Sawtooth X climbing sneakers to be no totally different than my expertise with different Oboz fashions and am excited to take them on many extra adventures.
Sawtooth X Traction
The tread on the Oboz Sawtooth X has deep grooves and directional lugs that present stable traction and makes me really feel sure-footed when climbing. Right here in Utah, I wore these on a hike as much as Lake Blanche, a steep path that has over 2,800 ft of elevation achieve with a number of rocky areas and massive steps. I discovered the Sawtooth X to be tremendous grippy and safe, even on the looser scree. For essentially the most half, I couldn’t really feel the rocks by way of the soles which lowered fatigue on this longer hike.
Whereas we haven’t had an opportunity to check these climbing boots out within the rain or in muddy situations but, we will inform that the aggressive tread on the Sawtooth X will deal with these situations with no downside.
Sawtooth X Breathability
As anticipated, the non-waterproof Sawtooth X climbing sneakers are noticeably extra breathable than the waterproof variations. BFT Group Member Linda has been carrying her non-waterproof low Sawtooth X for hikes in Baja California and located them to be actually comfy even in scorching climate. The breathability is noticeable and prevents her ft from getting too sweaty whereas additionally serving to her keep a bit cooler general.
I personally have been carrying the waterproof model in Utah. After an extended scorching hike, my ft do get sweaty. Nevertheless, I choose the flexibility of the waterproof model and am prepared to sacrifice a little bit of breathability for a shoe that I do know will preserve my foot dry if I encounter rain or moist and muddy trails within the mountains.
The place to Purchase the Oboz Sawtooth X
Proper now, the Oboz Sawtooth X can be found immediately by way of Oboz Footwear’s web site in addition to at REI. They arrive in each males’s and ladies’s and a low or mid model in each waterproof and non-waterproof in quite a lot of colours. The mid non-waterproof model can be accessible later this summer season.
Listed here are the present accessible fashions and colours.
Oboz Sawtooth X Mountaineering Boot Giveaway
Do you will have any questions concerning the Oboz Sawtooth X? Have you ever tried them out your self? Depart a remark under!
