Trail and Scramble Shoes

Oboz Sawtooth Low Walking Shoes | Review

If you’re after a great all-round outdoor shoe suitable for hiking, get yourself a pair of the Oboz Sawtooth Low walking shoes

Oboz has only existed as a brand for 10 years, but the crew who came together and founded the company in 2007 were all industry veterans with decades of footwear design experience between them. The head honcho, John Connelly, likes to joke that he “had to start his own footwear company because he’d already worked for all the other ones”.

The brand, which prides itself on its roots in Bozeman, Montana (the name comes from combining “outside” and “Bozeman”) is still small, but growing every year, with its shoes picking up an ever-increasing number of accolades along the way.

The Sawtooth Low is Oboz’ best-selling shoe, thanks to its combination of robust construction, comfort and versatility – all at a reasonable price. Slip a pair of these on and you’ll notice immediately how comfy they are. The ‘O-Fit’ insole has different densities of EVA strategically positioned to provide support for your foot.

““The Sawtooth Low is Oboz’ best-selling shoe, thanks to its combination of robust construction, comfort and versatility – all at a reasonable price.””

Even if you don’t notice it straight away, when you start walking (and sweating) into these on a regular basis you’ll appreciate the moisture-wicking top layer on the insole and the fabric sections of the upper, which improve the shoe’s breathability.

Oboz have balanced the need to keep your feet cool carefully with the need to keep them well-supported, with the Nubuck leather struts of the upper keeping your feet locked into place and protecting them on the trail.

The Sawtooth Low is Oboz’ best-selling shoe. Photo: Chris Johnson.

The ‘O-Fit’ insole in the Sawtooth has different densities of EVA, positioned to provide support. Photo: Chris Johnson.

The Sawtooth shoes feel solid underfoot. Photo: Chris Johnson.

The deep tread on the Sawtooth offers excellent traction while also shedding mud easily. Photo: Chris Johnson.

It’s the sole where the Sawtooth really comes into its own however. The deep tread offers excellent traction while also shedding mud easily. The rubber has been placed strategically so it’s only featured where needed, which helps keep the weight of the shoes down. The sidewall lugs help grip when you’re walking across off-camber trails.

Hiking on muddy paths in the Peak District, our team was impressed with the way these shoes held the trail – they just feel solid and chunky underfoot. Obviously they’re a bit beefier than the sort of shoe you’d usually go trail-running in, but if you’re after a great all-round outdoor shoe suitable for hiking, scrambling or trekking, this Montana-made model is well worth a look.