Wearing a great pair of hiking boots is the next best thing to owning a perfectly dialed-in overlanding vehicle. 

They’re both essential for adventure travel. I’ve worn many makes and models of hiking shoes with a variety of results. My latest testers are women’s Oboz Sawtooth X Low Hiking Boots. Although this rugged set of hikers aren’t waterproof, they’ve got gobs of miles on them.

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Image: Andy Lilienthal

They have proven their worth when worn over several trips. This included the 16-day, nine-country 2024 Baltic Circle Sea Rally when I competed in the event with my husband, Andy Lilienthal, piloting an all-electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz van.

Oboz is based in Bozeman, Montana. The name Oboz comes from a combination of Outside + Bozeman. Bozeman is enveloped by the Bridger Mountains as well as countless hiking trails, rivers, and other overland-related opportunities. It’s the perfect place to explore the outdoors and design hiking boots.

 

Oboz Sawtooth X Low Hiking Boot Specs
The Oboz Sawtooth X Low Hiking Boots have been around for a while, but needed a refresh. So, after 10 years, the company revamped its popular model’s styling and improved its strength, traction, and comfort.

Oboz features a proprietary rubberized EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) that can change to different terrain. EVA is an elastomeric (naturally stretchy) polymer that produces “rubber-like” materials for soles. Oboz uses this to provide users with a greater level of efficiency and a softer heel strike landing area.

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Image: Mercedes Lilienthal

Oboz states its most-tested rubber compound boasts, “superior slip-resistance, enhanced durability, and improved elongation and tensile strength.” I can attest to its grippy sole. No matter if I climbed up slippery beach rocks in Maine or the moss-covered grounds my home state of Oregon offers, the Oboz Sawtooth X Low Hiking Boot kept me surefooted and planted.

They didn’t feel stiff when hiking nor feel unnatural. However, the lug patterns are oversized, and on occasion, I’d have to fish out a small stone from them as it’d get wedged between them.

The Oboz Sawtooth X Low Hiking Boot insole is molded to match the specific shape and material assemblance of each boot. This helps to create their version of an ideal fit. The length runs true to size and features a generous toe box, and gripping heel cup.

The women’s Sawtooth X Low Hiking Boot has a leather upper with 30% recycled polyester mesh. It also showcases 100% recycled polyester laces and webbing. The laces are thin and stay tight, even after an entire day of strenuous activities. The Oboz Sawtooth X Low Hiking Boot comes in at 13.6 ounces and feels light on your feet.

 

Why Get Oboz Sawtooth X Low Hiking Boots?
I’m not a stranger to Oboz hiking boots. I’ve purchased the brand’s Bridger Mid Hiking Boot and liked them so much so that I bought another pair of them for waterproof duties. However, I needed a low pair of hikers that had less bulk, had less weight, and were good quality for worldwide travel.

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Image: Andy Lilienthal

I wore my first pair of Oboz all over the globe. From off-roading INEOS Grenadier prototypes in France and tramping in Iceland to climbing Moab, Utah’s red rocks during Easter Jeep Safari, to running through the Arctic tundra while competing in the Alcan 5000 Rally, my steadfast Oboz Bridger Mids have covered thousands of miles without major issue. They’ve only suffered cosmetic problems, like morphing from its original cool gray color to dirt or the soles wearing thin that the tips are splitting.

 

Sawtooth X Low Hiking Boot Impressions
Though my Oboz Sawtooth X Low Hiking Boots haven’t seen that many miles yet, they’ve covered hundreds of miles in a variety of terrain and haven’t given me any grief.

My test pair arrived in the Drizzle color, a similar colorway to the Frostgray Bridger Mids I own, and hence are showing the same discoloration. But hey, chalk it up to earned battle scars of mud, dirt, grass, and other terrain you’ve encountered.

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Image: Mercedes Lilienthal

My feet are wide and thankfully, the Sawtooth X Low Hiking Boots come in regular and wide widths. The toe box has ample space for walking, hiking, and easy climbing. They are comfortable, lightweight, and look good. However, the tongue is large, thick, and feels a bit oversized for the shoe’s design. Though I’d prefer too much cushion than not enough.

Oboz’s proprietary insoles are molded to match each shoe’s width and length. While designed for everyday hiking, they’re cushy enough for multi-day backpacking treks, too. However, I swapped out the supplied insoles for a set of high-arch Superfeet insoles.

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Image: Andy Lilienthal

The Oboz Sawtooth X Low Hiking Boots feel well made, durable, and have outstanding sole grip. I appreciate the change in lace design, too, so I don’t have to double-tie them (when compared to my Bridger Mids).

The Oboz Sawtooth X Low Hiking Boots pack well and aren’t showing any signs of wear. They’d make a great pair for anyone looking for a long-lasting, comfortable hiking boot that can keep you surefooted in most types of terrain.

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Image: Andy Lilienthal

Additionally, Oboz plants a tree for every pair of boots they sell. To date, they’ve planted over six million trees, including mine. Oboz are backed by a limited one-year warranty against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. They are sold online and at major retailers.

 

Women’s Oboz Sawtooth X Low Hiking Boots
Price: $140.00

 

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