When looking to replace my worn-out Merrells today, I was introduced to OBOZ hiking boots. I like my Merrells but was tempted by the OBOZ. The real proof is out on the trail, which by that time is too late if they are not the right boot.

Does anyone else have experience with OBOZ boots and what are your opinions? I've never been and am still not "keen" on Keens but I was told the OBOZ company was a couple of guys who left Keen and started their own thing

Thanks!

I'd worn Merrell Moabs for three iterations. I finally got tired of the wide toe box. An REI employee suggested OBOZ along with one or two other brands. I bought the OBOZ Sawtooth boots/shoes. They fit my feet better than Merrell. They are tough with good support and traction.

I've been using Oboz Tamarack low cut for about 10 years for hiking local trails (meaning: hilly and rocky). Very comfortable for me and definitely of good quality. These shoes are waterproof, so I never tried them in the boat.

I've been wearing Oboz for several years, both the mid height and the lower shoes. They were first recommended by a sales person at Midwest Mountaineering. They have held up well and are comfortable right from the start. In my experience they have the best arch support of any boot I have ever used. It's nearly equal to the support you get from the better after market supports such as Super Feet.

A Moab user for years I was encouraged to try the Oboz and I can attest both hold up to rocky trails and are good boots. I will be going back to Merrel because I prefer the wider toe box. Some find the Oboz lacing pattern a hassle and I did replace the laces with a Merrel laces making the tightening and loosening process a lot easier.

I've been wearing my OBOZ daily woodsy tennis shoes for about 12 years now spanning multiple pairs. They monkeyed with the lacing system and had some bad reviews of the model I liked , so I picked up a pair of Keens......as soon as they wore out, I went back to OBOZ. The older pairs are still great lawn mowing shoes. Just a well built boot for it's use and price range.

Oboz are quality footwear. They are built very well.
But like any footwear, they have to fit YOU. And that something you just have to try before you buy.
They remind me a lot of Salomon and Asolo. A little narrower and a higher arch support than most, which I like.
But everyone is different.

Build quality is very good. But the fit and feel is all up to the user.

I switched to OBOZ from the Moab because they fit my feet better and are quicker to dry. I still use the first pair of OBOZ I bought as waterproof leather hikers for sloppy spring hiking in the mountains- after ten years the soles are starting to get smooth in spots but the uppers are still solid. Quality gear.
I've used the Sawtooth and more recently the Katabatic on Quetico trips. Sawtooth might be a bit more robust but I prefer the Katabatic as they are much quicker to dry.