Oboz Sawtooth X Low Waterproof Review

Analysis and Test Results

The Oboz Sawtooth has been around for some time, but this version, the Saw Tooth X Low Waterproof is a largely new shoe. Slightly more rigid than its predecessor, this shoe is still a very compelling choice offering a good combo of water resistance and durability for those who hike in mixed weather conditions – though if you only hike in warm and dry places, you may be better served by a lighter, better ventilated alternative. Whilst the high weight of these shoes may put off those who aim for the lightest possible kit, they are still perfectly manageable – and will certainly feel light if you’re used to hiking in more rigid boots.

Performance Comparison

Traction

The Oboz Sawtooth X Low Waterproof features a chunky in-house sole with a deep thread pattern. This sole provides sure footing and uneven or difficult terrain though, of course and in common with every hiking shoe we’ve assessed, the grip will be far less effective in extremely wet, muddy or icy conditions.

Breathability

The Oboz Sawtooth X Low Waterproof is a sturdily built shoe that benefits from a waterproof membrane. This is all great, but in order to achieve this, something has to give, and in this case, that something is breathability. Now, that isn’t to say that these shoes are not breathable – they certainly are – but they are not as well ventilated as some other models we have assessed. In cooler weather, this won’t be an issue, but hiking in the warmer weather, the difference is apparent. How much of an issue this is really comes down to personal preference – we did not find it to be a deal breaker and wearing a pair of good quality moisture-wicking hiking socks (made from a material like Merino Wool) can make a big difference here. Of course, this works both ways and if you spend a lot of time hiking in colder conditions, then the increased insulation these shoes offer is an absolute bonus and may well mean you can avoid having to switch to heavier, warmer boots until later on in the season.

Ankle Support

These are shoes, so the short answer is that they don’t offer any direct ankle support. Like so many factors in shoe testing, ankle support is a matter of personal preference – some hikers prefer boots whilst others prefer the lower weight and increased mobility you get from shoes. If you do prefer the extra ankle support you get from boots, then Oboz offer a mid-high version of the Sawtooth that will fit the bill.

Arch Support

With a deeply cushioned interior, the Oboz Sawtooth X Low Waterproof offers better arch support than many of its competitors. The difference is subtle, but it’s there. For most hikers, this will be a non-issue, but if you find that you regularly swap out your insoles for something more supportive straight away, then these shoes become an interesting option.

Fit

The Oboz Sawtooth X Low Waterproof are offered in sizes ranging from US 5/UK 2.5/EU 35 through to US 12/UK 9.5/EU 44 in both normal and wide widths. The fit is true to size. Oboz makes a big deal about how the shoe is designed to grip the wearer’s heel in place and this bears out in testing – the shoes feel like they provide a sure footing.

Materials

The Oboz Sawtooth X Low Waterproof uses oiled nubuck leather for most of its upper section, with various synthetic material used in the rest of the shoe. Whilst manufacturers are generally shifting towards synthetic material for hiking footwear – and that’s especially so for very lightweight footwear – there’s still a substantial market for shoes and boots with leather uppers as this is generally considered to be a more durable material than synthetics.

Appearance

Whilst the Oboz Sawtooth X Low Waterproof looks nothing like a traditional hiking boot, it’s also fair to say that it’s not at the cutting edge of shoe design when compared to the offerings from some competitors. The shoes are available in a few different color ways – all fairly neutral. The design makes good use of contrasting textures of different material and, whilst we wouldn’t say it’s particularly remarkable or eye-catching we’d also say that the understated look of these shoes will appeal to a lot of potential buyers.

Durability

Durability is one area where the Oboz Sawtooth X Low Waterproof really shines. The upper is made from durable nubuck leather with an oiled finish that won’t show up stains as readily as suede leather. Extended rubber areas around the toe and heel provide extra durability and the leather even has a rubberized coating in places. The rest of the shoe’s upper section is made from durable synthetics and the sole is made from chunky rubber. In short, these are tough shoes that you can expect to last a very long time. This durability does come with a downside: the shoes are heavy. However, we think there are plenty of hikers who’ll happily trade some weight for shoes as robust as these.

Sustainability

Oboz do not publish any product specific sustainability information, so they don’t state if they use recycled material in their shoes or not. However, in other regards, they have some impressive sustainability credentials: since 2007, they have committed to planting a tree for every pair of shoes sold and claim to have planted over five million since the initiative started. The company has been B Corp certified since 2023, which means that they are meeting and committed to continue meeting a variety of sustainability targets plus they are committed to ensuring circularity in their products – essentially a commitment to ensuring they minimize waste in manufacturing and that the products are recyclable at the end of their life.

Water Resistance

The Oboz Sawtooth X Low is offered in two versions and we are assessing the waterproof version. This features the brand’s in-house breathable waterproof membrane which Oboz call ‘B-Dry’. This does a great job of keeping water out whilst wicking moisture from your feet. As mentioned at the start, the shoe is also offered in a non-waterproof version without this membrane. This version is a bit cheaper, but unless you only hike in very dry places, we’d say it’s absolutely worth spending the little bit extra to get the version with the B-Dry membrane.

Weight

The Oboz Sawtooth X Low Waterproof weights in at 800g/1lb 12oz for a pair. There’s no two ways about it, that’s heavy. The sturdy build of the Sawtooth goes some way towards justifying this weight, but potential buyers should also consider that carrying extra weight in your footwear tires you out faster than carrying the same amount of extra weight in, say, your backpack. However, we do also need some perspective on this: Whilst these Oboz shoes are certainly at the heavier end of the scale in terms of shoes in our round up, there’s also plenty of hiking footwear out there that’s way heavier than these. If you’re used to hiking in B-rated boots, then these Sawtooth X Low shoes will likely feel featherweight by comparison!

Insoles

Oboz makes a big deal about their insoles. Their ‘O FIT’ insoles are, they claim, custom molded to each of their shoes. In use, the insole certainly feels cushioned and comfortable, and we think that most buyers will be perfectly happy with it. Remember, though, that insoles can also be replaced and if you need extra arch support, or if you fall between sizes, then swapping out the insole can be an easy way to make a big difference to the comfort of your shoes.

Break-in Period

The Original Oboz Sawtooth was know for its comfort straight out of the box. The Sawtooth X Low Waterproof that we are assessing here is a whole new design and it is a little stiffer. This means it will absolutely take some time to fully break in. Again, though, it’s worth taking some perspective here: these are not like old-school rigid hiking boots that needed days to break in and after a few shorter walks or wearing the boots around your home of a day or so, most people will be more than happy to take them out for a longer hike.

Lacing System

The Oboz Sawtooth X Low Waterproof uses regular laces. Laces are actually a great way to fine-tune the fit of your shoes and little adjustments to the lacing of your shoes can go a long way towards eliminating rubbing. You can even make bigger adjustments to the fit of your shoes by changing the lacing pattern completely.

Toe Protection

As we’ve seen above, the Oboz Sawtooth X Low Waterproof offers a very rugged build and this extends to the toe protection. The chunky sole extends up at the front and an extra layer of leather also helps reinforce the area around the toe. This won’t give the same level of toe protection as you’d get on more rigid hiking boots, but it will do a great job of helping to prevent stubbed toes should you kick into something or trip on the trail.

Conclusion

The Oboz Sawtooth X Low Waterproof is a good all-round choice for hiking in changeable weather. It offers a good combo of water resistance, breathability and comfort in a very durable package that will certainly give long service. There are two downside: The first is weight. These shoes are definitely heavy! Second, if you hike in warm and dry places, you might be better off with a more ventilated hiking shoe. However, with these limitations in mind, these are still a great option that can often be found at a very attractive price point.