Sawtooth X Low

The Oboz Sawtooth X Low serves hikers who prefer the mobility of a low-cut shoe but refuse to sacrifice the armored support of a traditional mountain boot. Built around oiled nubuck leather and high-abrasion Cordura mesh, the upper is reinforced with a burly molded rubber toe cap and a structured heel counter. Inside, Oboz fits its proprietary O FIT Insole, delivering sculpted arch support that immediately separates this shoe from typical trail runners with paper-thin factory footbeds.

On rocky terrain, the underfoot chassis proves stiff and remarkably protective. A dual-density ACT EVA midsole and embedded nylon shank isolate feet from sharp granite and root strikes, significantly reducing fatigue under a loaded pack. The Trail Tread outsole features aggressive, multidirectional perimeter lugs that bite securely into loose scree and soft loam, though the harder rubber compound can feel slick on wet, polished river rock.

At over two pounds per pair, these are notably heavier and stiffer out of the box than modern mesh hikers, requiring a modest break-in period before feeling natural. However, they outlast lighter trail runners by hundreds of miles. For hikers seeking a durable, supportive alternative to the Merrell Moab 3 or Keen Targhee without jumping to a full mid-top boot, the Sawtooth X Low remains a premier workhorse.