#8 on this list
Sawtooth X Mid B-DRY
Oboz
The Oboz Sawtooth X Mid B-DRY bridges the gap between a rugged, high-support leather boot and a flexible day hiker. It is built for hikers who love Oboz's signature supportive arch geometry but find the brand’s heavier Bridger model too stiff and punishing for fast-paced weekend trail outings. The upper combines oiled nubuck leather with Cordura nylon mesh panels, providing solid abrasion resistance while dropping weight and improving forefoot flex. Inside, the proprietary B-DRY membrane seals out moisture from rain-slicked vegetation, muddy tracks, and creek crossings. Underfoot, the Trail Tread rubber outsole features an updated, aggressive lug pattern that grips Tenaciously in loose scree, clay, and damp forest floor duff. Like all Oboz boots, it includes the sculpted O Fit insole, offering arch and heel support that outclasses standard factory footbeds. The trade-offs center around climate suitability. The B-DRY membrane is quite dense, meaning that in warm, dry weather, internal heat and moisture struggle to escape, leading to damp socks by midday. Additionally, while the Sawtooth X is more flexible than the Bridger, the heel cup has significant volume, which can cause slight heel slip for hikers with narrow heels if not laced tightly. **Highlights** - Sculpted O Fit insole provides exceptional out-of-the-box arch support - Trail Tread rubber outsole delivers aggressive traction in loose dirt and mud - Oiled nubuck and Cordura mesh blend durability with forefoot flex - Molded rubber heel counter locks the rearfoot in place - B-DRY membrane effectively seals out standing water and slush **Watch-outs** - Proprietary membrane traps sweat in temperatures over 70 degrees - Wide heel pocket may cause slippage for narrow-footed hikers - Outsole rubber compound can be slick on polished, wet rock
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#9 on this list
Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof
Columbia
The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof is an accessible, budget-conscious boot tailored for beginner hikers, occasional trail walkers, and anyone needing dependable wet-weather traction without spending two hundred dollars. It provides a classic leather aesthetic paired with a lightweight, cushioned feel suitable for moderate trails and everyday winter dog-walking. The upper consists of coated leather, suede, and mesh, backed by Columbia’s proprietary Omni-Tech seam-sealed waterproof construction. On groomed trails, gravel paths, and damp dirt paths, the boot does a fine job of keeping feet dry during sudden downpours or shallow puddle crossings. The lightweight Techlite midsole delivers ample, soft underfoot cushioning that absorbs impact on hard-packed soil, making it comfortable from the very first step with zero break-in time required. The lower price point is reflected in its technical limitations. The Omni-Grip outsole utilizes a relatively hard rubber compound that struggles significantly on wet, polished river rocks, slimy logs, and slick granite. The chassis also lacks torsional stiffness; it twists easily under torque, meaning it does not provide sufficient support if you are carrying a loaded multi-day pack or navigating loose, off-camber scree. Additionally, the Omni-Tech membrane is among the least breathable on this list. **Highlights** - Very accessible price point for budget-minded hikers - Soft Techlite midsole offers comfortable, immediate cushioning - Zero break-in time required - Coated leather upper sheds light rain, mud, and trail grime - Lightweight construction keeps leg fatigue low on easy paths **Watch-outs** - Omni-Grip outsole lacks traction on wet rock slabs and slick roots - Lacks torsional stiffness and stability for heavy loads or rocky trails - Seam-sealed membrane runs hot and clammy during sustained climbs
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Sawtooth X Mid B-DRY | Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Approx. 19.3 oz (547g) per boot | 15.9 oz (452 g) per boot, men's size 9 |
| Upper Material | Oiled nubuck leather and Cordura nylon mesh | PU-coated leather, suede, and mesh |
| Waterproof Tech | B-DRY waterproof breathable membrane | — |
| Footbed | O Fit Insole with sculpted arch support | — |
| Outsole | Trail Tread rubber with multi-directional lugs | Omni-Grip non-marking traction rubber |
| Ankle Cut | Mid-height with padded collar | — |
| Waterproofing | — | Omni-Tech seam-sealed bootie membrane |
| Midsole | — | Techlite lightweight EVA foam |
| Shaft Height | — | Mid-cut ankle collar |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Sawtooth X Mid B-DRY
- Class-leading arch support out of the box with the sculpted O Fit insole
- Exceptional mud, loose dirt, and scree traction from deep Trail Tread lugs
- Tough nubuck and Cordura construction resists severe trail abrasion
- Molded heel counter delivers solid stability under moderate pack loads
- B-DRY membrane runs hot and traps sweat in mild to warm weather
- Hard outsole rubber compound slips on smooth, wet rock slabs
- Generous heel volume can cause slippage for hikers with narrow feet
Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof
- Highly accessible pricing for hikers watching their gear budget
- Pliant upper materials eliminate painful break-in periods
- Lightweight construction prevents premature leg and foot fatigue
- Soft Techlite midsole offers forgiving step-in cushioning on hard pack
- Omni-Grip outsole slips easily on wet river rock and slick logs
- Chassis lacks the torsional stiffness required for heavy packs
- Internal membrane traps excess heat and sweat during summer hikes
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