My feet fit perfectly in every 8.5 shoe and boot I’ve ever bought. I bought a size up and these are just to tight. I was hoping to wear them in, but unlike other boots I’ve purchased, these do not conform to your foot and get better with time. My feet hurt for days after hiking in these boots. I wanted to like these and make them work. I’ve given them a hundred plus miles a little at a time hoping I could break them In because I can’t afford to buy boots twice a year.
I bought these two weeks ago and already the stitching is coming apart where the laces rub on the tongue. Another unfortunate thing is they started out waterproof but after a week of wear they lost their waterproofing and I had wet feet on my hikes this last week.
So far I have worn these boots on multiple long hikes in New Zealand and have loved them!! Just need to take them out backpacking for a real test, but from how they have performed so far I bet they will hold up great!
I am writing this after six years with these. They have been good boots and have lasted longer than I ever thought they would. The reason I don't give five stars is because they never were waterproof. Few of this type of boot ever is. Just walking through wet grass would get the instep wet and it would soak through.
I have owned two pairs of these boots over the few years.
I've been an REI member for 45 years and this was my worst purchase. I just finished returning them after one backpack trip because the books leaked and got my socks soaked and the rubber in the front of one boot separated from the top. They were supposed to be waterproof. It nearly ruined my trip. I'd take this one off the shelf until Oboz can resolve some quality control issues
I liked the boots but had to stop wearing them as they are a very narrow fit. A word of caution, if you have an extremely high arch you might have difficulty getting the boots on easily! I solved this by cutting the gusseting on each side of the tongue which did not detract from the stability of the boots.
Boots felt good when I first put them on but after waking in the for about 15 minutes the mid-grommet on the outside of the left boot started rubbing lateral malleolus. I tried to adjust the lacing but I could not correct the issue. I compare the grommet placement to a pair of Sawthooth boot I've had of years. The grommets on the Sawtooth are place in a better location and has much better padding. I'm going to try a bridger.
My Disclaimer:
Bought these in store, wore them at home hoping they'd stretch out, they didn't so I returned them for a refund. Easy Peasy! Great Boots just didn't fit right. I ended up buying the Oboz Sawtooth and love them so far!
I got these boots during a closeout 50% off. These are a Great Deal.
Bought these nearly a year ago after my 15 year old pair of REI leather boots finally cracked all the way open. The Oboz are really comfortable, much lighter than my old pair. The fit is great. Had a couple of hotspots on the first couple hikes but now they’re broken in. Construction is solid, very sturdy.
These boots are some of the most comfortable I’ve owned in recent years.
Having recently developed foot and ankle issues/injuries I decided to wear boots again vs. trail running shoes (Solomon preferred) which have been great choices in my backpacking until foot and ankle issues developed. My first trip in the Oboz Wind River III was a rain soaked and muddy Teton Crest Trail 35 miler. Boy was I glad to be wearing these boots. Stability is excellent. While not nearly as light weight as trail running shoes, these Oboz were properly weighted for the heavier duty work they do. In terms of stability I honestly feel like my ankle and foot issues disappeared after wearing these for 5 days. They have wide base and nicely fit my arch and are snug but not uncomfortable. Easy to tie and easy to take off. If you are looking for ankle support for rougher terrain in bad weather the Wind River III does the job nicely. Mel
I really wanted these to work for me. I have wide feet, and even sizing up, I found these boots squeezed my feet hard through the outside of my arch area. That being said, I liked the heel lock tech, and the boot felt good and stable. Plenty of ankle support too. They were very hot though: WP membrane and leather is not particularly breathable.
these are awesome boots very well made and very supportive, unfortunately for me they are just a little too narrow and tight, with all but the thinnest socks. they are not made in a wide width. the length is the same as I wear in a sneaker size 12. if you don't have a wider foot, you should be pleased with the fit. excellent value on sale
Was using Vasque but they wore out, new model didn't fit right, tried these and am very very pleased. Snug but not too tight, solid in scree and loose surface, waterproof works fine. Using in Chattahoochee of GA and Blue Ridge of NC (Black Balsam Knob etc) ...
just recently purchased the Wind River III Mid WP (comfortable boot) to replace the Firebrand II Low WP (500 Miles in 8 months and wore thru the heal), the Wind River sole looks beefier and hopefully last longer.
I have had 3 pairs of Oboz trail shoes that have worked fine for me, so I decided to try some boots. Unfortunately, the boots were too tight around my toes even though my feet are not very wide. I returned them.
Got these on crazy sale 50% off or something. Wore them all through Iceland. Kept my feet dry and ankles supported. Only time my feet hurt was driving oddly enough. Very comfy boots out of the box.
A rock solid boot! My first two hikes with these new boots were on very rocky trails. Not to be a complaint but give a little extra time to break in this boot.
The boots feel great, don't get too hot, seem to be totally waterproof so far, and grip fine.
Fit like a glove (shut up). Felt like they were broken in from day one. Great ankle support.
I have a narrow foot and the Wind River is the best fitting boot out of the box.
Comfort and support for those long medium difficult hiking adventures.
Great hikers. Wear them for work and hiking. Highly recommended
Great hiking boot. Stiff ankle witch I like. Waterproof
NeedHelpHiking
Will these work with Black Diamond or Petzel strap on crampons
These boots are not recommended for use with traditional mountaineering crampons. Traction devices such as the Hillsound Trail Crampons are a better choice.