Oboz

Sapphire Mid B-Dry Hiking Boot - Wide - Women's

Terrible fit and lousy quality

This is what happens when private equity (CSC Generation Enterprise purchased Back Country) buys out a company -- the quality of everything goes down to make the company "profitable." I'm guessing everything is junk now and I would have no confidence in anything on this site. I own other Oboz hiking boots and these are nothing like those in terms of quality. The sizing was ridiculously small and narrow -- not wide or a 6.5. Private equity is ruining our country.

Defective shoe

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

9.5

This is my second version of this boot. My first pair lasted years, and I absolutely loved them. I wore these new boots for a long weekend of hiking (30+ miles) with no problems. No break-in required. Next, the day before starting a two-week backpacking trip in Europe, I experienced terrible right Achilles pain. On closer examination, the inside back of the right shoe above the heel was not completely smooth and was rubbing against my Achilles, causing a lump to develop. I was fortunate enough to be near outdoor goods stores when this happened. I bought another pair of hiking shoes and started the backpacking trip the next day. I was forced to abandon these boots due to the extra and useless weight. It was such a bummer to leave them behind, but I couldn’t wear them without pain.

Cute, but flimsy!

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

These are great if you want to LOOK like you go hiking, but they are too light-duty for the actual activity. I bought these hoping for a decent hiking boot for day hikes and the occasional weekend trip. They look well-made, but the leather and sides are flimsy - they don't have nearly enough ankle and side support for a mid-rise hiking boot. If you want to "hike" on groomed and paved paths with these they'd be great, but I'm not even going to bother with them on an actual trail. Back they go!

Comfy and cute

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought:

8.5W

Height:

5' 3.5"

Weight:

138

This is the 4th pair that I have owned. Absolutely LOVE them. After bunion and toe surgeries I need a wide toe box, and these come in a wide width. They are very comfortable all around and the huckleberry and pink colors are anything but boring. I like the mid rise, but would like it if they were available low cut as well.