Oboz Firebrand II Low B-Dry Lilac 9 B (M) Review
The Oboz Firebrand II Low B-Dry in a striking lilac color is not just a pretty sight; it's a combination of style, functionality, and comfort tailored especially for hikers. These women-specific shoes are designed to tackle various terrains while ensuring your feet remain comfortable and protected throughout your journey.
Crafted with a durable leather and air-mesh upper, these shoes provide excellent breathability without compromising on toughness. The attention to detail is evident, especially in features like the molded rubber toe cap that shields your feet from potential impacts from rocks and roots along the trail.
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Features
- O FIT Insole: Proprietary design that contours perfectly to your foot for unmatched fit and performance.
- Upper: Leather and abrasion-resistant mesh for durability and protection.
- Sawtooth Midsole: Dual-density EVA for cushioning and stability, coupled with a nylon shank for added support.
- Sawtooth Outsole: Versatile and flexible with a design inspired by the Sawtooth mountain range.
- B-DRY Waterproof/Breathable: Innovative system that allows moisture inside to escape while keeping water out.
Pros
- Stylish design suitable for both hiking and casual wear.
- Excellent cushioning and support for long treks.
- Waterproof feature keeps feet dry in various conditions.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting use.
- Lightweight profile enhances comfort during extended wear.
Cons
- May take some time to break in for optimal comfort.
- Available only in limited color options.
- Price point may be higher than budget alternatives.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Oboz Firebrand II Low B-Dry | Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator | SALOMON X Ultra 3 GTX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing | B-DRY Waterproof/Breathable | No | GORE-TEX |
| Insole Technology | O FIT Insole | Ortholite | Premium Ortholite |
| Midsole Material | Dual-density EVA | EVA | EnergyCell |
| Toe Protection | Molded rubber toe cap | Protection cap | Mud guard |
Detailed Review
Comfort: The dual-density EVA midsole excels in providing cushioning and stability, making every step feel light and supported. The O FIT insole molds to your foot’s unique shape, enhancing overall comfort.
Traction: The Sawtooth outsole is designed for versatility, offering great grip on both wet and dry surfaces. This is particularly beneficial when navigating rocky trails or muddy paths.
Waterproofing: The B-DRY system truly shines here, allowing your feet to breathe while keeping out rainwater or puddles you might encounter on your hike. Many users report dry feet even after trekking through wet conditions.
Durability: The combination of leather and abrasion-resistant mesh means these shoes are built to last. They can withstand the rigors of multiple hikes without showing significant wear.
Style: With their sleek design and eye-catching lilac color, these shoes transition seamlessly from the trail to casual outings, proving they aren't just functional but also fashionable.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptionally comfortable with great cushioning, ideal for long hikes. |
| Traction | 8/10 | Solid grip across various terrains, though some slick surfaces may require caution. |
| Waterproofing | 9/10 | Effectively keeps moisture out while allowing breathability. |
| Durability | 9/10 | Built to endure; high-quality materials resist wear and tear. |
| Style | 8/10 | Trendy design that works for both outdoor and casual settings. |
User Reviews
Excellent shoe for hiking and rough terrainThis is my second pairVery comfortable and the fit is true to size. I wear a size 8.5 and this 8.5 was a perfect fit
I wear a 7 1/2 N in a regular shoe medium cotton sock and had perfect fit. I have worn these daily (2+ hours) and really liked them. This summer, with the wet grass on trails and rain, I left them in sun to dry several times and maybe the heat made my feet swell a little bit-- so now in August they are uncomfortable--so I recommend ordering 1/2 size larger so toes do not feel cramped. I now need to wear thin socks. Hope this helps others in their purchase. My shoes have held up great. Red bugs can penetrate the tiny ventilation holes in the sides. The shoes are very well made.Update 11/27/2023 I have worn these about 4-5 hours daily, walk about 2 miles in the woods. The rubber part of the bottom is now peeling off. I am not willing to invest $140-160.00 a pair for future purpose. I expected them to last up to 2 years or longer.
So comfortable. Best hiking shoe out there. As a Coloradoan who hikes a lot, and has been through dozens of different types of hikers, these are my favorite.
The shoes looked nice and were made well but they killed the balls of my feet and toes.
These are the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever had . It fits my foot perfect . It has a stable bottom and formed foot bed with no uncomfortable memery foam !I wear them all day long . They look great too . Med weight . Definitely recommend these Oboz Firebrand hikers .( I am 50 yrs old , with a normal width foot .)
Unless you know exactly what size you need, DO NOT ORDER from this company! I was super excited to order this shoe, but when it arrived the fit was a little too large. I was hoping to return and exchange them for a different pair BUT the company charges a RETURN FEE and NO EXCHANGES. It is hard to know exactly what size you need and I find it really disappointing that this company charges you for returning items. It is very misleading that they advertise free shipping and returns when it will cost you to return an item if you are not a Prime member.As for the shoe....it is beefy and well made. I do a ton of hiking in some thick back country and this shoe definitely would have got the job done. A very solid shoe but a bit heavy and not ventilated as much as I would like. It also ran a little big...too big to keep. I would say it is totally worth a try because it is so well made BUT ORDER FROM A DIFFERENT COMPANY THAT WILL LET YOU FIND YOUR PERFECT SIZE!
Really happy with this shoe. Comfortable for my narrower foot and high arch. Great support and doesn’t bang against my lateral malleolus.
I bought theseShoes for multii day backpacking. First of all I love the rugged look of them. In addition they are very light and fit true to their size I wear a seven and a seven fits perfect I would wear thin socks with them I like the fit. There is no way to get a blister on your heel. There seems to be adequate space in the toebox and the arch is adequate. I do feel like the shoe is a little stiff. In addition, I developed a tender spot on my instep. I would certainly recommend these shoes for backpacking and hiking