Oboz Women's Katabatic Low B-Dry Waterproof Hiking Shoe Review
The Oboz Women's Katabatic Low B-Dry Waterproof Hiking Shoe is designed for those who seek speed without compromising on comfort or support. Constructed with a lightweight midsole and an innovative B-DRY waterproof membrane, this shoe ensures that your feet remain dry and comfortable even during long hikes or wet conditions.
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Features
- O FIT Insole: Proprietary insole molded for superior fit and performance.
- Upper Material: Abrasion-resistant breathable mesh combined with a B-DRY waterproof membrane.
- Lightweight Design: Constructed with reinforced TPU overlays for added protection while reducing weight.
- High Rebound EVA: For enhanced comfort and energy return.
- ESS Plate: Provides underfoot protection and tuned stiffness.
- B-DRY Technology: Keeps moisture out while allowing sweat to escape.
Pros
- Exceptional breathability and waterproofing.
- Lightweight design enhances agility on trails.
- Proprietary insole offers unmatched comfort and support.
- Durable materials ensure longevity.
- Great traction with trail tread rubber compound.
Cons
- May take time to break in for some users.
- Fit may not accommodate wider feet comfortably.
- Price point is higher than basic hiking shoes.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Oboz Katabatic | Merrell Moab 2 | Salomon X Ultra 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes (B-DRY) | Yes (M Select Dry) | Yes (GORE-TEX) |
| Weight | Lightweight | Medium | Lightweight |
| Insole Comfort | O FIT Insole | Molded EVA | Ortholite |
| Traction | Trail Tread Rubber | Vibram | Contagrip |
Detailed Review
The Oboz Women's Katabatic Low B-Dry Waterproof Hiking Shoe excels in numerous categories:
Comfort: The proprietary O FIT insole is a game changer, offering tailored comfort that feels custom-made for your foot shape. The high-rebound EVA material ensures your feet stay energized throughout your hike.
Breathability and Waterproofing: With the B-DRY waterproof membrane, these shoes strike a balance between keeping water out and allowing sweat to escape. This feature is particularly beneficial when hiking in humid or varying weather conditions.
Durability and Protection: The combination of abrasion-resistant materials and reinforced TPU overlays means you won't have to worry about wear and tear, even on rugged trails.
Performance: Designed for light and fast travel, the shoe provides excellent stability and support, allowing you to focus on the trail rather than your feet. The tread pattern offers reliable grip, enhancing your confidence on uneven terrain.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Excellent cushioning and fit, ideal for long hikes. |
| Breathability | 8/10 | Good breathability but may feel warm in hot conditions. |
| Durability | 9/10 | Sturdy construction with high-quality materials. |
| Performance | 8/10 | Fast and responsive, great for varied terrains. |
| Value for Money | 7/10 | Higher price point, but justified by quality. |
User Reviews
I bought this shoe for lighter hikes, thinking the fit would be the same as the mid-height boot version, which I have and love. Sadly, the cut is not the same. On the boot version, the outer sides of the toe box go up straighter toward the front of the boot, giving more room for the last two toes. But on the shoe version, the outer sides of the toe box start making an inward curve toward the front of the shoe, starting at the level of the little toe. This doesn't give the toes as much room and, for me, causes corns to form on the inside of my little toe. I was disappointed to realize this shoe isn't cut the same as the boot and had to return them because of the fit. However, if this toe box shape is not a problem for your feet, I can highly recommend them. They are very well made, light weight and extremely comfortable.
Loved these for about 6 wet/ muddy hikes, then on my last hike in wet grass the shoe became damp on the inside... was not overtopped, just waterproofing already starting to fail.
The right shoe pinches right below my ankle-seems defective. Wore to an event where I was on my feet several hours...couldn't wait to get home and take them off. Disappointing considering the cost. And can't see hiking in them. Really a bad purchase. Not able to return after wearing without being subject to a 50% restock fee. Waste of money.