Oboz Bridger BDry Hiking Boot Review

Why we like it With a sturdy leather upper and above-average support, the Bridger BDry delivers more than ample protection for on- and off-trail adventures and long days with a heavy pack.

Protection and support Our tester hauled his 50-pound pack over dicey High Peaks terrain in the Adirondacks, and the Bridger was up to the task. Support comes from the board-lasted EVA midsole, a -length nylon shank, and an internal hard-plastic frame under the midfoot and arch. Thick all-leather uppers and a tall rubber rand wrap around the toe and heel and easily deflect branches, stones, thorns, and other debris. 

Traction The deep, 4-mm lugs grip well in most terrain and proved durable after six months of pummelling. But one tester lamented the rounded heels and the lack of a pronounced heel brake, which caused some downhill slipping.

Fit “These boots felt a bit snug at first, but after a couple of days of break-in, the leather stretched and conformed to my feet,” one tester says. 

Fave feature Oboz’s deluxe footbeds are a perennial hit with testers because they cushion and support the foot—particularly the arch—better than most stock footbeds, thanks to two densities of EVA and extra PU pods beneath the heel and forefoot. 

$160; 2 lbs. 6 oz.; m’s 8-14, w’s 6-11; obozfootwear.com