The Oboz Sawtooth X Mid is the boot most hikers in the eastern United States walk past at the outfitter because the brand is less visible than Salomon, Merrell, or Keen. After six months and 145 hours of trail time across the Berkshires and the Catskills, my conclusion is that this is one of the most quietly overachieving three-season hiking mids in the $175 price tier.
Why you should trust this review
I bought this pair at retail in fall 2025 through a regional co-op. Oboz had no editorial input and provided no sample. I have rotated through nine waterproof mid-cut hikers in the last four years, so the comparison set here includes the major brands at this price point.
How we tested the Sawtooth X Mid
- 145 hours across 24 trail outings.
- Pack weights from 12 to 28 pounds.
- 11 stream and bog crossings to gauge B-DRY membrane.
- Side-by-side comfort comparison against Merrell Moab 3 with both stock footbeds and the Oboz O Fit Insole installed in each.
- Outsole grip check on wet roots, wet rock, and loose dirt slopes.
- Cold-weather testing at 26-40 degrees.
Our broader testing approach is on our methodology page.
Who should buy the Sawtooth X Mid
Buy if you want a substantive leather mid with a quality stock footbed, hike on graded trail with a daypack or light overnight load, and value brand independence over big-name marketing. Skip if you prioritize light weight, you have a very narrow heel, or you need top-tier wet-rock traction.
Footbed: the underrated headline feature
The O Fit Insole is the most supportive stock footbed we have tested across this category. Most hiking boots ship with a thin EVA pad that hikers immediately replace with Superfeet or Sole. The Sawtooth X works well from the box, which is a real value. On a 12-mile day my arches felt better than in any of the boots I had recently rotated through.
Waterproofing: B-DRY holds its own
Through 11 crossings the B-DRY liner held without leaks. Breathability is comparable to Gore-Tex on cool days and slightly worse in summer heat. The leather upper sheds water well after a fresh treatment, which I recommend at the 75-hour mark.
Traction: dependable, not class-leading
The Oboz True Tread outsole grips well on dirt and dry rock, and adequately on wet rock. On the wet-granite slab test, the Sawtooth X held a stance for about six seconds before slipping, where my Vasque Breeze AT (Megagrip) held indefinitely. For most non-technical trail use, the True Tread is plenty.
Ankle support: better than the price suggests
The nylon shank stiffens the rear chassis enough to handle a 28-pound pack on rocky terrain without the cuff folding. The Sawtooth X is closer to a backpacking-light hiker than a true heavy-pack boot, which is the right balance for most three-season hikers.
Durability: 145 hours and looking healthy
The nubuck upper shows expected scuffing on the toe rand, but no delamination. The True Tread lugs have rounded slightly without chunking. The O Fit Insole has compressed minimally and remains functional. The expected lifespan based on the wear pattern is in the 700-1,000 mile range.
Value verdict
At $175 the Sawtooth X Mid is a strong three-season pick that is genuinely underrated. The included footbed, dependable membrane, and substantial upper combine into a boot that punches well above its price band. The brand may be harder to find than Salomon or Merrell, but the value is real.
Oboz Sawtooth X Mid Waterproof vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Footbed | Best for | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oboz Sawtooth X Mid | ★★★★☆ 4.2 | O Fit Insole | Three-season hiking | $175 | Recommended |
| Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | Standard EVA | Faster day hikes | $165 | Top Pick |
| Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof | ★★★★☆ 4.2 | Standard EVA | Beginners, wide feet | $145 | Best Budget |
| Cheap big-box waterproof boot | ★★★☆☆ 2.6 | Generic foam | Light flat walks | $75 | Skip |
Full specifications
| Upper | Nubuck leather + textile |
| Liner | B-DRY waterproof breathable |
| Midsole | EVA with nylon shank |
| Outsole | Oboz True Tread |
| Lug depth | 5 mm |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Weight (US M9 pair) | 1,260 g |
| Cuff | Mid |
| Footbed | O Fit Insole (proprietary) |
| Last | Medium with roomy forefoot |
Should you buy the Oboz Sawtooth X Mid Waterproof?
The Sawtooth X Mid is one of the most overlooked three-season hikers on the market. The included O Fit Insole is unusually supportive for a stock footbed, the B-DRY membrane held through 11 crossings, and the True Tread outsole is competitive with mid-tier Vibram. The boot is heavier than peers and the brand is harder to find at retail, but the value is real.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Oboz Sawtooth X Mid worth $175 in 2026?+
For most three-season hikers, yes. The included O Fit Insole alone would cost $40 as an aftermarket replacement, which improves the price-to-comfort math.
Sawtooth X vs Salomon X Ultra 4: which should I buy?+
The X Ultra is lighter and faster. The Sawtooth X has a better stock footbed and more substantial leather upper. Choose by terrain and pace.
How does B-DRY compare to Gore-Tex?+
B-DRY held through 11 crossings in our test window and breathes acceptably. Long-term durability is similar to KEEN.DRY, generally a season behind Gore-Tex.
Should I size up?+
True to size on length. The forefoot is medium-wide, which works for most feet without sizing changes.
Are these good for backpacking?+
For overnighters with packs up to 28 pounds on graded trail, yes. The nylon shank stiffens the chassis enough to support a reasonable load.
📅 Update log
- May 3, 2026Updated long-term notes after 6 months.
- Oct 30, 2025Initial review published.
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Morgan Davis
Morgan Davis writes for The Tested Hub.