Oboz Hyalite Low Waterproof Hiking Shoe Review
An in-depth review of a comfortable and supportive trail-to-town hiker
The Oboz Hyalite Low Waterproof is a comfortable and capable trail-to-town hiking shoe. Photo by Steve.
November 3rd, 2025
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Our verdict
After months of testing on wet forest loops, rocky climbs, and everyday errands in Squamish, British Columbia, we’ve come to really appreciate the Oboz Hyalite Low Waterproof for what it is: a comfortable, waterproof daily hybrid shoe that bridges the gap between hiking shoe and casual sneaker.
It’s best suited for hikers who split time between urban life and the outdoors—people who want one shoe that can handle dog walks, errands, travel, and light-to-moderate hikes. Its standout comfort, durable leather-and-mesh build, and dependable waterproofing make it an easy pick for three-season use.
That said, the Hyalite isn’t built for long backcountry pushes or highly technical terrain. The softer midsole and casual profile trade precision for comfort. Still, its cushy feel, sure-footed grip, and everyday styling make it a versatile pick for anyone who wants a waterproof hiker that doesn’t feel overbuilt.
If you want a do-it-all shoe that feels as good on the trail as it does grabbing coffee after, the Hyalite is a solid pick. If you need something stiffer and more technical, look instead to the Oboz Katabatic LT Low GTX or one of the other top-rated picks from our in-depth guides to the Best Men’s Hiking Shoes and Best Women’s Hiking Shoes.
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Women's
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Oboz Hyalite Low Waterproof specifications
Price: $155
Weight (per pair): 1 lb 9.4 (women’s); 1 lb 15.8 oz (men’s)
Cushion level (Light/Medium/Maximum): Medium
Heel-to-toe drop (mm): 8 mm
Upper materials: Suede and nubuck leather from LWG Gold Standard-certified tannery, abrasion-resistant mesh (40% recycled polyester), PFC-free DWR finish, recycled laces
Midsole material: ACT EVA cushioning
Outsole material and lugs: Trail Tread rubber
Waterproof technology: Oboz B-DRY
Available sizes: 8- 14 (men’s); 5-11 (women’s)
Suitable for vegans: No (leather upper)
Best for
Waterproof B-DRY protection keeps feet dry in any weather. Photo by Steve Redmond.
Day hikers who want a supportive, sneaker-like feel with dependable waterproof protection for three-season use
Everyday use, such as casual walks, running errands, and weekend adventures
Hikers who prioritize comfort and cushioning over firm, technical support
Travelers looking for one pair of shoes that can handle sightseeing, airports, and spontaneous trail detours
Comparison table
| TRAIL RUNNING SHOE | MSRP* | WEIGHT (PAIR) | UPPER MATERIAL | WATERPROOFING? | MIDSOLE | OUTSOLE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oboz Hyalite Low Waterproof Men's Women's |
$155 | 1 lb 15.8 oz (men’s), 1 lb 9.4 (women’s) | Suede and nubuck leather | Oboz B-DRY | ACT EVA cushioning | Trail Tread rubber |
| Oboz Cottonwood Low B-Dry Men's Women's |
$155 | 1 lb. 13.8 oz (men's), 1 lb 8.6 oz (women's) | LWG Gold ISA LITE nubuck leather | Oboz B-DRY | ACT EVA cushioning | Trail Tread rubber |
| Oboz Katabatic LT Low GTX Waterproof Men's Women's |
$170 | 1 lb 7.6 oz. (men's), 1 lb 4.6 oz. (women's) | Recycled polyester | GORE-TEX Invisible Fit | EVA | Trail Tread Eco rubber |
| Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX Low Men's Women's |
$170 | 1 lb 10.8 oz (men's), 1 lb 6.6 oz (women's) | GORE-TEX | EnergyCell | All Terrain Contragrip rubber | |
| Danner Trail 2650 Men's Women's |
$170 | 1 lb 11 oz (men's), 1 lb 5 oz (women's) | Suede, textile | N/A (mesh) | Vibram 460 |
What we liked
Smooth on pavement, steady on uneven terrain. Photo by Steve Redmond.
A dependable all-arounder that can tackle most terrain outside of the truly technical
Comfortable right out of the box with a cushy, sneaker-like feel underfoot
Waterproofing that actually holds up in heavy rain
Versatile styling that transitions easily from trail to town
Durable construction that’s built to handle daily wear and mixed-surface use
What could be better
Stability isn’t as dialed as a true trail shoe—we rolled an ankle once or twice on loose rock (due to low ankle cut?)
Heel lockdown could be better (we noticed a touch of lift on steeper descents)
The suede-and-waterproofing combo can run warm on hot days, though the mesh adds breathability
Traction is solid overall, but a stickier outsole would provide better grip on slick, wet rock
How we tested
The leather and mesh combo provides a nice balance of support and flexibility. Photo by Steve Redmond.
Both our men’s and women’s testers have been logging miles in the Oboz Hyalite Low Waterproof over the last few months, rotating them through the same Squamish, BC trails we’ve used to test dozens of hiking shoes—including Brohm Lake, Alice Lake, the Squamish Estuary, and the Smoke Bluffs (although we chose not to take this model up the steep Chief climb). We’ve also taken them on plenty of dog walks, grocery store runs, and school pickups.
Conditions ranged from sunny, late summer days to cool fall rain, with plenty of wet roots, rock, and compact dirt to gauge traction and waterproofing.
We’ve also recently tested comparable models like the Oboz Katabatic LT Low GTX as well as several picks from our guides to the Best Men’s Hiking Shoes and Best Women’s Hiking Shoes guides.
As with all our footwear reviews, we focused on fit, cushioning, traction, waterproofing, breathability, support, and long-term comfort, evaluating how the Hyalite balances daily wearability with true trail performance.
Performance in the field
The outsole grips dirt, gravel, and wet pavement with ease. Photo by Steve Redmond.
Fit and sizing
One of the great things about Oboz is that they build their shoes on gender-specific lasts (the 3D mold that the shoe is built around) to account for anatomical differences between men’s and women’s feet (so, even if a shoe is equivalent in length, the men’s and women’s will fit differently). And they’re one of the few brands that make fit details and sizing info easy to find.
Using the Brannock Device (that classic metal tool you see in shoe stores), the Hyalite Low Waterproof is listed as a standard-width, standard-volume shoe (women’s are B in the heel and C in the forefoot, while men’s are C in the heel and D in the forefoot).
Our men’s tester has average-width, medium-volume feet, while I have high-volume, wider feet, and in our testing, the length and width ran true to size and matched Oboz’s online guidance. For reference, we tested the same sizes in the Katabatic LT Low GTX, which fit more snugly overall, particularly in the heel and midfoot, making the Hyalite the more forgiving and versatile option for most hikers.
Both our men’s and women’s testers found them comfortable straight away and ready for a five-mile loop with zero rubbing or break-in time.
Comfort and support
The fit feels secure yet relaxed right out of the box. Photo by Steve Redmond.
The Hyalite Low Waterproof delivers the kind of out-of-the-box comfort Oboz is known for. Its proprietary O Fit insole is anatomically designed and one of the nicer stock insoles we’ve seen, using medium-density foam with extra padding under the toes and heel for all-day cushioning. The insole provides medium-to-high arch support, but can easily be swapped out for a custom insole if needed.
The ACT EVA midsole adds plenty of cushion without feeling overly soft and squishy, and the TPU heel stabilizer gives a bit of extra structure to keep things feeling steady. On a rocky section of the Brohm Lake loop, that cushioned-yet-stable combo kept our feet comfortable and planted. The midsole felt soft enough to dull the impact from sharp rocks, yet stable enough to prevent much ankle wobble (though I experienced a couple of ankle rolls while testing). Even if you’re not a hiker, we think the Hyalite are a great option for someone who needs extra stability for daily use.
The mesh and leather upper rounds it all out, offering a comfortable mix of structure and flexibility. Overall, the Hyalite provides a nice balance of support and freedom of movement for everything from day hikes to everyday wear.
Traction and grip
The Hyalite Low Waterproof uses Oboz’s Trail Tread rubber on the outsole, which provides reliable traction for everyday hikes and casual trail use. Its multi-directional lug pattern features moderately deep, angular lugs that bite well on dirt, gravel, and forest paths while still being mellow enough to roll along smoothly on pavement or packed trails.
On wet rock or roots, the rubber compound offers decent grip, though it’s not as sticky or aggressive as what you’ll find on Oboz’s more technical models like the Katabatic LT Low GTX or Sawtooth, nor does it have that frog-like grip you’ll get with Vibram Megagrip like on the HOKA Kaha 3 Low GTX.
The outsole has resisted wear during both our trail and town use, but it’s best suited to light-to-moderate terrain rather than heavy backpacking or scrambling. Overall, it’s a capable outsole for everyday hikers, but not intended for more demanding adventures.
Waterproofing and breathability
The Hyalite Low Waterproof features Oboz’s own B-DRY membrane, which uses a 100% recycled waterproof lining to keep moisture out. We really like how it performs in pouring rain, keeping our socks dry even after long, wet hikes. In a two-minute river test, no water seeped in, and the leather upper did an excellent job of beading off moisture. Though the leather will eventually soak through after extended exposure, and the low-cut profile means water can easily pour in from the top if you step too deep into a creek or puddle (a waterproof mid version of the Hylalite is available).
The trade-off for that durable leather and waterproofing is slower dry time once saturated (they took a full day to dry out after being soaked during a rainy October hike). Still, the leather-mesh combo breathes surprisingly well for a waterproof leather shoe. It’s not as airy as a synthetic GORE-TEX build like the Oboz Katabatic LT Low GTX or the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX, but ventilation is decent. It’s a comfortable hiking shoe for three-season use, just not during peak summer heat, but we found it really shines in Squamish’s rainy fall weather.
Durability and construction
The Oboz Hyalite Low Waterproof feels well built for its category, with a mix of suede and nubuck leather that gives it both structure and a classic hiker style that looks good off the trail too. A leather rand adds durability around the front, while layered nubuck panels over the suede sides provide extra abrasion resistance against brush and rocks.
The cushy EVA midsole should hold up well for moderate mileage and mixed use, though it’s softer and less firm than what you’d find in a true backcountry hiker, meaning it may compress slightly faster over time. That said, our Oboz Cottonwood Low B-DRY outsole has held up well after a full year of testing both on trail and on pavement, and we expect this one to similarly stand up to a couple of seasons of regular wear before the midsole cushioning and tread start to break down.
Weight and packability
The Oboz Hyalite Low Waterproof weighs about 15.9 oz per shoe for men and 12.7 oz for women, putting it in the moderate to heavy range for a waterproof day-hiking shoe. For comparison, we recently tested the Oboz Katabatic LT Low GTX, which weighs 11.8 oz for men’s and 10.3 oz women’s per shoe, making it noticeably lighter and better suited for fast-moving hikes and technical terrain.
The Hyalite is lighter than another leather and mesh hiking shoe we recently tested, the HOKA Kaha 3 Low GTX (17.1 oz per shoe for men’s and 13.9 oz for women’s), but we think the Kaha 3 makes up for it by being more capable and trail-protective.
The Hyalite isn’t built for speed or overly technical terrain; it leans into comfort and everyday versatility. Its extra cushioning and sneaker-like feel make it ideal for day hikes, travel, and urban adventures, but it’s not the shoe you’d pack for deep-backcountry or multi-day trips.
Features
A small but effective toe cap adds subtle protection for casual trail use. Photo by Steve Redmond.
Lacing system
The Hyalite Low Waterproof uses a traditional lace-up system that distributes pressure evenly across the foot. It’s not as innovative or adjustable as the locking systems seen on more technical hikers (like the Quicklace system on most Salomon hiking shoes and trail runners), but it’s well-suited for a casual trail shoe, keeping the fit secure and comfortable without hotspots. We only had to re-tie loose laces a few times and the reinforced center loop kept the tongue centered.
Toe cap protection
There’s a small rubber toe cap that wraps slightly over the front for light protection from bumps and scrapes, but it’s minimal compared to burlier trail shoes. It gives the shoe a functional, trail-forward design while keeping weight and bulk down.
Heel cup and ankle collar
The padded heel cup and cushioned ankle collar cradle the back of the foot for a secure, comfortable fit. It doesn’t feel as contoured and molded as hiking shoes like the Oboz Katabatic LT Low GTX or the HOKA Kaha 3 Low GTX, but the soft internal padding helps the heel stay put and prevents rubbing by forming gently around the back of the foot.
Style and colorways
The Oboz Hylatite Low Waterproof has a hiking-sneaker style that blends functionality with everyday wearability and durability. The layered suede and nubuck upper gives it an outdoorsy look without feeling overly technical, and low-profile silhouette and muted earthy color combos make it easy to wear around town. The men’s version has four colors to choose from (black plus three others), while the women’s only has three (black plus two others).
Sustainability notes
The leather is responsibly sourced through the Leather Working Group. Photo by Steve Redmond.
The nubuck leather and suede on the Hyalite Low Waterproof comes from a Leather Working Group Gold-Certified Tannery, while the mesh fabric is made up of 40% recycled polyester. The shoes also have a PFC-free DWR finish, with a 100% recycled waterproof liner. The laces are also made from recycled materials.
On the brand side, Oboz also helps plant trees with every pair of shoes sold. They’re also now a certified B Corp and are making better packaging choices (they use boxes and paper inserts made from at least 90% FSC-certified or recycled materials, plastic inserts with 50% bio-based or 100% recycled content, and shipping cartons that are at least 85% recycled). To find out how Oboz is meeting its goals, read their 2024 Sustainability Report.
Who should buy this
Buy if you want a waterproof hiking shoe that’s as comfortable on sidewalks as it is on dirt trails. The Oboz Hyalite Low Waterproof is ideal for hikers and everyday adventurers who split their time between town and trail, value all-day cushioning, and prefer a shoe with sneaker-like comfort and flexibility. It’s a great match for light hikes, travel, dog walks, and daily errands in unpredictable weather.
Skip if you’re after a stiffer, more technical hiking shoe for rugged or steep terrain. The Hyalite’s cushier midsole and flexible build trade on-trail precision for comfort, so if you’re logging heavy mileage, carrying weight, or prioritizing durability and protection, a more supportive, performance-oriented shoe will serve you better.
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women's
Where to buy the Oboz Hyalite Low
We always suggest purchasing your outdoor gear through retailers with great return policies. If you're between sizes or debating low vs. mid, you can order both and return the one that doesn’t fit. Here are some of our go-to retailers:
REI
With REI’s 100% satisfaction policy, Co-op members can return most items, including worn or gently used shoes, for up to one year with proof of purchase. REI also has a lenient return system and the option to try-on in-store means you can walk around and get a feel for the fit before committing. They also offer a 10% cash-back dividend for members.
Backcountry
Backcountry also has a generous return policy, frequent sales for Expedition Perks members (free to join), fast shipping, and an excellent Gearhead customer service chat.
Similar products
Oboz Cottonwood Low B-DRY
MSRP: $1551
Weight (pair): lb. 13.8 oz (men's), 1 lb 8.6 oz (women's)
Upper: LWG Gold ISA LITE nubuck leather
Midsole: ACT EVA cushioning
Outsole: Trail Tread rubber
Waterproofing: Oboz B-DRY
We tested the Oboz Cottonwood B-DRY Low in our guides to the Best Men’s Hiking Shoes and Best Women’s Hiking Shoes, and we've since given them a year of regular use on day hikes, dog walks, playground adventures with kids, and as a reliable daily go-to for running errands. They’ve held up well in both our outdoor and urban pursuits.
Both the Oboz Hyalite Low Waterproof and Cottonwood Low B-DRY blend waterproof leather and mesh for a versatile, all-season build, but there are distinct differences in feel and function.
The Hyalite has a more built-up, sneaker-like profile with more mesh for better breathability, and extra bounce from its cushier midsole, making it a better pick if you’ll be logging lots of miles on pavement and want something that can still flex for day hikes. However, the Cottonwood has a slightly more refined yet burlier silhouette and feels firmer underfoot. It also offers greater on-trail protection thanks to its stiffer sole and rubber toe and heel caps.
Choose the Cottonwood if you hike often but want a low waterproof shoe you can wear to town, and the Hyalite if you want a shoe that provides all-day comfort for daily use, but transitions easily to the trail.
Oboz Cottonwood Low B-DRY
men's
Women's
Oboz Katabatic LT Low GTX
MSRP: $170
Weight (pair): 1 lb 7.6 oz. (men's), 1 lb 4.6 oz. (women's)
Upper: Recycled polyester
Midsole: EVA
Outsole: Trail Tread Eco rubber
Waterproofing: GORE-TEX Invisible Fit
The Katabatic LT Low GTX hiking shoes sit in a different category from the Hyalite Low Waterproof. It’s a light-and-fast hiker built for technical terrain, long day hikes, and light backpacking.
The Katabatic is sleek, agile, and ready for a wider variety of trail conditions. The more aggressive lugs and molded-to-the-foot design handle loose rock and tricky trail conditions better, while the synthetic GORE-TEX upper has better breathability and dries faster after being soaked.
That said, the Katabatic LT Low GTX doesn’t deliver quite the same bounce or plush comfort underfoot as the Hyalite. We’d still wear the Katabatic to the pub after a long day on the trail with friends, but it’s more of a true trail shoe than an everyday all-rounder. When you need something that can handle a grocery store run in the rain as comfortably as a weekend hike, the Hyalite is the better fit.
Oboz Katabatic LT Low GTX
men's
Women's
Why you should trust us / About the Author
I’ve spent nearly a decade testing and reviewing outdoor gear for leading publications including Treeline Review, The New York Times’ Wirecutter, Outside Magazine, The Wall Street Journal Buy Side, REI Co-op, and Forbes Vetted. I’ve interviewed dozens of industry experts over the years, and hiked in 50+ pairs of hiking shoes and boots, logging plenty of trail miles in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. I understand that there’s no one best pair of hiking shoes for everybody, but there is the best pair for you, and I’m here to help you find it.
You can see all of Ebony’s Treeline Review stories on her author page.
