Oboz Katabatic RT Mid GTX Waterproof Hiking Boots Review
An in-depth review of a lightweight pair of Oboz waterproof hiking boots designed for rugged terrain
June 16th, 2026
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Our Verdict
The Oboz Katabatic RT Mid GTX Waterproof hiking boots excel when it comes to maintaining balance between an agile footwear structure and a rugged one. While the Katabatic LT focuses on maximizing speed and minimizing weight, the RT comes with a more durable upper and a Vibram Megagrip outsole that noticeably enhances traction on wet rock, snow, and even ice.
Throughout the course of three months of testing in Colorado, we encountered loose scree, snowfields, and steep alpine terrain, but the Katabatic RT continuously surprised us with its ability to support long mountain endeavors with minimal foot fatigue.
Compared with boots like the Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof hiking boots, the Katbatic RT Mid GTX sacrifices load-carrying support to instead give a lighter structure to boost agility. It also required a lengthier break-in period than the Oboz Bridger Mid. Once the upper became more pliable, however, the Katbatic RT Mid became a solid footwear option for ultralight endeavors on mixed or technical terrain like steep inclines and scree fields.
Oboz Katabatic RT Mid GTX Waterproof
men's
Women's
Find more of our favorite hiking boots in our Best Men’s Hiking Boots and Best Waterproof Hiking Boot guides.
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Oboz Katabatic RT Mid GTX Waterproof Hiking Boots Specifications
Price: $220
Weight (per pair): 2 lb 0.6 oz (men’s), 1 lb 11.8 oz (women’s)
Cushion level: Medium
Stability (Neutral/Stable): Stable
Heel-to-toe drop (mm): 8 mm
Stack height (heel/toe mm): Not stated
Upper materials: Ballistic recycled polyester mesh with TPU overlays and toe cap
Midsole material: Lightweight EVA midsole with O Fit Insole
Outsole material and lugs: Vibram Megagrip with aggressive multidirectional hiking lugs
Waterproof technology: GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane bonded to the upper
Available sizes and widths (men’s and women’s): 8-14, 6-11; standard and wide widths available
Suitable for vegans: Yes
Comparison Table
| HIKING BOOT | MSRP* | MEN'S WEIGHT (PAIR) | WOMEN'S WEIGHT (PAIR) | OUTSOLE | MIDSOLE | UPPER | WATERPROOFING |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oboz Katabatic RT Mid GTX Men's Women's |
$220 | 2 lb 0.6 oz | 1 lb 11.8 oz | Vibram Megagrip | Lightweight EVA midsole with O Fit Insole | Ballistic recycled polyester mesh | GORE-TEX Invisible Fit |
| Salomon Quest 4 Men's Women's |
$230 | 2 lbs 14.2 oz | 2 lbs 5.7 oz | All Terrain Contagrip rubber | EVA foam with Salomon chassis technology | Leather and textiles | GORE-TEX |
| Oboz Katabatic LT Mid GTX Men's Women's |
$210 | 1 lb 9.6 oz | 1 lb 6.2 oz | Trail Tread Eco rubber | EVA | Recycled polyester | GORE-TEX Invisible Fit |
| Asolo Acadia Mid LTH GTX Men's Women's |
$200 | 1 lb 19.6 oz | 1 lb 15 oz | Rubber | Mono-density EVA foam | Suede | GORE-TEX |
| KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof Men's Women's |
$180 | 2 lbs 8.6 oz | 2 lbs 2.6 oz | TPU | Luftcell polyurethane | Nubuck leather | KEEN.Dry |
Best for
Rugged day hikes
Peak bagging and scrambling
Lightweight backpacking
Wet and muddy conditions
Hikers transitioning from trail running shoes to boots
Shoulder-season hiking
What we liked
Sturdy traction
Lightweight for its level of protection
Fast-drying upper
What could be better
Narrower fit than other Oboz models
Not as breathable as the Katabatic LT
Less supportive under heavy loads
How we tested
Testing the Oboz Katabatic RT Mid GTX hiking boots on a Colorado thirteener.
We wore the women’s Oboz Katabatic RT Mid GTX Waterproof hiking boots for about 40 miles across urban paths, muddy spring trails, snow, ice, and a 13,000-foot summit. Conditions included temperatures that ranged from the low 40s to the mid 80s, with terrain that varied from gravel to rock slabs. After completely saturating these boots on a high-altitude summit in mid-calf snow, we also monitored their dry-time in the backyard, checking for internal and external moisture.
In addition to our high-altitude testing, we also directly compared these boots to the boots we tested for Best Women’s Hiking Boots, Best Men’s Hiking Boots, Best Waterproof Hiking Boots, and Best Lightweight Hiking Boots guides to compare traction, durability, weight, comfort, and agility.
Performance in the field
Fit and sizing
The Katabatic RT Mid GTX Waterproof hiking boots come in women’s 6 to 11, and men’s 8 to 14, with both regular and some wide width options available. Compared to the Oboz Bridger, the Katabatic has a lower-volume fit with a foot shape that’s closer to a trail-runner style shoe than the classic Oboz boot. The boots fell true to size to both us and the majority of existing reviewers, with excellent heel retention and a moderately spacious forefoot.
Comfort and support
The first time we wore the Katabatic RT Mid GTX, we brought them to one of our favorite six-mile hikes in the foothills of Colorado. It only took a few miles to notice slight chafing on the pinky side of both feet. But after a subsequent hike of the same distance, the upper materials softened, which seemed to resolve this issue.
Given our tester’s shorter 12-mile break-in period, we were wary when committing to taking these boots up a thirteener, but to our surprise, we didn’t experience any chafing on the entire 7-mile route. In fact, these boots maintained both their comfort and support on steep inclines, creating stability in even slippery spots.
The lightweight EVA midsole creates a balanced boot with moderate protection without the stiffness of much heftier materials. But the underfoot cushioning was less generous than we found it to be in competing boots in this category, which left our joints feeling sore by the end of the day.
Traction and grip
Showing off the boot tread while hiking
Traction was one of the strongest qualities of the Katabatic RT Mid GTX during testing. Not only did these boots stay fixed to the ground during steep descents, but the Vibram Megagrip outsole seamlessly adapted to loose dirt and scree, snow and ice, and on wet rock during our high-altitude climb.
After forgetting to pack microspikes, we worried that we’d fall or have to bail on our summit attempt due to impassable conditions. Yet the Katbatic RT Mid GTX hiking boots maintained traction and grip even across an 150-foot snowfield with an ice crust and several hundred feet of exposure.
Waterproofing, drying time and breathability
The GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane is an aggressive companion against external moisture, keeping these boots dry in even heavy saturation. Unlike traditional waterproof boot constructions, the Invisible Fit bonds to the upper of the boot, which helps to reduce bulk and increase flexibility.
But with an ankle cuff that’s slightly shorter than some midweight boots we tested, it didn’t take long for us to kick snow into our own boots during our high-alpine ascent, ultimately causing significant internal moisture.
After returning home, we placed these boots on the back patio in the Colorado sun where they took just four hours to dry—roughly half the time of boots like the Oboz Bridger Mid.
Warmth and insulation
The Katabatic RT Mid GTX waterproof hiking boots are neither warm nor insulated, but they’re not designed to be. And, truthfully, they kept our feet warm enough with a midweight pair of wool socks, even while traipsing through calf-deep snow in Colorado in 40-degree temps. But check out our Best Winter Hiking Boots guide if you’re specifically looking for insulated hiking boots.
Durability and construction
With an upper that’s made out of recycled polyester mesh, TPU overlays and a TPU toe cap, these boots can handle light to moderate abrasion on rough trails. Although the construction is less durable than traditional leather hiking boots, it strikes an effective balance between weight savings and durability.
Repeated encounters with scree, sharp rocks, and brush only contributed to minor cosmetic wear. We expect the Katabatic RT Mid GTX waterproof hiking boots to last through several seasons of regular hiking use, although hikers who routinely carry a heavy pack may shorten the lifespan of these boots.
Weight
One of the most compelling qualities of the Katabatic RT Mid GTX Waterproof hiking boots is their weight-to-ruggedness ratio. Compared to other boots we tested, they’re highly competitive in the weight category, which becomes particularly noticeable during long days in the mountains. As a result, the Katabatic RT Mid GTX also comes with reduced foot fatigue during all-day climbs and fast hikes. And the synthetic upper absorbs minimal moisture, which helps the boots to avoid retaining extra weight in wet settings.
Features
Post Hike Air Dry
Lacing System
The Katabatic RT Mid GTX waterproof hiking boots use a traditional lace design with webbing eyelets and upper speed hooks to allow hikers to fine-tune fit and ankle security on the go. During testing, our laces stayed fixed in place, resisting loosening during steep descents.
Chassis
Unlike the Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof hiking boots, which use a substantial backpacking-style midsole, the Katabatic RT Mid GTX Waterproof hiking boots focus on weight reduction while providing some stability. As a result, the boot chassis relies on the lightweight EVA midsole, O Fit insole, and TPU overlays to create a stable underfoot without the rigidity of some boots.
During testing, we found that the platform offered sufficient rigidity to maintain confidence on rock traverses and uneven terrain. The result is a boot that provides more agility than most mid-height waterproof hiking boots.
Toe Cap
These boots come with a TPU toe cap to provide extra protection against rocks, and roots. But its minimalistic design lends itself to a lightweight boot.
Colorways
The Oboz Katabatic RT Mid GTX Waterproof hiking boots come in several outdoor-inspired colorways that vary between men’s and women’s models. Women’s often come in Rain Forest (green), Berry (pink), and other seasonal colors while men’s typically come in grey, blue, black and brown colors.
Heel Cup
The sculpted heel cup that comes in these boots isn’t as aggressive as the Oboz Bridger heel cup, but it does encourage the heel to lock down to reduce slippage during steep inclines.
Vibram Megagrip Rubber
Testing the Oboz Katabatic RT Mid GTX hiking boots in snow and ice.
Vibram first released the Megagrip Rubber in 2013. More than a decade later, this compound is a benchmark rubber across the outdoor industry because of its ability to reduce weight, provide grip, and last forever. Oftentimes, improvements in one of those three categories causes another category to suffer but Megagrip manages to create a solid balance.
It also performs consistently across surfaces like wet and dry rock, hardpacked dirt, loose gravel, and mud. Compared to Oboz’s Trail Tread outsole, the Vibram Megagrip offers a similar performance but slightly out matches the alternative on wet rock and technical terrain.
O Fit insole
The O Fit insole is unique to Oboz. It’s designed to compliment the anatomical shape of the foot while offering a sculpted arch, heel cup, and cushioning pods.
Sustainability
The Katabatic RT Mid GTX uses recycled polyester materials in the upper to reduce the amount of virgin synthetic materials that are necessary in the boot’s construction. Oboz also plants a tree for every pair of shoes sold. Since launching this initiative in 2007, the program has contributed millions of trees to reforestation efforts around the world.
What’s New for the Oboz Katabatic RT Mid GTX Waterproof Hiking Boots
The original Katabatic boots came out a few years ago when Oboz began expanding into a lightweight hiking line. Eventually this line came to include the lightweight Katabatic LT and the Katabatic RT (“rugged terrain”).
Compared to the original Katabatic Mid Waterproof boots, the Katabatic RT has a few updates, including the Vibram Megagrip outsole (instead of Oboz’s proprietary Trail Tread outsole). The Megagrip brings enhanced grip and a more aggressive outsole for technical terrain. Additionally, the Katabatic RT uses a durable mesh for increased abrasion resistance, and the GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane for a bulk-free, flexible boot.
Should you buy the Oboz Katabatic RT Mid GTX Waterproof hiking boots?
Buy if you’re looking for a lightweight, supportive boot that’s designed for fast travel on variable terrain.
Skip if your feet run wide, you regularly backpack with heavy loads, or you want an even lighter weight trail shoe (vs. a boot).
Where to buy the Oboz Katabatic RT Mid GTX Waterproof hiking boots
The Oboz Katabatic RT GTX hiking boots are popular footwear, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Amazon
Pros: Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime membership
Backcountry
Pros: Frequent sales for Expedition Perks members (free to join), fast shipping, Gearhead chat customer service is excellent
Returns and advice on where to buy
In general for shoes, we recommend purchasing from a place with easy or free returns, like REI. Trying on shoes is an important way to get the sizing right. With both those retailers, if your funds allow, you can buy two sizes and easily return one. Additionally, check reviews to see whether other users recommend sizing up or down.
Similar hiking boots
Oboz Katabatic LT Mid GTX
Price: $210
Waterproof membrane: GORE-TEX
Weight (per pair, men's and women's): 1 lb 9.6 oz, 1 lb 6.2 oz
Breathability (1-5): 4.5
Waterproofing: 5
Traction: 4
The Katabatic LT Mid GTX Waterproof hiking boots share some similar qualities to the Oboz Katabatic RT Mid, but they’re lighter, and designed to support fast travel. These boots excel when it comes to dry-times, and lightweight comfort. But they don’t come with the same rugged design as the Katbatic RT Mid GTX Waterproof hiking boots.
Oboz Katabatic LT Mid GTX
men's
Women's
Salomon Quest 4 GTX
Price: $230
Waterproof membrane: GORE-TEX
Weight (per pair, men's and women's): 2 lbs 14.2 oz, 2 lb 5.7 oz
Breathability: 3
Waterproofing: 5
Traction: 4.5
The Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boots are significantly heavier than the Oboz Katabatic RT Mid GTX waterproof hiking boots but also won our best waterproof hiking boots in our Best Hiking Boots for Women guide. We wore these in creeks and heavy downpours and were continuously impressed with their ability to handle water exposure. Learn more in our in-depth review of the Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boots.
Salomon Quest 4 GTX
men's
Women's
Asolo Acadia Mid LTH GTX Hiking Boots
Price: $200
Waterproof membrane: GORE-TEX
Weight (per pair, men's and women's): 1 lb 19.6 oz, 1 lb 15 oz
Breathability: 4
Waterproofing: 5
Traction: 4
The Asolo Acadia Mid LTH GTX boots have a similar boot shape as the Katabatic RT Mid GTX waterproof hiking boots, and they won best narrow hiking boots in our Best Hiking Boots for Women guide. They also come in a bunion fit option. They’re slightly more affordable than the Oboz Katabatic RT, and are a similar weight.
Learn more in our in-depth review of the Asolo Acadia Mid LTH GTX hiking boots.
Asolo Acadia Mid LTH GTX Hiking Boots
men's
Women's
Why you should trust us / About the Author
Mary Beth Skylis began her love affair with the outdoors with a thruhike of the Appalachian Trail in 2015. Two years later she found herself backpacking the Annapurna Circuit and the Colorado Trail. She wore a hefty pair of Vasque boots for the first 800 miles of the Appalachian Trail, where she learned what a truly durable pair of footwear could look like. Her latest adventures have taken her across the globe to some of the most remote corners of the world where she regularly tests gear in the spirit of science.
Find more of her work on her Treeline Review author page.
