Oboz Sawtooth Ascent Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots Review
An in-depth review of one of Oboz’s most agile hiking boots
June 30th, 2026
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Our Verdict
The first Oboz Sawtooth boots quickly became the brand’s best-selling shoe when it was released 15 years ago because of its immediate comfort, mud-shedding lugs, and O Fit insoles. Last year, Oboz released the Sawtooth Ascent Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots, which retains many of the original qualities of early Sawtooth boots, while updating the fit and features. The result is a boot with lighter protection, a more aggressive outsole, and a supportive-yet-lightweight chassis.
Throughout weeks of testing across three different states in conditions that ranged from hot and muggy to stormy and muddy, the Sawtooth Ascent impressed us with its ability to prioritize comfort while maintaining protection. These boots offer a strong option for hikers who are looking for a secure mid-height boot without the weight and stiffness that’s often associated with more traditional hiking boots.
Oboz Sawtooth Ascent Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
Women's
Men's
Admittedly, the Sawtooth Ascent comes with a few flaws, like sub-par breathability and slightly less support for hikers who regularly carry heavy loads. But their lightweight structure, agile composition, and performance-oriented design make them a strong boot option for avid hikers.
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 Sawtooth Ascent Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot Specifications
Price: $175
Weight (per pair, men’s and women’s): 2lb 4.8oz, 1lb 14.8oz
Cushion level (Light/Medium/Maximum): Medium
Stability (Neutral/Stable): Stable
Heel-to-toe drop (mm): 8mm
Stack height (heel/toe mm): N/A
Upper materials: Waterproof nubuck leather and abrasion-resistant textile with overlays
Midsole material: Adaptive EVA foam with TPU Stabilizing chassis
Outsole material and lugs: Oboz Trail Tread rubber outsole with multidirectional lugs
Waterproof technology: Oboz B-DRY waterproof membrane
Available sizes and widths (men’s and women’s): 7-16, 5-13, regular and wide widths available
Suitable for vegans: No
Comparison Table
| HIKING BOOT | MSRP* | MEN'S WEIGHT (PAIR) | WOMEN'S WEIGHT (PAIR) | OUTSOLE | MidOLE | UPPER | WATERPROOFING |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oboz Sawtooth Ascent Mid Waterproof Men's Women's |
$175 | 2 lbs 4.8 oz | 1 lb 14.8 oz | Vibram XS-Trek | EVA | Suede leather, abrasion-resistant mesh | B-DRY membrane |
| Oboz Katabatic RT Mid GTX Men's Women's |
$220 | 2 lbs 0.6 oz | 1 lb 11.8 oz | Vibram Megagrip | Lightweight EVA Midole with O Fit Insole | Ballistic recycled polyester mesh | GORE-TEX Invisible Fit |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Asolo Acadia Mid LTH GTX Men's Women's |
$200 | 2 lbs 4.8 oz | 1 lb 15 oz | Rubber | Mono-density EVA foam | Suede | GORE-TEX |
Best for
Day hiking in slippery terrain and variable conditions
Weekend backpacking trips with light to medium loads
Wet and muddy trails
Three-season hiking
Rocky terrain
What we liked
Out-of-box comfort
Vibram outsole’s traction on rock, dirt, and mud
More agile than traditional leather boots
Waterproof protection
Waterproof lining uses recycled materials
Strong arch support
Heel cup
What could be better
Breathability noticeably suffers
Not ideal in hot conditions
Less supportive than some options while under heavy loads
How we tested
We wore the Oboz Sawtooth Ascent Mid Waterproof hiking boots for about 25 miles across Michigan, Tennessee, and Colorado. Conditions ranged from humid swamps, to muddy creek beds, and sustained climbs with significant elevation gain. Testing predominantly included hikes with a 5- to 10-pound pack.
We went caving in the Oboz Sawtooth Ascent Mid Waterproof hiking boots as one of the ways we tested waterproofing.
We specifically evaluated these boots for fit, break-in period, traction on dry and wet terrain, waterproof performance, and overall comfort for hours on trail. Then we compared them directly to about a dozen pairs of competitive boots in this category for our Best Women’s Hiking Boots, Best Men’s Hiking Boots, Best Waterproof Hiking Boots, and Best Lightweight Hiking Boots guides.
Performance in the field
Fit and sizing
The Sawtooth Ascent Mid Waterproof comes in men’s size 7-16 and women’s 5-13 in both standard and wide options. Built with an anatomical structure in mind, these boots secure the heel while maintaining wiggle room throughout the forefoot. This helped to reduce slippage on steep ascents and descents throughout the Colorado foothills without compromising balance. Compared to boots like the Oboz Katabatic RT Mid hiking boots, the Sawtooth Ascent has a similar amount of volume, and they felt true to size to both us and other reviewers.
Comfort and support
The Oboz Sawtooth Ascent Mid Waterproof boots were supportive and somewhat flexible right out of the box. The O FIT insole and sculpted heel cup pair nicely to add arch support and stability within the boot. We found this system to be noticeably more aggressive than competitive hiking boots, which lended more support and comfort.
The Sawtooth Ascent also requires minimal break-in time. We found that the upper felt softened at about the 5-mile mark. But even before softening, the combination of nubuck leather and textiles allowed a more natural flex with the foot, reducing the restrictive feeling that many traditional hiking boots feature. The trade-off is that the Sawtooth Ascent is less adept at carrying heavy backpacking loads for extended periods due to the lighter EVA midsole and flexible chassis, which provide comfort but less rigidity.
Traction and grip
The Sawtooth Ascent comes with a Vibram XS-TREK EVO outsole to give the boots a versatile grip pattern that’s designed to tackle a wide range of terrain types, and we found that it did. We rock scrambled next to a half-dozen waterfalls in Tennessee in June, where we entirely expected to slip and slide along the way. But to our surprise, the outsole maintained their grip even on moss, saturated rocks, and mud.
Equally as impressive was the outsole’s ability to maintain control on dry dirt, gravel, and during significant descents. The rubber compound and multidirectional lugs worked together to enhance control and support confident hiking even in conditions that ordinarily challenge traction.
Waterproofing, drying time and breathability
Like many Oboz boots, the Sawtooth Ascent Mid Waterproof Hiking boots use the brand’s proprietary B-DRY waterproof membrane. In the field, this technology kept saturation out of the boots even while we navigated creek crossings and muddy Tennessee trails.
The nubuck leather upper also added weather resistance, keeping us entirely dry throughout the course of a day of adventuring. But we found these boots to be noticeably less breathable than boots like the Oboz Katabatic RT, which resulted in sweaty feet that stayed wet for the latter half of the day. Despite their stuffy interior, these boots took about six hours to dry after we dunked them in a river crossing.
Warmth and insulation
The Sawtooth Ascent Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots are not designed to be warm and insulated, but truthfully, they felt pretty warm every time we wore them. The leather upper and waterproof components seem to work together to create natural insulation within the boot. Our guess is that these boots would excel in cool-weather hiking, rainy weather, and during shoulder-season adventures.
Hikers looking for boots for snowshoeing, winter trekking, or prolonged exposure to freezing temps should take a look at our Best Winter Hiking Boots guide.
Durability and construction
The Sawtooth Ascent Mid Waterproof Hiking boots in a wet cave.
The Sawtooth series is known for its durability, and the Sawtooth Ascent Mid Waterproof Hiking
Boots reinforce this reputation. The nubuck leather adds abrasion resistance where boots made with textiles might be more prone to premature deterioration. The synthetic mesh comes with reinforced overlays to protect high-wear areas of the boots. And the overall construction of these boots seems to indicate that they’ll maintain a long-life, although some full-leather boots may outlast them.
Weight
A men’s pair of the Sawtooth Ascent weighs about 2 pounds and 4.8 ounces while a woman’s pair runs about 1 pound and 14.8 ounces, making it lighter than previous Sawtooth models. We’ve tested boots that range in weight from about 1.5 pounds to 2.5 pounds, making the Sawtooth a solid mid-range option.
Features
Lacing System
The Oboz Sawtooth Ascent Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots use a traditional lacing system with a combination of eyelets and speed hooks near the ankle for quick adjustments. This structure allows hikers to shift tension across various parts of the boot for a more customized experience.
Chassis
One of the bigger changes the Sawtooth Ascent adopted compared to other Sawtooth models is a lighter chassis. Oboz designed a boot with a supportive EVA midsole with TPU for stability. The result is a chassis that creates some underfoot rigidity without overdoing it in the stiffness category. This system created stability while we were rock-hopping in Tennessee and navigating our way underground through a cave system.
Toe Cap
These boots also come with a protective rubber toe cap to protect the feet from common obstacles like rocks, and roots. Moderately sized, it provides coverage across the toe box without adding bulk.
Colorways
The Oboz Sawtooth Ascent Mid Waterproof hiking boots come in a few different color options that vary between the men’s and women’s boots. The men’s version comes in two different shades of brown and one gray option, and the women’s version comes in two different shades of gray and a light brown color. In true Oboz fashion, all of the options lean towards a natural color palate.
Heel Cup
Close-up on the side panel and heel cup on the Oboz Sawtooth Ascent boots.
One of our favorite features across most Oboz boots and in the Sawtooth Ascent is the heel cup, which is designed to keep your foot in place and eliminate toe jamming on descents and heel rubbing on ascents. Compared to other midweight hiking boots, we continuously noticed how effective this heel cup was at keeping everything in place, which is essential on big mountain peaks.
Outsole
The Sawtooth Ascent has a Vibram XS-TREK EVO outsole. While other boots in the Sawtooth line utilizes a proprietary Oboz outsole, the Ascent adopts an outsole that’s designed to enhance traction while adding significant durability and flexibility to the boot. When paired with the multidirectional lug patterns, the outsole proved to be extremely effective on loose and slippery terrain, whether we were navigating the Michigan rocky shorelines or rock scrambling in Tennessee.
O Fit insole
The O Fit insole can be found across many Oboz boots, and it’s a beloved component for a reason. This insole comes with a sculpted arch, deep heel cup, and targeted cushioning to add both support and comfort.
Over the course of the past decade, we’ve almost exclusively swapped manufacturer insoles out for after-market insoles. But the reality is that the O Fit insole is supportive and comfortable enough to hold its weight, making those aftermarket insoles less alluring.
Sustainability
The Sawtooth Ascent Mid Waterproof Hiking boots include recycled components in the B-DRY waterproof membrane to reduce the amount of virgin materials that the boot requires. Additionally, Oboz has been planting a tree for every single pair of shoes that the brand sells since 2007, contributing to significant reforestation efforts across the globe.
What’s New for the Oboz Sawtooth Ascent Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots?
The Oboz Sawtooth Ascent Mid received a new lightweight upper in the newest version.
The Sawtooth Ascent was introduced as a new model in the Sawtooth line in 2025. But it borrowed elements from the Sawtooth II and Sawtooth X, like a secure heel, sculpted midfoot, while combining them with newer components like a lightweight chassis, the Vibram XS-TREK EVO outsole, and a lightweight upper.
The result is a boot that sits between a traditional hiking boot and a lightweight shoe. Instead of featuring the heavy-duty design of older Sawtooth models, the Ascent offers more flexibility and comfort over the course of long days in the mountains.
Who should buy the Oboz Sawtooth Ascent Mid Waterproof hiking boots?
Buy if you’re looking for comfortable, supportive, mid-weight hiking boots with an athletic design.
Skip if you regularly carry a heavy backpack or require maximum ankle support.
Women's
Men's
Where to buy the Oboz Sawtooth Ascent Mid Waterproof hiking boots
The Oboz Sawtooth Ascent Mid Waterproof hiking boots are available in many large retailers and on a variety of online websites including these:
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
BACKCOUNTRY
Pros: Frequent sales for Expedition Perks members (free to join), fast shipping, Gearhead chat customer service is excellent
Amazon
Pros: Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime membership
Zappos
Pros: 365-day free shipping on returns, fast delivery with free VIP program
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 Oboz Katabatic LT Mid GTX Waterproof hiking boots offer a slightly lighter approach than the Sawtooth Ascent, making them a quality option for fast travel. They also offer better breathability, quicker dry-times, and similar traction. But they won’t outperform heftier Oboz models like the Bridger and Sawtooth Ascent when it comes to longevity.
See our in-depth review of the low version of the Oboz Katabatic LT Mid GTX shoe here.
Oboz Katabatic LT Mid GTX
Women's
Men's
KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof Mid
Price: $180
Waterproof membrane: Keen Dry Technology
Weight (per pair, men's and women's): 2 lbs 8.22 oz,, 2 lb 1.16 oz
Breathability: 3
Waterproofing: 5
Traction: 4.5
The KEEN Targhee IV hiking boots are a touch heavier than the Oboz Sawtooth Ascent hiking boots. But they’re designed with premium nubuck leather to create a long-lasting upper. These boots won our best boots for wide feet in the Best Hiking Boots for Women guide and in our Best Lightweight Hiking Boots guide, because of their generous internal volume. They also excelled in sharp and rocky terrain because of their stable base and protective outsole.
See our in-depth review on the Keen Targhee IV waterproof mid hiking boots for more information.
KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof Mid
Women's
Men's
Asolo Acadia Mid LTH GTX Hiking Boots
Price: $190
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 Sawtooth Ascent Mid Waterproof hiking boots, and they won best narrow hiking boots in our Best Hiking Boots for Women guide. They also come with a similar price, a bunion fit option, and a slightly lighter structure.
Learn more in our in-depth review of the Asolo Acadia Mid LTH GTX hiking boots.
Asolo Acadia Mid LTH GTX Hiking Boots
Women's
Men'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.
