An excellent balance of ruggedness and lightweight construction, the Oboz Bridger Mid B-DRY has a lot to like about it. This midweight hiker/backpacking boot boasts spectacular support and waterproofing, with a burly build that feels surprisingly light. It offers excellent traction and stability and doesn’t rely upon weight-saving materials but relatively high-quality craftsmanship. However, the classic design is beginning to feel a bit outdated as many footwear companies move toward lighter materials.

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Based on Boseman, MT, Oboz footwear was formed in 2007 by a group of footwear-industry vets who were passionate about the outdoors. The company prides itself on a “green” approach to business—their office is powered purely by wind, solar, and biomass; they carbon-offset their shoe shipments; and any unsellable (but not unwearable) shoes are donated to local nonprofits. Each pair of Oboz shoes is handmade by a team of 140 people.

The company’s flagship mid hiker is the Bridger. At $180, the Bridger Mid B-DRY is a midweight hiker/backpacking boot that boasts spectacular support and waterproofing, with a sturdy design that feels surprisingly light.

Comfort & Weight

The Bridger Mid’s comfort factor is a bit of a mixed bag. Right from the start, it will take some break-in time, so don’t expect to take these on the trail right out of the box. Although the stiff leather upper could benefit from some extra flex, Oboz’s proprietary dual-density O FIT insole provides ample cushioning and support with its arches and cupped heel. Sitting below this is a Granite Peak midsole constructed from single-density EVA and a TPU (thermoplastic urethane) chassis. The lacing system consists of two pairs of nylon eyelets at the bottom, followed by two closed metal eyelets, a wider-set pair of nylon eyelets, and open metal hook eyelets at the top. It locks midway, too, so that you can dial in your fit between the foot and ankle.

A pair of men’s size 11s weighed in at 2.37 lbs (1.07 kg), which is reasonably light considering some of the heavier materials that make it up. Despite its leather upper and thick sole, it’s still approximately the same weight as the Keen Targhee II and III Mid WP, and nearly a full pound lighter than our top-rated boot, the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX.

Traction & Stability

The Oboz Bridger Mid B-DRYs sport what can only be described as a sturdy, beefy outsole. It’s made of non-marking carbon rubber (specifically, Oboz’s Granite Peak compound) with 4mm directional lugs and extra-large side lugs for added grip. The outsole is grippy and sturdy, but by the same token, it’s also a tad stiff, making it less than ideal for scrambling. We also thought it could use more of a heel brake.

Stability is achieved by combining the boot’s stiff nubuck leather upper, TPU forefoot plate, and a nylon shank. There’s excellent cushioning around the ankles, and the lacing system makes it easy to cinch these boots tight without causing discomfort. The only drawbacks we could find were a relatively narrow heel and a low collar height compared to other mid-height hiking boots.

Water Resistance & Durability

Oboz integrates their proprietary B-DRY breathable membrane inside nubuck leather. The leather upper is advertised as waterproof, but we did see it soak up some water—however, none leaked through. The low collar height means you’ll want to be a bit more cautious when trekking through streams. In addition, we did see issues with breathability as we have with other shoe companies that integrate proprietary waterproof membranes. It’s tough to match up to Gore-Tex in this regard, and we could feel some heat build-up in warmer temperatures.

Durability is, without a doubt, one of this boot’s biggest strengths. The stiff leather upper, while being stiff and a bit difficult to break-in, is incredibly tough and well crafted, while the rubber toe cap and heel counter offer ample protection for your feet. These boots are sure to hold up for several seasons even if you’re less than careful with where you step.

Styles & Sizes

There are three color options for the Bridger Mid B-DRY: Sudan, Olive, and Midnight Black. Sizes run from 7-14 US, and both regular- and wide-fit options are available. The boots come with a 1-year warranty.

The Bottom Line

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