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As a hiker who beforehand lived in Colorado for six years and at the moment travels full-time in my van to discover trails across the US, I’ve tried my fair proportion of mountain climbing boots and footwear. The newly launched Oboz Cottonwood is my first pair of Oboz, and my largest remorse shouldn’t be attempting this model sooner, as they’ve rapidly develop into my go-to footwear for day by day put on on and off the path.
As Oboz’s most sustainable mountain climbing shoe up to now, the Cottonwood options parts manufactured from 100% recycled supplies and the waterproof end is freed from PFAS (in any other case often called without end chemical substances). They’re additionally light-weight, waterproof, and have grippy bottoms that present strong traction.
Over the previous few weeks, I’ve examined the Oboz Cottonwood on numerous hikes and walks. I’ve worn them for lengthy days of purchasing, strolling my canine across the campground, and mountain climbing for miles on trails with sand, rocks, water, and dust. Irrespective of the event, distance, or terrain, I can confidently say that these footwear have carried out remarkably nicely.
In my Oboz Cottonwood assessment, I’ll present an in-depth take a look at the consolation, match, efficiency, sustainability, and flexibility of those mountain climbing boots.
Sponsored by Oboz Footwear
The Bearfoot Concept crew has been sporting Oboz mountain climbing boots since 2017. Based mostly in Bozeman, Montana, we consider Oboz Footwear makes essentially the most supportive, comfy, and sturdy mountain climbing boots available on the market. Plus, the folks behind the model are simply as nice as their footwear, and so they plant a tree for each pair bought. We solely suggest merchandise we actually love and assume you’ll love too.
Oboz Cottonwood Overview
Oboz needed to make their most environmentally pleasant line up to now with out sacrificing the efficiency or options of high quality mountain climbing boots and mountain climbing shoots. They achieved this with the Cottonwood assortment. The Cottonwoods are light-weight whereas providing superior traction, cushion, and help.
Oboz Cottonwood Mid-Ankle
Key Options
The place to buy
Oboz Cottonwood Low-Ankle
Key Options
The place to buy
Notable Options
Greatest Makes use of
Though the Oboz Cottonwoods are mountain climbing footwear, their versatility may be their largest promoting level. It doesn’t matter what my day entails, I attain for these footwear. Whether or not I’m going to city or heading out for a day on the paths, these multi-purpose footwear present consolation for any event.
I’ve worn them for mountain climbing, strolling my canine, hanging out at my campsite, and operating errands. Whereas Oboz didn’t design these as a backpacking boot just like the Oboz Bridger or the Oboz Sypes (one other BFT Staff Favourite), I discover them so comfy that I plan to strive the mid-ankle model on an upcoming backpacking journey!
Mid-ankle vs. Low-ankle
The Oboz Cottonwood assortment is available in two choices for each women and men: mid-ankle mountain climbing boots and low-ankle mountain climbing footwear. Each are waterproof, are manufactured from the identical recycled parts, and have the identical technical options.
Oboz charges each their Cottonwood mid-ankle and low-ankle the identical when it comes to lightness, help, breathability, waterproofness, and insulation.
The important thing variations between the Cottonwood mid-ankle mountain climbing boot and the low-ankle mountain climbing shoe are the burden, match, use, and colours:
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Oboz Cottonwood Assessment: First Impressions
The Oboz Cottonwood boots have develop into my new favourite footwear for each mountain climbing and informal put on. As quickly as I took the boots out of the field and slipped them on, I knew they have been completely different from others I’d worn previously as they felt comfy proper out of the field.
Since I reside in my Sprinter van full-time, I have to be selective about which footwear I maintain in my restricted house. Right here’s what I appreciated about these boots immediately whereas testing them for this Oboz Cottonwood assessment:
Oboz Cottonwood Consolation & Match
Made with the O Match Insole and designed for versatility, the Oboz Cottonwood mountain climbing boots hit the mark when it comes to consolation, match, and elegance. They’ve rapidly develop into my favourite on a regular basis footwear.
Consolation
Whereas some footwear might require a break-in interval, the Oboz Cottonwood boots are comfy proper out of the field. Once I put mine on for the primary time, I went for a mile hike on rocky terrain and skilled no discomfort in any way.
The Cottonwood boots are comfy sufficient to put on all day lengthy. I’ve flat toes with principally no arch, so I discover that my toes typically ache after lengthy hikes. With my outdated mountain climbing boots, I counted the seconds till I obtained again to the automotive and will take them off, however I needed to maintain these boots on!
The insoles of the Cottonwood really feel like they transfer with me and adapt to the path terrain, in contrast to different inflexible boots I’ve tried. The O Match Insoles enable my toes to maneuver freely after I step. Even when mountain climbing on difficult terrain and rocks alongside the path, the insoles offered consolation the whole time, and I by no means felt the sharp rocks beneath my toes.
The Cottonwood boots are light-weight and versatile. At 13.0 oz, they’re solely a pair ounces heavier than the super-light Oboz Katabatic, giving them a lightweight and bouncy really feel. They’re comfy sufficient to put on mountain climbing all day.
These boots have offered my toes with the right stability of cushion and help throughout difficult uphill hikes, lengthy walks with my canine on gravel, and strolling to shops on paved surfaces within the metropolis.
Match
The Cottonwood boots are gender-specific, and the size runs true to measurement. Though I normally measurement up half a measurement for mountain climbing boots to account for swelling and toe motion on trails, I believe it comes down to private choice.
I went up half a measurement from what I sometimes put on in on a regular basis footwear, and the boots match nicely with my favourite mountain climbing socks. They don’t really feel free, and I don’t expertise any slip in my heel.
Nonetheless, they do really feel a bit free with skinny socks. I like to recommend ordering your common measurement for those who are inclined to put on skinny socks.
The Cottonwood boots match quite a lot of foot shapes and arch ranges. I’m normally a medium (common) width and have flat toes. I felt fast help for my arches after I slipped on the boots.
The boots really feel comfortable sufficient to forestall heel slippage however not overly tight as if they’re uncomfortable. The cup comfortably hugs my heel, and the toe field feels vast sufficient to totally unfold out my toes.
I like how they transfer with my toes and keep in place whereas I hike. I haven’t gotten any blisters or sore spots, and my toes by no means felt sizzling or sweaty whereas sporting them.
Fashion
The Oboz Cottonwood boots are trendy sufficient to be worn as an on a regular basis shoe, making them an ideal option to convey in your subsequent journey. In the event you solely have sufficient room in your journey backpack for one pair of footwear, these boots are versatile sufficient to put on round city with out trying such as you’re about to hit the paths.
I wore mine whereas strolling to all of the outlets in Joshua Tree, operating errands in Palm Springs, and going to a date evening at a brewery with my husband. The Cottonwood boots are a handy alternative for vacationers who plan to do a mixture of mountain climbing, sightseeing, and hanging out in cities and don’t need to sacrifice consolation or type.
The one purpose I docked a star for type is due to the colour decisions for the mid-ankle model. They arrive in Drizzle grey or Rye brown. I really like the pops of colour, however I’d wish to see some brighter choices too. Nonetheless, chances are you’ll be happy with these colours for those who want extra impartial and earthy tones which have a tendency to cover grime higher.
Oboz Cottonwood Efficiency
The Oboz Cottonwood boots are purposeful and dependable, making them a fast favourite piece of outside gear that I really like sporting on numerous adventures.
Here’s a breakdown of the Cottonwood key efficiency options in my assessment beneath:
Waterproofness
The Oboz Cottonwood boots are my first pair of waterproof mountain climbing boots. I used to be skeptical in the event that they have been actually waterproof, so in fact, I jumped in some puddles alongside the path.
These boots exceeded my expectations and handed the waterproof take a look at. The waterproof Cottonwood boots make the most of the B-DRY lining to forestall water from moving into them.
Even after leaping in puddles that coated the surface of the boot, my socks and toes stayed dry. After a couple of minutes, the surface of the boots appeared utterly dry, and there was no proof that I had walked by any water.
BFT Founder, Kristen (an avid Oboz lover), and BFT Contributors who’ve been sporting different Oboz fashions for years attest to how efficient their B-DRY waterproof lining is for preserving your toes dry, whether or not you might be strolling by a puddle like me or mountain climbing in a downpour.
Traction
The raised rubber lugs on the underside of the Oboz Cottonwood boots are very efficient. They supply path tread, slip resistance, and sturdiness.
They’re simply the grippiest mountain climbing boots I’ve ever tried! Once I encounter scree on the paths, I normally decelerate and watch my step to keep away from slipping.
Nonetheless, I by no means as soon as got here near slipping in these boots, even when mountain climbing on clean rocks with sand. The sturdy and grippy bottoms made me really feel safe and allowed me to maintain my stability the whole time.
Breathability
I used to keep away from waterproof boots as I had heard that they’ll make your toes really feel sizzling and sweaty throughout lengthy hikes, inflicting blisters to kind extra simply. I discovered this isn’t the case with these mountain climbing boots, although.
The Cottonwood boots have a breathable membrane and a mesh higher lining, providing air flow and permitting your toes to really feel cool even in sizzling temperatures. My toes by no means felt uncomfortably sizzling, even whereas mountain climbing for a number of miles within the desert.
These boots are breathable sufficient to be worn comfortably in heat or dry climates. Nonetheless, they’re a hair much less breathable than my ultralight mountain climbing footwear or the Oboz Katabatic light-weight hikers.
Help
The Oboz Cottonwood is a mid-ankle boot that gives simply the correct quantity of safety on trails. They hit simply above my ankle, permitting me to be nimble on the path.
I’ve discovered that my ankles really feel supported on all forms of terrain and when carrying numerous sizes of backpacks and equipment. They aren’t overkill for day hikes or backpacking journeys the place you might be packing mild.
Inside the previous yr, I switched from mountain climbing boots to path runner footwear for backpacking journeys as a result of I really feel lighter after I step. Nonetheless, I’ve been lacking the help I get from a extra conventional mountain climbing boot. I’m pleased to seek out that the Oboz Cottonwood is the right in-between.
The mid-ankle type helps me keep a fast tempo on trails whereas climbing up and down rocks and scree with out feeling overly inflexible, chunky, or heavy like different mountain climbing boots. They supply extra construction than a path runner or light-weight mountain climbing shoe, whereas nonetheless permitting you to go quick and light-weight.
I by no means as soon as felt like I’d twist my ankle on the path within the Oboz Cottonwood boots. I really like the boldness these boots give me in such a light-weight bundle.
Sustainability
One of many options I’m most exited to share on this Oboz Cottonwood assessment is that the Cottonwoods are Oboz’s most sustainable mountain climbing boots but. They function a number of 100% recycled parts, together with the higher, the liner, and the laces. The BDry waterproof lining can be 100% recyclable and constructed from 25% publish industrial waste, plus it’s utterly free from without end chemical substances (PFAS) which can be widespread in waterproof finishes and recognized to pollute waterways.
I really feel proud to put on my Oboz Cottonwood boots on the path as a result of they’re extra eco-conscious than different leather-based merchandise and put the planet first, all with out compromising efficiency.
The higher nubuck leather-based is produced utilizing much less water than conventional strategies. It’s traceable to the farms, and the ranchers should adhere to verified and strict animal well-being requirements.
I additionally admire how Oboz Footwear is an organization that prioritizes sustainability at its core. Oboz vegetation a tree for each pair of footwear they promote – greater than 5 million and counting! Their Bozeman workplace runs off of 100% renewable vitality from wind, photo voltaic, and biomass, and so they carbon offset all their shoe shipments.
Since Oboz began in 2007, they’ve devoted themselves to being environmentally accountable. They’re licensed B Corp® and have met excessive social and environmental efficiency requirements.
It is a model you possibly can really feel proud to help whereas having fun with nature!
The place to Purchase Oboz Cottonwood
The Oboz Cottonwood boots can be found on Oboz Footwear’s web site. They arrive in both a mid-ankle or low-ankle waterproof model in each males’s and ladies’s sizes.
Listed below are a few of the present Oboz Cottonwood kinds and colours out there
Love mountain climbing? Take a look at these assets earlier than you hit the path!
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Do you will have any questions in regards to the Oboz Cottonwood? Have you ever tried them out your self? Let me know within the feedback beneath!
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