Light hikers and trail runners have become some of the most common shoes on the trail, and as a result, manufacturers are designing a lot more for the market. At the most recent Outdoor Retailer I learned about Oboz, a shoe company from Bozeman, Montana that has a wide selection of hiking boots, shoes, and trail runners for both men and women. Read more for the full review of the Contour hiking shoe.
Oboz is relatively new to the outdoor market but they have put a lot of thought into the design of their shoes and so I had high expectations for the Contour. Luckily, they did not disappoint. The Contour is a light hiker with a leather and nylon upper, but with a twist. Rather than a traditional construction, it features a bootie-style construction. The bootie is great for keeping your foot from sliding around as well as trail debris and dust out of the shoes on longer day hikes.
The Contour has a rugged sole that flexes and grips the trail, even on muddy trails. For those that appreciate the little details in design, the sole has a relief of a topographic map in the rubber. Though they are only low hikers, they provide ample support with a light pack (such as a small hydration pack) and can handle trails with some elevation gain without a problem. Weighing in at about 12 ounces, considering the rugged sole and the leather construction, they are light on the feet, great for longer hikes.
Overall, I thought the Contours were a quality hiking shoe. They may not feature things like Vibram soles or Gore-Tex liners, but they performed well on the trail. The bootie-style took some getting used to but the benefits of not getting small rocks or debris in your shoe during a hike was well worth it. I found them to run very true to size, but if you like to wear thicker hiking socks, consider going up a half size. They retail for $110 and are available at a select retailers (check their site for dealers).
Product sample provided by the manufacturer for review purposes.
Luckily, they did not disappoint.????
Thanks for the review. I’ve never heard of Oboz before. I do a lot of hiking and climbing in Montana, mostly Glacier, and as you mention, the rocks and dirt that get into the is a major problem but still I prefer the shoe to a more protected boot. I’m going to try on a pair and see what I think. Always on the lookout for a great hiking shoe. Thanks