Oboz Sawtooth X Pro Mid Waterproof Review
The Oboz Sawtooth X Pro Mid WP ($220) is a more rugged, performance-oriented evolution of the longtime Sawtooth line, designed to handle rougher terrain and variable conditions with a full-grain leather upper and Vibram Megagrip outsole. We tested the Sawtooth X Pro Mid across desert trails in Southern Utah, including a 20-mile backpacking trip through canyon country with loads up to 40 pounds. Through rocky descents, sandy washes, and ledgy terrain, the boot stood out most for its reliable traction and solid construction. That said, comfort, support, and fit land squarely in the middle of the pack—especially for hikers with wider forefeet—and it doesn’t quite match the plush ride or burly support of some competitors.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
Terrain
Moderate
Weight
1 lb. 14.2 oz.
Waterproof
Yes
Upper
Nubuck leather
Pros
Cons
Oboz Sawtooth X Pro Mid Waterproof
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The Oboz Sawtooth X Pro Mid Waterproof feels like a pretty standard hiking boot right out of the box. It lands in the middle in terms of stiffness—more supportive than a trail runner, but far from a rigid, mountaineering-style build. The cushioning sits in that middle ground—not especially soft or firm—while the collar and tongue offer enough padding without feeling bulky. The lacing system is easy to dial in and doesn’t create pressure points or cause the tongue to dig into my shin.
Before committing to a multi-day trip, I took the Oboz Sawtooth X Pro Mid Waterproof out on the 4.4-mile Fossil Ridge Loop in Red Rock Canyon outside of Las Vegas—rocky, moderately technical desert terrain and my first hike of the season after months in winter footwear. In other words, my feet were baby-soft and prime for blisters. Overall, the boots felt good with no major issues, and I could tell they were starting to break in over the course of the hike. I did notice some tenderness around the pad of my pinky toe, but that’s typical for me with new boots and didn’t develop into anything more serious.
On a 20-mile backpacking trip through Utah’s canyon country, I got a better sense of their long-term comfort. I ended up with a blister on one of my toes, and after three days of hiking through sand and down rocky canyons, my feet were ready to be out of the boots. Some of that comes with the territory—heat, rough terrain, and a heavy pack—and some of it comes from a too-narrow fit, too. But the boots themselves played a role as well, with a less flexible upper and more unforgiving underfoot feel than I’m accustomed to on most lightweight hiking footwear.
I tend to prefer more cushioned, flexible footwear for hiking, but once pack weights go up or terrain gets rough, I start looking for more structure and ankle support. The Sawtooth X Pro Mid sits squarely in that middle ground. It’s a true mid-height boot that rises over the ankle with two eyelets and offers moderate stiffness both underfoot and around the collar. I’d peg the ankle support around a 3 to 3.5 out of 5—less than something like the Salomon Quest 5 GTX (closer to a 4.5), but still enough structure to help resist ankle rolls when the terrain gets uneven. Oboz also includes a quality insole, which adds a noticeable layer of support underfoot compared to basic foam inserts.
The lacing system is fairly standard, with one fixed eyelet and one hook around the ankle. It gets the job done for locking the foot in place, but I found myself wishing for a second hook to better fine-tune the fit up top. I tend to lace top-down for a more dialed-in feel, and the current setup limits some of that adjustability.
I put the boot’s stability to the test on a three-day, roughly 20-mile backpacking trip through Utah’s canyon country. The first day included a steep 6-mile descent (15-20% grades) over large boulders, where I experienced some toe jamming on the downhill. Over the following days—carrying heavier loads, including a gallon of water through sandy stretches—my feet took a bit of a beating, with some blistering and general fatigue. I also rolled my ankles a few times on uneven terrain, and by the final climb out of the canyon, they were noticeably tired. Overall, the Sawtooth X Pro offers a bit less support and stability than a burlier leather hiking boot, with the tradeoff being slightly better agility and flexibility.
The Oboz Sawtooth X Pro Mid Waterproof features a Vibram Megagrip outsole with moderately deep, tightly spaced lugs. Megagrip is one of the most trusted rubber compounds in hiking footwear, and it lives up to that reputation here—it handles a wide range of conditions, from dry desert trails to wet rock, with ease. While it’s not purpose-built for highly technical scrambling or deep mud, the lug pattern maintains consistent ground contact, prioritizing stability across mixed terrain rather than excelling in any one niche.
On a backpacking trip through Utah’s canyon country, traction proved impressively reliable. I was able to confidently navigate everything from loose sand and rocky ledges to wet and dry trail surfaces, and I never felt unsure about my footing. One standout moment was descending sandy canyon ledges—terrain where it’s easy to slip—but the boots held firm. I also had no issues moving through sand or stepping through shallow puddles, where grip remained predictable and secure.
The Sawtooth X Pro Mid makes a strong first impression in terms of its build quality, with a leather upper, a reinforced toe cap, and a fairly traditional stitched construction. The leather at the toe showed noticeable scuffing after my first 4.4-mile hike in Red Rock Canyon, thanks to the sharp, abrasive desert rock. But after roughly 50 miles of hiking across rocky desert trails, sand, and mixed terrain, the rest of the boot has held up well. The outsole is wearing evenly, the upper shows no structural issues, and the laces and interior remain in good condition. Despite the early scuffing, there’s nothing here that suggests premature failure or obvious weak points.
In terms of longevity, I’d expect these to last at least a full season of regular use for most backpackers. At $220, they feel a bit pricey for what is ultimately a fairly straightforward, no-frills hiking boot. That said, you are paying for the leather-and-Gore-Tex combination, and if you can find them closer to $180, they start to look like a much stronger value.
Toe protection on the Oboz Sawtooth X Pro Mid Waterproof is fairly minimal. There’s no substantial rubber rand or cap—just what appears to be an extra layer of leather over the toe box. It offers some basic coverage, but it’s also the area that showed the most wear early on, and overall, it doesn’t provide the same level of impact resistance as a reinforced rubber toe cap. That said, I didn’t experience any direct pain from kicking rocks or catching a toe on the trail.
Around the sides, ankle, and heel, protection is more reassuring. The leather upper and mid-height collar provide a decent buffer against scrapes and minor impacts, and I never had issues when hopping across boulders or stepping off ledges with a heavy pack. It’s not overly burly, but there’s enough structure to handle typical trail obstacles without feeling exposed.
Underfoot, protection is more middle-of-the-road. The boots don’t isolate you completely from the ground, and over rocky terrain—especially with a 40-pound pack—my feet definitely felt the cumulative impact. They’re not harsh, but they also don’t have the kind of thick, cushioned barrier that really dampens repeated hits on uneven terrain.
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PFAS-Free DWR
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PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
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Responsible Leather
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The Sawtooth X Pro Mid is listed at 1 pound 14.2 ounces for the women’s version and 2 pounds 5.2 ounces for the men’s, which puts it on the heavier side of the hiking boot spectrum. For comparison, the Merrell Moab Speed 2 comes in at just 1 pound 12.2 ounces for the men’s and feels noticeably lighter on foot. A more apples-to-apples comparison would be hiking boots like the Hoka Kaha 3 (2 lb. 8 oz.) and Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 GTX (2 lb. 4.2 oz.), which fall into a similar weight class.
In practice, I didn’t find the weight particularly noticeable on the trail. It didn’t feel like it slowed me down while hiking or left me more fatigued at the end of the day. That said, if you’re after something that feels light, airy, and especially nimble, this isn’t that kind of boot—it carries a bit more heft, even if it doesn’t feel overly burdensome in use.
Waterproofing & Breathability
The Sawtooth X Pro Mid uses a Gore-Tex Invisible Fit liner, which is designed to provide waterproofing without adding bulk. I didn’t fully submerge the boots, but in light moisture and variable conditions, they performed as expected with no signs of leakage.
In terms of temperature regulation, the boots felt reasonably breathable for most of my testing. On a three-day backpacking trip, they stayed comfortable through warm desert conditions with lightweight hiking socks. However, on the final day—despite temperatures being 10-15 degrees cooler—I switched to a midweight hiking sock and quickly noticed a difference. My feet felt noticeably warmer, and by the end of the day, I was ready to get the boots off. Thus, while breathability is decent, it’s always a compromise you make with waterproof footwear, and I recommend pairing the Sawtooth X Pro with thin socks in warm conditions.
I typically wear a women’s size 9, though I can sometimes size down to an 8.5. I have a narrow heel and a wider forefoot. Fit is often tricky for me: I consistently experience pressure points along the outside of my pinky toe knuckles, and have an especially hard time with footwear that doesn’t lock down the heel well or runs narrow up front.
I went with a size 9 in the Oboz Sawtooth X Pro Mid Waterproof and found the heel cup and midfoot to fit well, offering a secure, locked-in feel. Oboz markets this boot as having a generous forefoot and toe box, but in practice, I found it fairly average, which was a letdown when I tried it on for the first time. The forefoot felt a bit snug for my foot shape, causing rubbing along my outer toe knuckles and eventually a blister.
In terms of length, I’d call the fit true to size. But for hikers with wider forefeet or similar pressure points, the toe box may not feel as roomy as advertised.
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof ($170): Ye Ol’ Classic
The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is a classic, no-fuss design and a longtime favorite among hikers. It’s notably more comfortable right out of the box, thanks to a roomier fit, softer cushioning, and a lighter build (1 lb. 11.1 oz. for the women’s). That said, it’s less premium overall, with a proprietary (non-Gore-Tex) waterproof membrane and outsole rubber that doesn’t perform as well on rock. It’s a comfort-forward upgrade—at a lower price—but represents a slight step down in technical performance, especially for hikers with narrower feet who may prefer the more secure fit of the Oboz. For more, read our Moab 3 Mid Waterproof review.
La Sportiva TX Hike Mid Leather GTX ($219): Leather, but Make It Comfortable & Nimble
The La Sportiva TX Hike Mid Leather GTX offers a softer, more forgiving feel that’s easier to break in, paired with a nimble, trail-shoe-like ride. It’s also lighter (1 lb. 12.4 oz. for the women’s), making it a rare blend of agility and leather durability. We’ve been especially impressed with its traction, which is among the best in class on rock. However, it sacrifices some protection compared to the Sawtooth X Pro and comes at a noticeably higher price. If you like the idea of a leather hiking boot but want something more flexible and airy, the TX Hike is one of our favorites. For more, read our review of the TX Hike Mid Leather GTX.
A more rugged, performance-oriented evolution of the longtime Sawtooth line, the Sawtooth X Pro adds a full-grain leather upper and Vibram Megagrip outsole for improved durability and traction. That said, its middle-of-the-road comfort, support, and fit won’t work for everyone.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
The Moab isn’t the sleekest-looking or burliest hiking boot out there, but it’s a solid all-rounder for most trail types and conditions. Throw in a very reasonable price, and it’s for good reason it’s been a best-seller for years.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
A spin-off of La Sportiva’s popular TX approach shoes, this minimalist leather boot is surprisingly capable in most terrain and conditions. You can find more protective or rugged models, but we appreciate the balance of comfort and performance of the TX Hike Mid.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
Is the Sawtooth X Pro Mid for You?
If you’re looking for a traditional leather hiking boot that balances support, durability, and traction without going full “burly,” the Oboz Sawtooth X Pro Mid Waterproof fits nicely in that middle ground. It offers reliable grip, a secure heel and midfoot fit, and enough structure for moderate backpacking loads, making it a solid option for hikers who want more support than a trail runner but don’t need a heavy-duty boot.
Go for it if you want a dependable leather boot that offers a step up in performance—traction, durability, waterproofing—from much of the competition.
Pass on it if you prefer a softer, more cushioned, or lighter ride, or want a burlier hiking boot with more support for hauling heavy loads.
hit the trail
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