Verdict from 2 experts and +100 user reviews

9 reasons to buy

  • A host of reviewers, which include someone suffering from plantar fasciitis, applauded the comfort level of the Oboz Sapphire Low BDry.
  • The shoe stunned numerous owners, including a professional blogger, with its outstanding arch support.
  • This low-top Oboz product runs true to size, based on several reports.
  • Critics fell in love with the hiker’s cute design.
  • A number of verified purchasers raved about the Sapphire Low BDry’s incredible grip performance.
  • Its waterproofing was considered A-grade by a handful of wearers.
  • Some consumers found a super-stable hiking gear in this Oboz footwear.
  • A small percentage of testers adored the shoe’s ease of access.
  • The hiker’s brawny toe cap impressed a footgear pundit greatly.

2 reasons not to buy

  • Its initial stiffness around the collar disappointed an expert.
  • A couple of users complained about Oboz Sapphire Low BDry’s flimsy lace loops. They said that the bottom ones broke way too soon.

Bottom line

Oboz is known for making richly comfortable footwear, and the Sapphire Low BDry is one such excellent example. The shoe, however, is brilliant not just on the comfort front, but also in the support, grip, and fit categories. Its magnificence in the area of aesthetics is not to be overlooked either. That said, hikers might find its rigid (at the onset) ankle cuff detestable. Nonetheless, the Oboz Sapphire Low BDry is a spectacular footgear capable of giving female adventurers a swell performance on the trail without sacrificing style.

Tip: see the best hiking shoes.

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Good to know

The Oboz Sapphire Low BDry is built for wearers who need a combination of support, comfort, and stability in their travels, whether over rough terrain or on city pavements. Its tongue and asymmetrical collar are engineered in such a way that promotes ankle motion.

Underfoot protection and footing security are handled by the gear’s sole unit, called Swiftcurrent. It consists mainly of a sturdy outsole and a one-piece midsole. This unified sole also houses a chassis made of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) and the ESS plate.

Oboz’s Sapphire Low BDry is a low-cut day hiking shoe for women. Its fit, which is molded on a gender-specific last, is considered true to size by the brand. It is offered in full and half sizes in regular width. A customized lockdown is made possible by the hiker’s closure system.

Giving ample grip over slippery terrain is the shoe’s Swiftcurrent outsole. It has circular protrusions (lugs) and grid-like treads to help trail seekers traverse soft-soiled surfaces with more slip and skid resistance. Oboz designers extended its front end all the way to the tip of the toe box, giving the footwear enhanced bump protection as a result.

With its dual-density Swiftcurrent midsole, the Sapphire Low BDry helps hikers go through rugged trails with sufficient cushioning and terrain balance. It is made entirely of EVA or ethylene-vinyl acetate. It is engineered with two protective subcomponents: a TPU chassis around the arch and the ESS (EVA Super Skin) plate at the forefoot. The former provides additional torsional stability, while the latter—an armoring with a thickness of 1 mm—lessens hyperflexion.

A multi-density Oboz-exclusive footbed called O Fit Insole sits atop this cushy layer for added support and comfort underfoot. It is made primarily of EVA. It has moisture-wicking and heel-centering capabilities.

The Oboz Sapphire Low BDry’s below-the-ankle upper is chiefly made of waterproof nubuck leather. Heavy-duty overlays cover its vulnerable parts, which include the toe box, to protect the footgear from destructive and abrasive hazards. A plush in-shoe feel is courtesy of the shoe’s padded collar. Its liner is imbued with B-Dry, a proprietary technology that walls off moisture and expels heat and sweat.

Three pairs of fabric loops and a pair of riveted open hooks make up the shoe’s combination eyelets. A semi-round synthetic lace is set through them.

How Sapphire Low BDry compares

This shoe: 85
All shoes average: 80
58 93
This shoe: $140
All shoes average: $131
$45 $240
Ready to buy? Available from $140
Not sure yet? Overview of all 371 hiking shoes
Author
Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto

Paul loves adventure. Over the past 20 years, he has climbed, hiked, and ran all over the world. He’s summited peaks throughout the Americas, trekked through Africa, and tested his endurance in 24-hour trail races. He has worked in the outdoor industry as a whitewater and hunting guide, gear tester, copywriter, and outfitting specialist at places like The National Outdoor Leadership School, No Barriers USA, and Sierra Trading Post. He has been quoted in NYMag, NBCNews, and Business Insider to name a few.

paul@runrepeat.com