Verdict from 4 experts and +100 user reviews
5 reasons to buy
- Several wearers couldn’t contain their admiration for the Oboz Sawtooth II Low’s astonishing level of comfort.
- Its overall supportiveness made a strong impression on a female patron.
- The roominess of its forefoot space resonated well with a hiking enthusiast.
- Someone who tested this shoe was able to break it in without too much effort.
- An owner found the Oboz Sawtooth II Low (women’s) quite the stylish footwear.
2 reasons not to buy
- This day hiking shoe was considered a letdown by a consumer for having a lackluster footbed.
- A couple of wearers experienced blistering.
Bottom line
Trail seekers looking to own a pair of Oboz Sawtooth kicks that are immensely comfortable are likely to have their expectations met in the Sawtooth II Low. Outdoorsy folks also had better prepare to be smitten by its amazing support system, quick break-in period, and remarkably spacious toe box. That said, this mesmerizingly good-looking hiker might disappoint those who value fit precision in their gear or those who look forward to a footbed that needs no replacing. Overall, while the Oboz Sawtooth II Low’s portfolio contains some misses, it does list qualities that can make hikes safe and enjoyable right from the get-go.
Tip: see the best hiking shoes.
Good to know
- The Oboz Sawtooth II Low, the Sawtooth Low’s successor, is a footgear crafted to provide trail adventurers with the ability to nimbly cover miles with as much airy comfort as possible. It comes with a brand-exclusive moisture-wicking footbed called O Fit Insole for a pleasantly dry in-shoe experience. This component replaces the older model’s B Fit insert.
- This iteration, just like its predecessor, is built for lightweight action. That said, the Sawtooth II Low is about 10 to 15 grams lighter than its senior.
- Oboz engineers gave this new version a more streamlined look. This update is evident in how they lessened the number of its mesh panels and pull loops. Its protective overlays have seen a minor design change as well.
- On the breathability front, the Sawtooth II Low is given a slight upgrade. Although the number of its vent panels has gone down, it now has a mesh collar—something its older brother lacked.
- This second-gen Sawtooth Low inherits the former version’s rockered sole unit. With it, seekers of the trail can pull off better toe offs on even surfaces.
A low-top day hiking footgear for men and women is the Oboz Sawtooth II Low. The brand declares it as a true-to-length shoe. It has a heel cup that conforms to the shape of the wearer’s heel, a sculpted medial section, and a spacious forefoot region. Users may set its fit to their preference using the hiker’s ghillie lacing.
With its classic company-owned outsole, the Oboz Sawtooth II Low is capable of delivering sufficient grip on different types of backcountry surfaces. It is engineered with mud-shedding treaded lugs, the border ones of which help hikers tackle off-camber trails with enhanced slip and skid resistance. Oboz designers gave it a front tip that serves as the shoe’s protective toe bumper.
This shoe for hiking provides enough underfoot comfort and stability over bumpy terrain with its dual-density midsole. Its entirety is made of EVA or ethylene-vinyl acetate, a cushy yet heavy-duty material akin to foam known for its stress resistance and also for its ability to bear considerable weight. It comes built with a nylon shank—a lightweight implement that stiffens the midfoot section of the midsole, thereby giving wearers additional arch support.
Helping this resilient component grant cushioning is the Oboz-exclusive O Fit Insole. Its multi-density engineering makes it extra comfy yet adequately supportive. Since it is built with a sculpted arch, this proprietary footbed gets to center the foot and keep it in place. It is also designed to keep the shoe’s interior well ventilated with its breathable, moisture-wicking top layer.
The Oboz Sawtooth II Low is a shoe with a breathable below-the-ankle upper. It is one part abrasion-resistant textile (mesh), one part nubuck leather. Within its confines is ample padding for added comfort. Its forefoot has a sturdy toe cap for bump protection, while its heel zone has a 3D-molded heel counter for improved rearfoot support. What allows users to slip in and out of the gear with relative ease, on the other hand, is the pull tab stitched securely to its heel.
Its lacing system has fabric loops and plated lace holes for eyelets. A round lace made of interwoven synthetic cords is set through them. The lace also goes through the tongue’s lace keeper, preventing the tongue from moving out of place.
In order for a pair of Oboz Sawtooth II Low hiking shoes to last longer, proper care and attention must be given. To that end, consider the following:
- After each use, rinse, brush, or wipe mudded and dirtied areas of the Sawtooth II Low. It is recommended to take out the insole and lace before major cleaning is done on the shoe. Do a thorough cleaning of the footgear a couple of times every season. A cleaning gel (or a similar product appropriate for the material used in the upper) can be used to clean the breathable parts of the footwear safely. The gear may not be cleaned using petroleum-, solvent-, or detergent-based cleaning agents, and under no circumstance be washed in a machine.
- The Sawtooth II Low must be dried at room temperature—anywhere between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Oboz advises against drying the shoe under direct sunlight, via any kind of heat source, or through a dryer. Filling the interior of the hiker with some newspaper can expedite the drying process. Removing the footbed after getting its inside wet can help dry the footwear faster minus the stink.
- During the off-season, store the Sawtooth II Low in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Before storage, it is imperative to clean and dry the gear first. Additionally, since this hiking footwear has some parts made of leather, it is a good idea to treat it with a leather conditioner—preferably one that is made specifically for nubuck leather use. This kind of treatment will prevent the leather from drying out and becoming dull. Owners are discouraged from stowing this pair of kicks in their cars, especially not in the trunk during summer months. Doing so can lead to warping, making the shoe no longer fit for use.
- For those who need protection from the inclement weather, hikers may opt for the Sawtooth II Low’s waterproof sibling—the Sawtooth II Low BDry. For those requiring firmer ankle support, however, they can look into the shoe’s mid-cut cousin, known simply as Sawtooth II Mid.
- This hiking footgear is part of Oboz’s “One More Tree” campaign which prompts them to plant a tree for every pair of Sawtooth II Lows sold.
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