The most common injuries in the outdoors are related to the feet. Blisters are by far the most frequent complaint when it comes to wilderness medicine. Ankle injuries are also an unfortunate occurrence that happens all too often. Many of these issues can be solved with the correct footwear.

In searching for good new hiking books, I was referred by a friend who worked in outdoor retail to Oboz, a footwear brand that, I have to admit, I am extremely impressed with. I had never heard of it before, and I am absolutely blown away but what I found.

These are by far the most comfortable hiking boots I have ever owned. And it's not even close. Even after they were broken in, I found myself wearing these boots occasionally to school and the office just because they felt good. This is due to the supporting in-soles that are built into the boot.

But what about the trail test? I've never had a boot that has passed it this well. When I purchased these boots, I didn't have a lot of time to break them in before I went on a trip to Capitol Reef National Park. I had less than two weeks to break them in. When I went on the trip, I was worried that I would eventually have a blister issue at some point. However, despite the quick turnaround, I didn't even have any hotspots. And they held up amazingly on the trail. On an 8-mile out-and-back trail in the desert that features almost 500 feet of elevation change, they took the loose rocks and heat of the desert like a champ.

And that's not even getting into the waterproofing. These particular Oboz are made of Goretex, and are waterproof. I have never had water issues in this shoe ever. I will wear these boots whenever it rains or snows because of how well they hold up against the moisture.

And all of this is not even taken into account the amazing humanitarian work that Oboz has done as a company. For every pair of shoes sold, Oboz plants a tree. To date, they have planted almost 2 million trees!

I have not had a hiking boot before or since as great as these. I know exactly where I will look for my next pair.

• Extremely comfortable
• Waterproof
• Hardy material
• Holds up on the trail
• Looks amazing

• Moderately pricey

This item is available on Amazon. Click here to buy.

Scott Salvesen

Growing up in South Africa and moving to Utah, USA as a teenager, Scott is a graduate of Utah Valley University’s Outdoor Recreation program. Scott is currently a Master’s Student at the University of Florida. His research interests include ecotourism, sustainability, and tourist affect cycles. He has worked in multiple therapy, outdoor, and retail settings, and is a published author.