Oboz Bridger Review | WORTH IT in 2025?
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. We update the links to give you the best possible price on market
In this article, I'm going to share my HONEST Oboz Bridger Mid waterproof review for those who are wondering whether they are still WORTH IT in 2025.
The Oboz Bridger Mid-B-dry is a mid-weight boot crafted for hikers who seek both sturdiness and comfort while trekking. Made in Bozeman, Montana, these boots are tailored to endure tough and wild landscapes. They’re ideally suited for serious trekkers and outdoor lovers who require dependable footwear across diverse terrains.
For this review, I have put several hours into testing my own personal pair of the Oboz Bridger Mid so I'm familiar with how they feel and perform hiking on the trails. I'll go over comfort, traction, overall protection, water resistance, fit, stability & support, and durability.
In addition, I recently reviewed the Oboz Sawtooth and did a head to head comparison of the Oboz Bridger vs Sawtooth, if you're interested.
I'll be sharing my critical opinion with 10 years of experience as a trail guide and experienced hiker.
Should you buy the Oboz Bridger?
Buy if
You want a very stiff durable hiking boot
You are looking for a top backpacking boot
You in are the market for a good performance hiking boot
DON'T Buy if
You have wider feet
Comfort is your #1 priority
You are a weekend hiker only
Oboz Bridger Pros and Cons
Pros
Durable, long-lasting quality materials
Excellent ankle support
Great against uphill terrain
Great backpacking boots
Cons
Weight
Narrow fitting
Not very voluminous
Oboz Bridger Mid Price
At the time of this writing, the Oboz Bridger is priced at $200 retail, but available on Amazon below for as low as $190 brand new.
Order the Oboz Bridger Mid for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Disclosure: These links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to run the website 🙂
Oboz Bridger Mid Comfort: 6.5/10
The first thing I noticed when trying on the Bridger, they were very hard to get into. I had to really loosen the laces and pull hard to just get my foot into the boot.
Once the boot was on I felt there was not as much volume to accommodate my foot. This is expected with a stiff durable boot, but can be a little disheartening at first. There is more than enough adequate room at the toe box, no areas of compression on the toes.
The Oboz Bridger features the specialized O Fit insole designed by Oboz which provides superior support for both the arch and heel. This feature is coupled with ample cushioning that delivers sustained comfort during long treks. I have no issues with the midsole itself, it is pretty comfortable.
While initially these boots may present a rather firm feel, they adapt to your feet after several hikes. The lacing system of the Bridger Mid ensures a snug embrace around your foot.
I felt other than the issues with accommodating volume the rest of the boot was pretty comfortable. For me, the Oboz Sawtooth Mid had the same issues with volume as well.
Weight
Weighing in at 19 oz on my scale, the Oboz Bridger are not as heavy as expected. The Sawtooth weighs around the same at 20 oz.
Traction: 9/10
The Oboz Bridger Mid B-dry stands out for its exceptional traction, essential for challenging hikes. Its specialized outsole crafted from a distinct rubber compound provides an improved grip on both rocky terrains and damp surfaces.
The boots feature Granite Peak rubber that secures your footing while you navigate throughout different terrain. I felt the traction was similar to the Merrell Moab 3 with the Vibram outsole.
On varieties of terrain such as slate, snow-covered trails, loose stones, and sharp inclines, the Oboz Bridger performs impressively, offering superior traction compared to most hiking boots, especially when descending steep paths.
I felt on muddy trails, my lugs retained too much mud. I noted some slipping once my lugs really got saturated.
For those who prefer rapid hiking or jumping between boulders, the Bridger Mid might fall short owing to a tread pattern that can feel bulky on flatter landscapes.
Even with this minor limitation, they still ensure a secure footing on uneven terrain. For those looking for a lighter boot the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid is a great option.
Overall Protection 4/5
The Oboz Bridger Mid is distinguished by its superior support and defense capabilities. Featuring a tough Nubuck leather upper, the boots deliver substantial protection for both your foot and ankles, which is especially beneficial on difficult terrains.
Extra safeguards come courtesy of a robust rubber toe cap that defends against external forces such as rocks or other trail impediments.
The augmented construction areas fortify the boots against deterioration from wear, helping to extend their serviceable life span while protecting your feet consistently across various conditions.
With the great overall protection, the stiffness of the Bridger can be quite cumbersome. I felt the stiff impeded me from attaining full plantarflexion of my foot on trail, not the biggest issue but something worth noting.
Water Resistance 5/5
The Oboz Bridger incorporates a B-dry membrane to help maintain its water resistance. I found the Bridger Mid waterproof hiking membrane effective during creek crossings and rainy hikes, maintaining dry and comfortable feet in my waterproof boot.
The B-Dry membrane keeps moisture out but tends to heat up, making it less breathable than other high-end options. This could be a concern for hikers in the summer.
Compared to GORE-TEX, B-Dry waterproofing is generally average in breathability. For most conditions, the waterproofing of the Oboz Bridger Mid B-dry is sufficient, ensuring dry and comfortable feet on the trail.
Does The Oboz Bridger Mid Fit Well?
Like I stated before, I felt the Oboz Bridger was a very tight fit and did not allow for much expansion with my foot in the boot. I felt a constant pressure on the front of my feet as well as the bottom of my heel. With that being said, I am a wider sized fit. I will try the wide fit for my next review.
Other than issues with volume, the Bridger fit well. I felt there was more than enough room around the toe box. I was able to achieve a nice tight fit around my ankle with no loose areas.
There are wide options available in this boot, anybody who has a wider fitting foot I would absolutely recommend the wide fit.
Oboz Bridger Fit 3 / 5
Oboz Bridger Mid Stability & Support 4.5/5
The Oboz Bridger is known for its superior stability, establishing it as a great backpacking boot. Embedded within the footwear are sturdy O-Fit insoles which offer exceptional arch and heel reinforcement. This helps to create a stable platform with ample cushioning that reduces foot fatigue during prolonged treks, thereby enhancing overall comfort throughout lengthy excursions.
I felt extremely stable while hiking with a 20lb backpack thanks to the stiffness of the bridger. Even though I had issues with the stiffness, there is no doubt this is one of the most stable hiking boots on the market.
Durability 9/10
In terms of build quality, the Bridger Mid-B-dry is remarkable. Its heavy-duty materials and solid craftsmanship indicate that it’s more than capable of handling challenging paths and uneven landscapes.
The combination of durable leather with TPU reinforcement significantly enhances its resistance to damage, guaranteeing longevity across countless adventures.
The leather helps with the water resistance but also ensures comfort during wear. All-leather construction plays an essential role in extending the lifespan of these boots, marking them as dependable gear for avid hikers. None of the boot is welded, which will ensure an even longer life span.
There is no doubt Oboz always crafts their gear with longevity in mind.
Is The Oboz Bridger Mid worth it?
The Oboz Bridger Mid hiking boots balance performance and cost, appealing to serious hikers. Solid support, durability, and comfort justify the price, especially for those who value leather construction.
I think the Oboz Bridger are for a specific niche of hikers. Individuals who are mainly backpacking and tend to have narrow feet. The robust design and undeniable stability and support are a must-have hikers of this specific niche.
For hikers seeking a reliable, durable, and comfortable boot, the Oboz Bridger Mid B-dry is a worthy investment. Its performance and durability make it a strong contender in the mid-range hiking boot market.
The drawbacks to consider would be that they are more comfortable options such as the Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX, or Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX. Also consider the Keen Targhee III if you are looking for a more budget-friendly hiking boot.
Value: 3.5/5
Scoring Breakdown
Comfort: 6.5 / 10
Traction: 9 / 10
Overall Protection: 4 / 5
Waterproofness: 5 / 5
Stability & Support: 4.5 / 5
Fit: 3 / 5
Durability: 9 / 10
Value: 3.5 / 5
Total: 44.5 / 55
Our Rating: 8.1 / 10
At the time of this writing, the Oboz Bridger is priced at $200 retail, but available on Amazon below for as low as $190 brand new.
Order the Oboz Bridger Mid for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Disclosure: These links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to run the website 🙂
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the Oboz Bridger Fit Well for Wide Feet?
The normal size Bridger are too narrow for wide feet. I recommend sizing up to the wide fit.
Do the Oboz Bridger Mid provide good ankle support?
Absolutely, the Oboz Bridger boots provide excellent ankle support, which is perfect for tackling tough terrain with confidence.
How do the Oboz Bridger Mid boots perform in muddy conditions?
The Oboz Bridger can struggle in muddy conditions because their larger lugs tend to retain mud rather than shed it.
So, while they’re solid in many respects, be cautious if you’re planning to tackle deep muck.
How We Tested and Our Methodology
I personally tested the Oboz Bridger for 4 months with the sole intent of giving you the most unbiased review possible. Mountaineer Journey is a 100% independent publisher with years of testing and reviewing outdoor equipment.
Over the past decade, I have logged over 2,000 hiking miles across diverse terrains, from the rugged Appalachian Trail to the challenging Rocky Mountains. This extensive experience allows me to evaluate the Bridger’s performance accurately in real-world conditions.
We currently pay for the products we test ourselves; no company or manufacturer pays us to sway our opinions or decisions.
Adventure Awaits,
Tyler
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. We update the links to give you the best possible price on market