We Tried Eager vs Oboz Winter Path Boots – These 6 Held Traction

Snow, slush, and hidden ice will expose a boot’s true character quick. We took Eager and Oboz pairs on steep hearth roads, packed singletrack, and frozen parking heaps to see which really maintain traction when issues get sketchy.

You get actual world takeaways, not lab discuss, so you’ll be able to step confidently in your subsequent chilly morning hike. Listed here are the six fashions that gripped when it mattered most.

KEEN Revel 4 Mid Peak Polar

If you’d like a boot that bites ice with out feeling clunky, this one nails that stability. The micro glass fiber outsole seems like tiny cleats underfoot, so that you step onto frosted rock and your foot stays put.

Heat feels regular, not sweaty, due to insulation and a warmth defend that blocks chilly seeping up from frozen floor.

Waterproofing stored slush outdoors whereas the liner let warmth escape, so socks stayed drier on lengthy climbs. Cushioning rebounds properly, taking sting out of heel strikes on rutted hearth roads.

I seen the toe field has roomy quantity, nice for thicker winter socks with out stress on toenails throughout descents.

Traction stood out most on glazed trailheads and plowed sidewalks the place many boots skate. The 5mm lugs shed sugar snow, then reengage as you transition to packed sections.

In the event you prioritize safe footing and dependable heat in actual winter situations, this boot feels function constructed.

Oboz Bridger BDry (Rio Pink)

When trails flip between moist snow and frozen dust, this boot’s BDry membrane and full rubber toe shield the tempo. The higher combines stout leather-based with abrasion panels, so publish holing by way of brush didn’t scuff a lot.

I felt the midsole ship a supportive platform that doesn’t collapse when edging alongside ruts.

On ice, the lug sample just isn’t a devoted winter compound, but it nonetheless finds chew on combined texture. Kicking steps into shallow slopes felt assured, and the heel brake helps on brief, slippery descents.

The match leans safe by way of the midfoot, which retains your foot from swimming in sidehill traverses.

Waterproofing held as much as ankle deep slush, and vapor administration stored socks cheap throughout climbs. For throughout winter mountain climbing the place situations change hourly, this boot brings reliable traction and safety.

Add microspikes for true glaze days, however most winter miles really feel lined.

KEEN Anchorage 3 Pull On

Slip on comfort meets actual winter grip, which makes fast canine walks or errands really feel straightforward. The KEEN.FREEZE rubber stayed pliable in subfreezing temps, so traction didn’t fade when sidewalks glazed over.

I appreciated the steady shank when crossing uneven plow berms and shallow ruts on combined routes.

Inside, the fleece lining and 200 gram insulation deliver a comfy really feel with out swampy warmth. The match favors toe splay, letting thicker socks breathe, and the detachable footbed helps arches on longer days.

Waterproofing labored throughout slush crossings, with no damp spots after an hour in moist snow.

For path connectors and packed paths, lug depth bites reliably, although deep powder nonetheless advantages from gaiters. The leather-based higher cleans quick and appears respectable with denims or mountain climbing pants, so you’ll be able to transfer from city to path seamlessly.

While you need heat and traction in a pull on package deal, this boot reveals up.

Oboz Sawtooth II Low BDry

Low minimize doesn’t imply low confidence. This shoe retains traction full of life on packed snow, and the BDry membrane blocks slush with out trapping each ounce of warmth.

I prefer it for shoulder season and fast winter loops the place drifts are shallow and the path alternates between crunchy and moist.

The outsole’s versatile sample clears mushy snow so it may regrip on the following step. On glare ice you’ll nonetheless need traction aids, however on combined surfaces it stays surefooted.

The asymmetrical collar feels comfy across the ankle bones, making longer walks simpler on joints.

Breathability stands out when temps hover round freezing and the solar warms the floor. You possibly can hustle up hills with out soaking socks, then quiet down with out chills.

For people who need an agile really feel and reliable grip in winter mild responsibility, it is a sensible, reliable choose.

KEEN Targhee 4 Mid Waterproof

If winter for you means mud over ice and shock puddles, this boot thrives on chaos. The direct connect development retains cushioning full of life whereas resisting separation that ruins lesser boots.

Waterproofing is on level, and the toe guard saves you whenever you kick by way of crust or catch submerged rocks.

Traction favors moist, soiled snow over polished ice, with lugs that chew and launch with out caking. The platform feels steady beneath a daypack, and arch help cradles toes over lengthy slogs.

I discovered the collar padding useful when sidehilling alongside rutted, frozen tracks.

Heat is average, so pair with merino socks when temperatures actually sink. For all terrain winter hikes the place surfaces change each few steps, this boot rewards regular tempo and assured foot placement.

It’s a workhorse that retains you shifting when trails look ugly.

Oboz Bridger Mid B-DRY

This mid minimize brings the supportive really feel you need when trails tilt and footing will get inconsistent. The Path Tread outsole grabs chunky snow and churned dust, providing you with buy when winter visitors polishes the trail.

Waterproofing and breathability work collectively, so toes keep balanced throughout lengthy climbs and chilly descents.

Underfoot, the proprietary insole shapes round arches for consolation that lasts past a fast loop. I seen much less foot fatigue when carrying a small pack and microspikes, which says rather a lot in regards to the chassis.

The higher’s sturdiness laughs off brush and rock rubs, conserving the boot wanting path prepared.

On outright ice, it advantages from traction aids, however on typical winter combine it stays composed and predictable. Heel maintain is strong, serving to with management on brief, steep downs.

For constant stability and reliable grip throughout actual world winter trails, this boot earns belief and miles.