Oboz Men’s Bridger BDRY Waterproof Hiking Boot
Last updated: June 5, 2020
We looked at the top Hiking Boots and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Hiking Boot you should buy.
Product Details
In our analysis of 85 expert reviews, the Oboz Men's Bridger BDRY Waterproof Hiking Boot placed 5th when we looked at the top 11 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.Expert Reviews
What reviewers liked
Customers rave over the pair's fantastic fit, especially for those with wide feet. Boots stay warm and comfortable in all weather conditions. Built to last for years. Available in both men's and women's styles.
With a sturdy leather upper and above-average support, the Bridger BDry delivers more than ample protection for on- and off-trail adventures and long days with a heavy pack. Oboz’s deluxe footbeds are a perennial hit with testers because they cushion and support the foot—particularly the arch—better than most stock footbeds, thanks to two densities of EVA and extra PU pods beneath the heel and forefoot.
Oboz really went all out to create a super versatile, comfortable boot that combines the classic beauty of leather with modern construction and materials to ensure maximum weather protection. Not only are these boots incredibly easy and quick to the break-in, but some have found that they are more comfortable right out of the box than their old, broken-in leather boots. These insulated boots really cup the heel and hold the foot in place well, without sacrificing comfort.
One area where the Oboz really stands out is its high-quality insole. Most manufacturers include a basic and fairly flat footbed, but the included proprietary O Fit insole in the Bridger is nicely sculpted with a medium-height arch and cupped heel. The result is a more custom fit right out of the box.
The Oboz Bridger Mid BDry earned tons of praises from a large majority for its fantastic waterproofing. Dozens of users found the boot truly magnificent in the comfort department. A slew of Oboz fans regarded the Bridger Mid BDry as an excellent product for being remarkably supportive overall. This boot resonated with professional reviewers thanks to its long-lasting durability.
Really comfortable mid that can overlap into four seasons. The lacing hardware is sturdier than most. Waterproof membrane makes them a good choice for rain and mud. Overall, a nice boot.
Support was exceptional in those challenging off-trail situations, thanks to solid torsional rigidity, stability, and cushioning from the single-density EVA midsole with a TPU forefoot plate that also provides protection underfoot. Oboz’s proprietary outsole, with its deep, widely spaced, multi-directional lugs, gave provided reassuring traction on rocky, loose, slippery slopes while hiking off-trail, as well as on trails of all kinds: packed and loose dirt, rocks, and scree.
As it turns out, they fit so well they didn't really need any breaking in. They were comfortable right out of the box and by the third hike they felt like lightweight slippers molded to my feet.
With the all leather upper construction, the boots give off a classic and rugged feel. No bright colors or superfluous features on this boot. Just the accessories that you need. The toe box is very firm, protecting your feet from sharp rocks or anything the trail might throw at you. The tread, which to me is the most important part of a boot, is aggressive. Big lugs in an alternating design provide excellent traction.
What reviewers didn't like
Not very breathable. Rubber toe covering has a tendency to crack.
Perhaps the most common complaint of the Bridger’s is from customers disappointed that their boots didn’t hold up well. Some may have found that the boots ended up needing to be replaced after just a year while others ruined theirs during a single hike.
Slow and heavy compared to many modern competitors.
Less than a handful of wearers grew tired of retying the boot’s overly slippery laces. A professional blogger wished the shoe was a bit more on the cheaper side.
Laces untie easily.
The Bridger Mid require some effort to get on and off, due to the high, snug cuff and the consequent need to really loosen the laces.
The upper is constructed of waterproof nubuck leather and reminds me fondly of the heavy leather hiking boots of my youth, without the weight penalty. The combination of low friction, sturdy metal lacing hardware and high-friction loops makes lacing the boots, and getting the desired tightness, a cinch.
If you plan on walking around your neighborhood trails, these boots are perhaps too much.
View our Hiking Boot buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.