Your Browser is OutdatedDecent light hiker, not intended to be sturdy mid hiking shoe - Oboz Sypes Mid Leather B-DRY Hiking Shoes - Men's
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DAD60's Review of Oboz Sypes Mid Leather B-DRY Hiking Shoes - Men's
Oboz Sypes Mid Hiking Boot
The sale price at Optics Planet makes these shoes attractive.
The fit of the shoes matches up well to other D width shoes I have including my old Columbia low hiking leather hiking shoes, but it is also a touch wider in the forefoot / toes compared to some other boots. I sized up slightly to allow more big toe room and toe splay and it worked out well. The heel has a decent lock up too despite lack of padding in the back of the heel and around/above the heel. They did a good job on the sizing of this shoe and seemed to fit slightly roomier than the Oboz Bridger.
These are 'light' hiking shoes (a little taller than a shoe, a little shorter than a mid-height hiking boot). Does not have the ankle stability or sturdiness of some mid-height light/medium backpacking boots. Feet may get a little tired feeling on long walks especially if you carry extra body weight or backpack weight. The leather upper and sole are a little flexible / thin and the leather gives in to the foot if pressured making these pretty much ready to go hiking right out of the box (not a lot of break in needed).
Forefoot sole is a touch flexible, soft and thin for harder hiking but overall the boot has basic comfort. The sole seems to have pretty good traction with good tread depth. Ankle support is not that good but better than a regular hiking shoe. They cheapened the shoe making it a little less tall than a mid-height boot, did not provide a Vibram sole, thinner/lighter leather, not a lot of padding, and provided only 6 sets of material / non-metal lace holes (needs 7 sets). The lower 5 sets run through holes in the leather upper with no metal / grommets and not sure how they will hold up over time, but seem fine for now. The shoes do not feel like they would hold up well to regular long hard hiking, but it is not intended for that purpose, although it should handle some occasional tougher terrain. Stepping on hard roots or rocks with the forefoot is easily felt in the foot, and does not hurt, but could cause some discomfort and foot fatigue / soreness if regularly subjected to hard edgy/pointy surfaces like rocks and roots.
Foot bed seems to have a medium arch that seems to start providing support near the heel. If you have a lower arch like me, it can provide some slight pressure and discomfort, but not terrible. I find if I tighten up the shoe laces and get feet tied in well, the arch bothers me a little less as my feet don't flatten as much when walking /standing. The shoes also get noticeably more agile and connected to the foot when laced tightly. I just hope the shoes lace holes don't break. The sole seems to have pretty good traction. The Sypes also has a lot of foot give to it as the leather is thinner and pliable. Toe protection is OK right in the front of the shoe but softens as you move away from the shoe tip section.
The water proofing seemed to work well with an initial check, although water seemed to seep in through the fabric collar above the heel where I believe they did not put water proofing. Water proofing will be a little lower than a regularly mid height hiking boot, and just a touch higher than a hiking shoe. This shoe is similar in function / feel and better quality than the Keen Circadia light hiker. The Keen had to be returned as the water proofing did not work from the factory and the front toe protection starting delaminating quickly. The Circadia had great toe splay room though and I did not need to upsize.
Overall, true to size, basic comfort (not plush), basic performance, decent quality, the water proofing actually worked, and a good fit. If they need a decent light hiking shoe/boot, people should consider this shoe especially at the present discounted sale price.
If the boot had a little thicker leather, was full mid height, had water proof fabric above the heel, slightly plusher sole, a touch more rock protection, and a better lacing system, it would be 5 stars. But for the sale price, I would recommend it in a second as long as it is used for its intended purpose (basic hiking and casual use with occasional rougher terrain).
The sale price at Optics Planet makes these shoes attractive.
The fit of the shoes matches up well to other D width shoes I have including my old Columbia low hiking leather hiking shoes, but it is also a touch wider in the forefoot / toes compared to some other boots. I sized up slightly to allow more big toe room and toe splay and it worked out well. The heel has a decent lock up too despite lack of padding in the back of the heel and around/above the heel. They did a good job on the sizing of this shoe and seemed to fit slightly roomier than the Oboz Bridger.
These are 'light' hiking shoes (a little taller than a shoe, a little shorter than a mid-height hiking boot). Does not have the ankle stability or sturdiness of some mid-height light/medium backpacking boots. Feet may get a little tired feeling on long walks especially if you carry extra body weight or backpack weight. The leather upper and sole are a little flexible / thin and the leather gives in to the foot if pressured making these pretty much ready to go hiking right out of the box (not a lot of break in needed).
Forefoot sole is a touch flexible, soft and thin for harder hiking but overall the boot has basic comfort. The sole seems to have pretty good traction with good tread depth. Ankle support is not that good but better than a regular hiking shoe. They cheapened the shoe making it a little less tall than a mid-height boot, did not provide a Vibram sole, thinner/lighter leather, not a lot of padding, and provided only 6 sets of material / non-metal lace holes (needs 7 sets). The lower 5 sets run through holes in the leather upper with no metal / grommets and not sure how they will hold up over time, but seem fine for now. The shoes do not feel like they would hold up well to regular long hard hiking, but it is not intended for that purpose, although it should handle some occasional tougher terrain. Stepping on hard roots or rocks with the forefoot is easily felt in the foot, and does not hurt, but could cause some discomfort and foot fatigue / soreness if regularly subjected to hard edgy/pointy surfaces like rocks and roots.
Foot bed seems to have a medium arch that seems to start providing support near the heel. If you have a lower arch like me, it can provide some slight pressure and discomfort, but not terrible. I find if I tighten up the shoe laces and get feet tied in well, the arch bothers me a little less as my feet don't flatten as much when walking /standing. The shoes also get noticeably more agile and connected to the foot when laced tightly. I just hope the shoes lace holes don't break. The sole seems to have pretty good traction. The Sypes also has a lot of foot give to it as the leather is thinner and pliable. Toe protection is OK right in the front of the shoe but softens as you move away from the shoe tip section.
The water proofing seemed to work well with an initial check, although water seemed to seep in through the fabric collar above the heel where I believe they did not put water proofing. Water proofing will be a little lower than a regularly mid height hiking boot, and just a touch higher than a hiking shoe. This shoe is similar in function / feel and better quality than the Keen Circadia light hiker. The Keen had to be returned as the water proofing did not work from the factory and the front toe protection starting delaminating quickly. The Circadia had great toe splay room though and I did not need to upsize.
Overall, true to size, basic comfort (not plush), basic performance, decent quality, the water proofing actually worked, and a good fit. If they need a decent light hiking shoe/boot, people should consider this shoe especially at the present discounted sale price.
If the boot had a little thicker leather, was full mid height, had water proof fabric above the heel, slightly plusher sole, a touch more rock protection, and a better lacing system, it would be 5 stars. But for the sale price, I would recommend it in a second as long as it is used for its intended purpose (basic hiking and casual use with occasional rougher terrain).
Best Used for:
- Casual use
- Basic Hiking
Would Recommend:
Yes