OBOZ SAWTOOTH II LOW,
£100
The last Oboz I reviewed (the Hyalite Lows – see November’s issue) were a bit on the warm side. So, for a spring trip to South Australia and Kangaroo Island, where the temperature reached the high 30s°C, the Sawtooth II Low came my way, a hiking shoe that, apparently, would be good in the heat.
The Sawtooth II Low is a fairly chunky shoe, but not over-heavy, and seems well-made. The uppers are a combination of leather and textile to balance breathability with protection, and weight with durability. The sole has “strategically placed rubber for increased traction and decreased weight” compared to more traditional designs. I found the Sawtooths comfy on day one and the grip they provided was good. They have a dual-density midsole for cushioning and stability on top of which sits an insole that is moulded to match the shape and construction of every pair. I certainly noticed some bounce in the footbed, and I liked that!
The Sawtooths are also endowed with a “form hugging heel cup” and a “wider forefoot and toe box” – there was wriggle room for my toes and I liked that, as well! But were they good in the heat? To cut to the chase, yes. My first day’s birding, from the Adelaide area to the Coorong included the endemic Freckled Duck, the desirable and very striking Crested Shrike-tit (Google it) and the curious Australian Owletnightjar. Temperatures climbed to a heady 37°C – a tough enough test for a walking shoe. My feet were warm, but they weren’t too hot. I was impressed. Appropriate socks are important, too – I was wearing Bridgedale Hike Ultralights, which I recommend ( bridgedale.com).
This Sawtooth is not waterproof. On day five, I was on Kangaroo Island. I rose early for some gentle birding – Scarlet Robin, Rainbow Lorikeets, Crimson Rosellas and more. I walked through the early morning dew, and confirmed that the Sawtooths aren’t waterproof, but they did keep the worst of it out. For £ 20 more you could buy the waterproof version, but I don’t think it would cope with the heat so well.
Men’s Sawtooth II Low is available in shadow/brandy in sizes 7-13. A women’s version is available in clover in sizes 4.5-7.5. obozfootwear.com