Oboz Big Sky and Bridger 7” Insulated BDry Boots

If you are familiar with Oboz hiking boot lines you may be familiar with the Bridger Mid BDry hiking boot and Bridger Low BDry hiking shoe, both designed with a precision fit to support you on the off season trails—without the need to break them in. Oboz have taken the Bridger 'refined for comfort and agility' fit and developed a cosier and taller big sister for the same family, the Bridger 7”.  The beauty of the Bridger 7” is that at its foundation are all the technical features and sound fit of a lightweight, agile hiking boot with the bonus that it is winterized with 200g Thinsulate insulation, a wool-topped BFit Thermal Footbed, and a cold-weather-specific outsole featuring winter rubber. These features mean you can be out and active all day in sub-zero temperatures and not worry about your lower extremities suffering from the cold, they also make for one secure and comfortable boot.

• TPU Chassis
• Moulded Heel Counter
• BDry Membrane

Upper: Waterproof All Nubuck Leather Upper, 200 gram 3M Thinsulate insulation, Oboz BDry Waterproof/Breathable Membrane, Moulded Rubber Toe Cap and Heel Kick, Gaiter D-ring
Midsole: Dual Density EVA, TPU Chassis, Nylon Shank
Outsole: Granite Peak

The boots are kept snug with 200 gram 3M Thinsulate insulation.

Oboz classic lace system keeps the heel locked down.

A D-ring at the toe of the laces keeps gaiters in place.

The Bridger 7” features Oboz’s Granite Peak outsole which is a classic hiking sole with a nylon shank for stability, side lugs to grip off camber trails and 4mm directional lugs throughout for great traction on ice and snow. A sandwiched TPU Chassis in the midsole protects feet from sharp features while enhancing stability and optimizing weight. 

A molded rubber toe cap and heel kick save high wear areas from wear and tear and make these boots more adaptable to winter hiking conditions. 

While winter can be a challenge at times it doesn’t mean that you have to wear a boot that makes you look like you are ready to ship out on an arctic expedition. A little bit of fashion goes a long way for city dwellers and as it turns out works well for us mountain folks as well. The Big Sky Boots are not only water proof and insulated but also come with out laces so they are super fast to get on and off. A big plus when you’re constantly changing from snow boots to ski boots and back again, or simply want to get out the door. While you will sacrifice some snugness in the fit department, the convenience is well worth it. Never having cold feet and being comfortable are also huge benefits of the Big Sky’s 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation. The BDry waterproof/breathable membrane ensures your feet stay dry and the oiled top grain leather keeps you stylin’. To protect the leather, a rubberized toe cap and high wrap around sole keeps abrasions to a minimum. On the under side, the Granite Peak outsole is made of a unique winter rubber formula to help you keep your grip in cold temperature. On top of this, the dual density EVA midsole provides comfort and cushioning. The built-in TPU Chassis provides torsional rigidity to help keep your foot centred and stability on rough terrain.

• TPU Chassis
• Moulded Heel Counter
• BDry Membrane

Upper: Oiled Top Grain Leather, 200 gram 3M Thinsulate insulation, Obōz BDry Waterproof/Breathable Membrane, Molded Rubber Toe Cap and Heel Kick
Midsole: Dual Density EVA, TPU Chassis, Nylon Shank
Outsole: Granite Peak

200 gram 3M Thinsulate insulation keeps the toes warm.

Finished with oiled top grain leather and sealed on the inside with Obōz BDry Waterproof/Breathable Membrane.

Granite Peak Outsole.

Molded Rubber Toe Cap and Heel Kick protects high wear areas.

If you are a winter enthusiast who prefers a quick and efficient changeover then the no lace Big Sky Insulated boots work really well as they are on and off in a heartbeat. The Big Sky’s are a smart, casual boot that’s also very practical (and super comfy—says the men’s reviewer). While they are more focused on fashion than outdoor adventure they work really well in the city and can do light duty outings in the woods too. Since I have narrow heels and a low volume foot a low height, no lace boot such as the Big Sky wouldn’t work as well for this reviewer. I am after more ankle stability that can tackle winter’s snow and ice. The Bridger 7” Insulated BDry boots provided just that and are super duper comfy and warm given their insulating lining. They come with extra bells and whistles making them adaptable to many winter activities such as snowshoeing, hiking and playing in the snow.

For both boots you have to watch the deep snow as it can get in around the ankles, though this is less of a problem for the Bridger 7” Insulated BDry boots as the fur line edge and high lace system keeps the snow from traveling too far down. To keep the snow out altogether I coupled them up with a pair of gaiters for snowshoeing and walking in deeper snow, the Bridger 7” accommodate gaiters well using the D-ring at the bottom of the laces. Both boots come with Oboz Granite Peak outsole which I found to have more than decent grip in snow and on hardpack. The lacing system is quick and efficient and they look pretty styling as well. I personally love the Bridger 7” Insulated BDry boots and would recommend them to anyone looking for a super stable, versatile, cozy, practical and good lookin’ winter boot. There is something about the There is something about the Oboz winter boots that tells me the people who design them use them for outdoors activities as much as we all do.