Oboz Katabatic Review
OBOZ KATABATIC LOW
So....You’re looking for a pair shoes. Looking for something that has a bit more utility for the everyday world? On and off the trail? Then perhaps the OBOZ Katabatic Lows are the footwear you have been looking for.
WHAT ARE THEY?
Well, they're a low cut fully synthetic hiking shoes. Lightweight and more breathable than your standard leather hiker. They come in both a waterproof and non-waterproof version, but we will be specifically looking at the non-waterproof version today. Being a lightweight synthetic shoe will obviously give you weight savings over a regular leather low hiker. To put these on your feet you might be surprised at just how light they actually feel once they are on your feet. I mean we all know the substantial difference in weight when you switch from your mid or high cut boots to a low cut. Put a pair of Katabatic Lows on though, and they're just that much lighter feeling compared to other low cuts. It almost feels like you have the weight of a pair sandals on instead of a full pair of shoes.
Above and beyond the weight savings is the breathability. Much airier than a leather or leather/synthetic mix of a shoe, it makes it a very good shoe for the summer months or warmer areas. I find the non-waterproof ones personally better than the waterproof ones. Being a low cut, in all likelihood you’ll eventually go over the top of the shoe in wet conditions or locations and I can treat them for good water repellency. If I end up dunking my feet, they dry in very little time, and if I get them filthy they'll clean up and dry easily.
THE FIT
Fit is always important. So how do they fit?
Over the years I have tried and worn many different brands of synthetic hiking shoes; Vasque, Garmont, Merrell, Salomon and more. The Salomon X-ultras were lightweight shoes, and I worked my way through many a pair over the years until my foot and fit changed. I find the Oboz even lighter on the feet than the Salomons. As my feet started to flatten out and widen, the shoes I had been previously wearing had now begun to pinch and feel tighter on my baby toes and the outside of my forefoot. The Oboz Katabatic has a slower taper going toward the outside of the forefoot offering me more room for the widest part of my foot. The Katabatic and a good majority of the Men's Oboz footwear have this fit as well. For those who need a wider fit, some models are offered in wide fit as well. I still cannot wear Merrell and KEEN hiking shoes as I find my heel slides around in those brands even when wearing the proper hiking sock. The Oboz has a nice deep heel pocket, and with a proper hiking sock they anchor my feet in the heel very well and reduce the amount of movement and the chance of blisters. The fit of the Oboz doesn’t necessarily mean that if you're a long term Merrell or KEEN fan that you won't find it comfortable too. I've helped many a long-time faithful of those brands comfortably switch to wearing Oboz and become repeat buyers like myself. Keep in mind fit is such a personal thing, so these are just my observations. When trying shoes on for yourself, remember a proper sock can make a world of difference.
THE PERFORMANCE
The Katabatic Lows offer a very sturdy stable shoe with a very comfortable cushioned feel. Well-structured for the trails, I have worn mine in varying conditions; dry, rocky, uneven, wet and muddy. They offer good traction to go with the support. The outsole tread is aggressive enough for most conditions for a light trail excursion, and I find it doesn’t clog up in muddy conditions as easily as some other tread patterns.
Oboz most popular low-cut has always been the Sawtooth, so how does the Katabatic stack up? The Sawtooth’s are a much more solid hiker, with a step up in structure, support and tread pattern. With that being said, I find the Sawtooth is too stiff and structured for everyday wear on concrete and asphalt. The Katabatic on the other hand is not. As I mentioned before, they are a lighter trail shoe by design. I’m not only referring to the weight though, the outsole is a good firm tread, but a bit more of a pliable compound. To go with that the midsole is firm but softer than a Sawtooth, with a spongy, cushy feel to it that I find lessens the wear and tear on my feet and lower body.
So, if you're looking for a good trail shoe, or a good everyday shoe, or simply one with a good fit and comfort, then the Oboz Katabatic may be your shoe. Grab a pair and try them on, and if they work for you then and hit the trails, or the sidewalks, or anywhere!
Reviewed by BR
