The modern trend in walking boots is away from stiffer, heavier, high-ankled leather boots towards fast, ultralight, agile and flexible synthetic boots that fit like trainers. The Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof walking boot is a classic case in point.
But while these contemporary lightweight boots deliver unrivalled all-day comfort, they have some big drawbacks. All too often, the uppers wear out quickly, the waterproof membranes fail and long-term durability is poor.
This is exactly the problem Oboz is trying to solve with the Katabatic. As the North American brand itself says: 'Too many times compromises are made to make a hiking shoe light and fast – but not the Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof. It has the hallmarks of a light and fast shoe with all the features of a true hiker: support, stability, protection and performance'. It seems an impossible aim, but can it be achieved? Many brands have tried, many have failed, so it’s a big ask.
Other Oboz footwear we’ve tested in the past – such as the Oboz Sawtooth X Low Waterproof – have always been bombproof and burly, with quite a chunky, heavy design. The Katabatic is, therefore, a big change in direction for the brand. Oboz’s master-plan is to retain some of this protective sturdiness, but at a lower weight with a streamlined design. Here’s the full lowdown.
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Description
Pros
- Comfortable
- Waterproof and non waterproof versions
- More durable than many lightweight boots
- Well-rounded performance
Cons
- Some rivals offer better value
- Some rivals are even lighter
Upper
The upper of the Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof is made from a tightly-woven, abrasion-resistant mesh, with reinforced TPU overlays for added strength in high-wear areas, such as the toe, heel, and instep.
This upper construction feels stronger than some ultralight pairs, but long-term durability is still unlikely to match more traditional leather walking boots. As with many ultralight pairs, the part of the upper where the foot flexes and bends – at the top of the toes – is likely to be a risk area for creasing and cracking.
The ankle cuff and tongue are nicely padded and comfy, with quite a lot of flex, and the laces offer a fine-tuned fit. There is a metal lace hook at the top of the lacing for securing the boot around the ankle, as desired.
Midsole
The midsole of the Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof is made from single-density EVA foam. It isn’t exceptionally plush, bouncy or energetic, but it still delivers a good walking experience. It feels adequately supportive and cushioned, and the midsole’s rock plate protects your feet from the lumps and bumps of the trail. Internally, the O Fit Orthlotie Eco insole is comfy and it has a fully recycled moisture-wicking top layer.
The Katabatic Mid is very flexible at the forefoot, with lots of bend and flex. This adds to the sense of all-day comfort you get when wearing these boots. There is more rigidity in the back two-thirds of the boot, providing a touch of stability and support for mountainous terrain.
Outsole
Unlike many hiking boots and shoes, the Katabatic Mid Waterproof does not feature a Vibram outsole. Instead you get a proprietary Trail Tread sole unit from Oboz. It features the brand’s 'most-tested rubber compound boasting superior slip-resistance, enhanced durability and improved elongation and tensile strength'.
The tread pattern is a complex mix of lug shapes, including chevrons and pentagons, alongside mud-shedding channels. The lugs are multi-directional and averagely deep. During our test hikes, the outsole felt very sticky with good bite, and we particularly liked the way the lugs wrap upwards over the toebox.
Features
The Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof doesn’t feature a Gore-Tex membrane and instead you get Oboz’s in-house B-DRY lining. This provides the waterproof-breathable lining and is made from 25% post-industrial waste for improved eco credentials.
As with all waterproof boots, the B-DRY interior can feel a tad sweaty during hotter days of hiking, but this is no worse than pairs from other brands. Fortunately, Oboz has the wisdom to offer a non waterproof version too (in addition to waterproof and non waterproof low/shoe versions as well).
The Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof has a standard width and a medium volume, according to the brand’s size guide. Some users suggest the fit of the Katabatic is slightly on the narrow and snug end of the fit spectrum. We didn’t notice this for our feet, but – as always – it’s best to try before you buy, if possible.
Gender-specific lasts are used by Oboz to ensure the men’s and women’s designs to 'address the anatomical nuances between different types of feet'.
Price and performance
Our judgement is that Oboz largely achieves its aim of “speed without compromise”. The Katabatic strikes a nice balance between lightness and protection, and between comfort and durability. It has a comfy trainer-like fit, good underfoot traction, decent waterproofing and a reasonably tough upper, all at a fair but certainly not cheap price of £170.
This added durability – compared to truly ultralight pairs – comes at slight weight cost. Each Katabatic boot weighs 433g, which is 40 to 50g heavier than super-light pairs such as the Inov-8 RocFly G 390 GTX (390g) and Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 (385g).
Consequently the Katabatic Mid Waterproof is not the absolute fastest or the lightest boot out there, but offers a touch more durability, support and stability than flimsier ultralight pairs. For many hillwalkers this might prove a sensible compromise.
Sustainability
The Katabatic range of footwear use a portion of recycled material (in the laces, webbing, waterproof lining, and footbed).
But more importantly, Oboz is a certified B Corp, which means it is independently verified by a non-profit organisation (B Lab) 'to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability'.
Oboz also works with Trees for the Future to plant trees 'that provide families with food sources, livestock feed, products to sell' for every pair of shoes it sells.
Verdict
For those keen on the idea of a lightweight walking boot but are understandably wary of the durability trade-off, the Katabatic Mid is a good option. It's a well-designed and well-made boot striking a nice balance between comfort, protection, stability and durability.
How we tested
Our tester on the job with the Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof boots was James Forrest. James is one of our long-time freelance gear tester both for LFTO and our magazine, Trail.
James is a prolific peak bagger and long-distance walker who’s one of the most high-profile outdoor writers in the UK.