Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot Review

The robust, durable Bridger Mid is one of the signature boots from Montana-based footwear brand Oboz. Its design is in many ways reflective of what has made the company a success: a reliable fit, durable materials, and high levels of support. However, after testing the Bridger Mid Waterproof while hiking in Patagonia and the Pacific Northwest, we found that the boot is starting to show its age and feels slower and heavier than many modern competitors. Below we outline our experiences with the Bridger Mid. To see how it stacks up to the competition, check out our article on the best hiking boots.
 
Editor's note: We updated this review on February 19, 2026, to ensure all specs and comparisons were up to date. Since we first wrote this review in February of 2021, Oboz changed the name of the Bridger from the Bridger Mid BDry to the Bridger Mid Waterproof, now reflected here. Nothing has changed in the boot's design, and B-Dry, Oboz's in-house waterproofing material, is still used.
 

Table of Contents

• Comfort
• Weight
• Traction
• Stability and Support
• Waterproofing and Breathability
• Foot and Ankle Protection
• Build Quality and Durability
• Fit and Sizing
• What We Like/What We Don't
• Comparison Table
• The Competition

Comfort

The Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof has been a mainstay in the company’s lineup for years, and it feels dated when you slip it on. The firm leather upper and beefed-up midsole are a far cry from the minimalist, trail runner-inspired boots currently dominating the market. But despite the initial stiffness that took a couple of hikes to break in, the Bridger has been a comfortable boot overall. There’s sufficient cushioning underfoot to protect from rocks and rough trails, the lacing system is somewhat rigid but does a great job staying in place throughout the day, and there’s ample cushioning around the collar to cinch everything snug without creating pressure points. Despite the dated feel, on-trail comfort is still high.
 

One area where the Oboz Bridger Mid stands out is its high-quality insole. Most manufacturers include a basic, flat footbed, but the proprietary O-Fit insole in the Bridger is nicely sculpted with a medium-height arch and cupped heel. The result is a more custom fit right out of the box. Those with flat feet might find it uncomfortable, and hikers with finicky feet may need to swap it out, but we appreciate Oboz’s efforts here.
 

Weight

Given its leather build and thick midsole, the Bridger Mid’s reasonable weight of 2 pounds 6 ounces was a pleasant surprise. However, this weight is midrange in the wider market: Keen’s Targhee IV weighs 2 pounds 8.6 ounces, while the less durable Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP undercuts the Bridger at 2 pounds 2.9 ounces. Eve lighter boots like the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid (2 lb.) will get you a nimbler set-up that’s more comfortable for fast hiking, but if you prefer a supportive leather build, the Bridger offers it at a good weight.
 

Traction

Traction falls notably short in the Bridger Mid. The lugs are overly large and not spaced far enough apart to shed mud effectively, and the shoe is prone to caking. The rubber itself—Oboz’s proprietary Granite Peak compound—is tacky and soft for sticking to rock, but the boot’s stiff set-up doesn’t encourage fast hiking or boulder hopping. For these uses, we prefer a lighter and nimbler model like the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX. The Bridger's traction is sufficient for most trails and doesn’t have any glaring downsides, but the tread pattern exacerbates the boot’s clunky personality.
 

Stability and Support

The Bridger Mid is a good performer in terms of support. The leather build is sturdy, and Oboz added TPU reinforcements under the forefoot and nylon shanks in the midsole for a planted feel. The Bridger is strong enough that I felt confident when loaded down with a heavy backpacking pack. However, the height is still low, sitting just over the ankle, meaning it can’t match a taller boot like Salomon’s Quest 5 GTX. We’d also prefer the heel were wider to give the boot an even more solid platform.
 

Waterproofing and Breathability

One area where Oboz appears to cut costs is with their in-house B-Dry waterproof liner. The good news: as with Oboz’s Bridger Insulated and Sawtooth, the Bridger Mid does keep moisture out. I have found that the leather upper does start to soak up water when conditions are particularly wet, but I haven’t had any leaks or failures during stream crossings or while hiking in light snow.

The main downside of the in-house B-Dry build (in conjunction with the full leather upper) is that it’s quick to overheat. I ran hot in the boot even while wearing lightweight merino wool socks on mild, late-winter days—something we haven’t experienced with Gore-Tex models like the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX. To be fair, not many in-house technologies are standout breathers, and B-Dry is average in this regard.
 

Foot and Ankle Protection

One benefit of the Bridger’s traditional leather build is solid all-around protection. The sides of the foot cushion against rocks better than the mesh-heavy boots that dominate the market, and Oboz also included a sturdy heel counter and hefty rubber toe cap that covers the front of the foot. While the boot isn’t very tall, it still clears the ankle, and the collar is cushioned to keep it thoroughly protected. For hikers who prefer ample protection against rocks, roots, and other trail obstacles, the Bridger is a great match.
 

Build Quality and Durability

The Bridger Mid is a hardwearing leather boot that’s built to last. The leather upper has a quality feel, Oboz strategically incorporated metal hardware into the lacing system, and the insole is top quality. My pair has held up well through numerous rocky hikes, though a number of users have reported that the soft outsole rubber tends to chip or peel off on rough terrain. Ours is looking fine, but this could be a concern if your local trails are particularly rocky. 
 

Fit and Sizing

The Bridger Mid fits just how many hikers want: it’s snug at the heel to keep it locked in place for extended climbs, average in the midfoot, and easy to cinch down if needed. The toe area feels nice and open, preventing toe squish and banging on descents. I went with my standard men’s size 9 and had no complaints—the shoe fit evenly around my foot with no noticeable areas of tightness or roominess. You also get the O-Fit insole, which provides better heel and arch support than most stock footbeds. And a nice bonus for those with higher-volume feet: Oboz makes both the men’s and women’s boots in dedicated wide sizes.
 

Other Versions of the Oboz Bridger

We tested the men’s Bridger Mid Waterproof, and the boot is also available in a women's-specific model with an identical leather build, reinforced midsole, and Granite Peak outsole. The only differences are in colors and weight, with the women’s Bridger Mid weighing 2 pounds 3.4 ounces. Both boots are available in both regular and wide widths, something we really appreciate. The Bridger line also ranges from low-top waterproof shoes to insulated winter versions, including the Bridger Peak GTX, which features a taller build, Gore-Tex waterproofing, and a Vibram outsole.
 

What We Like

• The Bridger is a sturdy, supportive, and well-made leather boot at a good price.
• O-Fit insole is high-quality, nicely sculpted, and more supportive than most stock insoles.
• Offered in dedicated wide sizes for those with higher-volume feet.
   

What We Don’t

• Feels slower and heavier than much of the competition.
• The B-Dry waterproof membrane overheats quickly, even in mild conditions.
• Lugs tend to cake up in mud.
• Some users have reported that the outsole tends to chip or rip off on rocky terrain.
   

Comparison Table

The Competition

As a boot that’s suitable for both hiking and backpacking, Oboz’s Bridger Mid Waterproof casts a wide net. One of the most popular options in this category is the Merrell Moab 3 Mid. Compared to the Oboz, the Merrell is lighter at 2 pounds 2.9 ounces, and more flexible with its mixed leather/mesh construction. We prefer the softer cushioning of the Merrell for most missions, though the Oboz is sturdier and better suited to rocky terrain thanks to its protective upper and increased stiffness. Another popular design is Keen’s Targhee IV Mid Waterproof. Like the Bridger and Moab, the Targhee uses in-house waterproofing, though it weighs a few ounces more than the Bridger, at 2 pounds 8.6 ounces. We consider this boot an excellent value given its leather construction and protection, though the Bridger has better support and stability. 
 

Lastly, it's worth checking out the lighter and more nimble Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX, which has a similar ankle height as the Oboz but differs in most other ways. This boot is substantially lighter, more flexible underfoot, and has a more athletic feel. The Bridger's full-leather build is a nice feature if you value its added protection, but it feels dated and slow on the trail when worn back-to-back with the Salomon. For most of our outings, the X Ultra 5 wins, making it one of our top choices for everything from day hiking to light backpacking. 
Back to the Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof Review  See Our Hiking Boot Guide