Oboz Bridger 10" Insulated Review

The Oboz Bridger 10" Insulated performed well in most of our metrics, only coming up short on slippery surfaces or when we wanted the convenience of a slip-on boot.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

The Bridger 10" is packed with plenty of high-quality 400g Thinsulate synthetic insulation. The result is a boot that doesn't feel too thick but provides enough warmth for any winter temperatures. Our testers were surprised by how warm their feet were on cold winter hikes and extended shoveling sessions while wearing this boot. The insole has a thin heat-reflecting insert, which helps the bottom of the foot retain heat, and the sole is thick.

This boot is probably too warm for users in warm winter climates, where the temperatures only occasionally drop below freezing. But if you live in a cold and snowy winter climate or need a good winter boot for living in a mountain town, these are plenty warm.

Water Resistance

The Bridger is completely waterproof up to the height of the tongue, or 8.5 inches (22 centimeters) off the ground. We tested for water resistance by submerging the boots in a shallow, mostly frozen lake for 5 minutes, and at the end of the test, our feet were still completely dry. The Bridger also withstood a 12-minute submersion during our warmth test, further demonstrating their water-resistant prowess. This is achieved by a DWR finish on the exterior leather, which beads off water and prevents the leather from soaking through. An interior waterproof lining is also employed to avoid any water seepage.

Comfort and Fit

These boots are relatively comfortable. They fit well right out of the box, and our testers didn't experience any pressure points after weeks of use. The insulation is soft and molds to the user's foot and ankle over time. They fit true-to-size, which makes online purchasing reliable and easy. The heel is cupped nicely and doesn't lift, and the lacing system allows plenty of customization in the fit. One downside is that the insulated leather upper and shaft is relatively stiff, making the boot less comfortable for extended walks in rough terrain. We don't reach for these boots for long winter hikes and snowshoe tours, but if your winter only occasionally features those activities, the Bridger 10" will be plenty comfortable.

Traction

These boots lack traction relative to other competitive models on the market. The rubber is sticky enough for dry surfaces, but when winter turns wet and icy, they don't grip as well as we would like. The sole lugs aren't very deep or aggressive, preventing the boots from biting into snowy surfaces. And the sole has a “rockered” shape, meaning it curves upwards from heel to toe, like a banana. The result is a lack of surface area on the ground throughout the step, and it's also hard to chip the side of the boot into deep snow cover to gain purchase.

Durability

The Bridger 10" is a well-made boot. All seams are tight, and there are plenty of reinforcement patches to prevent wear and tear in the usual areas. The lace hooks and eyelets are mostly metal, except for one lace hook at the ankle, which is nylon. This is puzzling since this location on the lace pattern is subject to the most force, and this nylon loop is at risk of blowing out over time. A thick rubber reinforcement patch on the upper heel prevents damage to the back of the boot when putting them on and taking them off. Overall, these boots are made to last.

Should You Buy The Oboz Bridger 10" Insulated?

These boots are expensive, and although they perform well, they don't stand out in any particular way from the rest of the market. They are good overall boots, but for the price, it might be worth considering your specific needs and if a more specialized boot will serve you better. If you need one boot for any activity in a cold winter climate, these are a decent choice, but we think there are better options on the market that cost less.

What Other Winter Boots Should You Consider?