If you are a hiker, you surely want to get the best hiking boot from the option. But when you see so many options, final decisions can be tricky. Therefore, today I shall compare Oboz and Merrell hiking boots.
The main difference between Oboz and Merrell is that Merrell brands also make hiking boots for men, women, and kids, whereas Oboz only produces hiking boots for adults! As for designs, Merrell hiking boots are noticeably stylish and trendy whereas Oboz hiking boots lack this point.
Now let’s have a look at more differences.
Comparison Between Oboz vs Merrell Hiking Boots
| Features | Oboz Hiking Boots | Merrell Hiking Boots |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Support and fitting | Wide toe boxes for a roomy interior | Offers multiple widths |
| Price | Affordable price ranges (Check) | Expensive (Check) |
| Traction and outsole | Good traction | Vibram outsole |
| Waterproof membrane | Hydrophobic coating | M Select Dry |
| Style and colors | Limited style range and subtle styles | Offers ample color and design variety |
| Material choice | Different high-quality materials, mainly Nubuck and synthetic mesh | Durable materials including a full-grain leather upper |
| Insoles | EVA foam with O-FIT system | EVA foam with M Select cushioning |
| Brand Evaluation | Founded in 2008 | Founded in 1981 |
| Best Collection | Best Oboz Hiking Boots | Best Merrell Hiking Boots |
Comparison Video From an Expert
Summarized Features Explained in Inforgraphs
Features I Tested and Compared Are Given Below
Down below are the features that set Oboz and Merrell hiking boots apart:
1. Water-resistance
Oboz uses its signature hydrophobic coating to keep feet dry from water and moisture, whereas Merrell hiking boots come with the popular M select dry membrane that keeps feet dry. This is one of the significant factors that set both brands apart.
However, both brands are efficient enough to offer quality and the best performance for keeping water and moisture off the feet.
For example, this Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry Hiking Boot – Men’s uses the dedicated B-dry waterproofing membrane for keeping feet dry. On the other hand, this Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot especially incorporates theM Select DRY waterproof membrane to seal water and make sure to keep the build-up feet moist to escape.
2. Price and Affordability Factor
The price tag of any brand can be different. The same goes for Oboz and Merrell hiking boot brands. The fact is both brands make high-quality hiking footwear, so their price justifies the demand. However, Oboz has more flexibility in its price and makes affordability suitable, whereas Merrell hiking boots are expensive compared to the aforementioned brand.
For example, I purchased this Oboz Bozeman Mid Hiking Boot – Men’s for $178.00, which is reasonable in price. On the contrary, this Merrell Men’s Moab Adventure Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot has cost me $149.95 and is undoubtedly more expensive than Oboz! However, the offers and deals certainly let you choose according to your current budget!
3. Cushioning, Interior, and Comfort
The cushioning and interior of the boot, especially for the hiking ones, are most important. For Merrell, they use the select cushioning, and it feels supremely comfy under feet for day-long hiking.
Oboz hiking boots utilize the O-FIT System interior cushioning system, while Merrell hiking boots use M select cushioning. However, the comfort level is the same for both hiking footwear. Oboz hiking boots come in Nubuck leather, synthetic material, mesh, or another material and that makes durability an ultimate factor in their hiking boot range.
Merrell brand uses various natural and synthetic recycled materials to ensure durability and performance for hiking boots. Also, Merrell uses the abrasion-resistant upper, recycled rubber, and recycled EVA in the outsoles and insoles.
Such as this Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boot has Merrell air cushioning and supper Rebound Compound with recycled materials. Oboz Women’s Sypes Low Leather B-Dry Waterproof Hiking Shoe has the O Fit Insole with Bloom Algae Foam, which feels best under feet and makes a comfy approach around.
4. Designs and Colors
This can be tricky. The colors and designs are something that everybody has their preference for. However, Oboz hiking boots may feel rather subtle in design, whereas Merrell hiking boots offer more style and color options in their hiking range. However, if you search keenly, you may find your desired color in Oboz hiking boots, but usually, they don’t offer much style and diversity.
For instance, this Oboz Sawtooth II Mid B-Dry Hiking Boot – Women’s look subtle and camouflage for its design and Brindle/Tradewinds Blue color combination. In contrast, this Merrell Women’s Siren Edge 3 Hiking Shoe with its Polar/Wave color and this Merrell Men’s Yokota 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot look appealing and stylish.
5. Fitting and Size
The Oboz hiking boot would suit you the best if you have wider feet. This is because they have a roomy interior and broader toe box that helps the feet wiggle and move quickly. On the other hand, Merrell hiking boots have comfortable and plush interiors that accord with the feet’ shape.
They run true to size and feel comfortable out of the box.
For example, I purchased this Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Gtx Hiking Boot for my wife, which was true to her feet size without being too roomy or narrow. On the contrary, this Oboz Men’s Arete Low Hiking Boot offered a wider toe box for my feet, and the toe box offered enough room to wiggle my feet with plenty of comfort. So it kept off the strain.
Other Relevant Comparisons
