Backside Line
The Oboz Katabatic LT Low GTX is a stable all-around path shoe that actually grew on us over time. We examined it on soggy spring hikes in western Maryland, unseasonably dry trails in Colorado, and loads of native child naptime walks in between—and it dealt with nearly all the things we threw at it.
The Katabatic LT feels extra like a working shoe than a standard hiker, which is nice for many who need one thing nimble and fairly breathable for a water-resistant shoe. That mentioned, it nonetheless provides sufficient safety for rocky trails and light-weight backpacking. The match runs slim. Considered one of our gear analysts even discovered the “vast” model a bit tight – although, in equity, he does confer with his ft as “Sasquatch-sized.” Contemplating the low weight and stable waterproofing, we expect the worth right here is stable—particularly in the event you’re after a sturdy, low-cut hiker that works properly as an on a regular basis path shoe. For extra choices, take a look at our information to the finest mountaineering footwear for males.
How We Examined
We examined the Oboz Katabatic Low GTX over a number of months on soggy spring hikes in Maryland, dry however often snowy trails in Colorado, and loads of each day walks round city. These miles gave us a stable really feel for a way the shoe handles completely different terrain, climate, and makes use of.
Fast Specs
Oboz Katabatic LT Low GTX
Light-weight and Waterproof Climbing Shoe
CleverHiker Ranking:
4.5/5.0
Value:
$170
Weight (Pair):
1 lb. 7 oz.
Heel-to-Toe Drop:
8mm
Execs
- Snug
- Breathable
- Waterproof
- Steady
- Wonderful traction
Cons
- Heavy
- Single-lace eyeholes
- Restricted sturdiness
- Lengthy break-in
- Not the very best for scrambling
- Costly
Consolation
The Katabatic Low GTX feels extra like a path runner than a standard mountaineering shoe, making it a stable selection for hikers preferring a lighter, extra athletic really feel underfoot. Proper out of the field, the experience felt gentle and springy, and the artificial supplies helped maintain the break-in interval quick. Our testers famous that the footwear felt totally damaged in after 8 to 10 miles on path.
We particularly appreciated the cushioning and built-in rock plate on lengthy, rocky hikes close to Boulder, CO, the place sharp granite and uneven terrain can actually take a toll. Even after seven consecutive days of mountaineering, the midsole stored a pleasant steadiness of responsiveness and shock absorption.
That mentioned, the match could run slightly slim for fellas with vast ft. Considered one of our editors discovered the vast match true to measurement. Nonetheless, one tester who normally wears a large nonetheless discovered the “vast” model cosy via the forefoot. The artificial higher does stretch barely over time however stays on the slim aspect. That apart, we preferred the match total—it provided a safe, locked-in really feel that boosted confidence on uneven floor.
Traction
The Oboz Katabatic Low GTX delivers confidence on most surfaces, particularly when issues are dry. We took ours for runs over Colorado’s slabby granite and wandered throughout mossy limestone in Maryland and West Virginia. Every time, the lug sample gripped the rock properly and stored us regular. On unfastened, gravelly downhills, the tread held agency as an alternative of washing out underfoot.
Once we hit late-spring snow and ice throughout Colorado’s “second winter,” there have been just a few slips—nothing shocking for a path shoe relatively than a devoted winter boot. Nonetheless, the deep multi-directional tread does an honest job shedding mud and sticking higher than some footwear we’ve tried in comparable circumstances.
Weight
The Oboz Katabatic LT Low GORE-TEX is unquestionably gentle for a totally waterproof mountaineering shoe. At a claimed 11.9 ounces per shoe—and 16.5 ounces on our measurement 13 vast take a look at pair—it ranks among the many lightest waterproof footwear in our lineup.
What actually issues, although, is how that weight interprets underfoot. We discovered the Katabatic delivers a “barely there” really feel that’s a boon on lengthy days.
We clocked a whole bunch of miles in these and have but to really feel weighed down. The midsole’s responsive cushioning pairs properly with the low total mass to maintain fatigue at bay, even when transferring quick all day lengthy.
Sturdiness
The Katabatic Low GTX’s all-synthetic construct has stood up impressively after a number of months and some hundred miles of damage. Artificial uppers are typically lighter and extra breathable than leather-based, although they will really feel much less rugged. But, after all the things we put these via, the footbed and tread nonetheless look nearly new.
Ours have suffered the standard scuffs and abrasion marks on the uppers, however nothing that threatens efficiency. There’s one odd tear on our pair, nevertheless it hasn’t grown or affected waterproofing, so it doesn’t increase any crimson flags simply but. General, the supplies really feel stable and well-assembled, from the laces all the way down to the sturdy outsole.
Given the worth tier, the Katabatic delivers the sturdiness you’d hope for in a higher-end mountaineering shoe. It’s held its form, stored its grip, and stored moisture out all through testing.
Climate Resistance
The Katabatic Low GTX works properly to maintain moisture out with out feeling cumbersome. Its GORE-TEX Invisible Match membrane performs on par with any fashionable waterproof barrier, but it doesn’t weigh you down or rob the shoe of that light-weight really feel.
We put this to the take a look at on muddy spring hikes in Maryland and slushy “second winter” treks in Colorado—full with sudden puddle and creek crossings. In nearly each case, whether or not plowing via soupy slush or splashing via deep puddles, our ft stayed dry. The membrane additionally blocks wind totally, so cooler-weather hikes felt noticeably hotter than they might in an ordinary mesh shoe.
That mentioned, it’s not invincible. After a number of hours in regular rain or crossing creeks deeper than the midsole top, we observed some dampness seeping in across the sides. And being the low model of the Katabatic, water can enter above the ankle in the event you’re not cautious. Nonetheless, in the event you’re after a dependable waterproof hiker, these are a stable wager.
Ought to You Purchase The Oboz Katabatic LT GTX Climbing Shoe?
The Oboz Katabatic LT Low GORE-TEX is a superb choose in the event you’re after a nimble, trail-running–fashion shoe that also provides stable safety and waterproofing. It excels for fast-moving hikers, gentle backpackers, and anybody who desires a single pair for muddy spring hikes, rocky mountain trails, and neighborhood strolls. In case you crave that “working shoe” really feel underfoot—even when the bottom is moist—that is one to contemplate.
That mentioned, in the event you want a roomier match or plan to put on thick mountaineering socks, the Katabatic’s slim profile may really feel restrictive. Extremely-heavy pack haulers may desire a extra rugged, supportive boot.
When it comes to worth, you’re getting one of many lightest GORE-TEX mountaineering footwear round, with sturdy building and a built-in rock plate that’s held up over a whole bunch of miles. For hikers who desire a versatile, performance-oriented shoe that doubles as a each day path companion, the Katabatic LT Low Gore-Tex delivers loads of bang in your buck.
What Different Climbing Sneakers Ought to You Contemplate?
For extra of our top-performing males’s mountaineering footwear, head again to our information to the very best males’s mountaineering footwear.
Salomon X Extremely 5 GTX Evaluate: In case you just like the Katabatic’s steadiness of assist and safety however desire a extra technical outsole and firmer chassis, the X Extremely 4 GTX is a robust contender. Its proprietary Contagrip sole delivers distinctive chew on moist and dry surfaces, whereas the Quicklace™ system and molded heel cup provide a safer lockdown for aggressive trails.
Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Evaluate: For individuals who respect the Katabatic’s roomy toe field and cushioning however crave lighter weight and breathability, the Ultraventure 3 shines. Weighing simply over a pound per shoe with a 5 mm drop, it combines Vibram traction with a ventilated mesh higher—ideally suited for fast-paced day hikes or multi-day treks in hotter climate.
HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX Evaluate: If waterproofing and plush underfoot really feel high your precedence, the Anacapa 2 Low GTX brings a Gore-Tex liner and HOKA’s signature cushioned midsole. Although barely heavier, its rockered geometry and sticky rubber lugs excel on blended terrain, making it excellent for hikers who worth all-season versatility with out sacrificing consolation.
