Women’s Oboz Bridger 7” Insulated Winter Boot Review

Bottom Line

The Oboz Bridger 7” Insulated boots topped our rankings thanks to their remarkable water resistance, warmth, and traction. These boots are exceptionally well-balanced: crafted for hiking yet stylish enough for the office when needed.

We wore them to work and stood in them for nine hours a day without our feet feeling tired. Our coworkers appreciated them as well—we received compliments every time we wore them.

During side-by-side testing, we were highly impressed with their water resistance. They remained partially submerged in water for over two hours without any moisture entering the boot.

Their warmth was the highest on our list of women’s winter boots when we measured the temperature inside the boot during side-by-side testing. These boots are a bit on the pricey side, but it is well worth it for the value they bring to the table.

How We Tested

Our gear tester primarily wore these boots to and from work in the winter. This involved wearing them outside when temperatures were in the 20’s as well as standing in them during nine hour work days. They were also used on a few hikes in southwestern Colorado.

Weight

The Oboz Bridger boots have an average weight compared to other winter boots. We weighed all the boots in our lineup on a kitchen scale to compare their weights. 

A single Bridger boot weighs 21.7 ounces or about 1.4 pounds, placing it squarely in the middle of the pack. They are noticeably lighter than taller, bulkier snow boots, but also heavier than some minimalist, casual-use boots. When compared to other hiking-specific boots, the weight seems reasonable considering the features this boot offers. 

When worn all day, we didn’t notice the weight, and our tester’s feet never felt fatigued from the boots. The design is relatively streamlined, which means they don’t feel clunky either.

Water Resistance

Water resistance is an area that truly surprised us about these boots: they lasted over two hours submerged in water without leaking. Initially, we were uncertain whether these boots would hold up, given our past experience with waterproof membranes, which tend to leak eventually. However, these boots performed exceptionally well during side-by-side testing. 

To maintain consistency, we placed all the boots in our lineup in a bathtub filled with several inches of water, ensuring they were positioned so the water would reach the laces. We also used rocks to weigh the boots down, preventing them from floating. We checked on the boots approximately every five minutes to see if any moisture had seeped in. After two hours, we concluded the testing and finalized the results. 

During the test, we observed that the Bridger boots had several features that contributed to their strong performance. One notable feature is their hydrophobic build, which created small air bubbles around the shoe’s exterior as the leather interacted with the water molecules. 

Another beneficial feature is the tongue’s design, which is fully attached to the boot almost all the way to the top, preventing water from seeping in at that location. The only area requiring monitoring is the top of the boot since water can still enter at the ankle, potentially causing wet feet. This issue can be mitigated by using gaiters. Additionally, there is an attachment loop for gaiters near the toes.

Warmth

Warmth is another strong point of the Oboz Bridger 7” boots, as they are the warmest in our lineup. We placed these boots in a snowbank late in the afternoon and then measured the temperature inside to evaluate the insulation’s effectiveness. Every five minutes, we took temperature readings and recorded them until 30 minutes had passed. 

The lowest temperature recorded for the Bridger boots was 36.2°F. It’s worth noting that there was about a five-degree difference between the Bridger boots and the lowest-ranking model. 

In the field, we found these boots to be quite cozy, thanks in part to the synthetic wool lining. Despite their excellent insulation, our feet never became hot or sweaty while wearing these boots indoors during the day. These boots are an excellent option for both warm and cold temperatures.

Comfort

The Bridger boots are far more comfortable than anticipated, thanks to the woolly lining, wide range of sizing options, and adjustable laces. We truly appreciate that these boots are available in both half sizes and a wide toe box option, ensuring they fit a broader range of feet properly. 

Likewise, the laces on these boots can be adjusted to address various foot concerns. We also like the synthetic wool lining at the top of the boot because it adds warmth. The downside is that it tends to get dirty easily and can clump together. 

During our time wearing these boots, we found the overall experience to be positive. The insert that comes with the boot features a slightly higher arch than we’re accustomed to. However, it didn’t pose any issues for us, and it is easy to replace if desired. The boots are comfortable for walking, and we did not experience any foot fatigue at the end of a long day spent on our feet.

Traction

Aggressive tread with ample surface area contributes to improved traction for the Oboz Bridger 7”. We utilized a traction testing device to assess the grip of each pair of boots. The boots were placed on a rock held by a lever arm. As the arm was raised, the slope angle gradually increased. Once gravity became too strong, the boots slipped or fell off, allowing us to measure the slope angle. 

The Bridger boots achieved the largest angle of all the models we tested, indicating they should have the best grip. To confirm this, we compared it to the sole design alongside our experience with each boot. To consider the sole, we examined the surface area of the tread. More surface area yields greater friction, enabling the shoe to grip the ground effectively. 

The Bridger boots feature large, aggressive lugs with various shapes that enhance surface area.

Should You Buy the Oboz Bridger 7” Insulated?

We love the Bridger boots for many reasons, especially their versatility. Every time we wore these boots to the office, we received at least one compliment from coworkers.

Additionally, they have design features that make them excellent for hiking, like thick treads for good traction and waterproof capabilities. However, they are less suitable for walking in deep snow because of the low tops, unless paired with gaiters, and they are not ideal for quick trips outside as they take longer to put on.

What Other Women’s Winter Boots Should You Consider?

There are winter boots for just about any winter activity on the market. This can make it challenging to find the right one. Fortunately, we tested the best winter boots and can recommend similar options to the Bridger boots below.

Merrell Thermo Chill Review: The Thermo Chill makes great lightweight winter boots that still perform well in the wilderness. Like the Bridger boots, these offer surprisingly good water resistance. While they may not be the most comfortable option for everyone, they are worth trying on to see if they fit. This is especially true considering their more affordable price tag.

Keen Revel IV Polar Review: The Keen boots represent a more traditional option for winter hiking. We appreciate how these boots look and feel; they are comfortable enough for several miles of walking. The biggest drawback is that the waterproofing is not very effective on these boots.

UGG Adirondack III Review: While not necessarily a hiking-specific boot, we love the versatility of the Adirondack. These boots performed exceptionally well in many of the same areas as the Oboz, such as water resistance, warmth, and comfort. We appreciate that these boots can be worn with the tops up or rolled down, making them suitable for a variety of casual and technical occasions.