Gear Review & Photos by: Nick (@outdoorzboy)
I recently switched to the Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof boots. The aggressive soles, waterproof protection, and ankle support made them an easy choice, especially for my multi-day mountain adventures in the fall and spring. Most weekends and evenings, you’ll find me scrambling over rocks, carrying a pack, and splashing through puddles. If a boot can’t handle all that, it doesn’t make it into my gear closet.
As someone who budgets for new hiking shoes every year, I’ve tried a lot of pairs over the decades. Some felt great straight out of the box; others needed weeks of break-in before I trusted them on the trail. Shoe sizing is always its own little adventure, so I went with the middle size I usually wear. The Bridgers were firm, maybe a touch snug at first, but I was surprised by how quickly they loosened up. By day two, they felt like old friends: comfortable, secure, and keeping my feet dry and stable on rocky terrain.
Lessons Learned: Lacing Matters
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of buying hiking boots, it’s this: how you lace your boots can completely change the fit. Whether you’re fighting heel lift, sliding toes, or pressure points, the right lacing method can save your feet from blisters and hotspots.
Here are a few tried-and-true techniques worth adding to your toolkit:
The Double Overhand Knot (aka Surgeon’s Knot)
A simple way to lock laces in place. Especially helpful for round laces that like to come undone.
How to tie it:
Cross one lace over the other.
Pass it through the loop you’ve just made.
Pass it through a second time.
Pull snug.
That’s it—you’ve made a double overhand knot.
Securing Your Ankle
If your toes are sliding forward or rubbing against the top of the boot, this method locks your heel and ankle in place:
Start with a double overhand knot just below the set-back eyelet (the one before the top hook).
Instead of crisscrossing, run your laces straight up the sides of the boot until the highest eyelet.
Cross the laces across the front and feed them into the opposite eyelet to form a “web.”
Tighten snugly.
This prevents forward slide, toe jam, and heel lift.
Heel Lock (Alternative Method)
For more mid-foot and ankle security:
Lace normally until you reach the set-back eyelet.
Run the laces straight up into the set-back eyelet.
Crisscross as usual.
Tuck each lace under the vertical line you just created.
Pull the laces straight out toward your toes before crisscrossing and hooking.
Tie as usual.
Alleviating Pressure Points
My last pair of hiking shoes, (different brand) gave me a terrible pain on the top of my left shoe, the pressure point would become unbearable, and I’d need to stop frequently to take my shoe off and massage it. If only I’d known this one at the time which I’d since tried.
Try this to relieve point hot spots:
Untie your shoe down to just below the pressure point.
Run the laces vertically up the sides of the boot (instead of crisscrossing).
Once past the sore spot, tie a double overhand knot to lock it in place.
Continue lacing normally above that point.
This skips over the problem area and relieves pressure where you need it most.
Final Thoughts
The Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof has quickly become my go-to boot. The quick break-in period, supportive fit, and customizable lacing options make it a reliable partner for long days in the mountains.