One of the first comments I got when I wore the Oboz Arete was, “are you going rock climbing in those approach shoes?” While I probably could considering the traction on the soles, the Arete are actually hiking shoes that happen to look like approach slippers. This funky style is one of the aspects that make these kicks stand out from the rest, but there’s even more going on under that climbing veneer.
First, the Oboz Arete details:
- Nubuck Leather Upper Molded Rubber Toe Rand
- High Friction, Non-Marking Carbon Rubber Outsole
- BFit Deluxe Footbed
- 3 Part Midsole, Two Piece Dual Density PU, Nylon Midfoot Shank
- Teton Outsole
- 16.3 oz. (single size 9)
Simply put, the Oboz Arete is a do-it-all, anytime type of shoe. On a scale with heavy-duty backpacking boots on one end, and light weight trail runners on the other, these shoes fall directly in the middle. I’ve been putting them to the test for two months, from hiking in Southern Utah’s desert to ascending up mountain trails with my skis on my pack for miles-long, spring backcountry approaches. Through it all, I’ve been impressed with how they perform.
Of course, they also look too good to just wear on the trail, (I am particularly impressed with the Teton Mountain topo map engraved in the sole) so I’ve been sporting them while at work as well. At first they weren’t as comfortable as I had hoped as I found them to be a bit stiff. But after a few days of breaking them in, they softened into my foot shape and are as comfortable as can be. Really, a quality shoe is going to take some break-in time, because that Nubuck leather isn’t some pansy upper material.
My first real test of the Arete came when I hiked to the snow line on a backcountry ski tour of Box Elder Peak. I guess they really are “approach shoes” since I used them to “approach” the mountain. From dry trail to mud, over creeks and on slick river rocks, the Arete gave me ample support, stability and traction, even with the weight of my skis and boots strapped to my pack. With that kind of load, I’d prefer something with more ankle support, but the BFit Deluxe Footbed and 3 Part Midsole with Two Piece Dual Density PU and Nylon Midfoot Shank made it feel like I was walking on a platform, high above any stones or trail oddities. Despite the low-profile looks, these hikers have burly guts. As a result, I went ahead and used them on another long ski tour on Lone Peak the very next week.
For more typical hiking, I took the Oboz Arete to the Southern Utah desert for an epic 6 hikes in 3 days. While on assignment for KSL Outdoors, I hiked in 6 different state parks from Deadhorse Point in the east, to Snow Canyon in the west. Through it all, over miles and miles, the Arete came through for me. Traction from sticky outsoles and stability were both top notch, and through cold to hot weather, they breathed and kept my feet warm or cool, no matter what the elements threw at them. The bomber construction even kept sand out while I hiked on the dunes at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. Not once did I feel compelled to take them off and pour sand out.
I have to admit though, that after 6 days of hiking my feet got pretty fatigued. Of course, I asked a lot of the shoes, but I couldn’t stand to wear them by the end of it all and longed for something with more cushion. Stability comes at a price, especially when the miles add up. So while I probably won’t be setting off on a multi-day backpacking trip in the Arete, I can safely say they are pretty awesome for day hikes or kicking it around town.
The Good: Approach shoe styling is cool, stability and traction are top notch, bomber construction and materials.
The Bad: A bit hard underfoot, especially after hiking many miles.
Final Word: The Oboz Arete are a Jack of all Trades, Master of Some. You’ll love them on demanding day hikes, will get compliments every time you wear them, and probably won’t have to replace them for a long time. Lace them up for whatever destination you intend to “approach.”