As a backcountry ski bum, finding a hiking shoe called the Sundog was almost like a true calling. Why? Because seeing the prism of color around the sun known as a sundog means that it’s going to snow. Therefore, sundogs are good… very good. But does that mean the Oboz shoes of the same name are also good? I got to take a pair on some hikes this summer to find out.
The Oboz Sundogs are among their latest shoe styles. They feature:
- Single Piece Mesh Upper
- Textile Mesh Lining in Heel
- Supportive Synthetic Leather Mid-foot Overlay
- Protective Synthetic Leather Heel and Toe Overlays
- Strobel Lasted Construction
- BFit Essential Insole
- Dual Density EVA Midsole
- EVA Super Skin (ESS) Forefoot Armoring
- Nylon Shank
- Hyalite Outsole
Versatility is the key function of the Sundog. After several hikes (and many days around town) I’d say they’re kicks you would feel confident wearing for outdoor activity on most days. They’re not appropriate for multi-day backpacking on one end of the spectrum, but they’re not minimalist either. The Sundog is basically right in the middle – a go-to shoe for day hikes, mountain scrambling, and anything in between.
The most impressive aspect of the Sundog is traction. The Hyalite Outsole is freakin’ awesome! I stair-mastered these shoes on extremely steep, loose trails, and they never slipped once, up or down. I felt like I was wearing climbing skins on the snow in one of the Wasatch’s notoriously steep skintracks, only I didn’t slide backward, (unlike what happens in one of the Wasatch’s notoriously steep skintracks.)
The whole under-foot construction of these shoes is top notch. They are stable, have just the right amount of cushion without deadening ground feel, and require little to no break-in.
The uppers are where these Sundogs show their weakness. Constructed with flexible mesh, the uppers are very, very comfortable – almost like wearing fuzzy slippers. But such a flexible material does not lend much in the way of support. I found that when traveling over rough, uneven terrain, lateral support was wanting. There is some in the form of mid-foot overlays, but it doesn’t compare to a hiker with leather uppers.
Also, I found sizing to be off. I’ve tested a few Oboz shoes in the past, including the Beartooth and Arete. I wear a men’s size 8, and both fit perfectly. But for some reason the Sundog felt small, by at least half a size. It wasn’t so bad that I couldn’t wear them, but my big toes were touching the front of the shoes. So if you’re looking to purchase, be sure to try them on first as you may have to size up.
So, indeed, there is a time and place for the Oboz Sundog. For the vast majority of hikers out for the day, these shoes are an excellent choice. The traction is so good, you can rely on them while hiking smooth singletrack or even peak bagging rocky cliffs. Hell, I even went on short trail runs in them. Again, they are versatile.
The Good: Versatile, incredible traction, slipper-like uppers.
The Bad: Not much support in upper half of shoe, not true to size.
Final Word: If you’re looking for a hiking shoe that feels solid underfoot, but is damn comfy at the same time, then slip on a pair of the Oboz Sundog. These are shoes you will want to wear almost every day, no matter what trail your chasing a sundog on.