Step in. Lace up. Be at ease. Right out of the box, these boots are ready to go. The moment I slipped on my new Bridger Mid B-Dry boots, the interior molded against every contour of my foot. It was a truly comfortable and promising start.
When it comes to enjoying a day on the trail, a lot depends on what’s on your feet. Fortunately, the Bridger B-Dry promises impressive longevity, arch support, and a secure heel to keep you comfortable even during a day of intensive hiking.
On The Inside
Oboz boasts a proprietary insole as the mainstay of their boot's comfort system. The purposefully molded construction is immediately apparent and appreciated by any active outdoor enthusiast. The sculpted interior design definitely feels ready to support a full day of activity.
Around the ankle, the boot is very plush and supportive. With other boots, I've often noticed rubbing and wear with each step; however, I was pleased to feel the added attention to detail in this design. The boot's ankle offers a generous amount of compression that does a great job of absorbing impact. This supportive ankle really helps with avoiding sprains and ranks as one of my favorite aspects of this boot.
The Heel
The boot’s large heel forms a shock-absorbing cup around the rear of your foot. I fully expected to feel some soreness after more than three hours of hiking. Some rubbing on new shoes is, after all, expected. Returning home, however, I was surprised that my feet felt great!
Exterior
Dubbed the Granite Peak Outsole, the tread of these hikers immediately inspires confidence. There is notable attention to the placement of each V-shaped tooth of the outsole. Each row of tread counter-faces the direction of the other, while each protrusion is shaped slightly differently to maximize its ability to grip the ground.
The exterior tread does a great job of absorbing impacts and ensuring you aren’t feeling the rocky terrain beneath your feet.
Insulation
Warmth and breathability were major considerations when deciding between the Bridger Mid Waterproof and Bridger Vent Mid Waterproof. Since I was looking for a boot that would be a great option during colder conditions, I opted for the Bridger Mid Waterproof with its higher grain insulation.
Takeaways
The trail I tested these boots on was rocky and uneven; however, each step felt deliberate and confident in my Bridgers. Despite misjudging a couple of loose rocks, the excellent support the boots offered kept me from limping by the end of the day.
Where this boot really stands out is in the cooler weather of fall and spring. While I wouldn't intentionally stomp into a foot of snow with just this pair on, I think it shines as a great go-to boot for a good hike where you might expect some pockets of mud, slush, or snow in those shady spots around the bend.
