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Oboz Bangtail Mid Insulated Waterproof Hiking Boots - Men's vs Merrell Chameleon Termo 8 Tall Waterproof Boot

Both are insulated winter hikers with Vibram soles, but they split on warmth and build. The Oboz Bangtail Mid uses 200 g PrimaLoft Bio insulation, oiled nubuck leather and Vibram Arctic Grip, and weighs about 2 lb 10 oz per pair. The Merrell Chameleon Termo 8 Tall carries 400 g insulation, a fleece lining and a taller shaft, and starts at $190 at ModeSens as of the listing date. Pick the Oboz for milder cold and mixed icy pavement; pick the Merrell for deep cold and snowshoe days.

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Oboz
Oboz Bangtail Mid Insulated Waterproof Hiking Boots - Men's

Oboz Bangtail Mid Insulated Waterproof Hiking Boots - Men's

Choose the Oboz Bangtail Mid if you want a lighter leather winter hiker for cold-weather day hikes and icy sidewalks rather than deep-winter expeditions.

Pros
  • Vibram Arctic Grip bites on wet ice
  • Oiled nubuck leather upper looks and wears well
Lighter than the Merrell per pair
  • B-DRY membrane keeps water out
  • Reviewers call it comfortable and warm for cold days
  • Cons
    • Only 200 g insulation, so less warm in deep cold
    • Polyester lining is less cozy than fleece
    • No snowshoe strap mentioned
    • Buyers report surprise UPS customs and brokerage charges on some orders
    Merrell
    Merrell Chameleon Termo 8 Tall Waterproof Boot

    Merrell Chameleon Termo 8 Tall Waterproof Boot

    Choose the Merrell Chameleon Termo 8 Tall if you run cold, want a taller shaft with a snowshoe strap, and need the warmest insulation rating in this pair.

    Pros
    • 400 g insulation rated for the coldest conditions
    • Fleece lining adds warmth
    • Tall shaft covers more of the leg
    • Snowshoe strap built in
    • Removable Kinetic Fit BASE footbed
    Cons
    • Heavier per shoe than the Oboz pair average
    • Synthetic upper is less durable-looking than leather
    • Vibram TC5+ is a general trail compound, not ice-specific
    • Starts at $190, the only price given here

    What separates them

    Oboz Bangtail Mid Insulated Waterproof Hiking Boots - Men'sMerrell Chameleon Termo 8 Tall Waterproof Boot
    Insulation200 g PrimaLoft Bio synthetic400 g synthetic, rated 300 g+ (warmest)
    UpperOiled nubuck leather and textileWaterproof synthetic
    LiningPolyesterFleece
    OutsoleVibram Arctic Grip for wet iceVibram TC5+ with 5 mm lugs
    Shaft heightOver-the-ankle midTall boot design
    WeightAbout 2 lb 10 oz per pairAbout 1 lb 5.5 oz per shoe
    Snowshoe useSuited to snowshoeing per ObozBuilt-in snowshoe strap
    PriceNo price givenFrom $190 at ModeSens as of the listing date

    Price history

    • Oboz Bangtail Mid Insulated Waterproof Hiking Boots - Men's: lowest $193.99 on Nov 2 at eBay.
    • Merrell Chameleon Termo 8 Tall Waterproof Boot: lowest $190.00 on Nov 2 at ModeSens.

    Prices at every store

    Oboz Bangtail Mid Insulated Waterproof Hiking Boots - Men's

    • AmazonCheck price at Amazon
    • eBayCheck price at eBay
    • Oboz FootwearCheck price at Oboz Footwear
    Prices and history →

    Merrell Chameleon Termo 8 Tall Waterproof Boot

    • ModeSensCheck price at ModeSens
    Prices and history →

    Specs compared

    SpecOboz Bangtail Mid Insulated Waterproof Hiking Boots - Men'sMerrell Chameleon Termo 8 Tall Waterproof Boot
    Insulation200 g PrimaLoft Bio synthetic fibers400 grams synthetic lightweight, low bulk insul…
    LiningPolyesterFleece lining
    OutsoleVibram Arctic Grip rubber compositeVibram TC5+
    WaterproofingOboz B-DRY single-layer waterproof/breathable m…—
    UpperOiled nubuck leather; textile—
    MidsoleRubberized EVA foam—
    SupportThermoplastic polyurethane arch shank—
    Weight (Pair)2 lbs. 10.2 oz—
    Footwear HeightOver-the-ankle—
    Footwear ClosureLace-up—
    Weight21.1 oz./598 grams—
    Weight per shoe—1lbs-5.5oz
    Show all 20 specsShow fewer specs
    SpecOboz Bangtail Mid Insulated Waterproof Hiking Boots - Men'sMerrell Chameleon Termo 8 Tall Waterproof Boot
    Lug depth—5mm
    Insulation rating—300g+ (Warmest)
    Upper material—Waterproof synthetic upper
    Footbed—Kinetic Fit™ BASE removable contoured footbed
    Lace closure—Metal hook with traditional lace closure
    Sizes available—From 7 to 15
    Color options—black/gray
    Waterproof—Yes

    What reviewers say

    Oboz Bangtail Mid Insulated Waterproof Hiking Boots - Men's

    Reviewers describe the Bangtail Mid as a comfortable, well-made winter boot suited to everyday outdoor use and snowshoeing in cold conditions. Owners report warmth in low temperatures and a light feel for an insulated boot.

    Pros
    • Comfortable fit
    • Lightweight
    • Warmth in cold temperatures
    • Well-made quality
    Cons
    • Colour is more olive than shown in the picture
    • Some US buyers were surprised by added customs and brokerage fees

    Merrell Chameleon Termo 8 Tall Waterproof Boot

    Owner feedback on the Chameleon Thermo line is generally positive on warmth and waterproofing in snow, with complaints centered on weight and bulk. Few detailed reviews exist for this exact tall version.

    Pros
    • Keeps feet warm in sub-freezing conditions
    • Waterproofing holds up in slush and wet snow
    • Vibram sole grips well on packed snow
    Cons
    • Heavy and stiff out of the box
    • Too warm for anything above freezing
    • Tall shaft can rub until broken in
    Reviews
    • Bangtails are bangin’

    Questions and answers

    Which is warmer, the Oboz Bangtail Mid or the Merrell Chameleon Termo 8?
    The Merrell. It has 400 g insulation and a fleece lining, against 200 g PrimaLoft Bio and a polyester lining in the Oboz.
    Which grips ice better?
    The Oboz. Its Vibram Arctic Grip compound is made for wet ice. The Merrell uses Vibram TC5+ with 5 mm lugs, which is a general winter trail sole.
    Which is better for snowshoeing?
    The Merrell, which has a dedicated snowshoe strap. Oboz lists the Bangtail Mid as suited to snowshoeing, but it has no strap.
    Which is lighter?
    The Oboz at about 2 lb 10 oz per pair. The Merrell is about 1 lb 5.5 oz per shoe, so roughly 2 lb 11 oz per pair.
    Is the Merrell worth $190 over the Oboz?
    Only if you need the extra warmth and the snowshoe strap. No Oboz price was given here, so compare live prices before deciding.
    Does the Oboz come in wide sizes?
    No width options are listed for the Bangtail Mid. The Merrell lists sizes 7 to 15 in black/gray only.

    More comparisons

    • Oboz Bangtail Mid Insulated Waterproof Hiking Boots - Men's vs Oboz Bridger 8in Insulated B-Dry Boot
    • Men's Revel IV Polar Waterproof Boot vs Oboz Bangtail Mid Insulated Waterproof Hiking Boots - Men's
    • Oboz Bangtail Mid Insulated Waterproof Hiking Boots - Men's vs The North Face Chilkat III Men's Insulated Boot
    • Merrell Chameleon Termo 8 Tall Waterproof Boot vs Oboz Bridger 8in Insulated B-Dry Boot

    Buying guides that pick them

    • Best men's winter hiking boots under $250