The Oboz Katabatic Wind Low Shoes are built for efficiency when the pavement ends and the trail begins.
But of course, you could still run on the pavement with them.
In that sense, the Katabatics are super versatile shoes with speed in mind wherever youre running.
From the ground up, its reset the Katabatic Wind shoes are most at home on the trail.
Although the price varies by dealer, Oboz’s MSRP is $185 for either version in any color.
But Oboz technically deems these hiking boots.
So its best to think of these shoes as multi-purpose warriors rather than dedicated running or hiking shoes.
To that end, the Katabatic Wind Shoes are packed with a ton of neat multi-use features.
The combination is intended to help propel you as your feet work through their strides, according to Oboz.
That carbon plate is a notable addition to the shoe.
Oboz also notes a sculpted mid-foot, generous forefoot and toe box, and hugging heel cup.
The abrasion-resistant, breathable mesh upper has reinforced TPU overlays welded and stitched across it.
This helps reduce weight and increase durability.
And the laces and webbing are made from recycled materials.
Notably, the heel drop is 8mm.
I wanted to get a base-level sense of the flex, cushion, and general comfort of the shoes.
That said, the Katabatic Wind Low are still comfortable and soft enough to pull some pavement-running duties.
The toe box is quite narrow, which is okay for me because I have narrow feet.
The sole is also fairly narrow in the forefoot, which I noticed mostly when running fast around corners.
Theres also an elastic across the tongue that is intended to add more support through the instep.
The insoles are super comfy and provide a lot of arch support.
The insoles cushion will help save me from myself in that regard.
The Katabatic Wind Shoes feature an 8mm heel drop.
On pavement, I run zero-drop shoes, so switching to an 8mm heel drop was almost startling.
Think about running up steep trails, for example.
I cant say I felt the carbon plate in the forefoot at all.
But perhaps thats the point.
Did I feel propelled forward by the plate?
To be honest, no, I did not.
Should you buy the Oboz Katabatic Wind Low shoes?
The Katabatic Wind Shoes from Oboz are not pure runners, nor does Oboz recommend them as such.
Instead, think of them as a multi-discipline, off-and-on-road shoe that can take you anywhere.
