Oboz set its sights on growth with Rocks and Running

June 1, 2026

Rock Fight founders join the brand as it finds its voice and expands into trail running for SS27.

BOZEMAN, MT (June 1, 2026) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ — Oboz Footwear, the Bozeman-based performance trail brand, announces changes to its leadership team and the expansion of its product range as it looks to scale new heights. Two of the outdoor industry’s most recognizable voices, Colin True and David Karstad, have joined the senior leadership team to help drive a newly energized brand and build sales momentum, while Oboz announces the (re)introduction of a new trail running lineup for SS27.

“One of the challenges facing outdoor brands today is that we often spend too much time talking to ourselves and not enough time engaging new audiences,” said Amy Beck, Oboz president. “Colin and David have built careers translating brand stories into ideas people care about. Their ability to bridge industry expertise with broader cultural relevance will help Oboz reach more people while staying true to what makes the brand unique.”

True joins Oboz as Senior Director of Wholesale and has built his career across all aspects of the wholesale experience in the outdoor industry, from tech rep to sales manager. This includes positions as National Sales Manager at PROBAR and GU Energy Labs, North American Director of Sales and Marketing at Polartec, and retail management roles at Eastern Mountain Sports, City Sports, and Play It Again Sports.

Karstad, known to Rock Fight listeners as Producer Dave, joins Oboz as Senior Director of Brand and Marketing. A co-founder of the brand consultancy Frank Creative, and former VP Marketing and Global Creative Director at Polartec, he brings over 20 years of brand building experience in the outdoor, athletic, and action sport industries. Brands include adidas, Vans, Teva, And1, Spyder, Royal Robbins, and Timberland.

The pair co-founded the Rock Fight in 2022, building the industry’s most reliably opinionated media source into a top 1% global podcast with over 1.4 million downloads. Together, True and Karstad bring to Oboz a deep understanding of the outdoor industry and how brands and products engage with consumers and sales cycles.

Oboz Trail Running: More of a (Re)Entry than a Launch

Oboz was founded twenty years ago with a deep understanding of the trail as central to its DNA. While hiking is at the brand’s core, some of Oboz’s earliest designs were trail runners, even earning ‘Rookie of the Year’ props from Outside Magazine in 2010. In SS27, Oboz formally (re)enters the trail running space with the introduction of two new styles, the Anabatic Wind EVO and the Anabatic Carbon Pro. The program is the product of a multi-year process to apply the brand’s extensive understanding of building performance footwear based on quality, fit, durability, and traction for the unique needs of trail running.

The Anabatic Carbon Pro is a pinnacle race day performance platform designed for durability and stability over extreme terrain and distances. The central carbon plate and TPU side plates reinforce the shoe’s structure for underfoot confidence. The proprietary Matryx® upper and molded TPU components increase protection and durability. The unique KINERTIA™ Nitro midsole adds energy return and reduces pack out. Vibram® Megagrip Litebase with Traction Lug technology provides an exceptionally durable and high-performing grip. Combined with Oboz’s legendary fit and comfort, the Anabatic Pro Carbon may be the most ultra-native footwear on the trail.

Anabatic Carbon Pro Anabatic Wind EVO

Built for trail runners tackling moderate to tough terrain, the Anabatic Wind EVO is even lighter and more cushioned than the award-winning Katabatic Wind from which it evolved. The EVO features a newly engineered knit mesh upper and scree gaiter for improved fit, breathability, and comfort; a rocker-shaped bottom package for a smooth, plush ride; and the unique KINERTIA Nitro midsole for added energy return and maximum cushioning.

The Sawtooth Keeps Getting Better (And Now, Lighter)

The Sawtooth collection is one of the most trusted hiking franchises in the industry. The line has grown steadily from the original, and in SS27 Oboz presents the lightest Sawtooth to date, the Sawtooth LT. This Spring, the LT joins the Ascent and the X Pro in the Sawtooth family of performance trail footwear for the needs of day hikers to multi-day backpackers.

Sawtooth LT Low GTX

The Sawtooth LT hits a sweet spot for those looking for the cushion of a trail runner with the stability of a hiker. Available in both mid and low, as well as with or without GORE-TEX® Invisible Fit waterproof technology, the LT features lightweight, durable, and breathable Accord® Rough Out Leather and abrasion resistant mesh; dual-density KINERTIA+ and KINERTIA Energy midsoles for generous cushioning and stability underfoot; and Trail Tread™ HD Outsoles for enhanced grip.

See the Anabatic trail running collection, the new Sawtooth family, and the entire Oboz Spring 2027 lineup at GOA Connect in Reno, NV, June 8-11, 2026. Heck, you might even get to throw some rocks.

About Oboz Footwear

Named for its founding outside Bozeman, Montana, Oboz premium, trail-ready footwear is well-known in communities of outdoor enthusiasts and professionals for its lasting quality, out-of-the-box comfort and fit, and dedication to service. This includes its One More Tree Program, where for 20 consecutive years every pair of shoes sold contributes directly to planting millions of new trees across the globe. As a certified B Corp, the Company is committed to doing the work required of a purpose-driven company striving to transform business as a force of good. True to the trail since 2007. For more information, visit obozfootwear.com.

Media Contact

Michael Collin, Pale Morning Media
michael@palemorning.com
802-496-6082