How to Choose Hiking Boots

When the trails are calling but the weather isn't cooperating, go anyway. The men's Helly Hansen Traverse Waterproof hiking boots deliver lightweight support and protection from the elements.
Imported.
View all Helly Hansen Men's Day Hiking BootsBest Use | Hiking |
---|---|
Footwear Height | Over-the-ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Waterproof | Yes |
Type of Waterproofing | HellyTech waterproof/breathable membrane |
Upper | Material 1: recycled polyester; material 2: 60% polyurethane/40% recycled polyester; material 3: 80% thermoplastic polyurethane/20% polyurethane |
Lining | Recycled polyester |
Midsole | EVA |
Outsole | Rubber |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 13.4 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | |
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U.S. Men's | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 |
UK | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 |
EU | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 46.5 | 48 |
Foot Length (in.) | 9.5 | 9.75 | 9.94 | 10.1 | 10.25 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.75 | 10.9 | 11.1 | 11.25 | 11.6 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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Squeaking and falling apart in less than two months
This is my first pair of Helly Hansens. Bought these about a month ago and have been disappointed. These are good looking boots, but… These may be the most uncomfortable hiking boots I’ve ever owned. They are still not broken in and are stiff as a board. The insoles that come with the boots are wafer thin. I’ve switched insoles to no avail. My feet are sore after wearing them. I currently own hiking boots from 5 other brands, all of which are more comfortable and had much shorter break in times. I’m disappointed, to say the least. That’s what I get for ordering without trying on first.
I've been using this as a general hiking boot for a couple of months on 5- to 10-mile hikes on moderately challenging, rocky terrain. If you're looking for a boot for a specific purpose - super grip, multi-day excursions, heavy packs, difficult terrain, etc - there may be better options. But for a lot of hiking, these will be solid, general-purpose shoes. I wear a 10.5 to 11 US in most boots; I bought these in a 10.5 and they fit well (my standard outfit is sock liners with Coolmax cushioned socks). I have quite high arches and usually put in other insoles, but these have been comfortable with the ones that came with the boot. No blisters or other issues, even in hot, humid conditions on longer hikes. While these boots are light, they offer good protection. And thus far, they've been durable.
Although the Helly Hansen Traverse boots looks pretty beefy, they are designed as light weight, mid-height, waterproof trail runners; these are very cushy with a thick, but relatively soft EVA midsoles and padded insoles. They are comfortable out of the box and should require almost no break-in, more similar to a high-top basketball shoe. I did not find these boots overly "stiff" as stated by a previous reviewer, but rather soft/cushy/light weight, almost sneaker-like. The fit is true to size (in a medium width) and I appreciated they were offered the smaller men's sizing The HH Traverse should be good for fast day hikes, lighter weight, on trail endeavors. The boot is made with lightweight materials (the uppers are pretty thin) and probably will not stand up to heavier loads/usage like the old school backpacking boots with a stiffer/protective midsole, heavier leather uppers. For comparison, these boots are in the same category as the Merrell MOAB 3 Mid Waterproof hiking boots. I'm personally looking for a heavier duty boot and plan to return these boots, but I wanted to submit this review with an objective, contextual perspective for those that might be looking for boots in this light weight, waterproof category. Happy trails!