Now that we have entered the summer months, we should make the most of the pleasant and mostly drier weather (although it has been raining for days here) and enjoy the outdoors as much as we can. That could be anything from relaxing in the garden, playing games in the park with the kids, or going for a short walk or long hike and enjoying your surroundings.
Walking is one of the most popular forms of exercise and a great way of keeping active as it is a low-impact activity and can have excellent health benefits. A daily brisk walk (30 minutes) can help reduce stress, help lower blood pressure, can increase energy levels and can help you lose weight among some of the benefits – you can find out more about the benefits of walking on the NHS website. But if you are going to do a lot of walking, then a good pair of walking / hiking boots or shoes is a must, although not essential, but I would recommend them – you will notice the difference.
As I have never learned to drive, I walk most places I need to go to; I generally manage to do at least 10,000 steps per day at least 5 days a week. Whilst I enjoy walking, I have a problem with my calf muscles and the muscles / tendons above my ankles, which I have had for years, and walking can sometimes be quite painful (especially if I overdo it), so I do like to wear a good quality, comfortable and supportive pair of boots.
I was recently sent a pair of Helly Hansen’s Men’s Traverse Hellytech® Waterproof Hiking Boots to try out, and after wearing them for a few days I can honestly say that they are extremely comfortable, supportive and great to walk in (even when I walked over 14,000 steps – just under 7 miles).
The Helly Hansen’s Men’s Traverse Hellytech® Waterproof Hiking Boots are supportive, lightweight and durable waterproof hiking boots that are so comfortable to wear and great for short walks or longer hikes. They are available in various colour options for men (sizes from 6.5 to 12.5) and women (sizes from 3.5 to 8). I got mine in my normal size, which fit perfectly, but if you are going to use with thicker hiking socks you might want to go up half a size or more (Helly Hansen have an excellent Fit Finder that will compare these to your normal boots and recommend the correct size for you).
Features:
HellyTech® WATERPROOF, HH® Quick Dry, HH® Seam-Shield, HH® Infinity Fit, HH® Lite-Frame, HH® Free-Flex, HH® Arch-Brace, HH® Max-Comfort Insole, HH® Max-Grip, HH® Tough-Wear, HH Surround-Grip, HH® Max-Vent, Padded Comfort Collar, 100% Recycled Lace, 100% Recycled Polyester Webbing, 100% RPET Reinforcement Tape and Collar Reinforcement, 100% Recycled Lining, 100% Recycled Toe box and Heel reinforcement, Antimicrobial treatment to prevent odour, 100% Recycled Polyester Strobel, Non-marking rubber soles, More than 60% of the upper is made of recycled materials and PFC-free.
The first thing I noticed about these boots when I took them out of the box was the weight, they are very light and to be honest I wasn’t reassured that they would be good quality or even comfortable. That changed from the second they were on my feet.
For the past 10 days or so, I have been wearing the Helly Hansen Traverse Hellytech® Waterproof Hiking Boots and I can honestly say that they are the most comfortable boots I have ever worn, and even whilst ‘breaking them in’, making sure that I still do my minimum 10,000 steps per day, I haven’t even had a blister (I usually do with new boots). Despite the lightweight feel, they are strong, tough, durable, supportive and comfortable – they have been designed to give stability in the upper and midfoot. The HH® Pro Guard and HH® Tough-Wear delivers extra abrasion resistance and toe and heel protection. The sole technology is known for superior traction, which I would have to agree with. And for the environmentally conscious, 60% of the upper is made with recycled materials.
Overall, I absolutely love the Helly Hansen Traverse Hellytech® Waterproof Hiking Boots – they are extremely comfortable whilst being lightweight and durable. They are supporting my feet and arches extremely well, as well as supporting my ankles (they come up just above the ankle adding padded protection and support) and whilst they don’t fully relieve the pain in my legs and ankles, they do help to lessen it and make walking longer distances much more bearable, and more enjoyable.
The quality of the boots is excellent, they feel strong and tough, and even with the heavy rain we have been having here in Manchester recently they have kept my feet nice and dry, without getting too hot or sweaty – they use HellyTech®, which is the waterproof and breathable outer layer between you and the elements. Its unique membrane will keep water molecules out, while allowing sweat vapor to pass through – keeping you dry from the outside and comfortable on the inside. And like I have already said, in the wet or dry weather the boots have protected my feet against blisters.
The boots are great to walk in, it’s like having shock absorbers on your feet, you can feel the very comfortable spring-like cushioning when you walk. The toes and heels are protected and reinforced so that banging your toe against something isn’t an issue.
For me, these are the most comfortable and supportable boots I have every worn. They do an excellent job of supporting my feet and ankles, are so easy to walk in and do an excellent job of keeping my feet dry in the rain.
Helly Hansen are a Norwegian company that have been around a long time, over 145 years, and are well-known for their ski and sailing clothing. After wearing these hiking boots, I can see why the company has been around so long and I will definitely be buying their boots the next time I need some and will certainly be looking at some of their clothing items.
The Helly Hansen Traverse Hellytech® Waterproof Hiking Boots are comfortable, strong and durable, a pleasure to wear and walk in, and its great that 60% of the upper material are made from recycled materials, so great for the environment too! I love the lightweight feel, durable and waterproof construction and the cushioning support they offer, a perfect hiking boot that are kind to your feet.
Enjoy the outdoors this summer in comfort, whatever the weather, with the Helly Hansen Traverse Hellytech® Waterproof Hiking Boots, I know I will be!
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £180
For more information or to buy, visit www.hellyhansen.com.
DISCLOSURE: I received these boots for free for the purposes of writing an honest and impartial review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
