Walking is a great form of exercise and keeping active. It is a simple low-impact activity and can have excellent health benefits. And it’s FREE! A daily brisk walk (30 minutes) can help reduce stress, help lower blood pressure, can increase energy levels and can help you lose weight. These are just some of the benefits of walking – you can find out more about the benefits of walking on the NHS website. It is recommended that adults should try to walk at least 10,000 steps per day (which equates roughly to 5 miles, but is different for everyone). I don’t drive and walk most places so generally do around 12-14,000 per day at least 5 days per week. Although 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. For the past few months I have been using the Helly Hansen Traverse Hellytech® Waterproof Hiking Boots.
As I have already mentioned, generally I do around 12-14,000 per day at least 5 days per week. Whilst I enjoy walking, I do have a problem with my calf muscles and the muscles / tendons above my ankles on the front of my legs, which I have had for years, as well as having plantar fasciitis and flat feet, and walking can sometimes be quite painful (especially if I overdo it or walk too fast), so I do like to wear a good quality, comfortable and supportive pair of boots and the Helly Hansen Traverse Hellytech® Waterproof Hiking Boots do deliver.
The Helly Hansen Traverse Hellytech® Waterproof Hiking Boots are extremely comfortable, supportive and great to walk in (even when walking my watch registered over14,000 steps – which was just under 7 miles).
The Traverse Hellytech® Hiking Boots are very supportive, lightweight and durable waterproof boots. They 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 I would recommend that if you are going to be wearing thicker hiking socks to go up half a size or more (Helly Hansen have an excellent Fit Finder on their website that will compare these to boots you would normally wear 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.
When they arrived and I took them out of the box, the first thing that was obvious was the weight. They are very light. I don’t know it is because I am used to wearing heavier boots but to be honest I wasn’t reassured that they would be good quality or even comfortable. Never judge a book by its cover, or maybe that should be a boot by its weight? My concerns about their light weight changed from the second they were on my feet.
I have been using the boots for several months now. I can honestly say that they are the most comfortable hiking boots that I have ever worn. Despite their 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 these boots. They are extremely comfortable to walk in, even over long distances and wearing them all day. They are doing a superb job of 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.
I love the quality of the boots, it is excellent. Despite my initial worries about their weight, 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. And on warmer days, my feet haven’t been getting too hot or sweaty. The boots 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.
Walking in these boots is really comfortable, 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 can ever remember wearing. 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 a new pair.
The Helly Hansen Traverse Hellytech® Waterproof Hiking Boots are comfortable, strong and durable, a real pleasure to wear and walk in. And with 60% of the upper material made from recycled materials, they are better 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 and superb for helping you enjoy the outdoors.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £180-£190
For more information or to buy, visit www.hellyhansen.com.