Helly Hansen Nordvik 2 Boots Reviewed & Tested

Comfort

The Helly Hansen Nordvik 2 Rubber Boot had a surprise element inside that slightly improved comfort.

Instead of the inside having the same rubber material as the exterior, it had a lining that was made with cotton and polyester.

I truly liked how this material softened the boot from the inside. This lining protected my skin against chafing, which would’ve been a higher risk if the interior was made with rubber or more rigid components.

This boot felt exceptionally flexible.

The rubber easily flexed with my foot’s motion, enabling me to walk naturally and comfortably since there wasn’t no stiffness to hamper my steps.

The whole structure from the upper to the sole felt pliable and gave my foot a wider range of motion, which made working on certain tasks much easier. The HH Comfort Insole made with EVA added a bit of softness that nicely cradled my foot.

This insole was removable, so replacing it with an insole with more cushioning if preferred, is easy.

Weight

As with all the boots we wear and test, we weighed them, and their weight is approximately 1230 grams / 2.7 lbs. / 43.4 oz (as shown in the image above). The boots we tested provide protection in wet environments without unnecessary bulk.

The sleek design gave me an idea of its reduced weight, which I got to fully maximize when I needed to stay on my feet for extended periods.

It didn’t have the extremely bulky look that other rubber boots had, and this streamlined look resulted in a structure that turned out to be much lighter.

Traction

Unlike other rubber boots with large lugs, the Nordvik 2 had an almost flat outsole.

The structure was made of vulcanized rubber with a good grip on wet surfaces.

The outsole felt similar to the soles of some casual sneakers I’ve used.

However, its traction level wasn’t at par with other rubber boots and may not work well in severely slippery or unstable ground conditions.

I did enjoy the outsole’s flexibility, though, as it made walking more comfortable since it didn’t get in the way of the foot’s natural motion.

I also discovered that the outsole offered heat resistance, making the boot safer for hot surfaces.

Fit and Sizing

This boot isn’t true to size. It felt extremely snug, and I recommend upsizing it to get a much more comfortable fit.

There was considerable pinching on my heel and toes when I went for my usual size.

The upper portion had a bit more space, though, and allowed my foot to flex naturally as I walked, even though the heel and toe areas chafed.

The snug fit had the benefit of locking my foot in place for a more secure way of walking.

Waterproofing

No doubt, this was a fully waterproof boot.

It’s completely made of rubber that easily blocked water and other types of liquid, so there was no way that moisture could seep into the boot and make my foot wet.

The tall boot height also helped stop liquids from getting in, even when I walked through puddles or muck.

Breathability

The addition of a fabric lining helped with the boot’s breathability. The inner lining circulated air, preventing the boot from overheating quickly.

However, this boot still can’t be considered totally breathable without a dedicated moisture dissipation system or ventilation ports.

Quality and Durability

The Helly Hansen Nordvik 2 Rubber Boot had a really good design that looked slightly more stylish than other rubber boots. The white sole stood out against the black upper, which also had a strip of white at the top. The HH logo, easily seen with its blue and white colors, was embossed on the upper side.

Surprisingly, the interior had a lining made of cotton and polyester instead of having the same rubber material as the exterior.

This made the interior more comfortable as it embraced my skin with a soothing texture, protecting against uncomfortable chafing that’s a risk when using rubber boots.

This fully waterproof boot locks out wetness, ensuring the foot remains completely dry while in wet surroundings.

The tall height helped stop liquids from creeping in from the top and protected the foot against the elements.

I loved this boot’s flexible structure as it made walking much easier since there were no rigid components to hamper my foot’s natural motion.

The vulcanized rubber had a good grip on most surfaces. It also provided heat resistance for an extra layer of protection on high-temperature surfaces. This outsole felt almost flat, though, like the sneakers’ soles. This outsole style resulted in limited traction that may need more to prevent slipping on extremely challenging surfaces.

The insole was soft enough to cradle my foot with comfortable support.

It was removable, so it can easily be replaced with a better insole for improved foot comfort. The snug fit was a challenge, though, as it made my heel and toes uncomfortable.

Going for an option one size larger can help achieve a more comfortable boot-wearing experience.

I appreciated the boot’s lightweight structure, a nice change from the usual bulky rubber boot feel. The reduced weight was helped by the less rugged outsole construction and the rubber material that wasn’t as hefty as those of other rubber boots.

I believe the material will still hold up well and last long, though, especially with proper care.

However, I won’t recommend this boot in hazardous environments or extreme terrains.

Other Versions

The Helly Hansen Nordvik 2 Rubber Boot is available in the following colorways: all black and navy with white sole and trim. It doesn’t have any other version.

Muck Boot Muckster II Ankle Boot

The Muck Boot Muckster II Ankle Boot is distinguished as the only gardening footwear that has the endorsement of the Royal Horticultural Society. The lower part of the boot is made with rubber for strong waterproofing, blocking liquids so they won’t have a chance to enter. The top portion features a 4mm-thick layer of neoprene that seals in warmth to keep the foot comfortable in variable weather conditions. This neoprene layer has superb flexibility, enabling the foot to go into the boot easily while supporting a wider range of motion. The mesh lining allows the air to circulate inside the boot, preventing an overheated feeling even with long hours of continuous use. The interior has an antibacterial footbed cover and a moisture management system that effectively controls sweat and odor. This lightweight boot has a relaxed fit for comfort, although the looseness may feel unstable for some.

Dunlop Pricemastor Boot

The Dunlop Pricemastor Boot has a fully waterproof structure that easily withstands wet conditions to keep the foot safe and dry throughout the day. The PVC material is highly resistant to chemicals, acids, minerals, oils, and fats, making this boot a great companion for working in areas exposed to these harsh substances. This boot is surprisingly lightweight, so it doesn’t feel too bulky even when it’s worn for hours. It also has a flexible profile that allows the foot to move easily without being restricted by unwanted stiffness around the boot. The outsole has aggressive lugs that strongly grip tricky surfaces, so it’s easier to maintain secure footing over slippery or uneven ground conditions. The relaxed fit provides plenty of space for the foot to flex naturally, with enough room to welcome thick socks when needed. However, the outsole is quite thin compared to other rubber boots and, as a result, may not be as long-lasting.

Barbour Nimbus Chelsea Boot

The Barbour Nimbus Chelsea Boot is built with vulcanized rubber that locks out mud, water, muck, and other liquids to maintain the foot’s comfortably dry feeling for much longer. Thanks to the flexible structure and elastic gussets on the sides, it’s very easy to put on and take off. These gussets easily stretch to welcome the foot’s entry, eliminating the hassle and discomfort of putting on stiff rubber boots. The cotton lining ensures the skin won’t rub uncomfortably against the boot’s interior and is soothed by the comforting texture. The interior has enough room to allow the foot to flex naturally, with ample space for the toes to wiggle comfortably as needed. The outsole offers excellent traction, resulting in safer walking experiences over tricky surfaces. The relaxed fit can feel a bit unstable and increase the risk of ankle twisting when walking quickly.

Redback Bobcat Chelsea Boot

The Redback Bobcat Chelsea Boot features waterproof construction to lock out liquids, keeping the foot dry even with long hours of working in wet conditions. Pull tabs on the front and back of the opening make the boot quite easy to pull on and remove. The interior feels incredibly foamy, with an air-cushioned midsole providing outstanding shock absorption to protect the foot against fatigue after all-day walking or standing. An anatomically designed sole support the arch for better comfort and stability while moving around the work area. The TPU outsole delivers powerful traction, making it easy to maintain stable footing over the most challenging surface conditions. The steel toe caps protect the toes against dangerous compression and impact in hazardous settings. It should be mentioned that this boot is a bit heavier than boots with similar qualities and the relaxed fit can sometimes feel unstable.

Ariat Conquest 8-Inch Gore-Tex Hunting Boot

The Ariat Conquest 8-Inch Gore-Tex Hunting Boot has a waterproof leather upper to stop water and other wet elements from getting in. The GORE-TEX membrane further enhances waterproofing, effectively sealing out moisture to ensure the boot interior preserves its comfortably dry feeling for much longer in wet surroundings. The 900D nylon sections on the upper deliver maximum resilience to premature damage, significantly increasing the boot’s strength and durability. The EVA midsole provides superior shock absorption to protect the foot against fatigue after long hours of standing or walking on hard surfaces. The Duratread outsole has a non-marking design and heavy-duty construction to keep up with challenging work environments. It has large treads that firmly grip variable surface conditions to improve safety and stability while walking. It’s worth noting that this boot has a snug fit that may be uncomfortable for some, especially those with wide feet