Summary
The Hally Hensen Fremont Boot performed nicely in different work settings and had a classic work boot silhouette.
It turned out to be more lightweight than conventional work boots, even if it had almost the same silhouette as several rugged boots I’ve tried.
I appreciated how the boot’s streamlined profile had an impact in reducing the overall weight. It also stopped the boot from having an extremely industrial look, so it didn’t look out of place with more casual attire.
The flexible sole made walking easier as it didn’t limit my foot’s movements with a stiff feeling with each step.
I liked the nicely padded interior and the antimicrobial treatment that kept odor at bay.
This boot was supposed to be waterproof, but I discovered that liquids were absorbed quickly when I was in wet surroundings.
Key Takeaways
- The Hally Hensen Fremont Boot has the basic features of work boots that are suitable for non-hazardous job settings.
- It can easily be maximized for casual use because the silhouette is less bulky than heavy-duty work boots.
- The insole is designed to provide strong arch support to prevent foot fatigue, with enough padding to protect the foot from directly feeling the hard ground.
- This lightweight boot has an antimicrobial treatment to fight smelly feet problems even with all-day use.
- The boot has a waterproof design but still absorbs liquids when used in wet conditions.
Exploring the Hally Hensen Fremont Boot in Depth
Comfort
The Hally Hensen Fremont Boot didn’t interfere with my foot’s natural motion, making walking for long periods quite comfortable.
I especially liked its overall flexibility as it enabled my foot to move naturally without being held back by a stiff structure.
The insole was shaped to follow the foot’s natural contours.
It delivered the strong arch support I needed to keep walking for the better part of the day without suffering from aching feet.
I appreciated the generously padded collar surrounding my ankle with enough softness to prevent chafing.
This collar also stopped my ankle from moving unintentionally inside the boot, making it easier to navigate tricky surfaces without twisting my ankle.
The tongue also had ample cushioning to protect the top of my foot against mild impact and unwelcome friction. I felt discomfort in the heel and toe areas because of how the boot fit.
Weight
My initial assumption was that the boot would have considerable weight because of how it was designed.
I was happy to discover this wasn’t the case, with the boot’s fairly lightweight structure.
It weighed less than other boots I’ve used with similar features. The minimized weight made the boot easier to carry over the day since it didn’t push down with a bulky feel.
Without the heavy-duty features, the boot looked slimmer and more welcoming in non-work environments.
Traction
The boot used the brand-exclusive HH Max-Grip rubber material on the outsole, which also had the proprietary Surround-Grip lugs for good traction on various surfaces. The grip was reliable enough to help me walk steadily on certain ground conditions.
However, the outsole lacked a strong grip, making walking on tricky surfaces much safer.
I did like the sole’s flexible construction, as it made a lot of difference when it came to comfort.
The flexibility of the sole enabled better mobility and didn’t cause a restrictive feeling while walking.
Fit and Sizing
I quickly discovered that this boot wasn’t true to size. It had a snug fit that was even more pronounced when I wore thick socks, which I thought would help with some chafing. I recommend upsizing by one size to get a more comfortable fit.
The boot felt uncomfortable on the toe and heel areas.
These sections pinched, so moving around without worrying about blisters that could form as I walked became quite challenging.
Waterproofing
The boot used waterproof leather to block water penetration, with seam-sealed construction to stop moisture from entering.
However, I noticed early on that even with these design enhancements for waterproofing, the boot still allowed liquids to get in.
This may be because the leather upper wasn’t as thick as the materials used for boots with more heavy-duty designs. In any case, I won’t recommend this boot for use in extremely wet surroundings because it won’t protect the foot against being soaked.
Breathability
The polyester material in the lining helped with good airflow inside the boot. This material stopped the interior from feeling too hot even with continuous boot use for long hours.
I also discovered that the boot had an exclusive HH Quick Dry system that helped with ventilation and breathability by encouraging moisture to evaporate quickly.
This system prevented sweat from building up, so my foot felt comfortably dry throughout the day.
Quality and Durability
The Hally Hensen Fremont Boot performed nicely in non-hazardous settings, with a soft toe profile featuring the traditional work boot silhouette. It was a bit sleeker than other work boots with similar designs, and I found it easier to pair with casual attire compared to more heavy-duty boot styles.
Surprisingly, the boot was lightweight and didn’t feel as bulky as other work boots I’ve tried with almost the same design.
The reduced weight didn’t pull the foot down with extra weight, which bulkier boot styles tend to do.
This flexible boot didn’t restrict the foot’s mobility, resulting in a wider range of motion.
I should mention that the overall flexibility seemed to compromise the boot’s overall durability.
The upper wasn’t as hard-wearing as thicker leather materials.
It looked like it would crease significantly before long. I also noted that the sole didn’t have the robust feel of more rugged rubber materials.
The interior cushioning felt comfy, although it didn’t have more advanced qualities (such as shock absorption) that would’ve considerably boosted comfort. I liked the molded insole because it offered good arch support and was removable for easy cleaning.
The antimicrobial treatment was a huge plus, saving my foot from smelling even with all-day boot use.
I appreciated the flexible sole as it moved along with each step, making walking comfier and easier to deal with over long periods. The outsole had a special rubber compound and an exclusive lug design for enhanced traction. While the sole had a decent grip on most surfaces I walked on, I felt it wasn’t grippy enough to prevent slipping when navigating very slick or unstable ground conditions. The boot had a waterproof leather upper and a seam-sealed design to shield against liquid absorption.
Sadly, these waterproofing enhancements didn’t work as they were supposed to, as the boot allowed liquids to be absorbed quite easily.
As such, I won’t recommend this boot in exceptionally wet conditions where the foot can quickly become soaked.
Other Versions
The Hally Hensen Fremont Boot is available in the following colors: dogwood, forest night, honey wheat, and black. It doesn’t come in other versions.
The Challengers
Timberland Larchmont Boot
The Timberland Larchmont Boot has a waterproof, seam-sealed design that stops water from entering, enabling the foot to enjoy comfortable dryness in wet work areas. It uses Better Leather, that’s certified by the Leather Working Group to be from sustainable sources. The Ortholite insole softens the impact of continuous steps on uneven or rocky ground, with an open-celled structure that allows the air to flow unhampered inside the boot. This insole also has antimicrobial properties to stop the growth of bacteria that can cause odors to develop inside the boot. The rubber outsole has a strong grip on variable ground conditions, with deep lugs that help stabilize footing. This boot feels comfortable out of the box, with the high-quality leather not needing a long break-in time to soften. This lightweight boot doesn’t feel as bulky as boots with more industrial designs. However, it could benefit from more generous cushioning inside for an even more comfortable walking experience.
Caterpillar Precision Work Boot
The Caterpillar Precision Work Boot has a waterproof full-grain leather upper to stop liquid absorption and protect the foot from becoming soaked in wet surroundings. The composite toe caps form barriers over the toes so they won’t be crushed by heavy objects that can accidentally be dropped or rolled onto the feet. This superbly comfortable boot features a soft, foamy interior courtesy of the EASE EVA foam, which has a better softness and is more resilient than the ordinary foam used to cushion some work boots. The T1230 outsole has obvious treads that bite strongly into the ground for a much safer way of navigating tricky surfaces. The nylon mesh lining helps dissipate heat and moisture to prevent the boot from overheating, especially in hot environments. This boot is a bit heavy, though, so it’s not the best choice for those who prefer lightweight work footwear.
DeWalt Halogen Boot
The DeWalt Halogen Boot uses water-resistant leather to shield the foot in case of exposure to minimal wetness. The aluminum toe caps protect the toes against serious crushing injuries with compression and impact threats in work areas. These toe caps offer reliable protection but don’t have the weighty feel of steel toes. The electrical hazard-safe design gives a non-primary layer of protection against electric shock if there is unintentional contact with electrically energized items in the workplace. The memory foam insole follows the foot’s natural shape for an almost customized comfort level. It also has antimicrobial properties to prevent odor development even after long hours of continuous boot use. The mesh lining keeps the air flowing freely inside the boot to promote breathability. However, this boot isn’t recommended for use in extremely wet surroundings because it’s not completely waterproof.
Rockport Storm Surge Boot
The Rockport Storm Surge Boot features waterproof leather and seam-sealed construction to lock out wetness, preserving the comfortable dryness inside the boot throughout the day. It also has a gusseted tongue that stops liquids from seeping in and blocks debris that can accidentally get into the boot through small spaces. A shock-absorbent heel soaks up the force created by continuous steps on hard ground, dissipating the impact to protect the foot against fatigue. The boot feels much lighter than similar styles, so it doesn’t push down on the foot with an uncomfortably weighty feel. The slip-resistant outsole has a strong grip on wet and dry surfaces, so walking on tricky ground conditions is much easier and safer. The PU insole provides ample cushioning while relieving pressure spots to stop blister formation. The boot’s laces are quite thin and may not be as lasting as thicker options.
Carhartt Rugged Flex 6-Inch Comp Toe Work Boot
The Carhartt Rugged Flex 6-Inch Comp Toe Work Boot offers outstanding comfort, with a shock-absorbing EVA midsole cushioning the foot to protect against the impact of walking on hard ground. It has a spacious interior gives the foot and toes room to move comfortably throughout the day. The thick Rugged Flex sole provides a nice height boost and powerful traction, helping stabilize footing while walking in slippery or uneven surface conditions. This sole has a flexible structure that enables the foot to flex without being restricted by unwanted stiffness from the bottom of the footwear. The composite toe caps protect the toes against impact and compression threats in hazardous work environments. The electrical hazard protection significantly reduces the risk of electrocution should there be accidental contact with open circuits in dry conditions. However, this boot has no waterproof design, so it’s unsuitable for exceptionally wet settings.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Hally Hensen Fremont Boot functioned well in non-harsh conditions. It had the look of a traditional work boot but was a bit slimmer, making it easier to pair with more casual outfits off the clock. I especially liked the flexible sole as it didn’t get in the way of comfortable walking, with good traction that served me well on non-tricky surfaces. The antimicrobial treatment gave me the confidence to continue using the boot for hours without worrying about odor development. This boot was quite lightweight and didn’t have the unnecessary bulk I experienced while wearing work boots with similar styles. It was designed to be waterproof, but when I tested it in wet conditions, liquids still got in.
- Sleek silhouette
- Flexible sole
- Antimicrobial treatment
- Fairly lightweight and well padded
- Meant to be waterproof but still absorbed water
