Helly Hansen Bowstring Primaloft Boot – Reviewed & Rated

Comfort

The Helly Hansen Bowstring Primaloft Boot had features that kept the foot comfortable in varying conditions. I especially liked its flexibility which supported the foot’s natural motion for an easier, more comfortable way of walking and moving around.

The outsole’s construction – made with EVA and rubber – made this the most flexible boot among other Helly Hansen boots I’ve tried.

This combination of materials eliminated the rigidity associated with outsoles made purely from rubber.

I admired how the exclusive HH Hover-Stride foam technology provided good cushioning, making the interior feel fairly comfortable.

Thanks to this technology, the interior had a foamy feel that offered protection against the impact of walking on hard floors.

Special mention should go to the HH Max-Comfort Insole that was shaped to follow the foot’s shape.

This design offered strong arch support throughout the day, so my foot didn’t feel too strained as I walked around the worksite.

The Primaloft insulation is locked in the warmth to keep my foot comfy even in low-temperature conditions.

The boot stayed cozy and warm, with the high-quality insulation also working to prevent the cold air from getting in. I liked how the padded collar held my ankle securely, preventing unnecessary movement that may lead to painful twisting.

Weight

The boot had a lightweight feel. This was quite surprising because it looked like conventional work boots, which weigh considerably more.

With its reduced weight, the boot was easier to walk around with and didn’t strain my foot with a bulky feel.

I expected the thick outsole to feel much heavier, but this isn’t true. This was mainly because the combination of rubber and EVA created a lighter outsole structure than one made only with thick rubber.

Traction

The white outsole stood out against the upper, giving the boot a sporty vibe.

At about 1.6 inches tall, it had the usual height of HH boots.

This outsole was crafted with the proprietary rubber compound Max-Grip that nicely gripped most of the surfaces I walked on.

However, the traction level felt weaker than hiking boots – such as the Forester from the same brand.

This boot’s grip was good for city use and non-harsh outdoor conditions.

Fit and Sizing

The boot was true to size, with a snug fit that held my foot in the proper position all day.

For those who don’t want a snug fit, I suggest upsizing by at least half a size to get a roomier fit.

The internal padding was quite generous, with the collar having enough cushioning to secure my ankle while walking.

Waterproofing

The nubuck leather that was used in the upper was waterproof.

I tested the boot by using it in wet conditions and was happy to note that liquids didn’t get absorbed.

It’s worth noting that the waterproof system isn’t as strong as Gore-Tex, though, so it may not stand up to extremely wet scenarios, such as wading in puddles for extended periods.

Also, the nubuck leather isn’t as thick as other work boot uppers, so there’s a possibility that moisture can penetrate with prolonged exposure to liquids.

Breathability

Since this was an insulated boot, I didn’t expect much regarding breathability.

Luckily, the Primaloft Eco insulation material was breathable and allowed the air to circulate, preventing excess heat and moisture build-up even after long hours of boot use.

Quality and Durability

The Helly Hansen Bowstring Primaloft Boot had a stylishly casual premium look, making it a great choice for work and more laidback environments. The nubuck leather added a luxe touch while also delivering superior performance, especially when preventing liquid absorption.

The HH logo was proudly showcased on different sections of the boot – on the heel, tongue, the side of the upper (under the eyelets), and in the middle of the outsole.

I liked the slightly lighter hue of the upper material just under the collar (which was also much darker than the rest of the upper) and on the tongue.

The waterproof leather stood up well in wet conditions. It prevented water and other liquids from getting in, so my foot stayed dry throughout the day.

The boot featured seam-sealed construction to shield against moisture that may seep through seams and other footwear structure gaps.

The boot was also protected against unbearable cold, courtesy of 200 grams of Primaloft Eco insulation.

This material was partly made with recycled plastic for an eco-friendlier build. It kept the foot warm in cold conditions but, with a lightweight profile, didn’t add a lot of bulk inside the boot.

I appreciated the strong arch support provided by the contoured insole, which stopped fatigue from setting in after long hours of standing and walking in the work area.

An antibacterial treatment enhanced the boot’s design and kept the foot smelling and feeling fresh for much longer.

I liked the padded collar as it added security while preventing chafing. This snug-fitting boot held my foot in the proper position and secured my ankle so it didn’t move unintentionally for a more stable way of walking.

This is the most flexible Hally Hensen boot I’ve tried, with most of the flexibility coming from the outsole that combined the best qualities of a special rubber compound and EVA. This combination also resulted in the boot’s lightweight profile, which helped me walk more comfortably for longer. The outsole delivered a decent grip on most surfaces, even with the reduced weight.

However, this boot didn’t have safety toes, so it isn’t suitable for hazardous work conditions.

Other Versions

The Helly Hansen Bowstring Primaloft Boot is offered in black and honey wheat. It doesn’t come in other versions.

Timberland Bradstreet Chukka Boot

The Timberland Bradstreet Chukka Boot uses environment-friendly materials, such as sustainably sourced leather and a lining that’s partly made with recycled plastic components. The OrthoLite footbed eases pressure spots on the foot to protect it from blisters and overall discomfort. It offers good cushioning but with a thin profile, doesn’t take up a lot of room inside the boot to prevent uncomfortable tightness. The collar has thick padding to enhance the snug fit while keeping the ankle in place, protecting it from sliding or twisting accidentally while walking on unstable ground. The chukka design is versatile and easily blends with workplaces and casual settings. A multi-layered platform provides the right support, cushioning, and flexibility for superior boot performance. It’s worth mentioning that the boot is a bit hard to put on and take off, though, and the toe box feels especially tight.

Rockport Sharp & Ready Chukka Boot

The Rockport Sharp & Ready Chukka Boot has a classic, classy and versatile silhouette. The design seamlessly pairs with jeans and chinos, so the boot can easily transition from the work area to a more relaxed setting. The EVA footbed cushions the foot against the blow of walking on hard surfaces while relieving pressure zones to stop blisters from forming throughout long hours of walking. The heel is enhanced with truTECH technology for strong impact absorption, dissipating the shock to protect the foot against fatigue . This lightweight boot doesn’t drag on the foot with excess weight and can be worn for prolonged periods without straining the foot muscles. The EVA outsole has a reduced weight profile and is quite flexible, so it doesn’t hinder the foot’s natural motion. The boot doesn’t have waterproof materials or toe protection, so it’s only suitable for non-harsh work areas.

Caterpillar Parker Work Boot

The Caterpillar Parker Work Boot has steel toe caps to guard the toes against dangerous compression and impact that may be present in challenging work conditions. The chukka design is rugged and stylish, making it easy to maximize at work and off the clock. The penetration-resistant midsole protects the foot against being punctured by sharp objects – such as nails or glass shards – that can accidentally be stepped on. This midsole also works as the boot’s shock absorber, soaking up the impact before dissipating it to stop foot fatigue from developing over long hours of staying upright. The contoured footbed offers good arch support and ample cushioning to keep the foot comfortable all day. The static-dissipative solo acts as a protective barrier on surfaces prone to static electricity build-up. However, this boot won’t work well in wet work environments without waterproof components.

Wolverine Floorhand Work Boot

The Wolverine Floorhand Work Boot uses waterproof leather to seal out water and other liquids, ensuring long-lasting foot dryness in wet work surroundings. The mesh lining allows plenty of air to come in and circulate, making it possible for the boot interior to stay and feel fresh for much longer even after hours of continuous boot use. The padded footbed cradled the foot with ample cushioning to soften the impact of walking on unforgiving floors. It molds to the shape of the foot for enhanced comfort and support, improving the stable sensation while walking on challenging terrains. The steel toe caps block heavy items that may fall onto the foot, delivering superior protection against serious injuries in hazardous work settings. The sturdy rubber outsole has a strong grip on different surface conditions. However, the absence of a dedicated shock absorption system may not prevent fatigue from setting in after long hours of walking.

Carhartt Rugged Flex 6-Inch Comp Toe Work Boot

The Carhartt Rugged Flex 6-Inch Comp Toe Work Boot uses composite toe caps as shields over the toes, keeping them safe from crushing injuries in case large or heavy objects are dropped onto the foot. It’s an exceptionally comfortable boot, with the PU insole and EVA midsole working together to provide generous cushioning for all-day support and comfort. The midsole takes on the role of the shock absorber as it takes in and disperses the impact of walking on hard floor conditions for long periods. The FastDry lining draws moisture away from the foot to maintain its comfy dryness throughout the day. The electrical hazard-safe design significantly reduces the threat of electrocution in case of unintentional exposure to open circuits in the work area. The Rugged Flex outsole has a strong grip, making walking on tricky surfaces much safer. It’s also remarkably flexible and doesn’t restrict the foot’s movements. This boot doesn’t have a waterproof structure, so it can’t protect the foot in wet surroundings.