Helly Hansen Forester Boot Review – Worn, Tested and Evaluated

Comfort

I didn’t have many issues regarding this boot’s comfort, although it wasn’t something to rave about, either.

The EVA Comfort insole had good cushioning, shielding my foot against the hardness of the ground I walked on.

It also offered good arch support that protected my foot from feeling strained after all the walking I did on the worksite. This insole was too rigid.

This inflexibility significantly affected comfort since it prevented me from walking naturally and comfortably most of the time.

I did appreciate the generously padded collar, which mainly featured a polyester lining.

This section cushioned my ankle against minor impact and secured it in place to prevent unintentional twisting.

The padding also delivered a snug feel, which helped me walk more stably, even over challenging surfaces. I liked how the upper didn’t feel too stiff, which compensated for the rigidity I felt underneath because of the insole and outsole.

Weight

I enjoyed using this boot even more because of its lightweight design.

Even with the high-quality leather upper, the boot didn’t have a bulky feel.

This made wearing it much more comfortable over long periods because there wasn’t a heavy feeling weighing the foot down.

Traction

The boot’s outsole performed contrary to what I expected. I assumed it would feel soft because of the different colored layers, but it was quite rigid. Thankfully, the outsole delivered a strong level of traction that I fully maximized in tricky outdoor conditions.

I discovered that this traction level was courtesy of the exclusive HH Max-Grip rubber compound.

The grip was then further enhanced with the help of pronounced treads on the heel and forefoot areas, enabling me to walk much safer over wet or uneven surfaces.

Fit and Sizing

The boot felt true to size, with a snug fit that’s to be expected when using hiking boots.

The snugness was beneficial as it offered better security for my ankle, keeping it firmly in place to prevent twisting and other unwanted movements inside the boot as I walked.

I liked the pull tab placed at the back of the heel, as it made pulling on the boot easier without needing to tug on the collar itself. Adjusting the fit wasn’t a problem because of the lacing system, although I would’ve preferred the laces to be thicker. Changing the laces to sturdier ones won’t be a problem – I checked, and thicker laces easily went through the eyehooks.

Waterproofing

The waterproof leather upper effectively sealed out liquids.

I didn’t worry too much about getting my feet wet, even when I worked in moisture-filled areas.

However, I discovered that the tongue wasn’t waterproof, so that wetness may penetrate this section.

Meanwhile, the polyamide sections on the upper are also not waterproof – they’re water-resistant, and I noticed they change color when wet.

Breathability

The polyester lining helped the air move inside the boot and prevented significant moisture build-up.

However, the boot may feel too warm in hot surroundings without a dedicated system or components focusing on ventilation and breathability.

This is especially true if the boot is worn for long hours.

Quality and Durability

The Helly Hansen Forester Boot had a more streamlined look, a refreshing change from the usual bulky hiking boot profile.

I liked its design, showcasing two types of leather with complementary shades and textures.

The polyamide sections added a bit of softness – almost like suede – to the upper for a hint of elegance against the overall sporty vibe.

The HH logo was proudly displayed on the upper, working with metallic hooks and eyelets to deliver a nice shine throughout the boot.

I was impressed to learn that the boot used leather certified by the Leather Working Group to be from environment-friendly sources.

The premium quality of materials and durable construction result in a high-quality boot that can last long, especially with proper care.

The outsole’s different layers and colors stood out, giving the boot a more athletic appearance.

It used the proprietary HH Max-Grip rubber compound to grip most surfaces securely.

The treads worked as hard to deliver the strong traction needed to maintain balance on tricky surfaces. They were fitted onto the heel and forefoot areas to grip the ground better while walking.

However, the outsole felt slightly rigid – which wasn’t what I expected, given a sporty look.

The EVA insole cushioned my foot, so I didn’t directly feel the hardness of the ground I walked on. It also had ample arch support that greatly reduced the risk of foot fatigue. I just wished this insole was a bit softer and more flexible for an easier and comfier way of walking.

The collar was made up of generous padding that secured my ankle in its proper position, prevented chafing, and offered a bit of protection against mild impact.

The boot’s waterproof leather stopped the water and other liquids from penetrating. Working outdoors in the rain and other wet settings won’t result in instant foot wetness.

However, I noticed that the tongue and polyamide sections of the upper aren’t completely waterproof.

These components can let moisture seep in with long exposure to liquids.

Other Versions

The Helly Hansen Forester Boot is offered in the following colorways: coffee bean, jet black, black/red, honey wheat, forest night, bone brown, and navy/vapor. It doesn’t have other versions.

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Hiking Boot

The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Hiking Boot uses the proprietary Omni-Tech waterproof construction to seal out liquids, keeping the foot dry throughout working hours in wet surroundings. This construction also promotes a breathable environment by circulating the air and encouraging moisture to escape quickly. This exceptionally lightweight boot is ideal for spending the entire day on your feet, making walking and working on different tasks easier without dragging around extra bulky footwear. A lightweight midsole provides the high energy return needed to propel each step without compromising mobility. It also adds an extra cushioning layer to protect the foot from discomfort while walking on hard ground. The lace hooks don’t look that durable, though, so they may not perform as long as they’re required to on more demanding job sites.

Danner Mountain 600 Hiking Boot

The Danner Mountain 600 Hiking Boot features the signature Danner Dry waterproof system to completely block wetness, ensuring the interior stays dry in wet environments. The waterproof membrane encourages sweat to dissipate fast to ensure that the foot enjoys a comfortably dry feeling all day. The OrthoLite footbed offers ample cushioning to protect the foot against the discomfort of walking or standing on unyielding surfaces for long periods. It has a relatively thin structure and doesn’t take up a lot of room inside the boot, leaving enough room for the foot to flex naturally. The Vibram SPE midsole is also flexible, allowing a wider range of foot motion for increased ability in the workplace. The strong metallic D-rings and hooks are built to last through numerous fit adjustments. It’s worth noting that this is a bit more expensive than other hiking boots, so it’s not the most optimal choice for those who prioritize affordability.

Nike Manoa Leather Hiking Boot

The Nike Manoa Leather Hiking Boot’s superior design makes it a reliable footwear option for casual work environments and much more laidback settings. The water-resistant leather upper protects against excessive wetness with minimal exposure to water and other liquids on the job site. A gusseted tongue stops liquids and debris from entering the boot, so that these unwelcome elements won’t disturb the foot. The midsole offers strong shock absorption to prevent foot fatigue after long hours of walking or standing. Thick padding on the collar helps secure the ankle while protecting against minor impact. This exceptionally lightweight boot can be used for long hours without causing extreme discomfort due to excessive bulk. The outsole has pronounced treads to bite firmly into variable ground conditions to improve walking stability. However, because it’s not fully waterproof, it’s not suitable for extremely wet conditions.

Keen Pyrenees Boot

The Keen Pyrenees Boot showcases the proprietary KEEN.Dry waterproof technology effectively shields the interior against wetness, making working in the rain and other excessively wet conditions easier while maintaining comfortable foot dryness. The boot completely seals out water and other liquids with the waterproof leather upper. The waterproof membrane allows the air to come in and circulate while enabling the moisture to disperse quickly to keep the boot interior dry for longer. The outsole is fitted with multi-directional lugs that aggressively grip the ground, offering enhanced stability to navigate tricky surfaces safely. Rubber toe guards protect the tip of the boot against abrasion and deliver an extra layer of foot defense against minimal impact. This lightweight boot can be used for extended hours of standing or walking without uncomfortably dragging on the foot. It’s on the pricey side and may not be the best choice for people who want less expensive footwear.

Dickies Medway Boot

The Dickies Medway Boot looks like a tough hiking boot with features suitable for demanding worksites. The steel toe caps defend the toes against compression and impact risks in hazardous work areas. A steel midsole blocks sharp objects to ensure the foot is not pierced by puncture hazards that can be stepped on in certain environments. The boot’s waterproof membrane prevents water absorption from maintaining the foot’s comfortable dryness for long periods. A Thinsulate lining provides locks in the necessary level of warmth to keep the foot comfortable in cold work areas. It has a thin structure doesn’t add a lot of bulk to the boot, keeping it roomy enough to allow the foot to move freely. The rugged outsole has a strong grip on most surfaces for increased safety in tricky ground conditions. However, the excessive thickness of the sole also results in an awkward feeling when walking.