Helly Hansen Midsund 3 Rubber Boot Review

Comfort

The Helly Hansen Midsund 3 Rubber Boot’s comfort level was significantly affected by its flexibility. The upper and outsole both flexed easily along with my steps, so walking didn’t feel as restricted as when I used stiff boots.

Even with the extended height, the boot didn’t get in the way of my foot’s movement because the material flexed effortlessly along with each step.

Inside, there was a soft lining made from cotton and polyester. This fabric created a barrier that protected my foot, so it didn’t chafe as I used the boot for long hours. The HH Comfort Insole created a cushioned base to increase foot comfort while walking.

It had a molded structure that gave good arch support, stabilizing the foot in its proper position while helping prevent foot fatigue.

I noted that the insole didn’t have a foamy, cushy feeling that I enjoyed in more comfortable rubber boots.

I would’ve liked the boot better if it had a bit more padding inside, though, to better protect my foot against discomfort.

Weight

The boot felt quite lightweight. This wasn’t what I expected considering the tall height and intense waterproofing.

I got to fully appreciate the minimized weight when I used the boot for all-day walking, which turned out to be not that challenging since I didn’t need to lug around bulky boots for hours.

Even the outsole with its pronounced treads didn’t add a lot to the boot’s total weight.

Traction

The vulcanized rubber outsole stood out against the boot’s upper.

It had deep lugs that gripped the ground strongly, helping me walk in a much steadier way over slippery, sloped, and unstable ground conditions.

The material was also heat resistant and offered an extra barrier against the scorching heat that can be encountered in certain high-temperature work areas. I noticed that the rubber midsole formed a distinct layer between the upper and outsole. The midsole reinforced the bond between these two components while increasing the boot’s resistance to liquid absorption.

Fit and Sizing

This boot was true to its size and had a regular fit. It felt a bit loose in the heel area, and I experienced a bit of heel slippage while walking.

Meanwhile, the metatarsal and toe areas felt considerably firmer, which contributed to the stable sensation while walking.

The flexibility of the upper and outsole made a huge difference and made the fit a lot more comfortable.

It should be mentioned that even with the structure’s flexibility, I still won’t recommend this boot to those with wide feet.

Waterproofing

This rubber boot was completely waterproof.

It easily handled heavy rain and muddy conditions, keeping the foot fully protected against becoming soaked even with long hours of exposure to severe wetness.

I appreciated how the height stopped water from flowing in from the top. This extended height also gave me the confidence to wade in deep puddles of water or muck without worrying about liquid absorption.

Breathability

Given the boot’s tall height, I wasn’t expecting it to be very breathable. The rubber material also didn’t allow much air to get in. However, the fabric lining slightly helped keep some air inside the boot.

The cotton-polyester lining let air move through the boot and helped absorb some moisture, preventing excessive sweat and heat build-up.

Quality and Durability

The Helly Hansen Midsund 3 Rubber Boot was quite nicely designed, with a low-key silhouette that was much less bulky than industrial rubber boots.

The one-piece construction had a more streamlined style that I liked, looking much nicer than heavy-duty when paired with more workwear choices.

The Helly Hansen logo was displayed on the top portion of the upper, while the brand’s name was discreetly embossed in the heel. I appreciated the addition of a pull tab at the back, as it made the boot much easier to pull on without tugging on the rubber upper itself.

This waterproof boot delivers outstanding protection against wetness.

Water, mud, and other liquids didn’t have a chance to get in, thanks to the fully waterproof rubber construction.

The boot’s height also helped and made it easier for me to walk in deep mud or puddles without worrying that wet elements can flow in from the top. I was happy to discover that the boot was so easy to walk in even with the extended height.

This was due to the flexible material that easily moved along with my steps, eliminating the restrictive feeling I often experienced when using rigid rubber boots.

Given the tall design, the boot was quite lightweight and didn’t feel too bulky. The removable insole was molded to support the foot’s arch and had a bit of padding. However, it wasn’t cushioned enough to deliver a comfortably foamy feeling.

The vulcanized rubber outsole had a strong grip in variable ground conditions.

I confidently walked on unstable or slippery surfaces without worrying too much that I’d lose my balance in the process. This outsole was also heat resistant, offering improved protection against discomfort when walking on high-temperature floors and terrains.

The boot didn’t have safety toe caps, so it’s unsuitable for work areas with impact and compression threats.

Other Versions

The Helly Hansen Midsund 3 Rubber Boot is offered in the following colorways: all-black, and navy with a light brown outsole. It doesn’t have other versions.

Dunlop Protomastor Full Safety Boot

The Dunlop Protomastor Full Safety Boot is fully waterproof to stop rain, mud, and other liquids from entering. The PVC material has high resistance to fats, vegetable and animal oils, and disinfectants, so the boot won’t easily deteriorate when exposed to these harsh substances. This material easily flexes along with the foot’s movement, so walking is made more comfortable and much easier even with the tall height. The steel toe caps protect against heavy objects that can accidentally fall onto the feet, while a penetration-resistant midsole protects the foot against puncture injuries. The outsole features pronounced lugs that aggressively bite into the ground for enhanced walking stability. It’s just as flexible as the upper, with a gel-like consistency that improves foot comfort. However, the outsole feels a bit too thin, so it may not be as durable as the soles with much thicker profiles.

Muck Boot Derwent II Wellington Boot

The Muck Boot Derwent II Wellington Boot’s waterproof construction blocks wet elements to maintain a comfortably dry interior in wet environments. It has a neoprene lining that’s flexible enough to follow the foot’s movements, giving it a wider range of motion and better comfort. This lining also makes the boot easier to put on and take off. The PK mesh lining allows plenty of air to get in and circulate so that the tall boot becomes less prone to overheating even with its extended height. The ankle and toe areas are reinforced with a durable rubber overlay to effectively resist abrasion and other forms of damage. A steel shank supports the boot’s structure while improving the stable feeling while walking. The heavy-duty rubber outsole has aggressive treads that deliver strong traction on most surfaces. This boot runs large, though, and may not feel as secure as snug-fitting boots.

Barbour Bede Wellington Boot

The Barbour Bede Wellington Boot offers superior waterproofing to completely seal out mud, rain, and other liquids, shielding the foot so it doesn’t become soaked in wet conditions. This is a comfortable boot that’s made with flexible materials, so it doesn’t restrict movement in any way. Instead, it adapts to every step, offering reliable wetness protection without hampering the foot’s natural agility. The extended height ensures that liquids won’t easily get in through the opening even in deep mud and puddles of water. The tall shaft also protects the foot and lower leg against debris that can be present outdoors and in other challenging settings. The tapered ankle secures the ankle in place, improving its stability, so it doesn’t risk twisting while walking on uneven ground. The inner lining with its tartan print gives a stylish touch while also making the interior much more comfortable around the foot. However, the outsole is quite thin and wears out faster than soles with sturdier designs.

Carhartt Waterproof 10-Inch Wellington

The Carhartt Waterproof 10-Inch Wellington has a waterproof structure to protect the foot from getting wet outdoors when it’s raining and in other wet settings. The proprietary Storm Defender lining seals out liquids, at the same time keeps the air moving freely to maintain a breathable boot interior. Meanwhile, the signature FastDry lining wicks away sweat to keep the foot dry and comfy all day. The upper is built with leather sections that give a rich texture, along with the exclusive Carstrong fabric that’s reinforced to deliver maximum resistance against abrasion and other forms of damage. The steel toe caps guard the toes and keep them safe in large or heavy objects suddenly crashing on top of the feet from high areas. The electrical hazard protection offers a secondary level of safety to minimize the risk of electrocution in work areas with open circuits. It’s worth mentioning that the boot fits too tightly in the ankle area, which can be quite uncomfortable with all-day boot use.

Thorogood 11-Inch Pull-On Wellington Wedge Steel Toe Boot

The Thorogood 11-Inch Pull-On Wellington Wedge Steel Toe Boot is made in the USA, showcasing an exceptional design that stands out in aesthetics and performance. It has steel toe protection forming a barrier over the toes, keeping them safe against severe crushing injuries that may result from heavy falling objects. The Ultimate Shock Absorption footbed soaks up the impact of hours of walking on hard surfaces. The pull-on design does away with laces, making the boot more convenient to put on and take off without compromising functionality. The MAXWear Wedge has a flexible structure that flexes with every step, making walking more comfortable since there isn’t any rigidity underneath to hamper the foot’s range of motion. The sole also has a soft, foamy texture for enhanced foot comfort while walking or standing for prolonged periods. However, since this boot isn’t waterproof, it’s not the best for wet work areas.