Helly Hansen Monashee ULLR Outdoor Boots – Worn, Tested and Evaluated

Comfort

The Helly Hansen Monashee ULLR Outdoor Boot looked like sneakers, and I discovered that it used proprietary tech to improve foot comfort, almost to the level of athletic footwear.

I enjoyed a slightly foamy feel (particularly in the heel area) that made walking more comfortable even over long periods.

This comfy feel was mainly due to the exclusive foam technology called HH Power-Stride.

The tech focused on the midsole and cushioned the foot against the hard impact of walking on unyielding surfaces.

The same technology delivered a high rebound, which was responsible for the bouncy, foamy feel I experienced while walking at work.

The signature HH Comfort Insole was molded to follow the foot’s shape.

I appreciated this supportive design that prevented my arches from sagging even when I needed to stay on my feet for extended periods.

Generous padding on the tongue helped secure my ankle, so I didn’t worry about twisting it while navigating unstable terrains. Even the tongue was cushioned to protect the top of the foot against discomfort and chafing.

The flexible upper didn’t limit my foot’s motion, enabling it to flex naturally for enhanced comfort and agility.

Weight

Given the boot’s athletic design, I expected it to be lightweight – and I wasn’t disappointed. The reduced weight superbly matched the sporty/tactical boot look, enabling me to move my foot more freely without being burdened with extra weight from the bottom.

The suede and synthetic materials on the upper made a huge difference in weight, resulting in the boot being much lighter than thick leather footwear.

Traction

The boot’s outsole had a striking look that matched the sporty vibe.

I felt a bit taller when I wore the boots because the outsole was 1.5 inches thick.

This sole gave a slightly bouncy effect that helped propel my steps.

I found the traction level impressive, with the exclusive Max-Grip rubber compound working together with deep treads to bite firmly into the ground.

The traction helped protect me from slipping accidents while walking on wet and uneven surfaces.

Fit and Sizing

The boot’s snug fit promoted better stability while walking.

However, the snugness can be too much for those with wide feet or for people who prefer a relaxed fit.

This tightness made the boot quite challenging to put on, although this issue improved after the break-in period. It’s still worth noting that upsizing may be a good idea to achieve a better, more comfortable fit. Ample cushioning on the tongue and collar added to the overall snug fit and maintained the foot’s secure position throughout the day.

Waterproofing

The boot’s exclusive HellyTech Waterproof system successfully blocked water and other liquids.

I was surprised with the boot’s outstanding waterproofing, especially since the upper was made with suede and synthetic materials.

At first, I was skeptical about the boot’s ability to resist water absorption because it wasn’t made with thick leather. I was glad this assumption was proven wrong, thanks to the proprietary system’s seam-sealed construction and materials specially treated to resist liquids.

Breathability

The polyester lining helped more air to flow through the boot. I especially admired the exclusive HH Quick Dry technology at work on the lining and upper materials.

The system helped with quick moisture dissipation to keep the interior dry but still nicely ventilated throughout the day.

Quality and Durability

The Helly Hansen Monashee ULLR Outdoor Boot may not have a thick leather upper, but it showcases exclusive technologies that boost foot protection.

The combination of suede and synthetic materials made the upper flexible and lightweight, so the boot didn’t feel as bulky as more traditional work boot styles.

The boot looked more like sneakers or hiking boots and was just as easy to walk around.

I loved the modern design, with the sole beautifully contrasting with the upper to ramp up the sporty vibe.

The HellyTech Waterproof system blocked liquids, which was even more impressive because the upper was made with suede and synthetic materials.

I appreciated the contoured insole that supported my foot arches throughout long hours of standing or walking.

This insole was removable, so it was easy to clean and maintain, promoting good footwear hygiene for much longer. A generously cushioned collar improved comfort and secured my ankle for better stability while going over unstable ground.

I was impressed when I discovered that some of the boot’s materials were recycled, and the Leather Working Group certified the suede to be sustainably sourced.

The exclusive rubber compound at work on the outsole delivered strong traction, which I got to maximize in various wet and dry settings.

This outsole was equipped with evenly-spaced, deep treads that dug into the ground for a reliable grip, giving me the confidence to walk on tricky surfaces without compromising my safety.

The HH Power-Stride foam technology gave the sole a foamy feel, with enough cushioning and bounce that promoted a comfortable, stable walking experience. I should mention that the boot was quite snug, especially when it hadn’t been broken in yet.

While this may improve in time, it may be a good idea to consider upsizing to enjoy a better fit.

Other Versions

The Helly Hansen Monashee ULLR Outdoor Boot is available in the following colors: espresso, jet black, and utility green. It doesn’t come in other versions.

Puma Safety Velocity Mid Composite Toe Boot

The Puma Safety Velocity Mid Composite Toe Boot has composite toe protection to guard the toes, keeping them safe from serious injuries that heavy falling tools, machinery, and other items in the work area may cause. It looks like tall basketball shoes with a sporty vibe making them versatile enough to be enjoyed even off the clock in more casual settings. A double-density midsole provides support and shock absorption to ensure all-day foot comfort. The outsole offers heat resistance up to 572°F, protecting the feet against harm while walking or working on high-temperature surfaces. The footbed offers an almost customized level of cushioning, following the foot’s shape to significantly enhance the comfortable experience. Resilient overlays on the toe and heel sections protect against abrasion threats. It’s worth noting that this isn’t a waterproof boot and’s unsuitable for wet environments.

Under Armour Micro G Valsetz Mid Tactical Boot

The Under Armour Micro G Valsetz Mid Tactical Boot has a remarkably lightweight structure that promotes lasting comfort without compromising reliable performance. It’s a tactical boot that can pass off as a sneaker because of its sporty silhouette, making it easy to match work attire and casual outfits. The Contoura Support footbed prevents fatigue by absorbing most of the shock of walking on hard ground, enabling comfortable walking for much longer periods. The Micro G foam midsole offers dependable support to keep the foot stable while providing an extra layer of cushioning underfoot. This exceptionally comfortable boot also has an antimicrobial treatment to effectively stop the growth of odor-causing bacteria for improved foot hygiene. The synthetic panels on the upper welcome more air and help maintain a cool feeling inside the boot. However, since it doesn’t have waterproof materials, this boot won’t work well in wet work areas.

Merrell Moab Velocity Waterproof Mid Tactical Boot

The Merrell Moab Velocity Waterproof Mid Tactical Boot delivers excellent traction, thanks to the Merrell sticky rubber outsole that powerfully grips most surfaces for improved stability while walking. The seam-sealed construction stops water from getting absorbed to protect the foot against uncomfortable wetness. The construction also allows moisture to dissipate, preventing the build-up of sweat and heat inside the boot during continuous use. The COMFORTBASE insole is designed to follow the foot’s contours, supporting the arch for superior fatigue prevention, especially after long hours of walking or standing. The Merrell Air Cushion gives the heel a foamy feel and soaks up the impact of walking on hard surfaces. It also helps stabilize the foot for a safer way of navigating uneven surfaces. However, the fabric lace loops may be less durable than metallic components.

Palladium Pampa Shield WP+ LTH Boot

The Palladium Pampa Shield WP+ LTH Boot is built with several elements to ensure reliable resistance against liquid absorption. The upper features water-repellent leather, forming an external barrier to stop water and other liquids from entering. The gusseted tongue blocks debris while also making sure that wetness won’t be able to seep in through small gaps. A waterproof membrane is the last line of defense to keep the foot dry and comfortable in wet surroundings. This boot has a stylishly bold profile but is surprisingly lightweight, so it doesn’t contribute to foot muscle strain even with all-day use. The thick outsole doesn’t feel too bulky because it’s made with rubber and die-cut EVA instead of pure rubber, which would’ve resulted in a weighty structure. This sole also has powerful traction for continuous stability across tricky surfaces. It should be mentioned that the snug fit may be uncomfortable for those with wide feet.

Wolverine Tarmac Work Boot

The Wolverine Tarmac Work Boot can be mistaken for a tall sneaker or tactical boot, so it may be surprising to discover that it’s a work boot with high-performance features. The composite toe caps shield the toes against hazardous impact and compression but don’t have the weighty feel of steel toe protection. The waterproof upper and construction ensure that no liquids can enter the boot, preserving the comfortably dry feeling for much longer while working in wet settings. The sole has a reflective material wrapped around it to make the boot easier to see in the dark, which is essential when working at night and in low-light conditions. The rubber outsole strongly grips the ground for a more secure way of navigating slick or unstable surfaces. Electrical hazard protection considerably reduces the risk of electric shock in dry conditions. It’s worth noting that the hardware components are plastic instead of metal, so they may not last as long.