Helly Hansen W A.S.T 2

Helly Hansen delivers a weather resistant boot that breathes and feels almost like a pair of sneakers. Active Junky would rate its traction in the mid-range: somewhere between rugged boot and classic sneaker. The midsole is comfortable and the padded ankle cuff is flexible, but snug. The W A.S.T 2s utilize waterproof leather with good resistance to water, but the boots aren’t fully sealed so they don’t tout full waterproofing. In addition to the gray-green color HH calls rock (same color included in a couple of their attire lines), they also have jet black and wheat to choose from. Just like sneakers, they hug your feet and don’t give you that clunky boot feeling. The fit is true to size and both fit and finish are top notch. 

Field Notes: The W A.S.Ts performed incredibly well in tests that required longer stamina. Over long distances and time periods they retained comfort and didn’t overheat. We took them on hikes through the Grand Teton National Park while searching for buggling elk, waded through creeks while exploring waterfalls, and splashed through puddles in rainstorms. These women’s boots even survived a night of dancing! While they excelled in comfort, a few of the watersports did push them to their limits. Our testers classified these boots as water resistant enough for puddle splashing and downpours, but not waterproof enough for long term submersion in rushing water.

Tester Comments: “After a long hike in these Helly Hansens boots, I was getting a little cocky. They had made it through a few quick splashes in shallow creeks and I was still bone dry. I sauntered out into some deep, but not ‘over the cuff’ deep, water and let the freezing cold water rush by. Within a few minutes I could definitely feel the icy liquid seeping in. My advice, these are great for rainy weather and the occasional splash, just don’t get too arrogant and wade in too deep.”

Key Attribute: Comfort

Complete the Look: Street style meets outdoors. We thought these had a little bit of a skater vibe, so we threw on a hoodie, graphic cropped tee and skinny jeans.