Since 1877, technical outdoor brand Helly Hansen has worked closely with professionals, using their insights and feedback to create gear built for any adventure. With longevity in creating kit for mountainous environments, the brand continues to be inspired by its surroundings in Norway to develop protection against nature’s unpredictable and diverse conditions. Knowing that picking the right footwear can make or break time spent outside, Helly Hansen introduces the Ascender Mid HT (£180) to its Verglas collection, a boot for the core hiker with support and comfort to carry heavier loads for long distances.
Building off Helly Hansen’s Cascade footwear line that is designed with insight from global search and rescue teams, the Ascender Mid HT for men and women delivers the same proven fit and comfort with attention to performance details. To channel and direct the energy, the designers have created a unique HH® Arch-Brace shank system – an embedded thermoplastic rigidity bar to guide and stabilise your foot, preventing unnecessary lateral movement or negative flex when your pack is heavy.
The boot’s upper is created using a 5D printing process, where the various parts of the upper are engineered specifically to address different tasks. The midfoot has been designed for optimal stability, the forefoot area for ultimate flexibility, and the toe and heel to provide added protection. This process keeps the weight at a minimum and reduces waste, as only what is needed is printed, resulting in no excess materials.
Additional features add to the boot’s performance when carrying heavy loads for further distances and longer periods, including:
A lightweight, well-cushioned EVA compound in the midsole providing the perfect balance of comfort, stability, and cushioning over longer periods.
An outsole featuring a multi-directional traction system; HH® Surround-Grip in combination with HH® Max-Grip for superior grip at multiple surfaces and conditions, and HH® Tough-Wear in the most exposed areas to prolong the lifespan of the boots.
A squared-toe design, offering more surface area for added contact and control in more technical terrain.
An HH® Arch-Brace in the midfoot extending into the forefoot for added rigidity and protection on uneven and rocky surfaces.
A fully waterproof construction utilising Helly Hansen’s HELLY TECH® waterproof/breathable membrane, along with sealed seams, and hydrophobic-treated materials, ensuring that water repels off all the surfaces, keeping your feet dry in the toughest of conditions.
“Year over year, through working closely with search and rescue and other outdoor professionals, we gather invaluable feedback allowing us to better understand user needs when tackling challenging terrains,” explains Kristofer Eidsgaard, Vice President for Footwear at Helly Hansen. “Whether long or short treks, weight is of the essence, which forced us to think outside the box on how to create a lightweight, yet stable, protective and supportive hiking boot; a perfect partner for a wide range of hiking and trekking adventures.”
The boot upper contains recycled content, as well as a 100% recycled polyester lining, 100% recycled polyester laces, 30% recycled rubber, and 30% recycled EVA in the midsole. The Ascender Mid HT will be available for men and women in-store and online starting Spring 2025. For more information, please visit www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/.