During a number of wet days in the Bavarian Forest, I had the opportunity to thoroughly test the Helly Hansen Ascender Mid Helly Tech. From soggy forest trails to rocky slopes and muddy descents, the terrain offered plenty of variety to really put this shoe to the test.
In my opinion, a hiking boot should be light, provide reliable grip and be resistant to wet conditions. That sounds simple, but in practice it’s not so easy. In this review, I share my experience with the Ascender Mid from Helly Hansen and examine whether this boot meets these requirements.
Protection in all conditions
The first thing you notice when you put on the Ascender Mid is how light it feels. That’s a big plus for me, because I often feel that “normal” walking shoes are unnecessarily heavy. Especially when you’re walking longer distances or climbing a lot of metres, you don’t want to feel like you’re lugging your shoes uphill. This shoe feels light and moves smoothly with you; it’s like putting on a normal shoe, but with the stability you need on rougher terrain.
I was pleasantly surprised by how waterproof they were. As I said earlier, it’s not easy to find a shoe that is both lightweight and truly waterproof. During the trip, I walked through streams, puddles and wet moss, and the water did not penetrate the shoe; the inside remained dry, even when my feet were submerged. This is mainly due to the waterproof material, which I will discuss in more detail later in this review.
Material
The Helly Hansen Ascender Mid feels like a high-quality shoe, especially considering its weight. The upper is made of 70% recycled polyester and is equipped with a waterproof membrane. In addition, the shoe offers sufficient ankle support around the top, which you really notice when you’re out and about with a heavy rucksack. Extra attention has also been paid to the heel, which is slightly more robust to provide extra support.
Zooming in on HellyTech® Waterproof technology, this membrane ensures that water from the outside cannot penetrate, while moisture from the inside can escape. Helly Hansen states that this shoe has a waterproof rating of over 20,000 mmH₂O.
That figure says a lot. It means that the shoe can withstand a water column of more than 20 metres before moisture penetrates it. This means that prolonged exposure to rain or standing in shallow water is no problem.
Grip thanks to the 5D printing process
The grip of the Helly Hansen Ascender Mid Helly Tech is multidirectional and extra wear-resistant in the areas where the shoe normally wears the most. On rocky terrain, the sole provided sufficient grip, so I didn’t have to adjust my stride. This is mainly thanks to the 5D printing process on the upper, a clever combination that provides firm support and comfortable cushioning at the same time. The forefoot features a flexible system that moves with your walking rhythm at exactly the right moment.
Why a good fit is essential for walking shoes
The Ascender Mid fits well without pinching and is true to size. I wear size 44.5 and it fit perfectly during this test. The heel is secure, the forefoot has enough room and, as I mentioned, the ankle is well supported without feeling stiff. During longer walks, I didn’t notice any pressure points or irritation, even on steeper descents or when my feet swelled a little. The inner lining feels soft and doesn’t rub. For those looking for a shoe that fits well straight away without a long break-in period, this is a definite plus.
It is important to note that this shoe is not designed for winter walks. The Ascender Mid has limited insulation, which means your feet will get cold more quickly in cold conditions. It is really a 3-season shoe that performs best from spring to autumn, ideal for changeable weather without extreme cold.
What you want to know about the Helly Hansen Ascender Mid
How waterproof is the Helly Hansen Ascender Mid Helly Tech?
Thanks to the HellyTech® membrane (20,000 mmH₂O), the shoe stays completely dry, even in prolonged rain or wet terrain.
Which season is the Ascender Mid most suitable for?
This is a lightweight 3-season hiking boot, ideal from spring to autumn, but less suitable for winter cold.
How does the Ascender Mid fit?
The boot is true to size, offers good ankle support and is immediately comfortable without any break-in period.
How does the sole perform in terms of grip?
The sole with 5D printing process offers strong, multidirectional grip on wet, rocky and muddy surfaces.
How much does the Helly Hansen Ascender Mid Helly Tech cost?
The recommended retail price is £220.
Final Thoughts
The Helly Hansen Ascender Mid Helly Tech is a lightweight and reliable hiking boot that impresses with its excellent waterproofing and good support. Thanks to the waterproof membrane, your feet stay dry even in the wettest conditions. The boot also offers a firm grip thanks to the innovative 5D printing process. Which provides a smart balance between sturdiness and comfort.
The fit feels comfortable right away, with plenty of room in the forefoot and firm but not stiff ankle support. This makes the shoe suitable for long hikes, without any break-in period or irritation. Actually, I can only think of one downside: the Ascender Mid is not a winter shoe. Due to its limited insulation, it is less suitable for cold conditions.
All in all, this is an excellent choice for those looking for a lightweight, durable and comfortable 3-season walking shoe. Protects your feet against wet and changing weather conditions. The shoes are available for a recommended retail price of € 220.
