Looking for better winter shoes than Timberlands? Then check out this Helly Hansen Fremont Boots review by Jamie Barrow. Until a serious injury, Jamie was a member of the British Boardercross team.
He still spends a lot of time in the mountains snowboarding. Jamie’s known for his speed stunts, including the Guinness World Record for the fastest towed speed on a snowboard. So winter boots are a big part of his attire and get plenty of wear in challenging conditions.
**Update Dec 2023: I am the Adventure Sports Holidays editor and recently got a pair of the latest Fremont Helly Hansen boots. So I thought this 2019 article is worth an update! Apart from some colour differences (latest options in the above image), the HH Fremont boots are unchanged from Jamie’s review below.
Plus I am pleased to say that Jamie still wears these Helly Hansen winter boots all the time. Its always good to know that something lasts well. Which was a big part of the reason I decided on getting some Fremont’s myself!**
Jamie Barrow’s Helly Hansen Fremont Boots Review
When it comes to these sort of boots it’s hard not to compare them to Timberlands. However I am pleased that I tried something different and went for the Helly Hansen Fremont Boots.
The first reason they are better winter shoes than Timberlands is they come in more colours. The second reason is you will not be wearing the same boots as half the population are wearing these days.
Waterproof
The thing that sold me on these boots was their waterproofness. With the tongue attached on the sides it means you can go deeper in the snow without letting water inside.
This came in very handy the first time I used them in the mountains as it had snowed a lot. With all the time I spend in the mountains it is very important I have good boots with good grip. I can’t count how many times I have slipped over because I have been wearing the wrong shoes.
Comfort and Function
First impressions of the Fremont Boots in the snow were amazing as they have gripped everything I have walked on. They are also very comfortable, even having spent all day walking around in them.
Normally when I get new boots like this it can take a bit to effort to wear them in. Usually I’ll get a couple blisters in the process. However during this Helly Hansen Fremont Boots review I did not have a problem at all.
With these types of boots it is also sometimes hard to get your foot in in when the leather is new. But even the first time I tried them on the Fremonts were really easy to put on which was a nice surprise.
Easy to Maintain
When your on a skiing or snowboarding holiday it’s hard not to end up in some sort of apres pub, bar or nightclub. So it’s next to impossible to come back from a ski trip with clean shoes.
Inevitably I went out wearing these boots and of course they came back dirty. Normally it can be quite hard to clean this sort of material. However these were super easy to wipe off and came up looking good as new.
Better Winter Shoes than Timberlands
I have owned Timberlands in the past and I have to say these Helly Hansen boots were better in many ways. From the grip on snow and ice, to how comfortable they are, and the level of waterproofness they are superior.
I highly recommend the Helly Hansen Fremont Boots. They are high quality footwear, perfect for walking in all conditions in the mountains and around town back in the UK during winter.
2023 Review of Fremont Helly Hansen Waterproof Boots
That is the end of Jamie’s Helly Hansen Freemont boots review from 2019. I’d now like to add my thoughts to the post. As far as I can tell the 2023 versions are identical with just a black and green coloured options. In previous years there have also been grey and other brown combo’s.
These Helly Hansen boots are their classic, winter waterproof footwear. They don’t need to change because they are so good. Not only are they comfortable, warm and waterproof but they are practical and they look great.
Their versatility is amazing. You could wear these around town, on a night out, on a mountainous hike or through the snow and ice in a ski resort. Although in some ways they are too nice to wear in mud or to do manual work they would cope exceptionally well in those situations.
To conclude this Helly Hansen Fremont Boots review I agree with Jamie. They are far better winter boots than Timberlands. I will wear these for ‘best’ for now. But I know from speaking to Jamie that his boots are still going strong. So in a few years time I will relegate them to walking and work boots!
We hope you found this review of the Fremont Boots by Helly Hansen useful. The RRP is £180, they can be purchased at various retailers (often at a much lower price) or direct from Helly Hansen: www.hellyhansen.com/fremont
I just had my helly hansen winter boots, it’s highly recommendable! I’m very comfortable and it’s so light. A bit expensive but it’s worthied.