Oboz Helium Shoes

The Helium is a fresh, innovative addition to the Oboz footwear line. A departure from the company’s brawny boots and shoes; it is the first multi-sport, multi-tasker. Perfect for the ADD adventurist, the shoe covers all your needs on the variable list of activities you will pursue in the spring and summer months. Be it peddling or paddling, trail running, scrambling, peak bagging, or just day-to-day cruising. The shoe will keep your feet well ventilated on hot days as well as quick drying during wet activities. The Helium won’t take up much space in your weekend bag either. Its sleek, low-profile design makes it a lightweight shoe that has maximized use of technology in every detail.

The Helium is the first "Multi-Sport Multi-Tasker" shoe by Oboz. 

The 10 mm heel rise offers stability and minimalist appeal. The one-piece mesh upper provides a precise fit, with minimal seems and smooth lining in the heel and tongue eliminating pinching of the shoelaces and hot spots on the heel cup. The sole has a built-in protection plate that allows you to feel the ground while also protecting your foot from rocks and providing stability. The EVA midsole also encourages natural foot flexion and motion. The burly outsole provides great tracking and adds a little bit of trail mojo to the shoe. The welded, stitch-free overlay adds structure, durability and splash protection at the toe, side and heel areas. All these thoughtful details amidst breathability! Oboz named the shoe “multi-tasker” for multiple features and thoughtful design.

The flexible sole and shoe bed allow for natural foot flexion and ground feel.

Features:

The most impressive feature of this lightweight multi-tasker is the dual density EVA midsole. Touting weightless sole protection, the 1 mm thick EVA “Super Skin” forefoot plate feels like a custom made orthotic. A ¾-length nylon shank spans from front of heel to base of metatarsals permitting natural foot flexion. The BFit Essential foot bed features interior honeycomb foam cushions for added support in high contact areas. The Hyalite outsole boasts some serious lugging; 4mm of grip and traction to meet the gnarly mountain terrain.

Upper: Single Piece Mesh Upper, Minimally Seamed and Lined
Construction: Strobel Lasted
Footbed: BFit Essential
Midsole: Dual Density EVA + ESS Protection Plate
Outsole: Hyalite

The welded, stitch-free overlay adds structure and durability at the toe, side and heel areas.

A ¾-length nylon shank spans from front of heel to base of metatarsals, providing support and flexibility for natural range of motion.

The 1 mm thick dual density EVA midsole touts weightless sole-support and the Super Skin forefoot plate reduces stone bruising.

Verdict:

Finally a lightweight trainer for the trail! The durable, breathable, multi-tasker is ideal for the outdoor adventurist that likes to travel and live simply. The helium offers a minimalist appeal while also providing a supportive sole. The moulded heel and arch offer strong stability on par with an orthotic while the protective plate protects the foot from rocks and hard ground. The flexible, lightweight design enables toe striking for better alignment, with cushioning under the ball of the foot for lessened impact on the body. I would say this is a solid lightweight choice for the active junkie on the go.

If you are in the market for something a little more beefy check out our review of the Oboze Beartooth Boot and Oboze Firebrand II Hiking shoe.

The Hyalite outsole boasts some serious lugging; 4mm of grip and traction to meet the gnarly mountain terrain.

The mens version looking just as good.
 

SPECS:

Price: $120 US
Sizing: Women 6-11, Men 8-14 (recommended to go a ½ size larger for the Helium’s a than your other Oboz shoes)
Colours: Women - Aquamarine, Men - Atomic Orange, Electric Yellow
Weight: 252g / 8.9oz

PROS:

Lightweight, supportive sole, good out-sole traction & grip, breathable, protective, allows for natural foot flexion and ground feel, quick drying, durable.

CONS:

Don’t go and throw out your favourite running or hiking shoes just yet…I would not choose the Helium for big road runs or backpacking trips, however it is ideal for short road runs and mountain expeditions. The shoe runs small, making it a little inconvenient to order, I suggest buying the shoe to fit your foot snugly so you can enjoy the minimalist lightweight feel.

Rating: 9/10

Innovation:      2/2
Function:         2/2
Aesthetics/Fit: 1/2
Features:          2/2
Quality/Price:   2/2

This is only our opinion. Do you disagree? Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Join the discussion in the forums here, and let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation.

Back to the rest of the reviews.

---