Logo
    Show
    Hide
    Login
    Close

    SITE LOGIN

    • Forgot your password?

    ROUTES LOGIN HERE

    Register

    Backcountry Skiing Guides
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
        • Skis
        • Boots
        • Bindings
        • Climbing Skins
        • Poles
        • Snowboards
      • Clothing
        • Hard Shells
        • Soft Shells
        • Insulation
        • Mid Layers
        • Base Layers
        • Gloves
        • Socks
      • Accessories
        • Safety Gear
        • Goggles and Helmets
        • Ski Touring Packs
        • Ski Boxes and Bags
        • Sleeping Bags - 4 Season
        • Technology
        • Sunglasses
        • Insoles & Braces
        • Books
      • Off-Season Gear
        • Hiking
          • Rain Shells
          • Day Packs
          • Apparel
          • Footwear
          • Safety
        • Camping
          • Backpacks
          • Sleeping Bags
          • Sleeping Pads
          • Tents
          • Coolers / Cooking
          • Furniture / Storage
          • Lighting / Power
        • Biking
        • Paddling
        • Climbing
        • Mountaineering
        • Running
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • FORUMS
    • STORE
      • Guides & Maps
      • Gear Deals
        • Alpine Touring Boots
        • Backcountry Skis
        • Alpine Touring Bindings
        • Backcountry Accessories
        • Off-Season Gear
        • Climbing Skins
    • ROUTES
      • Coast Mountains
        • Callaghan Valley
        • Coquihalla Highway
        • Cypress Provincial Park
        • Duffey Lake
        • Elfin Lakes Squamish
        • Howson Range
        • Shames Mountain
        • Smithers
        • Vancouver Island
        • Whistler/Blackcomb
      • Interior Mountains
        • Bonningtons Traverse
          • Copper Hut Routes
          • Grassy Hut Routes
          • Huckleberry Hut Routes
          • Steed Hut Routes
        • Goat Range
        • Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
        • Kokanee Glacier Park
        • Kootenay Pass
        • Red Mountain Resort
        • Revelstoke
        • Revelstoke Mountain Resort
        • Rossland Range
        • Rogers Pass
        • Trout Lake
        • Whitewater Ski Resort
      • Rocky Mountains
        • Banff National Park
        • Bow Yoho Traverse
        • Fernie
        • Jasper National Park
        • Kananaskis Country
        • Kootenay National Park
        • Lake Louise Ski Resort
        • Sunshine Village Ski Resort
        • Wapta Traverse
          • Balfour Hut Routes
          • Bow Hut Routes
          • Peyto Hut Routes
          • Scott Duncan Hut Routes
        • Yoho National Park
      • Quebec
      • Newfoundland
      • Ontario
      • Yukon
      • Submit A New Route
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
      • Clothing
      • Accessories
      • Off-Season Gear
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • FORUMS
    • STORE
      • Guides & Maps
      • Gear Deals
    • ROUTES
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
      • Quebec
      • Newfoundland
      • Ontario
      • Yukon
      • Submit A New Route
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us

    HOTTEST REVIEWS


    Elan Ripstick 106 Skis Fritschi Xenic 10 Bindings Arc'teryx Nuclei FL Jacket Gregory Targhee 32 Pieps Micro Transceiver Scott Freeguide Boots ZAG SLAP 104 Skis

    VIDEOS YOU'LL LIKE


    Marker Duke PT Bindings Salomon Shift Pro Boots Black Crows 2020 Skis Dalbello Quantum Boots Atomic Shift MNC Binding Scarpa F1 LT Boots New G3 2020 Poles

    NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

    Unsubscribe
    • Home
    • »
    • Oboz Helium Shoes

    Oboz Helium Shoes

    Oboz Helium ShoesThe 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. 
    Oboz Helium Shoe Review

    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.
    Oboz Helium Shoes

    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.
    Oboz Helium Shoes

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

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

    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.
    Oboz Helium Shoes Review

    The mens version looking just as good.
    Oboz Helium Shoes Review 

    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

    buy backcountry skiing gear

    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.


    We built this backcountry skiing community for you, the passionate skier, and hope you enjoy the hard work we put into all the reviews, routes, videos and posts we create. It’s been free from day one but that doesn’t mean it’s not a valuable resource. If you enjoy this web site and value the content we create for you, then please support Backountry Skiing Canada by donating today. Thank you!

    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2021-22 Backcountry Skiing Canada. All Rights Reserved. 

    Website by: FROLIX DESIGN