GEAR
Casual Kicks
The Helly Hansen Skagen F1 Offshore is a dynamic, comfortable shoe with contemporary styling.
34
By Krista KarlsonO
n a recent summer afternoon I was headed home
from a day of striped bass fishing on Long Island
Sound. My mind was clear and I felt alive in the
sunburned, windswept way that usually means it
was a good day. It wasn’t until I arrived home and
took off my shoes that I realized my feet didn’t hurt. For most
people, that wouldn’t be a revelation. But usually after a full day
on my feet, taking off my shoes is the only thing on my mind.
The Helly Hansen Skagen F1 Offshore shoes ($130) are built
for sailing, but they perform just as well on the decks of their
diesel-powered brethren. The non-marking, grippy outsole
is more substantial than a regular boat shoe, and the lace-up
design gives them a more rugged feel.
It seems Helly Hansen has taken a page from the book of ultra
runners and incorporated a wide toe box that gives the shoe a
more natural fit. The Skagens felt a little narrow through the
middle, but I appreciated having snug feet without pinched toes.
My favorite aspect of this shoe is the blend of breathability
and durability. The mesh upper kept my feet cool and dry, and
the HellyWear overlays—a high-abrasion, lightweight synthetic
developed by the 142 year-old Norwegian company—on the
toe and mid-section provided a barrier for my piggies, should I
go knocking into the cleats on the dock or the hardware on the
boat.
They’re not waterproof—you trade that for breathability—but
the water-repellent finish dispenses spray and wayward rain
drops. After full submersion on a hot summer day, the outside
of the shoes dried in about 15 minutes, but the inside was still
wet after more than an hour. I imagine they’d dry faster with the
insoles removed, as that component stayed waterlogged longest.
Muted and vibrant color options provide something for every-
one. As classic as a boat shoe is, there’s something to be said
for a more athletic shoe that fits like a sneaker and won’t slip
off during a dash down the dock or onto the foredeck. They’re
technical enough for boating, stylish enough for a trip into town
and comfy enough to wear all day. What’s not to love? U