Helly Hansen has a reputation for being an outerwear company that takes garment performance very seriously. Just ask our buddies over at ski film juggernaut Matchstick Productions, who use Helly Hansen gear to film in the coldest and wettest of winter conditions. While I know first-hand that Helly Hansen makes quality outerwear, I was not even aware (until recently) that they make shoes. As with outerwear, the focus of their shoe designs seem to be harsh weather performance–I came to this conclusion after reading the shoe descriptions on their website. Trail running has been a hobby of mine for years (I do live in Boulder, CO after all), and I have always struggled to find shoes that are durable, supportive, and will withstand the elements. Nike made one that I really liked back in 1998, and even named it after my hometown–the Nike Air Crested Butte. Unfortunately, that shoe went out of production, so my quest for the perfect trail running shoe continues. Helly Hansen’s Trail Beater looks to be a worthy candidate–with a water-resistant upper, a durable and grippy sole, a great aesthetic look, and the Helly Hansen name behind it, I am curious to see how this beast performs ‘on the field of battle.’