Helly Hansen shoes

Helly Hansen is a legendary brand born in the harsh coastal environments of Norway. Founded in 1877 by sea captain Helly Juell Hansen and his wife Maren Margarethe, the company initially gained fame for creating waterproof oilskin jackets for sailors. Over the decades, it evolved from a local workshop in Moss, Norway, into a global leader in high-performance apparel and footwear, particularly favored by ski and sailing professionals.

While the brand's heritage and design center remain rooted in Oslo, Norway, its manufacturing footprint has expanded globally to ensure technical precision and scalability. Most products, including their footwear lines, are produced in specialized facilities across Asia, primarily in China, Vietnam, and Cambodia, though select heritage items are still manufactured in Europe.

In terms of ownership, Helly Hansen has transitioned through several major corporate hands. After being owned by the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan and later the Canadian Tire Corporation, the brand was acquired in June 2025 by Kontoor Brands, Inc. This move placed Helly Hansen alongside other iconic American heritage brands like Wrangler and Lee, with the aim of expanding its footprint in the North American and global outdoor markets.