Hamster product reviews: Sandugo Helikon

My Sandugo Helikon

Purchased Sandugo Helikon two years ago for the purpose of all weather Mountain bike sandals. Its primary duty to get caked on mud, get washed, repeat and rinse I was fairly confident on the durability of the product but what surprised me the most its versatility. From Mountain bike adventures, hiking, beach, and even mother nature worst floods the Helikon performed beyond expectations.

Sole

The replacement Sandugo Yatri

Product highlights:
Mesh type outer linings keeping your feet cool, and dry AeroVent.
Pull cord slide lock for secure fit.
Collapsible heel strap for easy slip on.
Removable foot lining for easy cleaning and drying.
Sole water drain-channels
High grip, stiff sole (acceptable for mountain biking) Comes in sizes 7-12'

The skinny
After two years of use I am now retiring my Helikon from Mountain bike duties. The plastic strap holding the pull cord broke off I guess during a ride catching growth on the trail. The mesh lining also caught something on the trail got torn but the inner lining held-on no problem. The inner sole lining stopped sticking with the removable foot lining removed, binned it. Sole stiff and held up well with little wear present impressive for well worn sandal. Price quite good purchased mine on retail at around 1.8k pesos reasonable compared to leading brands similar offerings.

What could make the Helikon better?
For Hiking and exploring the Helikon performs as advertised. On Mountain Biking it needs improvement on the grip (platform pedals) department and a little more strap support the Pull cord ala “BOA” system is nice but needs more coverage along the feet. As it stands it only pulls two loops. Also the plastic bits tend to get brittle when exposed to prolonged heat, like leaving it inside a car remove these parts and directly loop the pull cord system on the sole or someplace else more secure. Mesh linings spacing could be reduced a little to prevent snagging on small branches on trail.

The vedict
Helikon "Hans Dampf" of Sandugo line of outdoor footwear go anywhere, in any condition this sandal will deliver. For mountain biking grip and protection adequate as long you know the limits of the sandal. For aggressive riding a more focus MTB platform shoe needed, but for road, touring and light XC nothing comes close to the versatility and value of the helikon.

Sandugo sandals

 PapaHamster