Boots are an essential part of any wardrobe. A good pair can take you from work to weekend while still looking stylish. Two popular boot brands right now are Helm and Thursday. But which is better?
This comprehensive guide examines the key differences between Helm and Thursday boots. We’ll compare materials, construction, fit, styles and more to help you decide which brand is right for you.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Helm Boots | Thursday Boots |
| Construction | Goodyear welt | Goodyear welt |
| Leather Quality | Thicker hides, unique options like bison | Focus on suede and pull-up leathers |
| Fit | Roomy toe box, fits wider feet | Sleek profile, fits narrower feet |
| Style Selection | 9 men’s boot styles | 30+ styles for men and women |
| Customization | Full custom boot options | No customization, pre-designed styles only |
| Price | $350-$500 | $199-$249 |
| Sizing | Run true to size | Run true to size |
| Available Sizes | 7-15 | 7-15 |
Helm Boots Overview
Helm boots launched in 2015 and quickly made a name for themselves by offering high-quality boots at an affordable direct-to-consumer price.
Helm boots are made in China, Mexico and Brazil using leathers from those regions. Their most popular leathers include American bison, pull-up leathers and suede. The hardware and rubber outsoles are sourced from Italy.
Some key features of Helm boots:
- Goodyear welted construction
- Leather lining
- Rubber outsole
- Custom cork bedding
- Price range: $350-$500
Helm offers both casual and dress boot styles like cap toe boots, Chelsea boots, chukkas and hunting/field boots. They also have a small selection of shoes and accessories.
Helm has a streamlined buying experience through their website with free shipping and returns in the US.
Thursday Boots Overview
Thursday Boots was founded in 2014 and has grown quickly thanks to their direct-to-consumer business model.
Thursday sources their materials from Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Spain, Italy and Asia. They use leathers like suede, pull-up, and Chromexcel from Horween Leather Company in Chicago.
Key features of Thursday Boots:
- Goodyear welted construction
- Leather or canvas lining
- Rubber outsole
- Removable cork insole
- Price range: $199-$249
Thursday offers Chelsea boots, captains, chukkas, and other basic silhouettes. Most of their styles are versatile enough for both casual and professional wear.
Thursday also sells shoes, accessories and women’s boots.
Orders ship free in the US and they have a 30-day return policy.
Also Read: Differences Between Olukai And Birkenstock.
Helm Vs. Thursday: Key Differences
Now that you know the basics about each brand, let’s compare some of the most important factors in choosing a pair of boots.
- Leather Quality
Both brands use high-quality leathers from respected tanneries. Helm offers a wider selection of leathers overall including bison, pull-up, roughout, suede and calfskin. Thursday’s leathers lean more casual with a focus on suede and pull-up.
When it comes to leather thickness, Helm tends to use thicker hides which makes their boots extra sturdy.
If you want more unique leathers like bison, Helm has the edge. But both use supple, durable leathers that will age nicely.
- Construction Methods
Helm and Thursday both use Goodyear welt construction. This is the gold standard for bootmaking.
In a Goodyear welt, the upper is stitched to the sole through a strip of leather called a welt. This creates a sturdy yet flexible bond.
The main advantage of a Goodyear welt is that the soles can be replaced when they wear out. So you can resole your boots and get years of wear out of the uppers.
Helm and Thursday boots should have comparable lifespans of 3-5 years or longer with proper care and maintenance.
Also Read: Comparison Between Frye And Thursday Boots.
- Fit & Sizing
Both Helm and Thursday run true-to-size for most foot types. They offer sizes down to 7 and up to 15.
Helm has a slightly wider toe box, so they will fit well if you have wider feet.
Thursday boots have a sleeker profile that flatters narrower feet. But some find Thursdays too narrow across the ball of the foot.
Trying boots on in person is the best way to assess fit. But you can’t go wrong sizing down 1⁄2 size if you’re in between sizes. Wearing thick socks will also give you a little more room in a snug boot.
- Style Selection
Thursday has a much larger style selection with around 30 boot options for men and 20 for women. They offer trendy silhouettes like Chelseas along with rugged styles like hikers.
Helm keeps their collection tight with just 9 men’s boot styles. But they cover all the basic boot types like chukkas, cap toe boots and field boots.
For women, Helm only makes one pull-on Chelsea boot.
Overall, Thursday will give you more variety while Helm sticks to perfecting classic styles.
- Price
Thursday boots range from $199-$249. That makes them the more budget-friendly option.
Helm’s boots cost $350-$500. You’re paying more for premium leathers and solid construction.
Consider Thursday the entry level boot while Helm is a smart step up. But Helm’s price tag is still reasonable compared to high-end bootmakers.
- Customization
One advantage of Helm is they offer full custom boots. You pick the leather, eyelets, sole and other options to create your ideal pair.
Thursday only has pre-designed boots to choose from. So Helm gives you more personalization.
Also watch this review about Helm Boots!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some popular brands that are comparable to Thursday for price and quality include Beckett Simonon, Grant Stone, Parkhurst, and Oliver Cabell. Red Wing is another option but their boots are more expensive.
There is no definitive “best boot brand” because different companies have strengths in different areas. When choosing a quality pair of boots, look for Goodyear or Blake welt construction, full grain leather, and a manufacturer with a solid reputation. Aldo, Red Wing, Wolverine 1000 Mile, Viberg and Oak Street Bootmakers are examples of some top boot brands.
Yes, Thursday Boot Company is considered one of the better affordable boot brands thanks to their durable construction and quality leathers. The main drawback is they offer fewer exotic leather options compared to competitors. But at their modest price point, Thursday makes really good Chelsea boots, chukkas, and other styles.
A few things that make Thursday boots stand out include:
Their direct-to-consumer business model which cuts out retailer markups
Use of high-end leathers like Horween Chromexcel
Goodyear welt construction for durability and longevity
Sleek, modern styling on classics like Chelseas and chukkas
Free shipping and returns in the USA
Excellent customer service
For around $200, Thursday delivers better quality and value than big brand name boots. Their boot styles may not be the most unique, but the designs and fit work for most people.
Also Read: Comparison Between Kuru And Vionic.
The Verdict
In summary, here’s a quick rundown on choosing between Helm and Thursday:
- Helm is the way to go if you want thicker leathers, a roomier toe box and full customization.
- Thursday wins on price and has more style choices for men and women. Their slimmer fit also suits narrower feet.
You really can’t go wrong with either brand. Both make quality Goodyear welted boots.
Focus on finding the right style, fit and height for your needs. And consider suede or a pull-up leather for a more rugged look.
Hope this Helm Vs. Thursday comparison helps you pick your next pair of boots! Let us know if you have any other questions.