Founded: Austin, Texas
HELM Boots was founded by Joshua Bingaman in 2009. Based on his passion for classic American boots and European and Japanese sneakers, Joshua started HELM with the intention of marrying the durable, timeless construction techniques of American-made products with the detailing and design aesthetic of high end shoe brands.
The HELM team is rounded out by Ethan Brown, Production & Design Manager; Broc Wilson, Director of Retail Operations; Chris Bilheimer, Graphic Designer; Timothy Clancy, Creative Director; Timothy Morales, Director of Wholesale; Amelia Zind, Studio Manager and Assistant Extraordinaire and Shop Associates Matthew Brue, Ashley Greene, and Mike Goerdel and Hillary Bilheimer, our Brand Consultant. All bring a love of footwear and quality goods to the team, as well as a strong background in both menswear and customer service.
All of Helm’s boots are crafted in Maine and Arkansas. They source their materials as much as possible in the United States and use products from other small manufacturers like Horween Tannery in Chicago, Tasman in Maine, and Fairfield Textile in New Jersey. Helm likes building relationships. They are attracted to timeless quality and design and using interesting materials – They want their boots to not only last for years to come, but for them to transcend trend and remain relevant to your wardrobe season after season.
“We’re inspired by the world around us.”
The architecture, the people, the art, the craftsmen who help construct our boots. We try to draw as much as possible from an amalgam of styles and landscapes, from Brutalist architecture to the desert landscape of West Texas to the snowy streets of Boston or the evening skyline of LA. We want to represent the adaptability, diversity and durability of American people and culture.
“This isn’t a huge corporation.”
We’re a small group of people who care about our design and work tirelessly to make sure that you love it as much as we do. We strive to provide the highest quality of service and hope that in improving your experience with HELM, it will brighten your day and inspire you to go out and be your best, as well.
“And, of course, we’re inspired by you ”
The people who take our vision and make it a reality, wearing our boots till they’re individualized and take on their own life. Our base of musicians, artists, engineers, business people, waiters, crafters, builders and everything in between is what brings a concept to life and lets us see the humanity in our product.
