For long walks over river cobbles, we found that our feet had to work more than in more traditional, stiffer shoes. How can we improve GearLab? November 1, 2018 January 7, 2021 Astral, ProView Gear Reviews, Water Outdoor Prolink Pro The Astral Brewer 2.0 is a one shoe quiver. The removable foam insole is relatively thick compared to many shoes and opens the shoe up quite a bit if you want maximum space for insulation. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. It is adjustable to allow for lots of insulation on cold days. Hiking, boating, or even heading off to work, the Loyaks fit in and perform nicely. The most important question I asked myself about these shoes was, “Would I trust them for a thru-hike or long distance endeavor?” I feel comfortable saying yes! They provide excellent proprioception, which enables good balance and awareness of the terrain. Learn more about the project here. The Loyak favors a more flexible ride in exchange for foot protection. Astral released a shoe line in February intended to do just that called the TR1 series. The wide toebox characteristic of Astral shoes helps keep toes from feeling squished when packing in lots of insulation. However, we got used to this pretty quickly during testing and appreciated that our feet didn't slide around inside these shoes. While these probably wouldn't last more than a day or two canyoneering in super abrasive slots, they just aren't designed for ultra-abrasive environments. Here at Outdoorplay, we are lifetime kayakers. But I’ll be sure to share some distinguishing details on the other models. Great fall shoe!! They remain in excellent condition and don’t smell near as bad as other shoes with the same mileage. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of gear, These kayaking shoes are top notch for their flexibility, traction, and off the water style. They also slip on easily, making them a stellar camp shoe. Upon writing this review, I’ve put roughly 300 miles on the TR1 Mesh. BUY Astral Loyak Casual Shoe - Men's. While we loved wearing these, they are by no means a burly, durable shoe. The Loyak gets high value marks because it not only performs superbly in whitewater but also works well for wet hikes and hanging around town. a cross between a canyoneering shoe, a hiking shoe, and a kayaking shoe. Upon asking why Astral opted for a 1mm drop instead of a zero drop platform, I was told Astral wanted to promote more efficient biomechanics with the near zero drop platform. Rassler 2.0 Outdoor Minimalist Shoes, Grippy and Lightweight, Made for Whitewater, Canyoneering, Fly Fishing, and Travel 4.3 out of 5 stars 68 $130.00 $ 130 . Get the best deals for astral shoes at eBay.com. These shoes are remarkably light and flexible. Read more…. The G15 rubber grips like the floor of a college bar — it’s sticky. If you think you need to be heading out on water-dominated adventures to justify a pair of the TR1 Junction shoes by Astral, think again! Our lead tester enjoyed having these shoes along for a survey of the Teanaway River. On soft surfaces, we noticed no significant loss of traction on firm dirt or duff but started slipping more than we'd like on mud. REVIEW: Women’s Astral Loyak Water Shoe Words & Photos by: Sarah Blessington MSRP: $79.95 SPECS: Uppers- 1000 Denier Cordura Nylon, 2.5mm airmesh. When I first saw the TR1 Mesh shoes by Astral I was very intrigued! Astral Hiyak. With a snug fit, they let out water quickly and manage moisture well. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. The Astral Rassler 2.0 Water Shoe is designed for boaters who go big. It also has hydrophobic canvas/mesh, and draining midsoles. The Astral Loyak AC (“Air Condition”) is a great choice for a minimalist lifestyle and one who spends a lot of time around water. In that time I think we have had three pairs, so it is about time we published a full review. GearLab is reader-supported. The flexible sole and siping allows you to glom a lot of rubber on rock and logs when walking, which is nice for getting more traction on such surfaces. The result was G Rubber. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. Each model is casual enough for everyday wear and is plenty capable handling any outdoor activity I plan, or don’t plan, to do. We'd absolutely not hesitate to take them traveling as a primary boating shoe or even as a backup that also works great on hikes and around town. From next-gen tech to ingenious innovation, our weekly peek at emerging products examines the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. The Trek and Junction are a couple ounces heavier and built with Astral’s burly hydrophobic canvas. Michael Hughes / Friday, November 20, 2015. In general, you may want to consider going up 1/2 size to accommodate dry suit booties or a thick sock. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, High traction, flexible, snug fit, great drainage, stylish. They look like streetwear high-tops, but these shoes are built for water. Once weighted, it keeps your foot in place. Got feedback? After a day of boating, we liked that these were comfortable to wear barefoot right after getting off the water - a great quality in a shoe for hanging around camp on a raft trip. Curbside Pickup Available NOW! I personally beat the you-know-what out of the Mesh model and comfortably stand here today to relay my findings. Their siped rubber soles stick well on slick, wet rock. We don't rate shoes on style, but using the Loyaks for months both on and off the water has convinced us that it might be worth calling out these shoes as being notable for their looks. The Astral Porter Women's Water Shoe looks like a classic boat shoe but performs like a high-tech explorer, which might be confusing at first. Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer; I've had these Tinkers now for 6 months and LOVE them - the styling is great - the texture with the hemp, and Astral always has a great environmental story. That said, the Loyak is very well constructed, with stitched and glued soles, clean lines, and noticeably high-quality craft. The Astral TR1 aims to be one shoe for every adventure. Astral deserves points for the Brewer’s style; they look good and … The answer, simply enough, is yes. ForEverlast Ray-Guard Reef Boots. With super-grippy outsoles, a comfortable interior, and a snug fit, they keep feet happy on land, in a boat, and even outside a boat (accidentally or not). Astral markets the Brewer as a “from the river to the bar” kind of shoe. The widely spaced, flat lugs do great on hard surfaces but trade off some traction on mud. I’ve worn this shoe in per near every situation shy of a wedding. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. We totally agree with that. After daily wear, a number of ultra-marathons, and every style of terrain I could find, I can confidently say that TR1 series is an outstanding footwear line. Check great and honest reviews! These shoes definitely work for whitewater, but be sure to tighten them down and double-knot them - with such a low ankle cuff, they slip off easier than other water shoes, and it's a huge bummer to get off the river with only one shoe. It’s sticky as hell, non-marking and stays glued to your shoes. Our lead tester stuffed his feet in these shoes wearing thick wool socks under his drysuit socks in addition to a thin polyester sock over his drysuit sock, maintaining warmth on a frigid fall morning paddle. From committed hike-ins, demanding portages and overall tough terrain, the Rassler is built with an exceptionally grippy sole, quick-drying material and a mid-cut upper for extra protection and support. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items! During testing, we wore the Loyak hiking, walking along steep mountain streams, boating, and around town. They feature a thin sole, thin upper, and a tongue design that snugs them comfortably against the midfoot. Weighing in at just over a pound for a size 13 and packing down nearly dead flat, these shoes are easy to take with you. Good water shoes are a revelation. I most recently wore the TR1 Mesh on a 29 mile run in Great Smokey Mountain National Park. Call us at 800-994-4327 with any questions you have on kayak gear. That traction, combined with the thin soles' excellent proprioception gives them a great feel in and out of the water. Wrong! Astral serves quite the buffet of features in their new TR1 line, but is it good stuff or just fluff? The Brewer is an incredibly high-performance kayaking shoe with understated good looks that effortlessly flows from upstream, to flat water to downtown and many adventures in between. The near zero-drop platform, paired with a tacky outsole kept me balanced and anchored on every surface. The mesh upper and wide toe box is comfortable and unrestricted. Qualified orders eligible for FREE S&H and FREE RETURNS. The bulk of this review will focus on the Mesh model. Our testers frequently get compliments about these shoes, and their good looks make them especially versatile. We have had at least one pair of Astral Brewers at Unsponsored HQ since there launch back in around 2013. Shop for Astral Shoes at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. The super-low profile of these shoes also made them excellent for swimming and wading, as they have low drag in the water and allow feet to flex easily. They rely on being adjustable to allow for adding insulation in the form of thick socks. The thin and flexible sole doesn't protect your feet much, but provides excellent proprioception. © Copyright 2021 GearJunkie, All Rights Reserved, Volcano VR: Watch Eruption in Immersive 8K Drone Video, 'Supersapiens': World's First Real-Time Glucose Monitoring for Sports Performance, Business in the Front, Party in the Back: Why You Need a 'Mullet Bike', Drone Down! We had no problem portaging over big boulders or wading through shallows, but we had to be more aware of where we placed our feet to avoid injury, at least compared to burlier shoes. Astral’s development program went into overdrive. Should you wear it on the water? In 2015 and 2016, the team hiked the AT and PCT, respectively, picking up trash along the way. Astral Men's TR1 Junction Minimalist Hiking Shoes, Quick Drying and Lightweight, Made for Water, Trails, and Canyons 4.3 out of 5 stars 24 $90.00 $ 90 . While they don't provide much foot protection, the Loyak's rubber outsole is raised up around the shoe, keeping them from abrading too much in situations like this. Astral’s kicks are made from a durable, lightweight, hydrophobic canvas … The Loyak has a small but stretchy opening at the ankle and no real tongue. By giving users an extra 1mm in the heel, Astral aims to extend the life of their footwear. Astral Brewer Shoe 2.0 – Review July 29, 2020 / Unsponsored / 4 Comments. When you think of tough-as-hell water shoes, these have to be top of mind. After combing through 60 of the best water shoes on the... Water sports are tough on feet and footwear. The widely spaced lugs do clear easily, though, once they reach water, so it's easy to get the dirt off and restore traction on hard surfaces. The Astral Loyak blew us away with how much performance we could squeeze out of such a tiny shoe. While booties can be slightly warmer and stickier, they don't have the on-land performance and foot protection (at least the bottom of the feet) of the Loyak. To conclude, the Astral TR1 Mesh is a pair of hiking shoes that are less likely to disappoint, but more likely to please. The build on each model remains similar among each offering. We asked five pros how they made it work and what it takes to make a living in the outdoor industry "in real life.". They keep feet supported, cool, and dry, even if you step in a puddle or fall overboard. Outsole- 3.5 mm thick G.15 high friction, non-marking rubber with razor-siping The holes in the front of the sole and full body of mesh allow for great drainage. Astral Brewer Shoe 2.0 – Review. Should you wear it to work? Over river cobbles, the Loyaks (right) are more supportive than booties, but still make your feet work to maintain balance. Astral customer service assured me that this shoe is true to size. We would definitely not recommend for them for canyoneering, but they'd do in a pinch as long as you took care not to tear them apart. The interior is mostly mesh and feels fine on bare feet with minimal stitching. Astral Loyak™ Shoe ReviewThe Astral Loyak™ is a water shoe with superb grip. Great Grand Canyon Shoe The very popular Rassler caught my eye. The midsole is a little stiffer than other shoes I’ve worn. After wearing them for a while I decided to give my current review. They make being in and around lakes, rivers, and streams so much more enjoyable, providing comfort, stability, and protection for all of our waterborne adventures. We love kayaking and want to help you get on the water. Everything from hiking to running and even SUP’ing can be done while in a pair of the uber comfortable Astral TR1 Trek Water Shoes. They offer good versatility and performance in a minimalist and stylish package for a very reasonable price, handily earning a Top Pick Award. The Astral Hiyak is the new king of water sports booties! With excellent drainage, they are resistant to moisture damage, and the snug fit does well at keeping out sand and debris that can abrade a shoe from the inside. They feature a siped G15 rubber outsole that is more than capable of carrying a boat across slick, wet rocks or walking over cobbles in murky shallows. However, a stiffer sole didn’t equate to less comfort; rather, it gave me better tracking while running and more confident foot placement when navigating rocks and creeks. Hemp is so durable, and uses so much less water to grow! This Is What Happens When You Fly Into an Active Volcano, Blazing Saddles (and Trails): How One Coach Is Welcoming a New Generation of Cyclists, Shimano's 'A Dog's Tale': Must-Watch for Mountain Bikers, Dog Lovers, Expert Fisherman Prescribes 'Tools of the Trade' for Pupils and Pros, Today's Bargains: 4 Deals for Weekend Hiking, Today's Bargains: Climb Into Weekend Deals. Every component, from the thread to the laces are critically evaluated and chosen for its ability to hold up after constant soaking, to shed water, and not to accumulate funk. Astral shoes tend to fit true to size when worn barefoot or with a thin sock. Sharing in-depth conversations between the world's adventurers, athletes, and outdoorspeople, The GearJunkie Podcast is your inside look into the outdoors industry. They noticed the heel often wears down quicker than the forefoot on a shoe. While the lack of a tongue inhibits adjustability slightly, we didn't find that we had problems stuffing our feet in these shoes even with thick socks. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee The Loyak is a minimalist, low-cut kayaking shoe. Like the many long runs prior, I experienced zero blisters and all-day comfort. For considerably less than the highest performing water shoes, you can get a well-made, comfortable, and high-traction shoe for boating or just hanging around wet places. In a kayak, packraft, or raft, they will hold up fine. The cushioned midsole with top shank was strategically paired with an approach shoe sticky rubber (G15) outsole to keep you stable and comfortable all day while keeping you on all two’s in any environment. The TR1 Mesh is light (9.87oz) is made of ripstop nylon mesh. Instead, a sock-like cuff wraps around your foot as you slip it into the shoe. 00 $119.95 $119.95 Around town? Astral TR1 Trek Review What makes the Astral TR1 Trek unique is the shoe’s ability to be used across numerous disciplines in the mountains. GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. 00 G.ss sole replaced the original dot Stealth early in Rassler production. Astral took a bold step with a shoe that serves as the one you’ll need all day, particularly for those who use a different shoe for just about every activity. Have you ever looked at your pile of shoes and wondered if you could get away with just using one pair for the day, every day? Astral Brewer 2.0; the hiking review. The Loyak's were among the stickiest water shoes we tested. While this was somewhat of a fluke, it highlights that mesh is not at all resistant to abrasion or puncture. The whole TR1 line is designed around four fundamental aspects – balanced geometry, cushioned support, sticky G Rubber outsole, and water readiness. Our lead tester has a few friends that wear this shoe kayaking and has had to chase down their shoes multiple times after whitewater swims. I don’t personally want to wear my boating shoes to the bar when they’re wet, but that’s about the only reason I wouldn’t. –Seth Orme is a founding member of the ‘Packing It Out’ crew. I’ve always been a fan of innovative companies who aren’t afraid to push the envelope, but after hearing that Astral made a shoe I could supposedly paddle, bike, hike, run, and work in, I was hesitant. I have extremely sensitive feet and even the simplest of creek crossings seem to scratch up my feet. First Look: ‘Outdry Extreme’ Waterproof Running Shoes, PrimaLoft Expands Aerogel Insulation for Fall. The Astral Buoyancy Porter Water Shoe provides some So Cal style for paddlers and SUP lovers. Many models have engineered drainage for water to come out while minimizing entry of silt. away with how much performance we could squeeze out of such a tiny shoe. These flimsy, Chinese made shoes are at least one size too small. NordicTrack wants to give you $7,500 toward your dream adventure. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. G Rubber is super sticky, non-marking and consistently bonds to the EVA midsole on Astral’s shoes. For the price, you get not only a great water shoe, but a shoe that fits in at the bar and even at work. But the best water shoes can do more than that (Astral Brewer 2.0). In terms of water readiness, the TR1’s received the stink-free treatment with Polygiene treated insoles. The stitched Cordura upper is highly abrasion-resistant for durability, yet also breathable and quick-drying. The Balanced Geometry midsole offers some cush while allowing a zero drop, and the locking heel lace system ensures a … The flexible grip sole grabs even wet surfaces. These lightweight lifestyle shoes are great for lightweight water activities. Astral’s TR1 Mesh is getting the attention of the outdoor-loving community with its versatility, water readiness and lightness. I personally ran in the TR1 more than I hiked or paddled, but I’ve found that long distance running does an excellent job testing a shoe’s ability to handle the rigors of the trail. I can honestly say that my shoe bias has softened during my time with the TR1 Mesh. The Loyak is a low-profile, kayaking-focused shoe. [Review] Men’s TR1 Junction Shoes by Astral Posted on June 30, 2018. See our guide to the best trekking poles of 2021, with reviews of top aluminum and carbon options from Black Diamond, LEKI, REI, and more. The Loyak is marketed as a casual shoe that has serious whitewater chops. We're available Monday-Friday from 7am to 5pm and Saturday-Sunday from 8am to 4pm PST. Astral has been putting some great water shoes out in recent years. It also received positive feedback on comfort and grip. Let us know! ... I’ve been interested in Astral’s shoes since their beginning, and with the number of zero drop or close hiking shoes dwindling with the swings in market fashion I bought a pair of Brewers last month, to try out specifically as a hiking shoe. One pair to run, hike, bike and paddle? I like to base my rating of a shoe on three criteria – Fit, Function, Durability. My 11.5 size foot is crammed at the end of the toe box in a what they say is a size 12. The Astral TR1 Mesh trail runners make a great trail runner for land or for water. I brought the TR1. Astral Hemp Baker, Desert Khaki, Mens 7 / Womens 8, FTRHBU-810-070 Product Info for Astral Hemp Baker Casual Shoe - Unisex We mix style, performance, and sustainability to create this super comfortable everyday shoe. Like approach shoes, the Loyak sticks well to wet rocks and logs, but suffer slightly in muddy conditions. With a thin sole and minimal heel-toe drop, you notice the undulations of the ground surface as you walk. I feel great knowing that I can tackle anything my day throws at me, without having to consider a change of footwear. Its Cordura upper is extremely durable, and the Airmesh vamp and tongue bring the airflow. The tacky outsole is studded with 5mm lugs and totes a 1mm drop from heel to forefront, 21mm heel – 20mm ball. The relatively flat, non-aggressive lugs reminded us of approach shoes, which favor surface area over deep lugs that can maintain traction on soft surfaces. The Astral Men's Loyak Water Shoe provides the right mix of grip, flexibility, and durability you need when guiding raft trips or kayaking technical rivers. At home on and off the water, the Loyaks blend style, comfort, and high performance. We consider the best kayak and rafting water shoes to be made by NRS and Astral. [insert obligatory statement about minimalism and bare feet] Seriously, though, these are some very flexible and lightweight shoes. This extremely durable, lightweight and low profile water shoe is ready for whatever adventure you can throw at them. All Astral shoes have a special relationship with water. For the first time in memory, I only brought one pair of shoes on a recent cross-country trip. The rubber outsole wraps around the entire shoe, providing somewhat of a bumper to guard against punctures or abrasion. Don’t waste your money. Our shoes are designed to be narrow in the heel and mid foot, with a wide toe box. The upper materials and drainage ports on the front, back, and sides of the shoes make them excellent for transitioning in and out of water. Support us! We provide... the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Extremely versatile, adjustable, excellent balance of support and flexibility, Protective midsole and toe, incredibly sticky rubber, versatile, Comfortable, warm, great traction on wet rock, Excellent drainage, durable, extremely sticky rubber, comfortable, Not the stickiest rubber, not the most durable, Little support on rough terrain, no drainage, Laces are a bit too short, sheds dye from inner, not as warm as other booties, Thoughtful design creates a snug but adjustable fit and high performance around water and even around town, These comfortable and versatile shoes are excellent in and out of the water, While not the most durable, this shoe is crazy sticky and feels great in most conditions, These booties provide stellar warmth and comfort while boating, While not as warm as other booties, this shoe is a well-designed, functional boot that's great for whitewater, Wide toebox, medium volume midfoot and heel, Wide toebox, high volume midfoot and heel, Wide toebox, medium volume heel and midfoot, Wide toebox, and stretches to accomodate a wide variety of foot shapes.
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