Astral Men's Loyak Water Shoes

Product Information

The brand notes that these shoes run a half size large, so you may want to size down. But we like that the bungee laces are easy to adjust, for a close fit. Versatile, light-weight, comfortable barefoot design, great for hiking on soft surfaces, good drainage The molded footbed offers good arch support, while texture inside the shoe and on the outsole provides stability and traction as you walk. Drainage holes on top of the upper allow air to circulate to keep your feet cool and enable water to flow in and out of the clogs freely. There are dozens of colors to choose from, but we also love that you can add Crocs’ shoe charms (called Jibbitz) for a fun, personalized touch.

The first step to purchasing a solid water shoe is understanding the types you'll find on the market. Before we dive deeper into this section, take a moment and consider what you're buying your water shoes for, the weather you'll likely encounter, and any features that you need to suit your adventures best. Understanding your needs will help you narrow your search for the best shoe. Neoprene Booties Additional Features: Heel cup with padded ankle collar. Medium arch support. Water resistant laces. We've tested a variety of footwear, including the best men's sandals and the best women's sandals, which might be a good alternative to water shoes. We also have recommendations for the best paddling gear, including vater vessels like the top-rated SUP boards and the best kayaks and our favorite paddles to go along with them.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. 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. Traction This pair from Z-Joyee is our favorite if you’re in the market for new, budget-friendly water shoes. We like that they mimic walking barefoot, but still provide enough traction and protection for beach walking. The wide toe box allows your toes to splay out, promoting better foot health, stability, and a more natural gait. For those on the hunt for a water shoe that functions just as well on the river as it does on a side hike, reach for this versatile shoe The Hemp Loyak is a revamp of Astral’s popular Loyak shoe, featuring hemp canvas material on the upper half and the brand’s G® Rubber on the outsole. Astral’s Flex-Grip ™ soles are designed to provide superior flexibility and balance and, with the inclusion of the innovative G.15™ compound, offer excellent grip and abrasion resistance. Adding to this is its wide surface area and wide-spaced divided 3mm lugs that are ideal for gripping on loose dirt you might find on the trails. This comfortable water shoe offers a wider toe box, and is best for gals with a bit wider feet looking for something that will last both on the river and off-trail

Note from the Editor: On November 3, 2023, we added videos to highlight our hands-on testing and included new recommendations for each award winner. Related: Best Water Shoes for Men

Upper Material: 77% Hemp / 23% recycled polyester with welded reinforcements on the heel, eyestays and toes. Are you an avid paddler or a water lover? Our list of the best water gear features top-ranking products, including our favorite kayaks, the best SUP boards, and top PFDs. Don't forget about proper sun protection when out on the water. A pair of top-rated sunglasses can help improve visibility and prevent sun damage to the eyes, and a protective sun shirt can help keep the sun's rays off your skin. Astral shoes are designed with balanced geometry that enables the most natural positioning for your foot, as similar as possible to going barefoot. With a 1mm drop, the footbeds on the Hemp Loyak trainers are almost level and feature an extra wide forefoot that enables your feet and toes to spread out for extra balance and comfort. Value depends on how you want to use your new water shoes. You can get a neoprene bootie for a lower price than a more versatile shoe, but those booties will be limited purely to boating. If you need shoes that can protect your toes on a side hike, you'll want something more versatile, but that increased versatility will likely come with a higher price tag. Suppose you're doing more of a water-accessed canyoneering or hiking trip. In that case, it's worth spending the extra money on a more durable shoe like the Salomon Techamphibian 5, which sacrifices a bit of sensitivity and flexibility on the water but offers improved comfort and traction over traditional booties. These unisex sandals come in neutral colors that match almost any outfit. Just note that the brand recommends sizing down if you usually wear a half size, meaning they may run big.

Whether its the Hemp Donner or the Hemp Loyaks you opt for on your next venture, both Astral’s innovatively designed hemp trainers offer unrivalled comfort, fit and durability both on and off the trails. The leather straps have a hook-and-loop closure for maximum adjustability, making these sandals easy to slip on and off. Although they’re one of the more expensive pairs on our list, we think their thoughtful, innovative design is worth the investment. Choose from two neutral color options that pair well with plenty of warm weather outfits. If you’re looking for a casual trail-to-town shoe with an exceptionally comfortable fit and stylish look, the Hemp Loyak trainer is an excellent choice.The G15 rubber is really one of the most important parts of the shoe. When Astral first introduced the Brewers, they used Stealth rubber from Five Ten. While that is a fantastic material, Astral decided to step up and improve on it. Thus, the G15 was born. I can attest that it has phenomenal grip. Possibly even more so than the Stealth rubber.