Your New Favorite Water Shoes

I’ve by no means been a fan of water sneakers. At the same time as a child, I most popular to go barefoot (and I’ve by no means been powerful sufficient to run round shoeless) or put on an outdated pair of tennis sneakers when romping round within the water. Nevertheless, the Astral Hiyak Kayak shoes at the moment are my go-to for all water-related actions as a result of they’re comfy, sturdy, and hold the tiny, annoying pebbles out. However are they best for you? Discover out on this Astral Hiyak Kayak sneakers overview.

Astral Hiyak Kayak Sneakers Overview

First Impressions

I first ran throughout Astral Sneakers on the Paddlesports Trade Coalition in Oklahoma Metropolis. I used to be instantly drawn to them as a result of they jogged my memory of wrestling sneakers (I grew up wrestling and nonetheless coach youth wrestling). After speaking with the Astral rep, I used to be satisfied I wanted a pair. I’ve been discovering their advantages and disadvantages for the final six months after Astral was type sufficient to ship a pair for testing.

Proper out of the field, I like how they feel and look. I didn’t want any time to interrupt them in to keep away from blisters. The scale was spot on, however Astral doesn’t supply half sizes, so if that’s you, you’ll must order a dimension up.

Score: 9 /10

Consolation & Match

I’ve by no means discovered water sneakers to be comfy, effectively, till now. Once I pulled my sneakers out of the field and noticed the skinny soles, I didn’t anticipate them to be very comfy. I anticipated to really feel each little poke whereas strolling over the gravel, and my toes to harm after a couple of minutes of sporting them. Nevertheless, I’ve been blown away by how insanely comfy these booties are, irrespective of the place I put on them. I’d quite put on these than my tennis sneakers (even round city) as a result of they’re that comfy.

I’ve already talked about that the Hiyak sneakers resemble wrestling sneakers, however this high-ankle design wasn’t supposed solely for aesthetic functions. It’s nice at holding these pesky pebbles out and supporting the ankles. My largest frustration with tennis sneakers, sandals, and water sneakers is what number of rocks get into them. I’ve but to get a rock in my Hiyak’s on my adventures.

Score: 9 /10

Traction

At first look, the outsoles seem slick, however upon nearer inspection, the Flex Grip + G.ss rubber have small slits that open and shut together with your foots actions. This retains you from slipping on moist rocks. The one time I slipped whereas sporting these sneakers was in slick mud, which I’ve all the time slipped on previously.

Score: 8 /10

Sturdiness & Supplies

Astral makes use of high-quality supplies like Fast Dry canvas with 1060 ballistic nylon, 3mm quilted spacer-mesh lining, water resistant laces, 45C closed-cell EVA foam, and G.ss Rubber, which equates to a sturdy water shoe.

After a number of kayak journeys via the mud, rock, and water, the one indicators of damage are the mud stains. I anticipate to proceed sporting these sneakers for a number of years.

Score: 8 /10

Breathability

One other draw back of sporting tennis sneakers as water sneakers is how lengthy it takes for them to dry. Astral designed the Hiyak sneakers to empty and dry shortly. This helps hold them from smelling like spoiled water and makes strolling round in them after stepping within the water extra pleasing.

The Astral Hiyak sneakers usually are not waterproof, however they dry shortly (so long as you’re not sporting socks). My toes didn’t get waterlogged, not like once I put on different water sneakers. After a number of journeys to the lake and river, these sneakers nonetheless don’t stink as a result of they’re extremely breathable.

Score: 9 /10

Weight & Agility

At 9.6oz, they’re ridiculously light-weight. Even after trudging via the water, they don’t weigh my toes down as a result of they don’t take up further water. These sneakers have by no means slowed me down attributable to weight or agility causes.

Score: 9 /10

Aesthetics & Type

Some individuals are not followers of the high-ankle help, however I feel these sneakers look slick as a result of they remind me of my high-school wrestling days. The largest draw back to the aesthetics is that they’re solely obtainable in two colours: Driftwood Grey and Black/Crimson. The Driftwood Grey will match extra clothes choices in the event you put on them to city.

Whereas these sneakers match my quirky character effectively, I perceive they received’t be for everybody.

Score: 7 /10

Worth for Cash

Whereas I’m glad to reward these sneakers, they’ve a few downsides. The primary is the value.

At $150, they’re costly sneakers. Perhaps I’m simply frugal, however I hardly ever pay greater than $100 for sneakers (my work and searching boots are the exceptions). On prime of that, paying $150 for sneakers you propose to show to the water, rocks, and dirt appears a bit of extreme to me. I’d desire to see them about half the value, however, once more, I’m low-cost.

The standard and supplies do assist justify the value, particularly since different high-quality water sneakers, just like the NRS Storm Boots, are equally priced. I’ve already bought different Astral sneakers, so perhaps I’m not as low-cost as I as soon as thought.

Score: 8 /10

General Verdict

After sporting the Hiyak booties round city, on the farm, on the lake, and on the river, I’ve develop into an enormous fan as a result of they’re surprisingly comfy, grippy, quick-drying, and shield my comfortable toes. The Astral Hiyak sneakers are my new favourite kayak and water sneakers. I couldn’t discover a lot unfavourable to say about their efficiency, and I’ll proceed to make use of them whereas floating the river, fishing on the lake, and working round on my property.

General Score: 8.4 /10

Last Ideas: Astral Hiyak Kayak Sneakers Overview

Apart from the value, the Astral Hiyak shoes are the most suitable choice for kayaking and frolicking within the water. I additionally don’t thoughts sporting them round city as a result of they’re extremely comfy and classy (in my retro opinion). I’ve put my cash the place my mouth is by buying two different pairs of Astral sneakers and have discovered them to be simply as comfortable and much more trendy.

Astral Hiyak Kayak Sneakers Scores