REVIEWS
131 Reviews
Annsplain
So far I’ve only worn these when water walking and aerobicizing, but they are amazing. I forgot them at home one morning and felt lost. I sized down (to a 6) as recommended, and they fit perfectly. Bonus: They’re cute and sleek, not chunky.
If you demand a lot from your gear, the Astral Loyak doesn’t just keep up—it earns its place. As a kayak instructor, I basically live in these shoes during the paddling season. They go from launch to landing, class to class, and everywhere in between. This isn’t casual use—it’s daily, high-wear, wet-and-abused reality. My last pair lasted four full seasons before finally needing to be replaced, which says a lot about their durability. Comfort and performance are exactly what you want in a paddling shoe. They’re low-profile, flexible, and provide excellent contact with the boat, which translates to better control on the water. The grip is solid on wet surfaces, and they drain and dry quickly—no swamp-foot feeling halfway through the day. But here’s the part that really sets them apart—and frankly, where most other water shoes fail spectacularly: odor. You can leave these things wet in a hot vehicle (which, let’s be honest, happens more than it should), and they don’t turn into a biological hazard. That alone is worth its weight in gold for anyone who spends serious time on the water. Now, let’s address the one flaw. The stock shoelaces are a weak point—not in durability, but in safety. They can become an entrapment hazard, especially in moving water. That’s not a risk worth taking. I swapped mine out for elastic no-tie laces, and it completely solved the issue. Better fit, faster on and off, and no loose ends to worry about. Bottom line: The Astral Loyak is hands-down the best water shoe I’ve used. Durable, comfortable, low-odor, and built for real-world paddling. Just replace the laces, and you’ve got a near-perfect piece of gear.
Tide pooler
I really wanted these to work but they also immediately cause huge blisters on the TOP of my feet. The inner area of the "eyelet" pushes on the top of your foot. It's okay with socks, but who wants wet socks? I have to bandage my feet before putting these on. The water show portion is not tight on your ankle, meaning rocks and sand can POUR in.
Rayme
Nearly all good BUT I really don't get the one piece integrated tongue! I don't understand the concept/need/innovation. What is it intended to improve? Is it to keep out sand or silt? A problem that I never needed solved or that I would readily trade for a shoe that I can put on every time without the need for a shoehorn to get into it. A great shoe made problematic with this innovation - in my humble opinion. I can tell that other people don't share my grumble. Once my foot has landed it's great but getting there is a needless effort.
Lydia
This shoe is lightweight, breathable, comfortable, and sturdy.
Already on my 3rd Loyak pair, green this time. I want the black ones! And white! They are so versatile, in the wilderness, at the office, at the grocery store.
Sidney W
Really love these shoes. I honestly got them for everyday wear hoping the wider toe box would fit my wider feet better with the potential added bonus of being cooler in Florida heat. I was pleased to find both counts true. I can wear these shoes for a day walking around town with no socks and have minimal discomfort.
Willow
Ive been using astrals for 6 years. By far the best river shoe ive used. The wide toebox, breathability, grip, and low profile makes these shoes amazing for even off river adventures. If you prefer chacos over foot prisons, youll love these
HB
I bought my first pair maybe 3 years ago. Since then I bought another in the blue. And then a month ago I bought 3 more pairs - I didn't want to regret not buying them. They are super comfortable - you hardly notice you have them on. They aren't super wide in the front which I really like. The sole is thin, so you do feel larger rocks when you step on them. I wore through the sole of my first pair after about a year of use. And after the first couple months with my first pair, the edge of the sole started coming off of the fabric portion, but not a ton. I think you could probably glue it if you wanted to. But even with that, I still haven't found a shoe I like more, so I'll put up with that.
Axiom
I live in these. I was introduced via whitewater kayaking because they're so grippy on wet rocks and can scrunch up into the front of a playboat without cutting off my circulation, but I eventually started wearing them everywhere. They look fine under a casual dress, jeans, hiking pants, scrubs, even a more casual work outfit. Wide toe box, incredibly lightweight - they're pretty much barefoot shoes except they look nicer. I just wore through my latest pair (can see daylight through the heel after 2ish years of near-daily use) and the uppers still look great.
Eliza
Really great water shoe. I got these for a trip to Croatia. They protected my feet from rocks and made it easy to go from hiking from swimming. Would probably be awesome for kayaking and similar water activities. They do take longer to dry off than I would like but that’s due to their solid construction and the fact that they’re functional as shoes outside of water as well. I will note that I had hoped these would potential work as non slip shoes in the restaurant/kitchen I work in and that is not the case (not to any fault of the shoe they are not advertised as certified non-slip I was just hopeful)
SM
These worked great for our trip to Croatia with all the rocky beaches! Then able to walk in them after swimming. Very comfortable even to hike in as long as the path isn’t too rocky. Look forward to using them paddle boarding and other activities.
M
Great grip. Have loved the lower profile of the loyaks coming from the brewers
gcdiva
Worn these guys from their beginning. Summer or winter they just work.
Risa
Perfect for water sports! I spend a lot of time on the water and these shoes have been perfect for it. Lightweight, dries quickly, and has traction (which is really important!). I had to go down a size!
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