Why We Like The Astral Hiyak Shoe
One of Astral's best sellers, the Hiyak Shoe lets us paddle in a lightweight package that replaces toxic neoprene with a 3mm quilted airmesh for insulation that's easier on the planet. The abrasion-resistant nylon construction is quick to both drain and dry, while a hook-and-loop strap hides the laces for a secure, snag-free fit. This water shoe also features a grippy Flex Grip outsole made for wet environments, a more natural fit with a wider toe box, and a zero heel-to-toe drop that encourages us to walk with more of a barefoot style.
Details
- Lightweight paddle boot that does away with neoprene
- 1060D ballistic nylon is highly abrasion resistant
- Level Footbed (zero drop) for a more natural landing
- Removable EVA midsoles for light cushioning
- Grippy outsole is built for slick wet surfaces
- Item #ASLT01X
- Upper Material
- 1060D ballistic nylon
- Waterproofing
- none
- Lining
- quilted spacer-mesh (3mm)
- Closure
- lace
- Footbed
- Level
- Midsole
- EVA (removable)
- Sole
- Flex Grip (non-marking, razor-siped G.ss rubber)
- Claimed Weight
- [size 9, 1/2 pair] 9.6oz
- Activity
- paddling, boating
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited lifetime
Reviews
Q&A
Overall Rating
4.5 based on 58 ratings
Review Summary
What do you think about this product?
View
Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageMay 22, 2024
Terrible Grip
The Grip is TERRIBLE, don't believe the hype. On SANDY or WET ROCKS like every scout or rescue scenario you get no traction and it's super sketchy. Plus the sole is starting to peel away from the toe box after 4 trips. Otherwise these shoes are rad, I love the extra ankle protection from the high top and love how the velcro covers the laces making them super secure.
Originally reviewed on astraldesigns.com
May 17, 2024
Fit great over my drysuit.
I love these! Had a great run on the Lower Owyhee and was glad I had these. They fit great over my drysuit and were comfy too!
Originally reviewed on astraldesigns.com
May 14, 2024
Excellent
Lightweight and comfortable. Astral seems to run narrow so wide feet or thick socks/liners need to size up.
Originally reviewed on astraldesigns.com
May 6, 2024
Best paddling shoe. Period.
Best paddling shoe hands down! Flexible sole for cramming your feet in smaller full slice boats. Amble grip on wet rocks, and a little ankle support for scrambling around put ins and take outs. I have been using this shoe for years and am siked to get the new gray color.
Originally reviewed on astraldesigns.com
April 26, 2024
simply the best
just received my second pair, and I'm in love with the Hiyaks. My first pair I purchased for paddling in 2020, and learned that going up a size helps for wearing with socks under a drysuit (no surprises there!). My original pair have held up to many days of kayaking and mountain biking (they have insane pedal grip and I love the feel, but your feet have to work hard since they are very flexible) and I will continue to use them in the summer. I'm so stoked on my new pair for spring paddling in a drysuit. Cheers Astral!
Originally reviewed on astraldesigns.com
April 7, 2024
Excellent water shoe
I am a packrafter and have tried many different types of shoes that work well in the boat, on short side hikes, on scouts, and portages. I tend to ruin each pair of shoes in one season or less, so I decided to try something different and came across these. I just wore them for two weeks on Southern Utah rivers and am very happy with their performance. I wore them over my dry suit, with wool socks, and with bare feet- they worked very well in each configuration. The laces are easy to cinch or loosen, depending on the bulk that I am trying to stick inside the shoe. I loved the cuff covering the laces, especially with all of the mud and desert plants that would love to tug the laces open, or go for a ride, gumming up laces with thorns. The shoes dried very quickly! The only thing I wished was different is that I would love a slightly stiffer sole for when I am on land. Hopefully they will last more than one season, but honestly they are totally worth it, even if they only last one year. These shoes are perfect for their job.
Originally reviewed on astraldesigns.com
March 28, 2024
Need bigger sizes
I'm so disappointed an all these bear foot co becuse none of them build men sizes 15 +so there's that.
Originally reviewed on astraldesigns.com
March 21, 2024
Finally! Size 14s!
It took six years of asking for a size 14...thank you for finally taking them to production. They fit perfectly, just like a high top pair of Loyaks.
Originally reviewed on astraldesigns.com
February 13, 2024
Dr C
I am a dentist and the Hyak boots allow me to feel the foot pedal on the floor perfectly. Highly recorded for any dentist or surgeon or musician that uses a floor pedal/reostat. Great tactile feedback!
Originally reviewed on astraldesigns.com
January 19, 2024
WORST SHOES EVER
NOT WORTH IT. These have to be the wort shoes ever made. I know of three pairs that all started falling apart in the seam near the laces after only 10 days. The sole is so thin you can feel every rock you step on. The material rips so easily I used a pair for two months and they look like they've been chewed by a dog. Wrote Astral about them and got no reply. The only thing these would be good for is playboating as they are so thin. Save your money and get any other pair of shoes.
Originally reviewed on astraldesigns.com
Need Expert Advice?
Our Gearheads Can Help