Astral Hiyak Outdoor Minimalist Boots, Insulated and Quick Drying, Made for Water and Boat

Absolutely love these- they stay on, snug but comfortable, keep rocks and sand from entering your shoes, protects your toes and soles from sharp objects or rocks in the water, and drain nicely. High quality and worth every penny.

I've used these over 18 months now, ocean and inland kayaking. Very comfortable, less rigid and more room for the big toe than the five ten ankle high boots I can't get anymore. They are sturdy and resist cuts from rocks and barnacles well. Good drain holes, and the fabric dries out easier in the sun. But overall they are wetter than neoprene boots, because the quilted fabric takes forever to drain, and I bring more water into the cockpit. And they don't seem to dry at all overnight in the dark. They are good for day hikes around camp, with good protection for toes and ankle bones, and good traction on rocks and logs. Among the best for not getting sand and gravel inside. When tied, they will not pull off my foot in deep mud like low-cut water shoes.

This is my first impression of the shoes after receiving them. I have not used them in the water but they came highly recommended from a friend who has worn them a long time. I will edit this review after some water time. The first thing I noticed was the quality. These do not look cheap in quality. The comfort when I put them on is amazing. The insole feels like a slight rubbery surface which you would expect from a water shoe. All around the ankle is a very soft material and I was pleasantly surprised at how good it felt. I really like the strap that holds the shoelaces in place and gives extra support to the ankle. I've been wearing them around the house to break them in but they already feel broken in. I will be using these in my kayak on rivers and also the coastal backwaters. I need protection. I feel these shoes are going to be great. I've had some shoes (sandals) that always allow small sticks, sand and sea shells under my foot. Drives me crazy. About the time you launch your kayak you take a step and feel a sharp pain because a shell or stick is wedged under your foot. One of the reasons I bought these was to eliminate that problem. If I'm camping on a river, these shoes should act as a pretty good hiking boot to go exploring as well. I'm very happy with initial impression. I will report back after some water time.

I bought these for backpacking the Virgin river narrows in Zion national park. They were perfect for the job! 16 miles wading through water with rocks and they stuck to wet rocks like glue. Perfect for rock hopping, and I had a blast. Also very lightweight, kept my feet very warm with the addition of wet socks, and dried quickly overnight.

These are really amazing and work so much better for good traction on slippy rocks. But when you do slip and slam your toe, its going to hurt really bad. This is a common occurrence for anyone on the river, these should be built a little better

I work at a kayak outfitter during the summer months and these shoes have been awesome! I am in and out of the river all day putting people on the water and helping take them off. They are super lightweight but yet supportive- the high ankles help give ankle support. I also love the grip on the bottom of the shoes; I can walk over slippery rocks and not have to worry about slipping or falling. They also dry fairly quick- I wear fin socks with them to prevent rubbing. Another thing that I love is they drain the water out from them through the drain holes in the front and back of the shoe. Other shoes typically also tend to get smelly a few times after I get them wet. These have yet to smell and I have worn them all this summer! I would highly recommend these shoes- I won't buy anything else to wear while kayaking.

Quality piece of gear.Looks and feels amazing.I have a pair of loyaks for warmer days and now got this boots for cold water.Hope they will stay for a long time.

I have very bad feet. Like 4 surgeries in 5 years bad. I got these to protect my feet while whitewater kayaking/packrafting/rafting. I obviously don't hike much but did wear these for a 1 mile hike at the take out while loaded down with gear and I had zero pain. I wore them with neoprene booties and had zero issues with rubbing. The ankle support isn't as great as I would have gotten with the NRS Workboot Wet shoe, but those are much clinkier than these.

Arrived on time. Fit is good. Seem well made, with comfy ankle area and good sole. Not used yet due to Covid...

Excellent grippy river shoes....so far. They have the soles stitched rather than glued to the upper. I live in hope that this'll give them a longer life than my previous several sets of river shoes from other manufacturers....so I'm now on my second set. I got just over a year out of these (around 200 days on the water), which is similar to what I've had out of 5:10s and Bestard shoes.

I tested these out over the weekend with two days of open canoeing and they are extremely comfortable & lightweight!