The Hiyak is Astral’s view of a proper bootie. It offers ground-conforming stability, foot protection and insulation without neoprene. The result is a lighter, more durable, fast-drying water boot with phenomenal gripping powers.
Fit: True to size (for half-size, size down)
Weight/shoe: Men’s 9 = 273g (9.632 oz)
Foot to ground distance: 12mm heel, 11mm ball
- FLEX GRIP: Highest friction on smooth surfaces like boat docks and racks; Allows excellent feedback for enhanced grip and balance; With razor-siping and maximum sole-to-surface contact
- SUPER STICKY: High performance G.ss rubber outsole is extra grippy with high surface contact for more traction; Low durometer, non-marking rubber conforms to the ground and is abrasion resistant
- QUICK DRYING: Hydrophobic, quick-dry canvas upper with ballistic nylon reinforcements; Water resistant laces with Velcro Over Flap; Drain holes at toe and heel; Insulating Airmesh shell dries overnight
- BALANCED FEEL: Level footbed promotes balance and agility; Wider toe box lets your feet and toes spread out for stability; Lightweight enough to believe you’re actually barefoot (222g/shoe)
- NATURE FIRST: All Astral shoes are vegan; We use recycled polyester and source materials as sustainably as possible and we always promise to put nature first













Alex H. –
Lets start with the cons: first the fact that there is TAPE holding the excess stitching to the sole of a WATER shoe that costs $125 is just lazy and poor craftsmanship. (You can see this in the picture Iβve provided.) I understand that the seams are glued as well but for a top of the line price point I expect top of the line quality.Secondly, the Velcro strap doesnβt secure the laces tightly with out having a large amount of the Velcro strap dangling from the side of the shoe. This is defeats the purpose of the Velcro strip because now the piece of the shoe that keeps your laces from snagging on your boat / gear is getting caught on everything. This could have easily been avoided by either shortening the strip itself or adding additional area for the Velcro to stick on the side of the shoe. The picture provided shows the Velcro with full contact with the pad on the side of the shoe showing how much room is between the strip and the laces. The other picture shows how much excess Velcro there is when fully tightened.With the bad out of the way, letβs move to the good. The grip is absolutely insane on the puppies. Additionally, they are very flexible and seemingly weightless while youβre wearing them. The insulation around the ankle is on point. Walking around in the shoe gives a very ββclose to the groundββ feel. Being able to notice or feel the details of your boat or the ground is helpful.All in all Iβm disappointed with the quality of the shoe for how much they cost. If these were in the $60-$90 dollar range, I could understand the compromise. However, if they last me a few seasons Iβll be happy.
Steve S. –
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.
M. Luce –
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.
Alexander –
I do the barefoot thing. It may be a fad, but these shoes work well for the style. The rubber soles are thin, but still gives the feel of that springy rubber pellet jungle gym flooring from when you were a kid, while walking on concrete. They’re not the most minimal of minimal soles, but they still keep your natural gait. These shoes also fix the big problem of barefoot style shoes, looking like a lunatic to your friends. I actually get *complimented* with these shoes.They are rubbery so I can’t imagine they’re good in hot climates. They’re designed for constant wet environments, so they don’t do great outside of that.
Gene W. –
Iβm fresh off a Grand Canyon river trip, and wore the Hiyaks every day. They fit well, leaving enough room for drysuit booties and socks. The sole is sort of thin, but then this isnβt a hiking boot. All in all, I love them.
Gregory Wolfe –
I only…tried it on for fit. Sizing is accurate…I returned the boot simply because the sole is very thin and appears that it would be uncomfortable walking on rough ground, rocks and other river hazards. I would have kept the boot if it were made with a heaver sole and toe.
Jonathan Franklin –
I have been using these regularly when kayaking on nearby rivers and I’m very impressed with how well they grip slippery rocks underwater, how little sand gets in them (relatively little compared to anything else I’ve tried but not none), and they drain and dry quickly as advertised. One of the best purchases I made when starting the new hobby.
-imax- –
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.