Astral Men's Loyak Water Shoes

Product Information

We don't rate shoes on style, but using the Loyaks for months both on and off the water has convinced us that it might be worth calling out these shoes as notable for their looks. Our testers frequently get compliments about these shoes, and their good looks make them especially versatile. For the price, you get not only a great water shoe but a shoe that fits in at the bar and even at work. Sensitivity Astral’s Donner Hemp trainers are similar to the Hemp Loyak in many respects but have several key differences that make them more suited for higher levels of performance. Like the Loyak, the Donner is created with high-quality hemp uppers that provide superior breathability, rot resistance and an exceptional level of durability to cotton. However, the Hemp Donner also features additional benefits such as water resistant laces, a padded ankle cover and welded reinforcement at key areas of the toe, heel and eyestays. The leather straps have a hook-and-loop closure for maximum adjustability, making these sandals easy to slip on and off. Although they’re one of the more expensive pairs on our list, we think their thoughtful, innovative design is worth the investment. Choose from two neutral color options that pair well with plenty of warm weather outfits. These unisex sandals come in neutral colors that match almost any outfit. Just note that the brand recommends sizing down if you usually wear a half size, meaning they may run big.

For those on the hunt for a water shoe that functions just as well on the river as it does on a side hike, reach for this versatile shoe We performed more than 15 individual assessments on each shoe. During testing, the comfort and traction tests were the two most important metrics, each corresponding to 25% of the overall weighted score. Throughout testing, we kept in mind what paddlers, canyoneers, and water-loving folks like about their shoes, often asking friends for their thoughts on the variety of water shoes. For sandals that can help you navigate the beach with ease, we like these Chacos. They combine comfort, functionality, and style, whether you’re strolling leisurely down the sand or hiking a new shoreline. And we love that they’ve received the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, meaning a group of podiatrists has determined that they promote good foot health. On a budget and looking for a deal? The Speedo Surf Knit Pro offers the best performance for the price. The simple slip-on design makes adding insulation and pulling it on and off easy. This will do the job if you need solid traction on slippery surfaces. We also appreciate its lightweight construction, which offers excellent sensitivity and can easily be stashed away.

Why You Should Trust Us

We've tested a variety of footwear, including the best men's sandals and the best women's sandals, which might be a good alternative to water shoes. We also have recommendations for the best paddling gear, including vater vessels like the top-rated SUP boards and the best kayaks and our favorite paddles to go along with them. Astral shoes are designed with balanced geometry that enables the most natural positioning for your foot, as similar as possible to going barefoot. With a 1mm drop, the footbeds on the Hemp Loyak trainers are almost level and feature an extra wide forefoot that enables your feet and toes to spread out for extra balance and comfort. Designed for comfort, these roomy beach shoes aren’t ideal for high-impact activities—in that case, we’d recommend a more streamlined option like Astral’s Loyak Water Shoes.

So, should you buy them? In my humble opinion, YES. These are without a doubt, some of the best water shoes on the market. They look great, are super comfortable, work extremely well for a variety of different purposes, etc. To really illustrate it though, I'll leave you with a quote from one of our team members, Clint. After wearing his Loyaks for a day or two, he had this to say: "I love my Loyaks so much, I might never take them off again." You don't get much higher praise than that. Additional Features: Heel cup with padded ankle collar. Medium arch support. Water resistant laces. This pair from Z-Joyee is our favorite if you’re in the market for new, budget-friendly water shoes. We like that they mimic walking barefoot, but still provide enough traction and protection for beach walking. The wide toe box allows your toes to splay out, promoting better foot health, stability, and a more natural gait.A low-cut water shoe with a barefoot design, this model is versatile, showing great performance in and out of the water Are you an avid paddler or a water lover? Our list of the best water gear features top-ranking products, including our favorite kayaks, the best SUP boards, and top PFDs. Don't forget about proper sun protection when out on the water. A pair of top-rated sunglasses can help improve visibility and prevent sun damage to the eyes, and a protective sun shirt can help keep the sun's rays off your skin. The molded footbed offers good arch support, while texture inside the shoe and on the outsole provides stability and traction as you walk. Drainage holes on top of the upper allow air to circulate to keep your feet cool and enable water to flow in and out of the clogs freely. There are dozens of colors to choose from, but we also love that you can add Crocs’ shoe charms (called Jibbitz) for a fun, personalized touch.

A minimally supportive water shoe with great drainage and traction that's perfect for a long day on the water To find the best shoes for beach walking, we first spoke with podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Bruce Pinker, DPM, for his guidance on walking shoe design, fit, and functionality. We also consulted Nicholas Duran, NASM CPT, a personal trainer and yoga teacher based in Los Angeles, California, about which features shoes for beach walking should have, plus advice on how to shop for them.

We performed more than 15 individual assessments on each pair during testing. The most critical metrics we assessed were comfort and traction, together equalling 50% of the total weighted score. We wore them on short canyoneering adventures, strode around sandy beaches, waded through shallow creeks, navigated mossy shorelines, and scrambled about an 18-foot rubber gear boat. We were on the water on days with weather ranging from 80°F and sunny to 25°F mornings with icy put-ins. We sought out the opinions of fellow water enthusiasts about what is important to them in their water shoes and kept these points in mind as we evaluated our lineup side-by-side.

If you’re looking for a casual trail-to-town shoe with an exceptionally comfortable fit and stylish look, the Hemp Loyak trainer is an excellent choice. The brand notes that these shoes run a half size large, so you may want to size down. But we like that the bungee laces are easy to adjust, for a close fit. Seeking out a protective water shoe? Over the last four years, we've tested over 17 options of the top men's water shoes and women's water shoes, selecting a few top contenders that stand out among the rest. A desire to keep your feet protected during long days on the water is a need we understand. We used over 15 comparative tests to assess comfort, traction, warmth, versatility, sensitivity, and durability in the field. We wore different shoes on each foot to see how the performance compared while swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and canyoneering. After purchasing each pair, we have gathered the necessary details and data to help you find the best water shoe for your adventures. An all-around shoe with great drainage, versatility, and stability ready for boats of all kinds and brewery-ready aesthetics, to boot

How to Choose Water Shoes

With two of the brand’s most popular hemp trainers in our collection, the Astral Hemp Donner and the Astral Hemp Loyak, we’ve taken a look into the specifications of each one to help you decide whether Astral hemp shoes could be the right choice for you. The G15 rubber is really one of the most important parts of the shoe. When Astral first introduced the Brewers, they used Stealth rubber from Five Ten. While that is a fantastic material, Astral decided to step up and improve on it. Thus, the G15 was born. I can attest that it has phenomenal grip. Possibly even more so than the Stealth rubber. We spent a lot of time splashing around to test shoes for this review. From hiking on muddy trails to a 24-day trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, we thoroughly evaluated these shoes in the best way we know how – by getting out on the water and paddling.