Words By: Aquabatics Team
Review By: Jason Boutet
The Loyak shoe is Astral's take on a low-profile water shoe that drains and has an incredibly grippy rubber sole. This shoe can be used when paddling but also looks good for cruising around town or travelling. They have a canvas tops with a stretch mesh tongue makes for a nice snug fitting shoe.
When looking for a shoe that I could wear on my travels this winter, I instantly thought the Loyaks would be the best fit. A shoe I could use for paddling but also walking around town, thus limiting the amount of footwear I would need to pack with me. I took a gamble only taking one pair of shoes with me on a six-month trip to Central and South America, but when I committed and was in the thick of it I was more than happy. I still use these shoes now that I’m back for Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Kananaskis runs and even on our local creeks like Cataract, Elbow, Sheep and Johnston’s Canyon because they haven’t fallen apart yet. Still holding strong, I think the soles will one day wear through before any other part of the shoe falls apart.
PHOTO: Jason Scouting on a multi day descent of the Pacuare River Costa Rica - Wearing his trusty Loyak's
I will definitely buy another pair once my original pair no longer have any tread. The only issue with them (for me) is the lack of ankle support for more serious creeking adventures and the fact that they can get a little stinky if worn bare foot.
Check out Aquabatics Calgary's stock and specs of the Astral Loyak Here!
THE LOWDOWN
Pros:
-Dry quickly
-Light weight
-small and easy to pack
-Awesome grip on wet rocks
-Look good
Cons:
-Not much ankle support
-Can get stinky
