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Astral Brewer 2.0 Review

An all-around solid choice for water-based activities, capable of near every adventure with an easy transition to town
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Astral Brewer 2.0 Review
Credit: Carrie Mueller
Price:  $125 List
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Manufacturer:   Astral
By Zach Lovell and Jacob Clark  ⋅  Oct 31, 2024
76
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 15
  • Comfort - 25% 8.0
  • Traction - 25% 7.0
  • Warmth - 15% 7.0
  • Versatility - 15% 8.7
  • Sensitivity - 10% 7.0
  • Quality of Construction - 10% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Astral Brewer 2.0 stands out as a top performer in the water shoe category, combining the ruggedness required for water sports with a street-ready appearance. These shoes boast excellent grip on wet surfaces, thanks to their balanced geometry and G.15 rubber outsoles, making them a reliable companion for kayakers and paddleboarders. Priced competitively, these are a solid choice for water enthusiasts looking for a shoe that doesn't sacrifice style for functionality. While the Brewer 2.0s don't offer the best drainage and the interior stitching can rub, many will find these to still be among the best water shoes available today. To see how the competition measured up, see our men's water shoe review. For a broader look at both men's and women's options in this category, consider reading our insights on the best water shoes.
REASONS TO BUY
Durable construction
Decent versatility
Supportive yet flexible
REASONS TO AVOID
Slower water drain
Uncomfortable stitching for some
Editor's note: We updated our findings in this article on October 31, 2024, after a retest of the Brewer and several other water shoes.

Compare to Similar Products

 
astral brewer 2.0
This Product
Astral Brewer 2.0
Awards Top Pick Award
Most Versatile Option
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall
Top Pick Award
Best for Paddling
Top Pick Award
Best for a Minimalist Design
Best Buy Award
Best Value in a Water Shoe
Price $125.00 at REI
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$54.83 at REI
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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line A great option for going from water to land, and they look good enough for casual wear, tooThoughtful design creates a snug but adjustable fit and high performance around water and even around townThese warm and comfy booties are ready for an adventurous day on the river and in chilly waterThis is a shoe that doesn't do great on land or in the cold, but has the grip and drainage to make it excellent for a hot day of swimming or boatingA no-frills water shoe that boasts decent performance when considering its price
Rating Categories Astral Brewer 2.0 Astral Loyak AC NRS Paddle Wetshoe Xero Aqua X Sport Speedo Surf Knit Pro
Comfort (25%)
8.0
8.6
7.5
7.5
7.7
Traction (25%)
7.0
9.1
8.3
9.0
7.0
Warmth (15%)
7.0
5.0
9.5
5.0
5.0
Versatility (15%)
8.7
8.5
4.0
7.0
7.0
Sensitivity (10%)
7.0
9.2
8.0
8.5
9.0
Quality of Construction (10%)
8.0
5.0
7.5
6.0
6.0
Specs Astral Brewer 2.0 Astral Loyak AC NRS Paddle Wetshoe Xero Aqua X Sport Speedo Surf Knit Pro
Measured Weight (per pair, US size 10) 1.2 lbs 0.91 lbs 1.70 lbs 0.90 lbs 1.18 lbs
Drainage Features Holes in sides of midsoles Front/back/side holes, top mesh None Top mesh, toe guard drainage holes Top mesh
Removeable Insole? No Yes No Yes Yes
Footwear Closure Laces Laces Zipper, velcro Lace-lock bungee system Slip-on
Upper Materials Canvas, mesh Ultrafine ripstop mesh, TPU reinforcements, water resistant laces 3 mm neoprene Synthetic mesh, PU Mesh
Midsole EVA Removable, 45C closed cell EVA foam 2 mm plastic shim None EVA foam
Outsole Rubber Rubber Rubber FeelTrue rubber S-Trac Rubber
Relative Fit Regular toebox, medium volume midfoot and heel Regular toebox, wider in midfoot and heel Wide toebox, and stretches to accomodate a wide variety of foot shapes Foot shaped foot bed, fits true-to-size Narrow fit

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Astral Brewer 2.0 is a standout water shoe that offers a unique blend of performance and style. Designed with the adventurous water sports enthusiast in mind, these shoes feature durable Cordura fabric, balanced geometry, and G.15 rubber outsoles for unmatched grip on wet surfaces. The Brewer 2.0's are crafted to provide the functionality needed for rigorous water activities while maintaining a look that won't be out of place in urban settings.

Performance Comparison


astral brewer 2.0 - we spent weeks testing the astral brewer 2.0 across a variety of...
We spent weeks testing the Astral Brewer 2.0 across a variety of environments from mountain lakes to ocean coastlines.
Credit: Carrie Mueller

Comfort


The Astral Brewer 2.0 is engineered with water-ready comfort in mind. The shoe's interior features a hydrophobic canvas upper and a removable insole, which together create a comfortable fit that's both secure and easy to wear for extended periods. The balanced feel of the shoe allows for natural foot movement, which is essential when navigating the unpredictable terrain of riverbeds or slippery docks.


The Brewer 2.0's are designed with a roomy toe box and a heel cup that cradles the foot, reducing slippage and blisters. The midsole is crafted to provide enough cushioning for comfort without sacrificing the ground feel necessary for stability in aquatic environments. This thoughtful balance of features contributes to the shoe's overall comfort, whether you're paddling for hours or taking a casual stroll along the beach.

astral brewer 2.0 - across a variety of settings, the astral brewer 2.0 offers excellent...
Across a variety of settings, the Astral Brewer 2.0 offers excellent comfort, though it isn't the best at drainage.
Credit: Carrie Mueller

The stitching and fabric change in the mid-foot region of the upper can cause a bit of rubbing for some on both the inside and outside of the foot. While the Brewer 2.0 does drain, these retain more water than others, making for a slightly less comfortable shoe in some scenarios where frequently transitioning from water to land. Besides a few considerations, the Astral Brewer 2.0 offers a level of comfort tailored for water sports and casual wear.

astral brewer 2.0 - overall, most shoppers will find the brewer 2.0 to be a very comfy...
Overall, most shoppers will find the Brewer 2.0 to be a very comfy option.
Credit: Jacob Clark

Traction


The Astral Brewer 2.0 is designed with a G.15 rubber outsole that provides exceptional traction on wet surfaces, a vital feature for water sports aficionados. The siped outsole pattern is adept at securing a grip on slick rocks and boat decks, which is essential for safe and confident movement near or in water.


While the Brewer 2.0's traction is impressive on solid, wet surfaces, its performance on muddy or loose terrain is slightly reduced due to the outsole's focus on surface contact over deep lugs. However, the tread pattern is efficient at shedding debris and mud once the shoes are submerged, quickly regaining their excellent grip once back on firmer ground.

astral brewer 2.0 - generally speaking, we found the outsole to be very well designed...
Generally speaking, we found the outsole to be very well designed, though it prioritizes surface contact.
Credit: Carrie Mueller

Overall, the Astral Brewer 2.0 may not be the top pick for muddy hikes, but for water-based activities where secure footing is paramount, these shoes deliver reliable traction that water enthusiasts can trust.

astral brewer 2.0
Credit: Jacob Clark

Warmth


The Astral Brewer 2.0 is not specifically designed for warmth, but they came in above average in the lineup.


For cooler conditions, the Brewer 2.0 can accommodate thicker socks, which allows for additional insulation. The insole can be removed to create more space, a useful feature when layering socks to combat colder temperatures. The shoe's design, with a spacious toe box, ensures that even with extra layers, your feet won't feel overly constricted, allowing for better circulation and, consequently, warmth.

However, it's important to note that in extremely cold conditions, the Brewer 2.0's lack of insulation and inherent breathability may not provide sufficient warmth. They are best suited for cool to mild conditions when paired with appropriate socks, or for water sports enthusiasts who are active enough to generate consistent body heat to keep warm.

astral brewer 2.0
Credit: Jacob Clark

Versatility


The Astral Brewer 2.0 is a hybrid by design, blurring the lines between a dedicated water shoe and a casual sneaker. This duality is what gives the Brewer 2.0 its versatile edge. On the water, they provide the grip and comfort needed for paddling, fishing, or any water-based activity. On land, their street-friendly aesthetics make them suitable for urban exploration or casual wear, solidifying their scores as some of the best in this metric.


During our testing, the Brewer 2.0 proved to be adaptable across a range of activities. They transitioned seamlessly from kayaking to light hiking and even to social outings. While they may not be the first choice for cold water outings, their durability and design can handle forays into more challenging environments.

astral brewer 2.0
Credit: Jacob Clark

Lightweight and collapsible, the Brewer 2.0 is an ideal travel companion. They won't take up much space in your luggage and can serve as a primary shoe for water activities or a secondary, multi-purpose shoe. Their slip-on nature also makes them an excellent choice for quick jaunts out of a tent or RV, embodying the essence of a good camp shoe.

While we don't formally evaluate style, the Brewer 2.0's often draw positive attention for their appearance. They strike a balance between function and form, making them a versatile investment. You're not just getting a reliable water shoe; you're also getting a shoe that won't look out of place at a café or during a casual workday.

astral brewer 2.0
Credit: Jacob Clark

Sensitivity


The Astral Brewer 2.0 offers a high degree of sensitivity, a feature that is particularly appreciated by paddlers and boaters who need to feel their footing on wet decks and rocky shores. The thin soles enhance proprioception, allowing for precise foot placement and a better sense of the terrain underfoot. This tactile feedback is crucial when navigating slippery or uneven surfaces commonly encountered in aquatic environments.


The flexibility of the Brewer 2.0's sole, combined with the siped rubber, allows a significant amount of the outsole to make contact with surfaces, increasing traction and stability. The shoe's low profile contributes to reduced drag in the water, making it suitable for swimming or wading when necessary.

Despite their light and flexible construction, which mimics the barefoot-style running shoe trend, the Brewer 2.0 maintains a balance between feeling the ground and providing enough protection to walk comfortably over small rocks and debris. The insole design, while unique, is easy to get accustomed to and aids in preventing the foot from shifting within the shoe during active use.

astral brewer 2.0
Credit: Jacob Clark

Quality of Construction


To test this metric, we performed a drag test across several surface types and examined the wear and tear of each model during and after field testing. This option came in at the front of the pack.


The Astral Brewer 2.0 is not invulnerable to the wear and tear of rugged environments, but it is built with durability in mind for its intended use: water sports. The construction features high-quality stitching and bonding, with the rubber outsole extending over the toe and around the sides of the shoe, acting as a protective barrier against abrasion and minor impacts.

astral brewer 2.0
Credit: Jacob Clark

Should You Buy the Astral Brewer 2.0?


The Astral Brewer 2.0 is a versatile water shoe that excels in aquatic environments while still looking the part for casual wear. With its excellent grip, comfortable fit, and stylish design, it's a shoe that will serve you well on river trips, paddleboard adventures, and casual strolls in town. Best of all, its durable construction offers longevity and foot protection.

What Other Water Shoes Should You Consider?


For those who prioritize warmth and are willing to sacrifice some versatility, the NRS Kicker Wetshoe or NRS Paddle Wetshoe provide more insulation, making either a better choice for colder conditions. And if budget is your primary concern, you might look at the Speedo Surf Knit Pro, which offers basic water shoe functionality at a lower price point. Each of these alternatives caters to different needs, so consider what environments you'll be exploring and choose accordingly.

astral brewer 2.0
Credit: Jacob Clark

Zach Lovell and Jacob Clark