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Astral Loyak - Women's Review

This stylish shoe delivers great flexibility and traction, and it is impressively comfortable
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Astral Loyak - Women's Review (These low profiles are comfortable to wear and highly functional)
These low profiles are comfortable to wear and highly functional
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Price:  $99 List
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Manufacturer:   Astral
Sara James
By Sara James ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  April 30, 2025
Contributions From: Monica Nigon
80
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 11
  • Comfort - 30% 8.5
  • Traction - 25% 8.0
  • Versatility - 15% 8.0
  • Sensitivity - 15% 8.5
  • Quality of Construction - 15% 6.5
Length Sizing
Runs Small
Runs Large
Width Sizing
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide

Our Verdict

With incredible traction and sensitivity, the women's Astral Loyak is a great choice for any aquatic adventurer. For a lightweight, low-profile option, the Loyak is the more versatile step up from a neoprene bootie. It scored high on comfort with a stretchy tongue, flexi-grip outsole, and soft neutral footbed. The combo of comfort and traction functions well on short, slippery hikes. We also like their looks and don't feel the need to swap footwear before moving from the riverbank to the bar. The main drawbacks are in durability and warmth — they aren't burly, and layering inside them was tricky for cold-water days. Despite these limits, this shoe performs at a high level. To see how the Loyak performed next to the competition, check out our women's water shoes review.
REASONS TO BUY
Top-notch traction
Flexible
Snug fit
Stylish
REASONS TO AVOID
Mesh top not durable
Lacks insulation

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best All Round Women's Watershoe
 Top Pick Award
Top Pick for Ultra Packable
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
Best Buy Award
Best Bare Bones Budget
Price $74.25 at Backcountry
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$30 List
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$15.00 List
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Bottom Line Superb flexibility and traction in a stylish shoe that blends in well at the river at in townA water-focused insulated neoprene shoe with a flexible feel and comfortable fitSimple, lightweight, and endlessly easy to wear, the quick-drying shoes are the ultimate grab-and-go choice for casual, water-filled daysGreat for a first water shoe, though may be lacking for more rugged terrainA budget shoe that offers basic protection for casual water-based activities
Rating Categories Astral Loyak - Women's NRS Kicker Wetshoe... Crocs Classic DLGJPA Lightweight... Athmile Water Shoes
Comfort (30%)
8.5
7.0
7.0
5.0
4.0
Traction (25%)
8.0
7.5
5.0
7.0
4.0
Versatility (15%)
8.0
3.0
8.0
5.5
5.0
Sensitivity (15%)
8.5
9.0
5.0
6.0
8.5
Quality of Construction (15%)
6.5
6.0
5.0
4.5
3.0
Specifications Astral Loyak - Women's NRS Kicker Wetshoe... Crocs Classic DLGJPA Lightweight... Athmile Water Shoes
Measured Weight (lb per pair) 0.87 Size 8 1.05 Size 9 0.69 Size 9 0.44 Size 8 0.46 Size 9
Drainage Features Outsole is draining None Perforated design and open heel Mesh on upper, drainage holes on sole Upper material is porous
Removeable Insole? Yes No Yes No
Footwear Closure Laces Velcro Heel strap Drawcord None
Available Widths Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium
Upper Materials Hydrophobic canvas 3 mm neoprene Croslite™ compound Synthetic mesh Mesh fabric
Midsole 7mm thick, 45C closed cell EVA foam None Croslite™ compound None None
Outsole Flexi-grip, G15 (Astral tech) Rubber Croslite™ compound Rubber Rubber

Our Analysis and Test Results

The classic low-cut shoe, the Loyak, blends remarkable traction and flexibility due to a minimalist design. They feature a stretchy tongue that is stitched around the heel and has thin canvas uppers. Their siped G.15 rubber soles deliver superior traction on wet, slippery rocks and rafts.

astral loyak for women - the loyaks are perfect for a range of water activities, including...
The Loyaks are perfect for a range of water activities, including paddle boarding.
Credit: Sara James

Comfort


We enjoy wearing these shoes, so much so that we often chose to wear them on and off the water. The Loyak's soft footbed, thick uppers, and grippy soles make them feel almost like a natural extension of your foot. An integrated tongue design keeps the shoe securely wrapped around your ankle for a snug, comfortable fit.


The relatively thin footbed can make walking over sharp rocks or gravel more challenging. While it offers excellent sensitivity on slick rocks, it demands careful footing. Shoes with stiffer outsoles provided better comfort when crossing rough terrain. The Loyaks felt most comfortable when worn barefoot; adding thicker socks made them feel cramped, and the integrated tongue design made them a bit tricky to slip on.

astral loyak for women - the loyak has a snug fit that we found particularly comfortable to...
The Loyak has a snug fit that we found particularly comfortable to wear
Credit: Sara James

While we walked gingerly on pointy rocks, they held up on short scouts and side hikes. Testers found them a bit too minimalist for more extensive walking, lacking arch and ankle support.

astral loyak for women - the thinner sole meant these were not the more comfortable when...
The thinner sole meant these were not the more comfortable when walking on sharp rocks
Credit: Sara James

Traction


The Loyak is one of the stickiest shoes we tested, thanks to the proprietary G.15 rubber. Coupled with its sensitivity, we strode confidently onto wet rocks and logs, navigated a wet gear boat with ease, and had confidence in our footing.


The outsole is an incredible sticky siped rubber that performs when wet or dry. The lugs are very shallow, so while we loved navigating shallow river beds and slippery scouts, they struggled to dig into loose sediment, including sandy and muddy surfaces.

astral loyak for women - we were impressed how well these low profile shoes stuck to rocks
We were impressed how well these low profile shoes stuck to rocks
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Versatility


The Loyaks look equally as comfortable on a raft as they do at a restaurant; their quick-drying materials make them a great option for travel when one shoe has to fit multiple roles. The slimline profile also makes them easy to stash in a bag without taking up precious space.


They're almost as sensitive and flexible as neoprene booties, but you'd be more apt to wear these around town or to work. Given their ability to pack down to a small size and their low weight, they're a good pick for traveling or extended trips where space is scarce.

astral loyak for women - sensitive soles allow you to navigate murky waters blindly.
Sensitive soles allow you to navigate murky waters blindly.
Credit: Spencer Knutson

While it took a lot of red-faced pulling to get a neoprene sock-clad foot into the shoe, the Loyak remained comfortable with layering once on. This ability is thanks to the wide toe box and stretchiness of the mesh. The insole is removable, allowing more room for those truly chilly days. Without adding layers, this model gets chilly quickly due to its thin upper. It is better suited to wearing bare foot on summer days.

astral loyak for women - these shoes aren't the easiest to layer under, but they're...
These shoes aren't the easiest to layer under, but they're well-suited for warm water days.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Sensitivity


The sensitivity afforded by the thin soles of the Loyak was rivaled only by the neoprene booties we tested. It felt like your whole foot was making contact with surfaces, allowing for great balance and confidence navigating shallow creekbeds and slippery rocks. We enjoyed wearing these on our stand-up paddle board as they provided great connectivity and control.


The Loyak was one of the few shoes we tested that gave us true confidence it would stay securely on our feet during a whitewater swim. Thanks to its snug fit and integrated tongue, it hugs the foot closely without feeling restrictive. Whether scrambling along slippery banks or getting tumbled in rapids, the Loyak stayed firmly in place, reducing the risk of lost footwear — a common issue with looser-fitting water shoes.

The thin sole gives the Loyak great connectivity when paddle boarding
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Quality of Construction


Due to its minimalist construction, the Loyak doesn't offer the same long-term durability as some of the more rugged water shoes we tested. While the stitching holds strong and the initial build quality is solid, the thin canvas and mesh uppers are prone to abrasion, especially when scraping against sharp rocks or coarse riverbanks. After just a few months of heavy use, we noticed visible fraying and general wear. If you plan on daily use in abrasive environments or need a shoe that can survive an entire commercial rafting season, the Loyak may wear out faster than more reinforced models.


The Loyaks aren't meant to be a burly shoe, though. What they lack in durability, they make up for in sensitivity and minimalism. The design and durability of this shoe make it clear that they were not made for high-abrasion activities like canyoneering.

astral loyak for women - these shoes weren't meant to be treated roughly, but they do great...
These shoes weren't meant to be treated roughly, but they do great as a casual water shoe for low-demand activities.
Credit: Sara James

Should You Buy the Astral Loyak?


With remarkable traction and comfort, the women's Astral Loyak is a great choice for water lovers. They fit snugly with bare feet and warm layers, and their canvas and mesh construction drains water efficiently. They offer sensitivity and flexibility on par with a neoprene bootie, but are stylish-looking enough to be worn around town and to work. For a high-performing, low-profile shoe, you'll want the Astral Loyak. Above the average performance of products we tested, the Astral Loyak seems right on target regarding their price. They are reliable on the water and look good in street clothes. Their water-to-street versatility makes them a great value. Coupled with Astral's stellar warranty, the Loyaks are a great shoe for those looking for the step between a more inexpensive neoprene bootie and a burlier water shoe. And we applaud Astral's successful attempt to make an athletic and aesthetic shoe.

astral loyak for women - the loyak's are a great option if you are looking for a shoe that is...
The Loyak's are a great option if you are looking for a shoe that is quick to dry after getting wet
Credit: Sara James

What Other Water Shoes Should You Consider?


If you're looking for a more basic and budget shoe, the DLGJPA Lightweight Quick Drying may be your best option, delivering surprising comfort and performance in most environments. These quick-drying shoes were some of the lightest we tested, their only significant drawback being their ability to collect rocks in the quick-drain holes in the sole. For those seeking more warmth, the NRS Kicker Wetshoe is a simple neoprene bootie with a wallet-loving price tag and a functional design that can meet most needs with good traction and warmth. While not as high-scoring as the Loyak, the bootie could meet your needs well at a lower price if you don't need a substantial shoe. For those looking for a more rugged boot, you may consider the Astral Rassler 2.0 or Palm Gradient 3.0, both of which offer greater comfort on sharp rocks as well as protection and support for your ankles.

astral loyak for women - we are head over heels for the loyaks, a perfect companion for any...
We are head over heels for the Loyaks, a perfect companion for any waterbased adventure
Credit: Sara James

Sara James and Monica Nigon