Kayaking footwear has changed a lot in recent years. Recent being the last five years. Astral essentially changed the game with the introduction of the Brewer. A sneaker that held its own in water and paddlesport scenarios.
Since the release of the original Brewer shoe, astral has created a wide variety of footwear with models that excel in almost any outdoor application. If you are a whitewater paddler you have likely heard of the Brewer, the Rassler, the Hiyak and the Loyak shoes from astral. If you have found your way to this page you likely have an interest or some questions about the Astral Loyak shoe.
Below I will share some of my experiences with the Loyak shoe and how it fared in whitewater kayaking usage.
Is The Astral Loyak a Good Shoe for Whitewater Kayaking?
When it comes to finding shoes that are a good fit in a whitewater kayaking scenario there are a lot of variables that could rule some shoes out and leave others looking like the greatest shoe of all time. It really depends on your unique situation.
the Astral Loyak is not designed to be a whitewater kayaking specific shoe but it does a really good job performing in whitewater environments. You will see a lot of whitewater raft guides rock the Loyak across the country. In a whitewater kayak the Loyak does a good job because it is relatively minimalistic and does not take up a lot of space in the bow.
So overall yes the Astral Loyak is a good shoe for whitewater kayaking in general. Below are some ratings you can use to see if the Astral Loyak is the right fit for your unique whitewater kayaking demands.
Astral Loyak Whitewater Kayaking Shoe Review
Some of the variables that go into choosing a good shoe for your unique situation include the type of whitewater kayaking you are using the shoe for, amount of excess room in the bow , and terrain you will be traversing to get to and fro the river in your whitewater shoe. Below I will explain how these variables apply to the Astral Loyak.
Utilization of the Astral Loyak – Is the Astral Loyak the Best All Around Shoe For Whitewater Kayaking?
The Astral Loyak is a very minimalistic shoe. It takes up very little room which makes it ideal for whitewater kayaking. In my opinion the Loyak is one of the best all around shows for whitewater kayaking. Some pieces of gear work really well in one type of whitewater scenario but the Loyak performs above average in almost every situation imaginable. Not to mention the Loyak can be worn off the river without earning you some of the strange looks that people would give you if you wore kayak booties around town.
The downsides to the Astral Loyak is that it does not offer much insulation or protection. If you are looking for a piece of footwear that will keep your feet warm or at least provide additional insulation, the Loyak is not the shoe for you. Likewise if you are looking for a shoe that will provide protection for your ankle and your arch while carrying your kayak over rocks, the Loyak would not be a good choice. If you are looking for a good shoe that provides insulation and more protection you should check out the Astral Hiyak or Astral Rassler shoe.
Will Astral Loyaks Fit in My Whitewater Kayak? Will it Be Comfortable?
That heading was kind of a tongue twister. Anyway, the Astral Loyak Shoe has a very low volume design. This design makes it ideal for fitting into tight spots; like the bow of a Pyranha Loki, Liquidlogic Homeslice or Jackson Mixmaster. The sole of the Astral Loyak is extremely flexible and soft which makes it very comfortable in a whitewater kayak. You won’t feel any pinching or awkward pressure when you wear the Loyak while whitewater kayaking.
The Loyak is a great fit in any style of whitewater kayak. Even when you have to squeeze into a playboat with a short or low volume bow, this shoe will keep your feet comfy and cozy.
How Do Astral Loyak Shoes Perform Off The Water? Can I wear Them As an Everyday Shoe?
The Astral Loyak shoe was designed to be a hybrid between a water shoe and a shoe that could be worn casually. This shoe definitely performs well in the whitewater kayaking realm but also does surprisingly well around town. They may not offer as much support as shoes that were designed for everyday wear from the start, but they can definitely hold their own. You can definitely slip on a pair of Loyak shoes and be comfortable walking around the grocery store.
The Astral Loyak shoes are also very packable which makes them great for traveling. You can easily crush them down and pack them into a suitcase, book bag, or even a fanny pack if you are into that sort of thing.
Comment below if you have any specific questions about the Astral Loyak shoes in relation to Whitewater Kayaking or any general questions!