Techyak Water Shoe

I love these shoes. And for their features, I would absolutely recommend them at a discounted price. But there's one big reason I would tell someone not to buy it. I am a canoe guide, so here's my professional opinion. #1, They are GRIPPY. I've never slipped in them despite helping people into canoes multiple times a day, not only because they have great traction on (dry) rock, but also because they have soft, wide soles that let you feel every curve of the terrain you're standing on. I've carried 75 lb canoes over my head with a 40 lb barrel on my back, and walked gracefully (albeit cautiously) over rock fields. That said, you will feel the sting if you step on an edge. a necessary sacrifice for really good grip. #2, I bought these shoes to see if I could have dry feet in the morning while I'm on trip. But in reality, I think only Crocs can do that. The breathability of the mesh and non-absorbant sole does help remove the majority of water, but unless there is low humidity and the sun is out, they will still be damp by morning. Also keep in mind silt will get in if you're trudging through water or sand. #3, My only real problem with Astral shoes is that they are COMICALLY flimsy. Why add replacable soles if the soles outlast the shoes? You can expect them to be pretty beat up after a season. As a guide, I meet a lot of other whitewater canoeists, and they all have the same problem with Astrals: "I love them! but they started breaking on me halfway thriugh the season." Maybe it's the wet river conditions? Or maybe they were just made cheap. As for my pair, I was severely disappointed by the out-of-the-box craftsmanship. After my first couple of wears, the rubber on the bottom was already shredded for some reason. I had only gone for gentle walks around camp and town to feel them out by that point and I can't figure out why it happened. Next, the pull tab threads at the back of the shoe ripped on both sides the very first time I used them (seriously?). It remains attached at the heel reinforcement point, which makes me wonder why they bothered stitching the pull tabs to the back at all? Either way, the larger loop is nice for getting my shoes on! Lastly, the glue attaching the outsole to the shoe comes off after a few weeks, and is the infamous point of failure Astral shoes are known for. Which is why I went for this model, which has sewn-on soles. The thread does a good job of keeping the sole attached when the glue inevitably fails. Overall, they are my favourite whitewater shoes I own. But that's only because there aren't a lot of other options on the market right now. Astral has to do some serious work on quality control before I can rate this any higher. If you are considering buying these, they function great, but won't last half as long as a good pair of normal shoes!

I had a pair of these, in the box, on the shelf, sitting. I had no idea that I had essentially 'benched' a high-performance shoe from my lineup. When I put them on for the first time, I thought 'WHOA', that is a perfect fit. And, I felt that nostalgia of putting on a brand new pair of skateboarding shoes in high school. I remember begging for shoes, getting the shoes, cherishing wearing them inside the house, as once they went outside, that was a forbidden thing to do. Wanting to keep them safe forever, but so excited to go skate. Weirdly, I felt that with the TechYak. I wanted to use it for everything, but I wanted to keep them clean and crisp. So I used them in the gym a few times, then I started wearing them everywhere, including out on the river. I love the fit, the feel, and they are functioning perfectly for all I use them for. I have not used them for more than 4 months yet, and so far, they are holding up perfectly.

I've had these for almost 1 year now and have worn them a ton. I love them. They are the best fitting shoe I have worn as someone with bunion problems. I can tighten them down when I need performance and keep em loose when chilling. As an avid highliner and climber I wear them everywhere. Perfect shoe for approaching/rigging a Highline and walking the Slackline - hard to find. I've worn them for some gnarly approaches and they can hang. Sensitive feel and sticky rubber, minimalist indeed. The structure of the shoe itself has held up super well, the only thing is the rubber has worn out pretty bad at this point. They are wrecked but I'm not complaining as I have seriously used them. Also super nice for a long night of dancing ;)