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Review Summary
2025-10-09T04:11:01
These shoes are comfortable and trim fitting for tighter cockpits. They drain quickly and the removable inner soles promote quick drying. The soles provide good traction on rocks. They are high enough to provide ankle support and protection. They allow sand in but that's expected.
Michael W.

2025-07-12T17:54:56
This is my second pair of hiyaks. I think they are the best kayaking shoe out there. The outside of my right ankle tends to rub in many kayaks. I think this is the best boot I've had to protect it. I have had several different pairs of booties and they work too but are normally a pain to get on and off. The Hiyak with its lces and velcro top make this way easier. The sole is grippy. The boot is remarkably not bulky--kind of streamlined for the support and protection it gives. Love the Hiyak.
Jo J.

2025-01-19T05:11:42
Best shoe I've found for open boating. Comfortable & flexible enough to allow your toes to bend, and good protection & traction on scouts. Really like the strap covering the laces - no loose loops to wrap around a foot peg!
David B.

2023-06-19T03:34:01
I've used my Astral Hyak shoes twice and found them to be just what I had hoped for when I ordered them. Ordered a size larger for use with neoprene booties, they fit well and are comfortable. They are also very lightweight, something that will be important in the future. I plan to use them canoe camping where portaging is a part of the trip. If they hold up to the rigors of portaging and lining they will be a good solution to the problem at a very reasonable cost. NRS continues to be my 'go to' source for all types of water gear. Great goods, reasonable price, excellent service.
Carl L.

2023-04-15T22:06:45
Awesome shoe Light weight Comfy Dries fast, drains well
Edith I.

2022-09-28T12:29:34
Very comfortable, light weight, dry fairly fast. Wish the soles were a little thicker.
Claire C.

2022-09-21T13:15:54
Yup, just what I wanted. Light, flexible, comfortable, and stay on even in mud. Wash off easily, and fit behind bulkhead of my kayak with no cramping, or weird angles for my feet.
Ralph C.

2022-09-17T12:36:41
Some of the shoe ripped on the first use
Andrew H.

2022-06-09T11:36:52
Perfect, drain holes in toes are great. Dry quick. I bought mine one size large, and wear Seal Skin waterproof socks with the shoes.
Jon L.

2022-04-20T11:54:43
These shoes are super comfortable in a kayak, have awesome grip in water, and just won't seem to wear out! I love them.
Hyrum C.

2021-07-17T14:54:51
Wear these daily for guiding. Durable and thin enough to provide great footing while standing on kayak, sup or poling platform.
harry m.

2021-06-02T10:04:42
I wear them all the time, super comfy and great on slick rocks etc.
Daniel H.

2021-05-08T13:49:55
Really great shoe - light weight but sturdy enough for portages. And it dries quickly.
connie p.

2018-09-12T20:00:00
Just used on a five day Rogue River trip so far, so can't speak to durability, yet. My husband loves them. I might have to get myself a pair. :)
Cathy

2016-06-02T20:00:00
Bought this shoe for a spring rafting run on the Main Salmon, including a three day river rescue seminar. Was wearing socks and a drysuit the entire time and the shoe fit well over those layers, even though I ordered my normal size. Seems like I'll be able to snug the shoe up for summer paddling. But, the liner seems rough for bare feet, so I'm planning to wear socks/neoprene socks for the summer. Grip is excellent. Durability seems solid after 10 days of hard use. Shoes also fit well in a medium Jackson Rockstar. I'm 5'7" w/ 30" inseam. No fear of the shoes coming off with the laces and the velcro strap. Only small issue is that I did need to unlace the top couple of holes each morning to get the shoes on over my socks/drysuit combination.
Salmon b.

Quick dry canvas with 1060D ballistic nylon / 3mm quilted spacer-mesh lining / Water resistant laces
Removable, 45C closed cell EVA foam / Zero drop, Level Footbed from heel to ball / Minimal arch
Flex Grip outsole made with non-marking, razor siped, G.ss Rubber
Water, Boat
True to size (size up for half size)
0.4" (11mm)
Men's US 5 - 14 / Women's US 6 - 15 (whole sizes only)
9.6 oz (273g) (Men's size 9)
M9/W10 Black: 818040015393 | M12/W13 Black: 818040015423 | M10/W11 Black: 818040015409 | M5/W6 Black: 842274119435 | M6/W7 Black: 842274119442 | M8/W9 Black: 818040015386 | M7/W8 Black: 818040015379 | M11/W12 Black: 818040015416
Astral Hiyak Water Shoes Size Chart
| US (M/W) | 5/6 | 5.5/6.5 | 6/7 | 6.5/7.5 | 7/8 | 7.5/8.5 | 8/9 | 8.5/9.5 | 9/10 | 9.5/10.5 | 10/11 | 10.5/11.5 | 11/12 | 11.5/12.5 | 12/13 | 12.5/13.5 | 13/14 | 14/15 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13.5 |
| EU | 37.5 | 38 | 38.7 | 39.3 | 40 | 40.7 | 41.3 | 42 | 42.7 | 43.3 | 44 | 44.7 | 45.3 | 46 | 46.7 | 47.3 | 48 | 49.3 |
| Foot Length (in) | 9.25 | 9.45 | 9.65 | 9.84 | 10.04 | 10.14 | 10.24 | 10.43 | 10.63 | 10.83 | 11.02 | 11.22 | 11.32 | 11.42 | 11.61 | 11.81 | 12.01 | 12.30 |
The best kayaking boot around
By Jo J.
This is my second pair of hiyaks. I think they are the best kayaking shoe out there. The outside of my right ankle tends to rub in many kayaks. I think this is the best boot I've had to protect it. I have had several different pairs of booties and they work too but are normally a pain to get on and off. The Hiyak with its lces and velcro top make this way easier. The sole is grippy. The boot is remarkably not bulky--kind of streamlined for the support and protection it gives. Love the...
View full Review
Comfy, quick drying shoes
By Michael W.
These shoes are comfortable and trim fitting for tighter cockpits. They drain quickly and the removable inner soles promote quick drying. The soles provide good traction on rocks. They are high enough to provide ankle support and protection. They allow sand in but that's expected.
Built for Whitewater Performance and Grip
The Astral Hiyak Water Shoes redefine what a high performance whitewater river shoes should feel like. Designed as a lightweight, fast drying kayaking water shoes, Hiyak delivers superior stability, protection, and insulation without relying on toxic neoprene. The result is a more durable, water ready boot that grips confidently and performs in demanding river environments. Whether navigating slick rocks or moving across wet boat decks, these water shoes for paddling provide dependable traction and control.
Advanced Grip and Balanced Geometry
Featuring super sticky G.ss Rubber combined with Flex Grip outsoles, these grip sole water shoes adhere to wet rocks and boat surfaces with impressive hold while remaining non marking. The balanced geometry construction incorporates a zero drop Level Footbed and wider toe box that respects natural foot positioning. This minimalist platform enhances balance and stability, making these minimalist water shoes ideal for paddlers who value connection and control.
Water Ready Construction with Non Toxic Insulation
Hiyak is engineered for water performance with quick dry and quick drain construction that reduces sand and silt entry. A 3mm quilted airmesh insulation layer traps air between the foot and hydrophobic shell, delivering warmth similar to neoprene without harmful materials. The low profile design maximizes ground feel, flexibility, and conformity for confident movement on uneven terrain. Hidden laces provide secure fit while keeping the exterior streamlined and snag free, making these river wading shoes ready for serious paddling adventures.
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