Astral

TR1 Merge 2.0 Boot

Great for BWCA

Bought the shoes for this year's annual BWCA trip. Combined with some neoprene/waterproof socks and left a week long trip with just a few snags on the mesh. Other than that they were a great option for being able to go from the water to hiking without changing shoes or compromising foot support was a great game changer.

Not Recommended for Wet Wading Freestone Creeks

This is a great, well built, lightweight hiking boot. However, I purchased this boot mainly for wet wade fly fishing the freestone streams of New Mexico. It did not perform as expected because the soft side material did not protect my feet from the large rocks and stones in the river like a normal wading boot would do. I am sure these boots would work well in pebble/sand bottom creeks just fine, but I would not recommend these for boulder strewn streams and rivers.

Awesome

Awesome. They’re awesome. I need to put 50 characters

Tweak to more durable materials

There is a lot to love about these shoes. I will expound on that. The 2 star rating is because they are not durable. I consider them disposable. After about 70 miles they have significant wear and holes in the mesh that I'm not sure I trust them for another long trip. Astral did provide me with good warranty service. However, I don't like disposable gear. What did I like? Grip is good although they may overstate that. I liked the ankle support and collar. It kept junk out of the shoes which is really great. The laces never became loose or untied. They drain and dry fast. They seemed to fit no matter the sock (light, medium, and Sealskinz waterproof socks). I found the sizing to be true. Biggest room for improvement is durability. I'm in my 50's with 2 bad knees so I'm not exactly thrashing the wilds with these things. My flat feet ached if I hiked more than 8 miles. I could use more of a shank for support and protection from rocks, roots, etc. Concern Is the mesh a vector for spreading aquatic invasive species? Felt soles on waders are strongly discouraged for this reason. There has to be a better material.

SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY

These are the best outdoor shoes I have ever owned and I never shut up about them. When people ask about my shoes my wife rolls her eyes because she knows they signed up for a TED talk. I love these shoes so much I sound like I'm giving a paid testimonial. My wife and I have trusted Astral with our PFDs and river shoes over the years as we were whitewater raft guides. Now we live in a tropical area and do river trekking, dry hiking, and snorkeling. I was pumped when i heard Astral was putting out a hiking boot. These are lighter than my cheap vans low tops sneakers and offer the tread and comfort of a boot. They feel roughly the weight as my minimalist wrestling shoes (barefoot-ish shoes). The fact that they are self bailing just like my old Loyaks is WILD. Waterproof shoes won't cut it for snorkeling or trekking in and out of rivers, and a heavy boot isn't good when having to swim. The only other bailing shoe i could find was basically a converse sneaker or cheap water shoe. These were the perfect solution. Great fit, great ankle support, bail out water like a dream and filter out sediment. With these tied tight and tall socks, I rarely get anything in my shoe. They have excellent tread and grip, and they are comfortable for miles. I use these when we travel internationally too as I have yet to find a better all arounder for hoofing it around cities, jungles, beaches, rivers, and oceans. Would absolutely recommend and if/when Astral discontinues these shoes I will need to go to therapy. If you are thinking of buying these shoes just click the buy button already because you aren't going to find anything better.

The Best of Everything

Absolutely the best features of Every Good Hiking Boot MADE!! Lightweight, sturdy, grippy and most of all comfortable as your house slippers!! Highly recommended...

Comfortable, durable, small flaws.

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought:

11.5

Tested this boot on a 7 day jungle hike through rocky and wet conditions. The grip was great until we hit mud. The drainage could be a little better or the holes a little larger. My largest issue was how the tongue design lets in all kinds of sediment. I know the boot is supposed to breathe for water, but any time there was sand it was immediately inside the boot no matter how tight I tied it. If the tongue was more integrated it might stop things from getting in besides water. Also the insoles should be glued down. They kept bunching up towards the front on descents after being wet. Other than that they are comfortable and durable.

Hemp Stuff Rocks

The highest quality goods. Really like my hemp swag, it feels durable yet comfortable and light.

Super boot for portage challenges

Love these quick dry 2.0’s they have a wide toe box that almost feels like your feet are gripping the terrain. Well done Astral team!