Astral is a brand that has been making excellent water shoes for a long time. So if you're a guy like Ken over at PaddleTV, or just someone familiar with watersports gear, then you're probably already aware of their reputation. But just because a manufacturer can make great gear for one sport, doesn't guarantee that proficiency will transfer over to others. So gather 'round my backpacking brethren, and I'll tell if the TR1 Mesh can go toe-to-toe with other dry-land trainers.
Astral TR1 Mesh hiking shoes comfortable?
I've had these shoes for about a month now, and so I've been able to log plenty of miles across a variety of terrains. The first two characteristics of the TR1 Mesh shoes to jump out at me have been their comfort and breathability (of which the latter naturally plays into the former). The mesh upper is paper thin. In fact, you can practically see through it. That's much appreciated for keeping my feet cool, dry, and free of stank.
Hot feet
I don't know about you guys, but when my feet get too hot, I develop blisters. So the breathability in this shoe, combined with the generous toe-box, do wonders to mitigate that. A wide toe-box allows your toes to splay (spread apart) on impact. This becomes even more necessary when carrying a heavy load. If the shoe is too narrow, that friction can cause problems over the course of the day.
Breathability vs durability
Note that the excellent breathability can present some durability issues when it comes to sharp rocks and snag-hungry roots. So just be aware of your expected terrain before your purchase, and walk consciously when things get rough (which is good practice anyways).
Astral TR1 Shoe Comfort
In terms of raw comfort, I like these shoes because of their lack of structure. If you're a heavy overpronator, or someone with some ankle issues, then you might want something more supportive. But for me, I actually prefer day-hiking, and even full-on backpacking, in a minimal shoe.
Are Astral TR1 Mesh shoes minimal?
Yes, and by design. For those of you who aren't familiar, minimalist shoes are an intentional category of footwear. In general, they are lightweight (10.6 ounces for a Men's size 9), unstructured, and have a near-zero-drop (21mm heel vs 20mm forefoot) midsole or “stack height.” This last feature means that, unlike traditional running and hiking shoes, the TR1 doesn't have extra cushioning in the heel.
This will best serve hikers with strong feet/ankles who want something with agility and proprioception (i.e. the ability to feel the ground with your feet). I particularly like these shoes for rock-hopping.
Minimalist shoes generally exclude people who want a lot of cushioning (particularly heel-strikers), and those who need enhanced arch and ankle support. One of the benefits of a minimal shoe with a wide toe-box is that it lets the foot splay out, creating a wider, and naturally stable base.
Do Astral shoes have good traction for hiking?
The G15 rubber that Astral makes is super solid. I love the tacky grip that it offers. It kind of makes me feel like I'm hiking in climbing shoes (only these are way more comfortable). The day I shot my video review, there was some lingering ice and snow on the trail. While the grippy outsole wouldn't replace micro-spikes in predominantly icy conditions, the modest amounts that I encountered presented no issues.
Are TR1 Mesh shoes waterproof?
Absolutely not. As I mentioned before, this shoe is highly breathable, which is the trade-off when it comes to waterproofing. However, just as easily as the water flows into this shoe, it also flows right back out. Waterproof shoes are really only designed for puddles and rain. If you're hiking through wet canyons, or on a trail with a lot of river-crossings where you're totally submerging your feet, then you want something that will get soaked, but dry quickly. You can always change your socks, but you can't do much for a saturated boot, other than let it air-out all night.
Do Astral shoes run big or small?
When it comes to athletic shoes, I'm typically either a 10.5 or 11 (US). For my Astral TR1 Mesh shoes, I went with the 11, which is perfect. So I would say they err on the side of slightly large, but the sizing is still accurate. Also, when I go to shop for them online, the fit-guide says to order your usual size.
Remember to take stock of your foot's width as well as length. The TR1 Mesh has a wide toe-box, which is perfect for people with wider feet, or for anyone who likes that barefoot feel. If your foot is on the narrower side, then you may want to do some further investigation, or try to find a retailer where you can get properly fit.
Is the TR1 Mesh hiking shoes worth it?
At the time of this review, Astral had the TR1 listed on their website at $125 (USD). I'm pleased with that price-point because it accurately reflects that there's a lot less material and tech than in a $200 robust hiking boot. I would expect that this shoe would be closer to $100 than $200, and so $125 is perfect. Since I've had such good experiences in these shoes, particularly in my Arizona desert conditions, I think they are a great value, and I would recommend them to the right people.
Who is the TR1 Mesh shoe for?
This shoe is designed for day-hikers who want something slick and speedy or for experienced backpackers who have strong feet/ankles. In both cases, the Astral TR1 Mesh shoes offer excellent breathability to those who struggle with hot spots and sweaty feet. Anyone who doesn't mind (or even likes) getting wet will appreciate the quick-drying nature of this model. More specifically, anyone who has had a positive experience with Altra shoes will likely also appreciate the design and performance of Astral's line.
Are Astral shoes Vegan?
Yes! As a last highlight for Astral in general, their footwear is vegan. Here's what they have to say about it:
We choose not to use animal by-products because we are committed to building shoes that have the lowest impact on the environment and all of its beautiful inhabitants.
I hope you enjoyed this article. For more information on Astral shoes, check out their website. And make sure to check out all my gear reviews and other adventures on BackpackingTV.
See you out there!
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