Astral Loyak EZ HT Review: Is This the Perfect Sailing Shoe?
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I've spent most of my sailing life barefoot.
You spend a surprising amount of time subconsciously reading movement through your feet. Plus I like feeling a direct connection to the boat. So I’m pretty picky about the shoes I do wear.
When Astral released the new Loyak EZ HT, I wasn't actively looking for another pair but given the original Loyak rates as one of the best shoes for sailing, I was keen to test their spring 2026 season release — a new hemp-based version.
And a 1206NM passage from New Zealand to Fiji across the Pacific Ocean seemed like a decent trip to give them a run for their money.
First Impressions
First up, out of the box, aesthetically they look pretty sick. The minimalist design in light black looks more street than marine and the cork footbed is a nice visual (probably my nostalgia over uncorking wine bottles — screw tops just aren’t the same vibe).
The Loyak EZ HT’s only weigh about 215g / 7.6oz (a little more than two decks of playing cards) which is impressively lightweight for a sailing shoe and great for travel when you’re pushing your baggage limits.
Natural cork insole is springy underfoot
Barefoot Feel, With More Protection
The grip from the Loyaks on a wet deck is confidence building
I’m wearing a size US 11 Women’s and I have wide feet. These have a wide toebox (you’ll either like it or not) but I’m ok with it, because it let my toes splay properly like a cat stretching their little toebeans. This really helps with gripping when the yacht heels. And barefoot shoes really are the future for keeping your feet healthy.
The profile is low and flexible, almost closer to a barefoot shoe than a traditional deck shoe. (I’ve since found out one of my friend is using these in the gym when deadlifting since she retired her Vans).
If you’re wondering just how bendy the sole is, the answer is: very. Which is great for standing on the edge of seats or toerails or lines on deck — it gives more ground feel in comparison to stiff soled shoes. I appreciated this most while standing on helm for some long-periods during rough weather, and my feet were much more comfortable in changing positions.
With a range of conditions offshore to Fiji — I never worried about my footing
Serious Grip
In the outdoor water adventure scene, Astral has built a strong reputation among paddlers and river guides for its outsole technology, and that heritage translates remarkably well to sailing. The Astral Loyaks already have a cult following in the sailing world because their traction is excellent. Like the original Loyaks, the EZ HT version uses the same razor-siped G.15 rubber outsole which grips wet cabin tops, dodgy wooden marina pontoons and slimy dinghy landings like a limpet to rock. Basically, I haven’t worried about slipping while wearing these.
The new EZ HT version takes Astral's bestselling Loyak platform and reimagines it with a HempTech™ upper designed specifically for life around the water. In fact, Astral positions the shoe for ‘boat decks, relaxing and life on the water’ rather than as a generic lifestyle sneaker. This works for me, since I like boat decks and attempting to live a relaxing life on the water.
Dry feet on daily wet deck walks during an offshore passage — inspecting a hitchiker!
The Hemp Difference
I’m pretty stoked to be wearing shoes made from a hemp-blend. It feels naturally good in the same way crawling into hemp or linen sheets at night does against bare skin. The shell is 77% hemp, 23% recycled polyester and the liner is 55% hemp / 45% organic cotton muslin — which all equates to the shoe being super breathable on hot days and naturally odour resistant. Since the fabric is also extremely durable and easy to wash: No socks required.
Hemp also requires fewer resources to produce than many conventional fabrics, making it one of the more environmentally conscious materials finding its way into outdoor gear. That’s a big tick in my anti-climate-change-heatwave-book.
Easy to Chuck On
Also a big tick — they’re quick and easy to put on in a rush. AND they have a step down heel transforming them from full shoe to slip-on. To be honest I mostly leave the laces done up since one wants take-ages-to-put-on shoes when everyone’s in the dinghy ready to go or dolphins are headed your way and you’re jumping on the SUP right now!
Anything I Didn't Like?
Very little.
The wide toe box won't appeal to everyone. If you prefer a narrow, structured sailing shoe, the Loyak's barefoot-inspired fit may feel or look a bit weird to you at first.
For me, that wider fit is one of the shoe's biggest strengths. But it's worth knowing before you buy.
About Perfection
The question to my original question isn't whether the Loyak EZ HT is the perfect sailing shoe.
The question is what do you want from a sailing shoe in the first place?
If you're looking for maximum ankle support, thermal protection or cold climate offshore-specific footwear, there are alternative options.
But if you want a lightweight, breathable shoe that grips exceptionally well, works across multiple water sports, looks good ashore and still lets you feel connected to the boat beneath your feet, the Loyak EZ HT comes remarkably close to perfect.
Thankful I threw these in my bag when ashore — ended up on a low tide beach walk with sharp rocks and coral
In Summary
After thrashing these on a long passage from New Zealand to Fiji, I’m really glad I had these onboard moving about during some pretty rough conditions. I consider these a good technical sailing shoe that’ll cover you for pretty much any water activity (coral tested), plus a jaunt to the bar for a cool beer. So I’ll wear them again.
And for someone who has spent most of their sailing life kicking off shoes the moment they step aboard, that's perhaps the strongest endorsement possible.
Silver Pine
Salty White
Light Black
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