#7 on this list
Hiyak
Astral
The Astral Hiyak is a high-performance, over-the-ankle water boot built specifically for cold-water paddling, technical whitewater, and treacherous river scrambles. Designed with the demands of serious kayakers and canoeists in mind, the Hiyak provides structural ankle support and protection against rock wedges, cold currents, and ankle-twisting riverbeds. The defining feature of the Hiyak is its proprietary G.ss rubber outsole. This ultra-sticky, siped compound provides some of the best wet-rock friction available on footwear, allowing you to walk across slick, wet granite shelves with confidence while scouting rapids. The upper is built from hydrophobic canvas and breathable Airmesh, reinforced with a semi-rigid heel cup and padded ankle collar. A covered lace flap with Velcro closure secures the traditional laces from untying or snagging on boat hardware. Because the Hiyak is a dedicated paddling boot, it does not dry as quickly as an open-webbing sandal, though its hydrophobic materials shed the bulk of water immediately upon stepping onto dry ground. It is also overkill for casual warm-water float trips or groomed portage trails. For wilderness river runners braving cold, remote waterways and steep rock scrambles, however, the security and friction are hard to match. **Highlights** * High-friction G.ss rubber outsole delivers class-leading traction on wet river rocks * High-top cut provides comprehensive ankle support and impact defense * Hydrophobic canvas upper sheds water quickly without absorbing excess weight * Protective lace flap prevents snags on boat rudders, thwarts, and debris * Removable EVA midsole with drainage channels to expel trapped water **Watch-outs** * Higher profile takes up significant room in smaller kayak cockpits * High-top design takes longer to dry than open sandals * Stiffer, insulated construction can feel warm on hot midsummer trips
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#8 on this list
Hyperport H2
Keen
The Keen Hyperport H2 represents a modern redesign of the brand's classic water sandal, focusing on high-rebound cushioning and reduced overall weight. It is engineered for paddlers, river rafters, and active summer hikers who love the security of a closed toe but want a softer, more energetic ride underfoot for long days on hard river gravel and dirt roads. The core of the Hyperport is its thick, high-cushion EVA midsole. It absorbs rock impacts and trail shock far better than low-profile water shoes, shielding the bottom of your feet from bruising over sharp cobblestones. The upper utilizes lightweight polyester webbing anchored by an engineered bungee lockdown, giving you a spacious fit across the toes without losing security at the ankle. Drainage is rapid through the large lateral windows. While the extra cushioning feels great during portage carries, the higher stack height creates a slightly less stable platform when side-hilling or traversing slick, angled river bedrock. The outsole features Keen's dependable siped rubber, but the thicker foam sole lacks the ground-level sensitivity that whitewater paddlers prefer for boat feel. It works best as an all-terrain river crossover sandal for moderate-to-rough portaging. **Highlights** * High-stack, cushioned midsole delivers superior shock absorption on rocky trails * Generous, wide toe box paired with a protective rubber front bumper * Lightweight polyester webbing sheds water quickly and reduces overall weight * Quick-draw bungee lacing delivers fast, reliable tensioning * Multi-directional siped rubber outsole provides dependable wet-surface grip **Watch-outs** * High midsole stack height reduces ground feel and lateral trail stability * Bulkier profile takes up more room under kayak decks * Large openings allow gravel and river pebbles to enter easily
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Hiyak | Hyperport H2 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 13.6 oz (386 g) per shoe (Men's 9) | — |
| Outsole | G.ss high-friction rubber, siped, 3.5mm lugs | Non-marking siped rubber |
| Upper Material | Hydrophobic canvas with padded Airmesh | Washable polyester webbing |
| Midsole | Removable EVA foam with drainage channels | High-rebound injected EVA foam |
| Closure | Traditional laces with velcro security shroud | — |
| Cuff Height | High-top ankle protection | — |
| Closure System | — | Elastic bungee with cord-lock |
| Toe Protection | — | Full wrap-around rubber bumper |
| Fit Profile | — | Generous toe box, secure midfoot |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Hiyak
- Class-leading traction on wet, mossy river rocks with G.ss rubber
- High-top padded cuff protects ankles from wedge injuries and rock strikes
- Lace-shroud flap eliminates line-snag hazards inside and outside the boat
- Direct-stitched cupsole avoids the delamination common in wet environments
- Too bulky for low-volume kayak cockpits and tight bow bulkheads
- Dries slower than minimalist low-cut mesh river shoes
- Shallow tread lugs can slip on steep, soupy mud portages
Hyperport H2
- High-cushion midsole eliminates foot bruising on sharp rocky portages
- Substantial rubber toe bumper delivers benchmark impact protection
- Generous forefoot width allows natural toe splay under heavy pack loads
- Lightweight webbing and open architecture drain water instantly
- Elevated stack height reduces ground feel and lateral ankle stability
- Large upper cutouts let river gravel and silt enter continuously
- Bulky exterior profile makes it cramped inside low-volume kayak cockpits
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