We have had at least one pair of Astral Brewers at Unsponsored HQ since there launch back in around 2013.
In that time I think we have had three pairs, so it is about time we published a full review.
Here we have the Astral Brewer 2.0 in Basalt Black. These are the next step in the evolution of the Astral Brewer. Although the two versions I have look very similar in many respects the 2.0 has taken on a more rounded and developed look. It definitely looks more like a “normal” shoe than the original Astral Brewer. This is probably the reason whey they are so popular with non-paddling users.
This shoe comes equipped with Astral’s proprietary super-sticky G Rubber outsole. My original pair came equipped with Five Ten’s stealth sole, however later iterations were also supplied with the super-sticky G Rubber.
For a river shoe the quality of the sole is super important. The G Rubber definitely has a higher level of grip that the Stealth Rubber of the original. I think part of that is to do with the tread pattern and the fine zig zag slits in the toe area.
The tread seems to clear really well which helps with traction.
The shoes I have here retail at around £77.00 in the UK. They are a UK size 10 and they seem true to size. I can wear these bare foot or when wearing a dry suit with a sock. However when wearing a dry suit I prefer to wear a boot rather than a shoe to help minimise the chances of stones getting in and damaging the dry suit socks.
As with all of the Brewers I have owned they are wearing well. They drain well and dry quickly. The plan will be have a pair of these in the kit bag for as long as I can. These come highly recommended.
Specification:
Intended Use: Watersports, Traveling, Rock Scrambling
Uppers: Hydrophobic Canvas with Airmesh at vamp, tongue and medial side; Step-Down heel, built-in sockliner, embroidered tongue detail; Water resistant laces provided.
Midsole: Level heel to ball, medium arch, made from EVA
Outsole: made from G.15™rubber, high surface-contact, razor-siped, and non-marking.
Foot to Ground Distance: 17mm heel, 16mm ball
Weight/ Shoe: 265g (9.35oz)
Sizes: Men’s US 8-12, 13, 14
Fit: True to size (Up to D width)
Any tips on how to stop them smelling like the world’s finest stilton?
Dry them as soon as you can. I also give my gear a rinse out and get it hung up after each session. Keeping gear in the gear bag wet is a killer for sweet smelling gear.
Thanks for the reply. Already with you on the washing and drying kit asap, but for some reason I’ve found these shoes unusually pungent while trying to dry them. My old Five Tens (RIP) were never half as bad. Other than that, though the Brewers have been great.
I’ve just bought a pair. Luckily I could try different sizes in store at desperate measures. My experience is that they are not true to size and I selected a whole size bigger. Note that they are also quite a narrow fit.