However, the low-profile design does not offer much support or cushion and can lead to achy and raw feet after long walks. The Loyaks have a comfortable fit and a minimalist, natural feel. Let’s dive in and explore their technical aspects. However, as technical shoes designed for the water, their many features provided versatility of use. On a surface level, their classic sneaker style paired fashionably with all my traveling outfits. Over the next 6 months, I led kayaking trips for students in Hong Kong, hiked to waterfalls in Thailand, walked the beaches of Malaysia, and roamed many city streets, all in my Astral Loyak shoes. In turn, these shoes made my travels a breeze. The Astral Loyak’s slim profile and low weight made packing them into my bag a breeze. I started doing research searching for shoes that were lightweight, designed for the water, and stylish, which led me to the Astral Loyaks. I did not have room in my bag for more than two pairs of shoes and nothing could be bulky. On the company provided packing list was “close-toed water shoes,” standard in the outdoor industry. With only a 40L bag, I packed with minimalism in mind. In the summer of 2017, I had a one-way ticket to Hong Kong with a job lined up as an outdoor educator for three months followed by three months of solo traveling.