how we approach grip

A slip in the wilderness can mean losing vital equipment, potential injury or worse. Which is why excellent grip is the first, essential function of a water shoe.

Grip is Not Just One Element

Many factors work together to perfect grip. It’s not magically produced by one element.

CHEMISTRY

The foundation of our shoes and sandal’s grip is a secret formula of chemistry we call G Rubber™. Unlike standard rubber compounds, G Rubber™ works exceptionally well with a variety of wet surfaces. There are two varieties of G Rubber™:

G.ss Rubber™

Our proprietary “Super Sticky” version of G Rubber™ is formulated for maximum gripping power and is non-marking and non-rigid.

G.15 Rubber™

Our more durable proprietary compound increases abrasion resistance while still providing excellent grip on wet and dry surfaces. It is non-marking and conformable to the ground.

CONFORMITY

Our footwear conforms to the ground, because this ensures the greatest surface area of rubber is in contact with the ground, maximizing friction. Astral’s midsoles and outsoles are finely tuned to be softer and more flexible, so that you can ‘feel the ground’, which is critical for gripping irregular terrain. (Read more about Balanced Geometry).

From setting trail records to carrying my children down the trail, I need my shoes to provide traction and grip over a variety of terrain - and in all types of weather. I have never felt more sure footed as I have using Astral’s shoes that include G Rubber and Balanced Geometry.

Jennifer Pharr Davis
professional thru hiker

GEOMETRY

The geometry of a shoe’s tread pattern dictates its traction performance. Astral’s four distinct tread patterns manipulate our shoes’ braking power, dirt release, flexibility, surface friction and traction.