A Great Wet-Wading Boot NOT from a Fly-Fishing Company

The author puts his Astral boots through its paces on the Denver South Platte. Photo: Rick Mikesell

An average guide day on the Denver South Platte clocks in between 14,000 and 19,000 steps, according to my step tracker. That means moving up and down the river, from paved paths to steep rip rap banks, and in and out of the water to reach a sand flat or land a big carp for a happy client. It is an environment that punishes both footwear and feet. Over the years, I have tried wet-wading shoes from nearly every fly fishing manufacturer. Most have offered decent traction in the water and moderate protection from gravel, but they consistently fall short when it comes to all-day comfort, especially on the trail.

The Astral TR1 Merge 2.0 ($150) comes from a different lineage. Astral Designs is not a fly-fishing company, but a paddlesports and outdoor footwear brand with deep roots in amphibious performance. That shift in design perspective matters. The TR1 Merge is not a wading boot with a nod toward trail use. It is a lightweight hiker built to perform in and out of the water, and that shift has made a real difference in my comfort on the water.

Although not designed for fly fishing, the boots offer comfort, grip, and quick-drying materials. Photo: Astral

Fit and Comfort

The TR1 Merge is light on the foot even when soaked and dries quickly, which is critical when I’m working multiple days in a row. Drainage is excellent, and the material does not hold water unnecessarily. That means less weight to slog around and faster dry times between outings. I no longer have to slide into soggy boots the next morning. Ankle support is more substantial than other wet-wading shoes, which gives added confidence on uneven terrain or when side-hilling through loose rock. Astral’s Top Shank structure provides noticeable shock absorption and stability. It minimizes the constant give and lift that wears your feet out over a long day and makes each step feel a little more supported. The wider toe box is another bonus, especially when moving downhill. Rather than jamming your toes or letting the foot slide forward, the fit keeps everything in place without bunching or slop.

Built as a light hiking boot, the Merge 2.0 offers features that work well for anglers, too. Photo: Astral

Traction and Use in Water

On the Denver South Platte, where decomposed granite and riprap dominate, the TR1 Merge performs on par with fly fishing specific shoes. On western trout streams in Colorado and the Black Hills of South Dakota, I found the grip more than adequate. The only real drawback showed up while fishing a smallmouth river in northern Wisconsin, known for treacherous wading. There, even with felt and studs, you are in for a precarious day. The TR1 Merge struggled a bit to hold ground in that setting, but I do not fault them for it. Most boots would.

For the vast majority of rivers and streams, the grip is sufficient. On wet rock, loose sand, and more importantly, on the trail, they are stable and grab the substrate. Astral’s Trail Grip traction pattern is actually designed to shed dirt, mud, and gravel and keeps the soles clean and ready to transition from river to bank.

The author has found the soles to offer plenty of grip except on extreme algae-covered rocks, like on this Wisconsin smallie stream. Photo: Rick Mikesell

Grit and Gravel

The biggest downside is one shared by many wet wading shoes. Fine gravel and sand can enter the boot despite a snug ankle closure. The TR1 Merge does not have an integrated gravel cuff, which means even with a tight fit at the top, debris can sneak in. Worn barefoot, this becomes a real problem. I had to stop frequently to rinse out sand and gravel. That issue disappears almost entirely when paired with a neoprene or wet wading sock. With that setup, the boot remains comfortable and secure, and the debris stays out.

Ultralightweight Does Have a Price

The mesh upper is starting to show signs of abrasion. Nothing has torn or worn through, but the lightweight material does seem more vulnerable than heavier rubberized designs used by fly fishing manufacturers. That weight savings helps with comfort and dry time, but there is a tradeoff. If your program involves constant contact with jagged rock or abrasive terrain, you may need to keep an eye on long-term wear.

If you care about a company’s environmental ethos, Astral passes the test. Photo: Rick Mikesell

Environmental Approach

Astral deserves lots of credit for its environmental commitments. The upper on the TR1 Merge is made from one hundred percent recycled plastic bottles. Since 2008, they have phased out chloroprene, minimized glue and heat use, and introduced hemp as a fabric option. They began using post-consumer recycled materials in 2020 and became a certified bluesign system partner in 2021. These are real manufacturing choices that reduce environmental impact while maintaining performance.

All-Day Comfort, Wet or Dry

While not a true wading shoe, the TR1 Merge 2.0 is something more useful for guides and anglers who split time between water and land. It offers real hiking comfort, dependable grip, fast drainage, and enough support to make long days more manageable. You will still get some gravel in your boot if you go barefoot. But for anglers who measure a successful day in miles walked to find solitude and great fishing, it has proven to be one of the most comfortable and versatile solutions available. A true amphibious design built by a footwear company just might make more sense.

Check out the Astral Design TR1 2.0