If you’re a trail runner or hiker in the Pacific Northwest, chances are you’ve tried a shoe (or twelve) built for our rugged terrain. From big-name brands to boutique trail specialists, there’s no shortage of options out there. But when we were sent a pair of the Astral TR1 Mesh 2.0 to test out, we were intrigued.
Astral is a company known primarily for their life jackets and water shoes—true icons in the whitewater community—but they’ve recently dipped a toe into trail running and hiking. And after some solid miles, creek crossings, and dusty tracks, it’s clear they’re not just wading in—they’re diving headfirst.
Let’s break it down.
Looks:
The looks of the TR1 Mesh 2.0 are… well, they’re what they are. No neon. No wild patterns. Just practical earth tones—brown, tan, beige. That said, there’s something kind of refreshing about their subtlety. They look a little like trail shoes, a little like casual hikers, and honestly, I’ve worn them around town without turning heads.
It’s not going to win any fashion awards, but that might be exactly the point. They’re humble workhorses—trail-ready without screaming “I just ran 10 miles in the woods.”
Let’s get this out of the way: this is a zero-drop shoe. And that’s going to be either a selling point or a red flag, depending on where you fall on the drop spectrum. There are only a handful of trail shoes out there with a true 0 drop, and Astral is stepping up to the plate with another viable option.
If you’re used to traditional or moderately dropped trail shoes, the flat platform is noticeable. We always recommend easing into zero drop gradually to avoid issues—but if you’re already on that train, the TR1 Mesh 2.0 might be a smooth transition.
The anatomical toe box is wider than average, offering solid room for toe splay without veering into “clown shoe” territory. I’d expect wide-footed runners and hikers to feel right at home here. Overall, the fit was secure through the midfoot and heel, but forgiving where it counts.
Specs:
- Stack Height: 20 mm heel / 20 mm forefoot
- Drop: 0 mm
- Weight: 10.7 oz (Men’s size 9)
Upper:
Astral’s roots in water-ready shoes are on full display here. The 100% recycled 3D mesh upper is impressively breathable and—no surprise—quick drying. On a recent trip to Central Oregon, I dunked these in a creek mid-hike to put that claim to the test. And yeah, they passed with flying colors. Water drained quickly, and the shoes dried faster than most traditional trail shoes.
Bonus points: the laces are water-resistant, the shoes are gaiter-compatible, and the EVA sockliner is removable. All great features, especially for those who spend time on the wetter, muddier side of the trail.
Midsole:
The Astralite midsole is made from a 12mm nitrogen-infused “supercritical” TPE foam. This isn’t some generic slab—they clearly put effort into creating something proprietary and performance-minded. And honestly? It’s a solid effort.
It’s not overly soft, but it’s also not stiff or punishing. Think firm-but-supportive. I wouldn’t put it quite in the same tier as the foam offerings from the biggest trail shoe players just yet, but for a company new to this space, it’s a very respectable first step.
Outsole:
The Trail Grip outsole uses non-marking G.15 rubber, and it gets the job done. I tested it in dry dust, rocky climbs, and slippery creek beds, and the traction remained consistent. I even tried to get myself to slip coming out of a wet creek (for science), but the grip held strong.
It’s not the most aggressive lug pattern out there, but for a wide range of trail conditions—especially those that involve water—it’s well suited.
Overall:
The Astral TR1 Mesh 2.0 probably isn’t going to make you toss out your favorite trail runners, but it absolutely deserves a spot in the rotation—especially if you’re a zero-drop fan. It’s a rare blend of trail utility and water-savvy design, and if your adventures involve stream crossings, muddy paths, or even casual hikes where you want quick-drying comfort, this shoe is ready to shine.
And if you’re not quite ready for zero drop in a trail runner? No worries—Astral also offers more traditional hiking options that are equally worth a look.
