WELCOME TO THE...
ASTRALVERSE
Astral began on a biodynamic farm. In a lot of ways, we still try to operate like a farm. Only now we’ve got two farmhouses (HQs), one on each coast, and have over two decades of history disrupting the outdoor industry.
Our Journey
1999
2002
Astral began on a biodynamic farm outside of Asheville, NC in the headwaters of the Rocky Broad River. Astral introduces four life jackets made from PVC alternatives; recyclable polyethylene, phthalate free NBR, air and organic kapok.
2004
2005
2008
Astral discontinues the use of highly toxic chloroprene (aka Neoprene). Astral Introduces Airscape as a patent for the world’s first breathable life jacket. Astral introduces Foam Tectonics™, which sets a new paradigm for fit and performance amongst whitewater paddlers. Our famous GreenJacket and BlueJacket use this technology.
2009
2012
Serving a critical need for better performing river footwear, Astral introduces 4 ultra performance shoes named for the working class of Porters, Bakers, Brewers, and Rasslers. They all use 5.10 rubber, ~70% less glue, and no heat to manufacture. Kayakers and raft guides destroy them. Astral’s first shoe, the Brewer™ wins Outside Magazine’s Gear of the Year Award.
2014
After 3 years of testing to surpass the high benchmark set by 5.10, Astral introduces our proprietary compound, G Rubber™, in the outsoles of our shoes.
2015
Astral introduces the Loyak™. Raft guides, kayakers and minimalist shoe enthusiasts immediately fall in love with its low volume, high performance, superlative grip and chilled out looks.
2018
Astral’s Loyak™ is awarded Best Water Shoe of the Year by Outside Magazine. National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, Jennifer Pharr Davis discovers the TR-1 shoe series and becomes a loyal advocate.
2020
2021
Astral completes the rigorous third-party certification process to become a bluesign® System Partner and introduces the most environmentally friendly PFDs on the market; Ceiba™, V-Eight™, E-Ronny™ and E-Linda™. All featuring the world’s first 100% recycled bluesign® approved PFD shells.
Astral archetypes, Nouria Newman and Aniol Serrasolses, win Female and Male Riders of the Year. It is Nouria’s fifth consecutive year winning Rider of the Year.
Astral opens their Seattle Headquarters and moves to a new office in Asheville, further cementing their coast-to-coast presence in the industry.
World record breaking big wave surfer and waterman, Garret McNamara learns about Astral’s use of hemp in shoes and becomes an ambassador and advisor.
2022
Astral introduces the PFD Sandal™ and Webber™, which combine the secure fit of industry leading life jackets with the outsoles from the world-renowned Loyak™ water shoes. Freedom for your feet.
Outside Magazine’s Summer Gear Guide names Astral’s Rambler™ the best shoe for ‘Trail-To-Town”.
2023
Outside Magazine names Astral’s Pisgah the Best Women’s Hiking Boot for Wet Hikes in the 2023 Summer Gear Guide.
2024
Astral expands its bluesign® Life Jacket Collection with the YTV 2.0™, the world’s first freestyle life jacket made with a bluesign® approved, 100% recycled shell.
The Indus™ is released, marking the world’s first freestyle-inspired high float life jacket featuring 22 lbs of flotation.
Astral launches Performance Hemp apparel – Nature’s organic alternative to petroleum / plastic-based, ‘performance’ fabrics.