ProView – Astral Men’s Nosobo Review

When spring arrives and trails around Colorado’s front range dry out, I increase the mileage to prepare for the bigger objectives of summer. The “foothills of the Rockies”, our so-called Front Range, is not to be trifled with, however, with steep climbs, loose rock, creek crossings, technical crags, and the periodic afternoon thunderstorm.

Over a series of long days on peaks and trails, I put the Astral Nosobo hiking shoes to the test. Designed to blend lightweight performance with backcountry durability, these shoes target thru-hikers or light backpackers—and I was eager to see how they performed.

As an endurance athlete, former race director, executive director, and outdoor consultant, I’ve been exploring Colorado’s peaks, rivers, and trails for years, with a particular love for remote backcountry peaks. I was especially curious to see how Astral’s new flagship trail shoe would stack up on long days in a variety of conditions.

I tested the Nosobo over the course of several weeks in classic springtime Colorado conditions—bluebird skies one day, afternoon showers the next. Trails included long days on Bear Peak, South Boulder Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park, and segments of the Mesa and Walker Ranch trails. To log the miles, I was joined by Owen Cook, a climbing instructor at ABC Climbing and ROTC Ranger Challenge athlete. Our routes ranged from gravel paths to technical climbing approaches, slick slabs, ridge runs, and, of course, long climbs and descents. 

Fit/Comfort

Right out of the box, the Nosobo fit my feet well. The zero-drop platform, paired with a slightly wider toe box, gave my feet room to spread and move naturally. There’s ample cushioning (20mm) underfoot for impact absorption, and the insoles protect against rocks. I wore them with a mid-weight hiking sock, for a little extra cushion. I didn’t experience any hotspots or rubbing, even after 12+ mile days. However, folks switching from traditional hiking shoes may need some time to adapt to the zero-drop geometry.

Look/Style

The Nosobo is a good-looking shoe, the rounded toe reminiscent of a skate shoe or sneaker. But the attention to technical details, lacing, and rugged outsole stood out. They’re equally at home in the backcountry, grabbing a beer post-hike or on a casual walk around town. If you like a performance shoe with a more understated, utilitarian look, these are worth checking out.

Features

Rechargeable Drop-In Midsoles: A unique feature—although you can swap insoles in just about any hiker or runner—replaceable midsoles in the Nosobo can recharge the cushioning if the midsole gets packed out from use.

Trail Grip 2 Outsole with G.15™ Rubber: The outsole had decent grip on most trail surfaces. I had no issues on dirt, rocks, roots, talus or loose scree. On the sometimes polished sandstone we have in the Flatirons, you have to pay attention to foot placement to ensure a decent grip.

Quick-dry Mesh Upper: The upper of the Nosobo is made from lightweight, breathable, and is built from 85% recycled materials. They dried quickly on warm days after a creek crossing.

DirectConnect Construction: Somewhat unique to Astral shoes, the sole is stitched on the Nosobo. They held together well after a month of heavy use with no signs of delamination or breakdown.

Weight/Packability

At just around 11 oz per shoe, I thought the Nosobo was impressively light for the protection it offers underfoot.  It’s a good choice if you like a lighter shoe and a minimalist feel. They also pack down easily for travel or tucking into the dry bag on river trips.

Function/Performance

The Nosobo was versatile across variable terrain. On dry trails to technical scrambles, they were stable and precise. On wet, muddy trails, they drained well and maintained grip. The midsole cushioning was just enough to take the edge off sharp rocks without feeling squishy. I also appreciated how secure the heel fit was—minimal slippage, even on steep descents. The low cut and zero drop may not be for everyone, however.  If you need ankle protection or a stiff sole, this shoe may not be the right choice.

Durability/Construction

After several long days on abrasive sandstone, talus, and rocky trails, the Nosobo has held up remarkably well. No frayed stitching, blown-out mesh, or rubber separation. The tread still looks good, showing minimal wear.

Does It Deliver?

Yes. The Astral Nosobo not only met its performance claims but also exceeded my expectations in terms of comfort and grip. The zero-drop design won’t be for everyone, but for those accustomed to a minimalist platform in a hiking shoe, this is a worthy contender. It performed well in dry and wet trail conditions, over a variety of terrain.

What Sets It Apart

Three things: looks, stability, and sustainable materials. 

First: The shoe looks great on the trail or around town. 

Second: The entire platform, zero drop level footbed and wider toebox provide a natural feel with balance and stability.

Third: Astral pays close attention to the environmental impact of its company. Their eco-conscious designs (recycled upper, vegan construction, no toxic dyes) show their commitment to minimizing impacts.

Who It’s For

The Nosobo is ideal for hikers, trekkers, and fast-packers who prefer a minimalist, zero-drop shoe with solid protection and performance. It’s best for day hikes, technical trails, and lightweight backpacking on a variety of trail types.

Friendliness to the Earth

Living better through nature is a core value of Astral. The Nosobo is vegan, uses 85% recycled polyester (rPET) in the upper, and avoids harmful dyes and glues. Astral also makes gear in small batches and prioritizes long-lasting design over disposability. 

The Final Word

The Astral Nosobo blends eco-conscious design with strong trail performance, making it a top pick for minimalist hikers and backpackers tackling diverse terrain.

If you’re ready to switch from bulky boots or traditional hikers and into a lighter, more natural fitting shoe—the Astral Nosobo is a serious contender. 

---

Find Astral Men’s Nososbo on Outdoor Prolink. Not a member yet? Apply today!
See more Astral reviews.