ProView – Astral TR1 Mesh 2.0 Review

I tested the Astral TR1 Mesh 2.0 in Peregrine Brown over the last couple of months, and they are now my favorite and most-worn shoes. Hiking is a big part of my life, and these shoes delivered on every feature—and then some. After logging some good mileage across Northern California’s diverse terrain, I can confidently say these have earned their place as my go-to trail companion for everything from yoga hikes to more challenging adventures.

My testing ground was the incredibly diverse landscape of Northern California, particularly around Sonoma County. From coastal solo and group yoga hikes along windswept bluffs to inland adventures through oak woodlands beaming with bright green new oak growth, these shoes handled it all.

One day I’d be navigating the packed, sometimes gravel-covered trails and rain-carved gullies of the Sonoma Coast State Park, and the next I’d be on inland hikes crossing drying creeks, threading through chaparral and wildflower-covered trails, with some scrambling at higher elevations. The TR1 Mesh 2.0 seamlessly transitioned between these different environments, never missing a beat. 

Fit & Comfort

The TR1 Mesh 2.0 shoes are true to size with a secure midfoot and heel, plus Astral’s signature wider toe box that allows natural foot splay. The zero-drop, Level Footbed design respects your foot’s natural position while increasing balance and stability. No break-in period required—I was comfortable from mile one, and the shoes were so cushy out of the box that I felt like I was walking on clouds for the first two weeks. I’m a recent convert to barefoot and wide toe box shoes. I love the reduced pressure on toes and nerves and improved circulation in wide toe box versus conventional fits. Wide toe box shoes can also help reduce blisters on long distance hikes.

Look & Style

These shoes are remarkably versatile, transitioning seamlessly from rugged trails to a Sunday at the farmer’s market. The Peregrine Brown colorway is versatile, earthy, and sophisticated, looking equally at home with hiking gear and casual streetwear. They’ve become my daily drivers because their comfort, design, and versatile colorway work well for my daily life and style.

Technical Features

The standout feature is the 12mm Astralite nitrogen-infused ‘Supercritical’ TPE foam midsole, which is cleaner to produce, more responsive, lighter, and more durable than traditional EVA foams. The quick-dry 100% recycled (rPET) 3D Mesh upper with TPU overlays provides impressive breathability, while the water-resistant laces are a thoughtful touch.

I have narrow feet, and the water resistant laces, however, were slippery, requiring me to tie them with a double knot. Unfortunately, the laces were too short to comfortably double knot. The Trail Grip outsole made with non-marking, G.15 Rubber has exceptional traction, as to be expected from Astral shoes, which reliably deliver great grip on wet, slippery terrain.

Weight & Packability

At just 304g / 10.7 oz per shoe (Men’s 9/Women’s 10), these are genuinely ultralight. For backpacking trips, they pack down small and could easily serve as camp shoes or water crossing shoes without adding significant weight to your pack.

Function & Performance

The abrasion resistant 3D mesh lets air and water pass while keeping out debris, making them incredibly effective for stream crossings and muddy conditions. The TR1’s are quick dry, quick drain, and lightweight, while reducing the entry of sand or silt. The grip on both wet and dry surfaces is outstanding—I never once felt unstable crossing streams or on loose gravel descents.

Durability & Construction

After lots of miles across varied terrain, they show minimal wear, but the extreme cushioning I felt out of the box greatly diminished after two weeks. They are still soft and have a supportive midsole, but they don’t have the marshmallow softness I enjoyed out of the box. The sticky yet durable G.15 Rubber outsole has held up remarkably well, with no visible wear on the most aggressive lugs. The mesh upper remains intact despite encounters with thistle, some rock edges, and lots of foxtails.

Terrain Performance Analysis

Rocky/Technical Terrain

The sticky rubber provided confidence-inspiring grip, and the minimal stack height allowed me to feel uneven terrain beneath my feet for precise foot placement.

Wet Conditions

Absolutely stellar. Whether crossing streams, hiking in morning dew, or navigating the water’s edge of a lake, these shoes drained instantly and dried remarkably quickly. The grip on wet rocks was superior to many dedicated approach shoes I’ve tested. The quick-draining design meant sand and grit never accumulated to become problematic. 

Expectations vs. Reality

The TR1 Mesh 2.0 not only met but exceeded my expectations. I expected a good water shoe that could handle light hiking—what I got was a legitimate lightweight trail shoe that happens to excel in wet conditions. The comfort level surprised me most; despite the minimal design, I never experienced foot fatigue even on longer days. 

Complementary Gear

These pair exceptionally well with merino wool hiking socks for longer hikes. They work beautifully with lightweight gaiters for dusty conditions, and the quick-dry nature makes them perfect companions to packable rain gear.

What Sets This Product Apart

The TR1 Mesh 2.0 occupies a unique niche: it’s simultaneously a capable hiking shoe, excellent water shoe, and stylish everyday wear shoe. The nitrogen-infused ‘Supercritical’ TPE foam technology sets it apart from competitors using traditional EVA, providing better responsiveness and durability. Most “amphibious” shoes compromise too much on either land or water performance—these excel at both.

Who Is This Product For?

Perfect For

Hikers who frequently encounter water crossings, canyon enthusiasts, minimalist shoe converts, anyone with wider feet, environmentally conscious consumers, and urban adventurers who want one shoe for multiple activities.

Not Ideal For

Those requiring maximum ankle or sole support, heel-strikers who need significant cushioning, hikers preferring aggressive lug patterns for loose terrain, or anyone seeking a traditional “hiking boot” experience.

Sweet Spot

Day hikers, light backpackers, water sports enthusiasts who also hike, and anyone embracing a more minimalist approach to footwear.

Friendliness to the Earth

One of the reasons I was eager to test these shoes is that Astral demonstrates genuine environmental consideration with 100% recycled (rPET) upper mesh construction and vegan materials throughout this shoe. The company states they choose not to use animal by-products because they are committed to building shoes that have the lowest impact on the environment and all of its beautiful inhabitants. The nitrogen-infused foam production process is cleaner than traditional methods, and the durability means fewer shoes end up in landfills.

Their website states they currently manufacture their shoes and PFDs in China and that they take great care in choosing suppliers and factories deliberately to align with their company values. I would love to see a clear indication of their manufacturing standards and even involvement in Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) of the Fair Labor Association (FLA). 

The Final Word

The Astral TR1 Mesh 2.0 represents a paradigm shift in trail footwear—proof that you don’t need to choose between performance and versatility. At $149, they offer exceptional value for a shoe that can seamlessly transition from technical trail to everyday wear. They’ve fundamentally changed how I think about footwear selection for outdoor activities.

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