Why We Sell Astral Shoes
Last August, I was in Salt Lake City with a group of young women for camp, and one of our activities was floating down the Provo River. We had two rafts, two tubes, five adults, and eight kids—ready for an easy, sunny float through the canyon.
The first stretch was exactly what you’d hope for. Calm water, incredible views, and that relaxed, feeling of a lazy river. We drifted together, sometimes chatting, sometimes just looking at the view. It felt like a perfect day to spend outdoors.
Then everything changed.
Dark clouds rolled in faster than expected. The wind picked up. Within minutes, we went from floating casually to scrambling to regroup. I was just far enough away from the rafts to feel that moment of urgency—trying to close the gap before we rounded a bend and lost each other.
As soon as we rounded that corner, we hit it: wind, rain, and then hail.
We couldn’t row. The current and wind pushed us hard, and we had to pull the boats onto a rocky bank. The kids were cold and scared, and we needed to get everyone to cover fast. In the chaos, one of the boats was ripped out of our hands and was blown downstream.
Owen and I took off after it—full sprint over a jagged, rocky riverbed.
This is where my Astral shoes became more than just gear.
I didn’t slip. My footing was solid the entire run. Owen, barefoot, made it too—but not without cuts and bruises on his feet from the rocks.
After recovering the boat, we realized we needed real shelter. We spotted a small hut farther downriver—a zipline outpost tucked into the canyon—and ran again to reach it. Then we turned around and went back for the rest of the group. At one point, I ended up carrying one of the girls on my back over those same rocks.
Again—no slipping, no worry to where I stepped.
We waited out the storm in that hut for over an hour, helping warm up a man showing signs of hypothermia and eventually getting him medical help. By the time we made it out of the canyon, everyone was safe—but exhausted, cold, and very aware of how quickly conditions can change.
Why It Matters
That day reinforced something we believe deeply at Pura Vida Ride: the right gear is important—it’s about having the confidence in your gear no matter what.
We carry Astral because they’re built for real environments. Wet rocks, river crossings, unpredictable terrain. And when you’re outdoors, you need footwear you don’t have to think about.
Shoes that grip when it counts.
Shoes that protect without slowing you down.
Shoes that let you focus on the moment—not your footing.
At Pura Vida Ride, whether you’re mountain biking, paddling, or exploring the coastline, we want you to feel prepared for both the adventure you planned—and the one you didn’t.
Because sometimes, the story you come back with isn’t the one you expected… but the gear you choose can make all the difference in how it ends.