21 best Ryka training shoes

Built with a woman's foot in mind

The philosophy of the Ryka brand revolves around creating athletic footwear specifically for women’s feet. The company has maintained this Made-for-Women mentality for over 30 years since it was established in 1987. Its founder, a woman named Sheri Poe, was disturbed by the lack of quality female sports shoes at that time. She was also disgruntled by the fact that women’s shoes were merely smaller versions of men’s models. It laid the foundation for the brand’s core principle of producing training footwear with a female foot shape, build, and movement in mind.    

Based on her research, Poe concluded that a woman’s foot has a greater tendency to shift weight to the outside edge than a man’s foot. Thus, it requires more support to prevent unsteadiness in the heel. Overall, the elements of the company’s “perfect shoe potion” include:

• a snug-fitting heel for stability;
• a roomy forefoot for a comfortable toe-splay;
• a secure insole to keep the foot safely inside;
• a higher instep volume to accommodate the higher arch of a female foot.

Benefits of using Ryka training footwear

If you are up for an aerobics class, a Jazzercise or Zumba session, a cardio workout, or any other studio exercise, then Ryka workout shoes are the right option for you.

• These shoes utilize lightweight and breathable synthetic and mesh materials to keep up with the agility of the above-mentioned activities. They also have a round toe box to allow the toes to splay comfortably inside the shoe.
• The midsole of these trainers employs proprietary foam materials to provide responsive cushioning and shock attenuation. An Ortholite insole (or similar) is usually added for extra comfort and cushioning as well. The sole unit has a low-to-the-ground disposition to help the wearer feel in control of the platform and the surface.
• The rubber outsole of these Ryka training shoes has an ergonomic construction. It also includes a Pivot Point at the ball of the foot to deliver a fine balance of traction and gliding on studio and gym floors.
• One of the most highly rated shoes in this category is Ryka Dynamic 2.5.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Ryka training shoes for running?

Using Ryka training shoes for regular or long-distance running is not recommended. These shoes are designed with less cushioning than running footgear and do not cater to intensive pounding on outdoor surfaces. It is still possible to use them for short sprints or jogging sessions but, given that it is not their main purpose, this could result in aches in the lower extremities and back as well as in the need to replace the trainer sooner.

Which Ryka training shoes are best for Zumba and Jazzercise?

Any pair of Ryka workout shoes will be suitable for these dance-based exercises. They are made with a low-profile midsole to afford better proprioception during the fast-paced multi-directional footwork. The rubber outsole on them features an ergonomic design with the Pivot Point on the ball of the foot to accommodate the twists and turns.

How much do Ryka trainers cost?

Compared to other leading athletic footwear brands, Ryka offers its training shoes at a rather affordable price. The regular retail price of Ryka shoes ranges from $60 to $85. It should also be noted that during sales you can get a brand new pair for as low as $20 - $30. You can also keep track of the discounts with the help of RunRepeat.com. Scroll up to the shoe list and click the one you are interested in to see the available deals.

When should I replace my Ryka training shoes?

The average lifespan of both walking and workout shoes is about 4 to 6 months, depending on the intensity and frequency of use. For walking shoes specifically, the general rule is that they need to be replaced every 500 miles. However, there are a few signs that can tell you if it’s about time to go shopping for a new pair:

• the outsole pattern is wearing out;
• the midsole unit has wrinkles or is crimped on either side;
• the material on the upper is frayed and lacks support during side-to-side movements;
• discomfort or pain in feet, legs, or lower back can also be side effects of the worn-out shoe.

Finally, you could also “listen” to what your feet are telling you. If you have a feeling that your pair of Ryka training shoes has lost its initial rebound, support, or comfort, there is a big chance that it’s time to replace it.

Author

Nicholas Rizzo

Nick is a powerlifter who believes cardio comes in the form of more heavy ass squats. Based on over 1.5 million lifts done at competitions, his PRs place him as an elite level powerlifter. His PRs have him sitting in the top 2% of bench presses (395 lbs), top 3% of squats (485 lbs) and top 6% of deadlifts (515 lbs) for his weight and age. His work has been featured on Forbes, Bodybuilding.com, Elite Daily and the like. Collaborating along the way with industry leaders like Michael Yessis, Mark Rippetoe, Carlo Buzzichelli, Dave Tate, Ray Williams, and Joel Seedman.

nick@runrepeat.com