Womens Cross Training Black Ryka Blaze Women's Shoes : Athletic Review

I have been wearing Ryka shoes for Jazzercise for many years. The last few pairs didn't seem to have enough cushioning for punchy dance moves, so this pair was my last try. I was surprised how well they fit. They have enough depth to add an extra gel sockliner and more room in the toe box. They have better arch support and heel cushioning than the last models I've worn. I wear an 8 1/2 because I have two different foot sizes due to an old injury. 8 1/2 divides the difference, so to speak.

This is a solid shoe design. The toe box is slightly larger than other Ryka shoes, but not very large. They get 1 star because Raiki has a constant problem with shoe soles coming off and they just won't fix it. No other brand can do that. Ryka shoes do this reliably. I'm tired of changing shoes only for new ones to fall off too, so now I just rip off the sticky soles and move on. This pair literally started to fly off in the first half hour of wearing. Returned. I'm done with Ryka. You know…

I don't know what I was thinking. I'm a longtime Ryka fan and I know the differences between shoe styles. I don't do jazz shoes, I do HIIT and interval training and those workouts require lower profile shoes than these (like Nobull, Nano or Netcon). It was very bulky and clumsy, didn't move well with my movements. It went up the outside of my ankle making lateral movements extremely painful. Their lesser-known show for this type of training used to be "on purpose," but they no longer have that.

Let me start by saying that I am a physical education teacher, have been teaching for many years and am very picky about my shoes! I was able to wear them to class right away, which is nice. After one session they felt exhausted. They are true to size, very comfortable and have short laces so you don't trip! Soft heel collar, good ventilation and lightness. The downside for me is that I never felt that Raiki had enough cushioning in the sole. Somehow the shoe feels a little cheap and a little…

I bought two versions of Ryka shoes in this particular style. I really needed good arch support and they have it. They're comfortable and don't require a break, at least for me. This is usually noticeable in the first few days in new shoes. I did feel arch support, but I was coming from a lack of arch support, which is to be expected. The toe box is wider which is what I need to have a wide foot. I can't wear some of the competition's shoes because they are narrow even in the wide version…