Review: Ryka Running Shoes

Am I the only one who finds it difficult to say "no" to free things? No? Good.

So, when the Parent Bloggers Network offered me a free pair of Ryka MC2 running shoes, you can imagine my answer. But I haven't forgotten about you, my friends. You can sign up at Ryka to win your own pair of sneakers. From now until October 25th Ryka is giving away 50 pairs of shoes and 50 performance tees every day.

I've run two half marathons this year and I'm currently training for a third. That means I run 15-20 miles a week. I don't run very fast, but that doesn't make good running shoes any less important. I buy a new pair about every six months, and as a result you'd expect that I knew exactly what worked or didn't work for my feet.

I don't.

I usually buy New Balance shoes because I read somewhere that they have better labor practices than other running shoe companies. I also like to buy shoes on sale. I know feet are important, but I can't bring myself to buy a pair of shoes for over $100 that will only last for 6 months. So, when I need a new pair of shoes I usually just head to the sale rack, try on a dozen different pairs of shoes and then hope for the best. Now, that you know my scientific method of choosing shoes, feel free to read on for my non-professional review of the Ryka MC2 running shoes.

The shoes look great. I got instant compliments from my 23 year old nanny who happens to be the most fashionable person I know. Her sense of style is second only to her amazing capacity to to adore my children despite their constant mischieviousness. They're also comfortable. I found them much easier to break in than my last pair of New Balance. Most of all I like the shoes because I like the company. They have a great philosophy and great programs that give back to the community. That's important to me.

Here's my only complaint and the reason that I might not buy this particular model of Ryka shoes again. They've given me two pretty significant cuts on my ankle that keep re-opening when I run with the shoes. The cuts are not blisters, but actual cuts that I'm pretty sure are caused by a plastic part of the shoe that hits the anklebone of the opposite foot on both sides.

Here are two pictures of the blood on the shoe from the opposite ankle. The light green parts are the hard plastic. Maybe it's how I run or maybe it's a design flaw, but I thought I would mention it anyway.

 

Comments

[choice]

Interesting coincidence. I just got this pair of Ryka mary janes (http://tinyurl.com/383prs) because they were the value of the day on QVC (secret cable addiction from my previous life, but I still check in via the web). I love the look and the fit; but based on the customer reviews showing up on the site right now, there may be some pretty wide inconsistency in fit and quality. I, however, am happy with my new Mom Shoes (i.e. must be comfortable first, cute second) and wish I had them in other colors.

[Treadmillista]

You are very brave to try out a new pair of shoes. I am very set in my ways when it comes to shoes and even get irritated if they "upgrade" my particular model of shoes.

I will say that blood = bad, probably best not to buy those shoes again! Ideally there should be NO break-in period for good fitting running shoes, they really should feel good for the first run out of the box. If they don't, they aren't the right shoes for your feet.

BTW, love your podcast, it makes my long runs go by faster than I thought possible!

[MissM]

Hey Megan,
Cutting your ankles is not good. I always thought my tennis shoes took breaking in, until I was introduced to ASICS. They are wider than most shoes, and fit the first time I put them on. They have models above and below $100 but whenever they're on sale, I buy em. No, I don't run (I run like a girl :/) but I had to wait for shoes to adjust to my feet before I got asics, now brand new shoes are no problem. Yes, I love the podcast too. I left a voice mail, when y'all had the grand central invite (My first time ever calling one, btw.

Keep up the great work!
Jane

[Jan]

I loooove Ryka shoes. I'm not a runner (rotten lousy knees) but I wear Rykas every day at work. In cold/rainy/snowy weather, I wear lace-ups or step-ins, but the rest of the time I wear the slides/clogs. They're the only shoes I've ever found that fit perfectly right out the box. I have several pairs that are at least four years old and look and feel great.

You did good, Megan, taking those free Rykas!

[Jan]

Note to self: Do not let first-blush enthusiasm stop you from reading the whole review before you post a comment.

Megan, I have to agree that the part of the style you're talking about on the Ryka running shoes rides too high and something does make contact that shouldn't. I've tried a couple of pairs over the years and that's bothered me too, even just walking around in them. As such a fan of Rykas in other models, I'm sorry that these particular running shoes clearly aren't good for your feet.

Maybe they'd give you a nice pair of denim or suede clogs to make things better...? Not good for running but I bet a busy mom would love 'em for every day.

[Kaelyn]

I love the color of shoes. I searched Adidas store of CouponAlbum site (http://www.couponalbum.com) for same colored shoes.

[Cindy Carnes]

Interesting, I won a pair of shoes in the contest. They are now breaking down in the heels. I have sent the company an email to let them know. Interestingly enough, they are making me feel like my only purpose of the email is to get a new pair. Um, no, I hardly wear these and they are falling apart. So, I guess they will be shipped back with a NO THANKS to this company. Customer communication leaves a little to be desired.

[jackie alston]

I am a nurse and work 12 hour shifts. I fractured my foot and was told to try ASICS GEL'S. I have never had such a comfortable pair of tennis shoes. I now have two of my co-workers wearing them.

[Mason Shoes]

Thanks for share nice idea....

[LM]

I have been wearing Ryka's for years all different models and types. I am a running and when I run with Ryka my hips and ankles aren't sore or hurt. I wear them all the time, shopping, gardening etc. Love em wouldn't buy anything else.
I buy alot of mine from an Ebay seller names Walkingsue. She is an authorized dealer. Also Sierra trading post has two great running shoes on sale now for a fraction of the price!