18 Best RYKA Walking Shoes With Comfort And Style (2024 Review)

Last Updated on October 29, 2023 by Nicole

What is so special about Ryka walking shoes? Well, if you are a woman, quite a bit. Ryka walking sneakers are for women’s feet instead of smaller versions of shoes for men’s feet. Does this approach matter? Absolutely – because women’s feet are physically different from men’s. 

Thirty years ago, Ryka set up to engineer footwear for running, walking, and any other activities, giving women a shoe supporting their unique feet.

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Are Ryka Walking Shoes Good Walking Shoes?

Good walking shoes need some standard features to accommodate heel strike, roll through to the foot’s ball, and push off from the toes. Ryka shoes for walking have all the necessary features:

• Breathable uppers for fresh feet at the end of your walk or hike. 
• Engineered and cushioned footbed for shock absorption and support where you need it. 
• Lightweight to reduce fatigue.
• Shoe technology including superior foams, textiles, and materials in the sole to support your natural gait. 
• Soles designed to flex in the right places and give staying power with durable rubber. 
• Durable rubber outsoles with traction, guidelines and/or extra rubber in high impact areas.
• Toe rocker to help mimic a natural walking style and propel you forward.

Everything you need in excellent walking shoes is present, at an affordable price, and designed to fit a woman’s feet. 

How The Reviews Are Organized

Every woman likes choices, and Ryka walking shoes offer many options for you to consider for your next pair of walking shoes. All the shoes meet high standards, but I’ve separately highlighted the features so you can best match the shoe to your style and comfort levels. 

The differences among Ryka walking sneakers are slight. One key difference is that you either get an anatomical footbed (pre-molded to provide precise support to your arches and heels) with or without superior RE-ZORB shock absorption or memory foam that molds to your foot shape and resists compression. Other than this, your choice will likely pivot on color, size, and price.

In these reviews, I have divided the shoes into 3 categories: those Ryka walking shoes with anatomical footbeds, those with an anatomical footbed and RE-ZORB, and those with memory foam.

Some older models are also featured if you can still get them on or Amazon.com. Sometimes “improvements” to an older model are either small or unimportant to you. Normally older versions are less expensive as well. Accordingly, keep an eye out for these if you are looking for a good deal.

After the reviews, I have included a Buyer’s Guide which discusses in detail the differences between men’s and women’s feet, and how Ryka has developed its footwear to support the unique features of a woman’s foot.

Other Options

Ryka footwear is excellent and will provide you with the comfort, support and durability that you need. However, if after reviewing these shoes, you still have not found what you are looking for, I would recommend reviewing the following articles:

• 11 Best Nike Walking Shoe Options: Potent And Stylish – Nike is always on the cutting edge of footwear technology and style. Nike offers quite a few walking shoe options that would make a cool alternative to Ryka.

• 7 Most Versatile And Best ASICS Walking Shoes – Asics has its own sophisticated footwear technology that makes it an industry leader in comfort and support.

• 9 Best SAUCONY Walking Shoes With Super Comfort – For more traditional-looking walking shoes with very well thought out designs for walking comfort, Saucony is an excellent choice. Many models are also very budget-friendly.

Best Ryka Shoes For Walking With Anatomical Footbeds

Here are six of the best Ryka shoes for walking with anatomical footbeds.

Dash 3 Walking Shoes

Features

• Textile upper – breathable mesh with leather overlays
• Five color options.
• Rubber sole – traction and flexibility with S-shaped guideline.
• Anatomical Precise-Return footbed – comfortable and supportive.
• Molded EVA midsole for cushioning and shock absorption.
• Light at 8.4oz.
• Half sizes and wide fittings. 
• Rounded toe box for comfort.

Conclusion

Ryka Dash 3 Walking shoes are the latest version of this popular shoe. It’s a classic sneaker shape with color toning leather overlays that reinforce the crucial areas of the lace holes, heel, and toe for extra durability. A range of sizes accommodates your unique foot, and the color choices match most dress styles. The anatomical footbed returns energy and supports your foot in the full range of movement necessary for smooth walking. The S-shaped guideline on the outsole supports a more natural walking gait.

Switchback Walking Shoes

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Features

• Breathable mesh with faux leather and flex gear overlays.
• Recycled polyester linings.
• Anatomical Precise-Return footbed extra arch and heel support – comfortable and supportive.
• Skeletal Guidance System on the outsole with a TPU plate under the arch for lightweight support.
• Compression molded EVA midsole for cushion.
• Treadtech outsole designed for grip on trails.
• High tongue protects against dirt and small rocks from entering shoe.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a high performance outdoor hiking shoe for moderately challenging trails, then the Ryka Switchback walking shoes are for you. With the extra support provided with the anatomically precise footbed and the Skeletal Guidance System assisting with ergonomically correct walking, long hikes are doable in comfort.

The extra deep treads on the outer sole will ensure traction over slippery or uneven terrain. The addition of recycled materials also means that with this purchase, you are making sure that less material finds itself in a landfill after the shoes are no longer useful.

Dash Pro Walking Shoe

Features

• Textile upper – breathable mesh with leather overlays.
• Four color options.
• Rubber sole – traction and flexibility with S-shaped guideline.
• Anatomical Precise-Return footbed – comfortable and supportive.
• Molded EVA midsole for cushioning and shock absorption.
• Half sizes and wide fittings. 
• Rounded toe box for comfort.

Conclusion

The Ryka Dash Pro Walking shoe is an update to the standard Dash range of Ryka walking shoes. The differences are subtle – a padded heel counter provides support, cushioning, and stability for your heel. The tread pattern features the Dash S-shaped guideline that follows the pressure points on your foot as you roll from your heel to toe in a normal walking gait.

The main differences are color and the overlays’ style; they curve slightly differently, giving a distinct appearance. The ankle cut out is marginally shallower, promoting more comfort and less rubbing. 

However, the differences are slight. The Ryka Dash Walking shoes are good-looking and comfortable sneaker-style shoes in both the “Pro” and the “Standard” versions. Your choice comes down to price, availability, and color options. 

Sky Walk 2 Walking Sneakers

Features

• Breathable mesh upper with synthetic flex gear overlays.
• Eight color options.
• Anatomical insole with arch and heel support.
• Molded EVA midsole.
• TPU shank in the midfoot resists torsion and twisting. 
• Cobblestone tread pattern on rubber outsole provides traction.
• Half and wide sizes available. 

Conclusion

The upgraded Sky Walk 2 includes the anatomical footbed of the Ryka walking shoes with targeted cushioning and support in arch and heel areas. Otherwise, you get different color options but retain the benefit of a TPU shank promoting arch stability together with the Sky Walk tread pattern of grooves and ridges in panels to give flexible and durable traction. 

Sky Walk 4 Walking Shoes

What is different?

• Ghillie lacing system for extra support.
• Padded heel with extra cushion.
• Anatomical insole with extra arch and heel support.
• SGS Skeletal Guidance System for lightweight support under the arch to help keep foot in aligned natural walking motion.

Conclusion

There are some upgrades from the Sky Walk 2 Walking Shoes to the Sky Walk 4 Walking Shoes. Most significantly, there is an improved lacing system to help the shoe further shape to your foot. In addition, for additional comfort, there is extra padding on the heel.

The essence of this shoe is to supply energy and support for your foot in the full range of movement necessary for smooth walking. The S-shaped guideline on the outsole supports a more natural walking gait. The EVA midsole provides cushion and comfort.

This is a great shoe for anyone looking for a high performance walking shoe or for those who like to go on long walks.

Noriko Walking Shoe

Features

• Breathable mesh upper with leather and no-sew overlays.
• Lacing loops instead of eyelets and a heel tag. 
• Anatomical insole providing targeted heel and arch support. 
• EVA midsole for cushioning
• Rubber plate covers the outsole and wraps up the toe, heel, and forefoot side to improve stability.
• Outsole features grooves and panels for flex and traction and extra padding in key impact areas. 
• Recycled materials in the lining and upper mesh.
• Padding in tongue and collar. 
• Four color options.
• Half and wide sizes.

Conclusion

These Ryka walking shoes have a couple of features that differ from the other Ryka walking shoes on offer – no-sew overlays and using recycled materials. Most walking shoe manufacturers are moving towards including more recycled material in their mesh uppers, and Ryka first foray into this technique is in this model. 

Ryka Noriko Walking shoe is another comfortable walking shoe with cushioning, support, and all the other features you need, with the bonus that these Ryka walking shoes are for women’s feet. 

Best Ryka Walking Sneakers With Anatomical Footbed And RE-ZORB

Here are the 6 best Ryka walking shoes models with anatomical footbeds and RE-ZORB midsole platform for impact protection and shock absorption.

Devotion Plus 4 Walking Shoes

Features

• Breathable engineered mesh with partially recycled.
• Soft lined tongue and collar for cushion.
• Anatomical precise-return footbed – comfortable and with the extra support for heel and arch.
• Durable rubber sole features an eight-piece radiused skeleton pattern for flexibility and impact absorption in key areas. 
• Molded EVA midsole uses RE-ZORB platform (full length) for superior shock absorption and energy return. 
• Half sizes and wide fittings.

Conclusion

The Devotion Plus 4 is the newest upgrade in the Devotion Plus series. This version continues to offer exceptional comfort provided by the molded EVA foam midsole and the anatomical footbed.

Not much has changed in Devotion Plus 4. It offeres find new colors and patterns. In addition, it also includes some recycled materials moving towards a more sustainable footwear product.

The use of RE-ZORB supplies better push off in your step with reduced energy backlash. The outsole pattern remains the same. It contains squares of parallel tread and a diamond flexible pattern to improve traction and flexibility in the ball of the foot with extra cushion on high impact areas. 

If you are looking for a walking shoe for high performance fitness walking, then this is an ideal option for you.

Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoes

Features

• Textile upper – breathable mesh with iridescent synthetic overlays.
• Six color options. 
• Anatomical precise-return footbed – comfortable and with the extra support for heel and arch.
• Durable rubber sole features an eight-piece radiused skeleton pattern for flexibility and impact absorption in key areas. 
• Molded EVA midsole uses RE-ZORB platform (full length) for superior shock absorption and energy return. 
• Half sizes and wide fittings.

Conclusion

The update to the Devotion Plus 2 Ryka walking shoes incorporates iridescent overlays for more sparkle when you walk. As always with Ryka walking shoes, the standout features are the level of comfort provided with the molded EVA foam midsole and the anatomical footbed.

The use of RE-ZORB gives you that extra bounce in your step with reduced energy backlash. The outsole pattern contains squares of parallel tread and a diamond flexible pattern to improve traction and flexibility in the ball of the foot with extra cushion on high impact areas. 

Devotion Plus 2 Walking Sneakers

Features

• Textile upper – breathable mesh with synthetic overlays.
• 28 color options. 
• Anatomical precise-return footbed – comfortable and with extra support for heel and arch.
• Durable rubber sole features an eight-piece radiused skeleton pattern for flexibility. 
• Molded EVA midsole uses RE-ZORB platform (full length) for superior shock absorption and energy return. 
• External pod network between midsole and outsole for extra cushion.
• Lycra lined tongue, padded collar, and lace-ups.
• Half sizes and wide fittings.
• Removable insole that you can replace with a custom insole if necessary.

Conclusion

The upgrade to these Ryka walking sneakers, the Devotion Plus 3 (also featured in this article), includes iridescent overlays. Other than that style change, these Ryka walking shoes share many of the same features –  flexible rubber outsole, molded foam insole with energy return and shock absorption, and the Ryka anatomical footbed that shapes to suit your feet. But the big selling point for the Devotion Plus 2 is the staggering 28 color options. If you love your walking shoes to match your outfit, you should find a suitable pair in this range. 

Devotion Walking Shoe

Features

• Textile upper – breathable mesh with synthetic overlays, foam cushioning.
• Six color options. 
• Anatomical precise-return footbed – comfortable and with extra support for heel and arch.
• Durable rubber sole features an eight-piece radiused skeleton pattern for flexibility and good traction. 
• Molded EVA midsole uses RE-ZORB platform (full length) for superior shock absorption and energy return. 
• Half sizes and wide fittings.

Conclusion

The original Ryka Devotion Walking shoes include padding in the upper for a more supportive shoe, but most of the other features are essentially the same as the later models. The colors and overlays differ between the different Devotion models, but all the essential technology remains consistent – anatomical footbed, rebound foam for underfoot cushioning and support. Unless you have a burning desire to own a particular color combination, you are best shopping around all the Devotion options for the best price available.

Rhythma Walking Sneakers

Features

• Breathable, streamlined mesh upper with overlays in toe and heel area only. 
• Six color options.
• Padded tongue and collar with flat laces for additional comfort. 
• Molded heel counter for stability in wear. 
• Anatomical Precise-Return footbed – comfortable and with extra support for heel and arch.
• Molded EVA midsole uses the RE-ZORB platform for superior shock absorption and energy return.
• Midsole incorporates a heel crash pad to protect this vulnerable area. 
• Rubber outsole with angled flexible panels giving traction and flex for a smooth gait. 
• Half-sizes and wide fittings.

Conclusion

These Ryka walking sneakers are comfortable to wear and walk around all day. A significant part of the comfort comes from the anatomical footbed with molded EVA providing targeted cushioning to the areas of your foot that need the most support.  The outsole design uses panels of flexible grooves angles in a quasi-herringbone pattern, which gives excellent flex in the forefoot, traction, and additional protection to high-impact areas. Flex in the forefoot is essential for natural foot movement. The mono-color palette of the shoe also allows it to complement more stylish outfits if combining a rigorous walk with a meal afterward.

Myriad Walking Shoes

Features

• Engineered synthetic knit and mesh upper with overlays reinforcing the heel – comfort and fit. 
• Round toe box, heel loop for easy pull-on.
• Anatomical precise-return insole with arch and heel support.
• EVA midsole with Re-Zorb (shock absorption and impact protection). 
• Durable rubber outsole marbled for extra traction. 
• Five color options.
• Half and wide sizes.

Conclusion

These Ryka sneakers for walking have a unique tread pattern on the rubber outsole. The outside edge of the sole has flexible grooves, and the inside two-thirds of the shoe has a bumpy pattern – the combination gives flexibility and traction.  The style creates a good-looking sneaker that could easily be paired with clothes for a lunch out. The RE-ZORB cushioning is becoming a standard feature in Ryka walking shoes. As well as protecting against impacts, it returns a little energy in every step. 

Best Ryka Walking Shoes With Memory Foam

Here are six of the best Ryka walking sneakers with memory foam which means that it molds to the contours of your foot in use and resists compression by springing back into shape after use, thus you retain the cushioning for longer.

Sky Walk Walking Shoes

Features

• Breathable mesh upper with leather overlays.
• Ten color options.
• Memory foam footbed resists compression.
• Molded EVA midsole.
• TPU shank in the midfoot resists torsion and twisting. 
• Lightweight at 7.9oz.
• Cobblestone tread pattern on rubber outsole provides traction.
• Half and wide sizes available. 

Conclusion

Ryka walking shoes with a TPU shank embedded in the midfoot protect against twisting. When you look at walking shoes, you want flexibility in the forefoot, but not in the arch, so your foot can follow a natural walking gait with support in the mid section. A shank provides that extra reinforcement and stability.

Memory foam in the footbed means you retain the cushioning for longer as it resists compression by springing back into shape after use. The tread pattern on the durable rubber outsole gives multidirectional traction. 

Another excellent Ryka walking shoe for high performance fitness walking.

Skywalk Trail Walking Sneaker

Features

• Breathable mesh upper with suede overlays.
• Memory foam insole and molded EVA midsole for shock absorption.
• TPU shank in the midfoot resists torsion and twisting. 
• SGS (skeletal guidance system) on the outsole with a TPU plate under the arch for lightweight support.
• Lug pattern on outsole arranged in flexible bands across the foot for traction.
• Half and wide sizes available. 

Conclusion

These Ryka walking sneakers provide more midfoot support than other versions. Your midfoot is the area that needs to avoid twisting while you walk while the forefoot needs to remain flexible for comfortable walking. The TPU shank is a standard way to provide this stability and the TPU plate on the outsole provides more support to prevent unwanted torsion. 

The SKG (skeletal guidance system) promotes healthy walking with the bodyweight smoothly transferring from the heel through to the toe.  The memory foam insole resists compression and provides targeted support and cushioning. 

The deep lugs in the outsole will provide extra traction while walking on uneven surfaces, something that you will find on trails. The extra stability in the midfoot will also secure the foot on rough terrain.

Skywalk Trail 2 Walking Sneakers

Upgrades to the Skywalk Trail 2 Walking Shoe?

• Water-repellant mesh with leather overlays.
• Padded collar for extra cushion.
• TreadTech lug sole for increased traction.
• Adjustable lacing system to improve the fit.

Conclusion

The Skywalk Trail 2 shoe is a high-performance outdoor hiking shoe for beginner to intermediate terrains. It supplies all of the unique features to fit a woman’s foot with exceptional comfort. Then, it adds water-repellant mesh and deep lugs on the outsole to help keep you dry and stable on hiking paths.

Sky Walk Fit Walking Shoe

Features

• Breathable mesh upper with synthetic (faux leather) overlays.
• Four color options.
• Memory foam insole and molded EVA midsole for cushion.
• TPU shank in the midfoot resists torsion and twisting. 
• SGS (skeletal guidance system) for lightweight support under arch and midfoot with a full rubber outsole.
• Tread pattern arranged in a cobblestone pattern for durability and traction.
• Half and wide sizes available. 

Conclusion

These Ryka walking shoes aim to keep you indulging in your favorite exercise for longer. The tread design of linked plates or cobblestones promotes a healthy transfer of weight through the entire gait. The TPU shank in the midfoot keeps your foot from unnecessary and painful twisting, and the memory foam insole keeps supporting your foot without losing its bounce through compression.

Belong Walking Sneaker

Features

• Breathable mesh upper with leather flex gear overlays.
• Lacing loops instead of eyelets.
• Heel tab for easy on and off. 
• Soft jersey lining with memory foam cushioning. 
• Compression-molded EVA midsole.
• Gel pack in the heel area for extra impact protection in this vulnerable area. 
• Outsole features a six-petaled flower tread pattern and has rubber plates in the heel and forefoot. 
• Four color options.
• Half and wide sizes.

Conclusion

Ryka walking shoes give you either an anatomical footbed or memory foam. Memory foam is compression resistant but molds to the contours of your foot in use.  Both systems provide support for your arches, ball of your foot, toes, and heel. The heel area suffers the most impact in walking, and a gel pack provides extra protection. The outsole has rubber panels on the front and back, but the middle synthetic panel is slightly more rigid, providing stability against twisting in this area. 

Balance Walking Shoe

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Features

• Breathable mesh upper with faux leather toe cap.
• Padded heel collar for a comfortable secure fit and back pull tab to assist with putting on and off.
• 7 color options.
• Ghillie lacing system.
• Memory foam footbed resists compression.
• Removable molded EVA midsole and gel insert to cushion at heel.
• Jersey lining.
• TPU shank in the midfoot resists torsion and twisting. 
• Rubber plate on heel and forefoot for superb traction.
• Half and wide sizes available. 

Conclusion

If you anticipate walking for long distances or you have decided to start fitness walking, then Ryka Balance Walking Shoes are the right choice for you. Everything about them are designed for a superb fit with extra cushion in the midsole and heel, and a memory foam foot bed to help you go that extra mile. The Ghillie lacing system offers round laces similar to boot laces thus giving extra security when pulling them tight.

Buyer’s Guide For The Best Ryka Shoes For Walking

Without question, Ryka produces a fantastic walking shoe. It addresses cushion, stability, structure, durability, and comfort in many exceptional ways which are discussed in detail for each shoe. However, beyond all that, if you are a woman trying to find the best walking shoes for your feet, Ryka addresses your specific anatomical needs.

The Differences Between Men’s And Women’s Feet

Ryka walking sneakers address these fundamental differences between men’s and women’s feet.

Narrow Heels

Women’s heels compared to their front ball size are narrower than men’s.  The ball of the foot is where a lot of action takes place when moving through your gait. A heel cup that supports your heel prevents slipping and blistering as well as being more comfortable. Many women buy shoes that cramp their toes because they are trying (subconsciously) to get a snug fit on the heel. However, Ryka walking shoes address this issue by having heel cups that fit a woman’s narrower heels. 

Big Toe

A women’s big toe is shallower than a man’s big toe. Modifications in the toe box and careful placement of cushioning under the toes improve the comfort of Ryka walking shoes, especially in a long-distance walk. 

Size of Foot

A woman’s inside line of her foot is more curved than a man’s. In addition, the foot length is proportionally shorter, and the whole foot is smaller in relation to height. These factors alter the shoe’s shape and cushioning in the footbed to support a woman’s foot.

Arches

Women have smaller but higher arches than a man and need different arch support. The impact protection and shock absorption of underfoot cushioning rely on it being in the right part of your foot. 

Ankles

Women’s ankles are slender and have greater flexibility than men’s ankles. Accordingly, the ankle cut out needs to accommodate this difference to avoid rubbing. 

Quadricep Angle

Women have a larger quadricep angle than men – the quadricep angle is the quadricep muscle’s angle (upper leg) when meeting the knee bone.

Last Word

Wearing shoes for sport and exercise that have been designed to fit a man’s foot instead of a woman’s foot is not helpful in having the correct foot and leg alignment. More specialist footwear manufacturers are waking up to the gender differences and supplying gender-specific athletic shoes – Ryka got there thirty years ago. 

This is clear in the best Ryka sneakers for walking. Each shoe has been designed with a women’s foot shape and distinct characteristics in mind to ensure cushion and support are exactly where they need to be for the ultimate comfort experience.