Opinions on RYKA Studio Flex Mid?

[Aquajock]

Greetings, sportsfans - the time is fast approaching where I need to get new studio / "aerobics" shoes, and after several trials and errors have come to reconsider RYKAs.

Have any of you tried the RYKA Studio Flex Mid style, and if so, what do you think of it? In the recent past, I've found that RYKA monkeyed around with the design so much that I, normally a size 7 in athletic and street shoes, had to go down to a 6-1/2 so that I wasn't swimming in the darn things. If you have them, how do they fit? I prefer a snug fit because I can always loosen the laces if I need to. How are they for impact absorption and lateral-movement stabilization?

Any info would be appreciated. I'll be posting a similar question on the VideoFitness and Turnstep forums.

TIA -

A-Jock

 

[Mckmain]

A-Jock...On a whim I just got these shoes. I had been using cheap shoes for my cardio and got a good deal from Ryka so I figured I may as well get some Good shoes. I really like them. I have only used them for Elliptical and Kickbox workouts so far so I cannot really review about lateral-movement stabilization. But they are quite comfy and feel good for the limited impact I have done. Ryka's for me are fairly true to size so I got an 8 (which is my street shoe size). I normally go half a size up for running shoes. They fit well and if I wore thicker socks I might have had to go up a half a size. HTH...

 

[bethj]

I have mixed feelings about them. They are super lightweight which helps with the jumping around plyo stuff and fast feet. They are good lateral stabilizers. But the "cushion" seems to break down really fast. I did buy a second pair after wearing out the first in 4 months, but they already seem broken down again after only a few weeks. I have really tender metatarsals so I need extra cushioning even with my orthotics and thorlos!
As to size, I have always had to go up in size with Rykas, but not so much with these. Pretty true to size. I always order 4 sizes now from Zappos to get one to fit, and mail the other 3 back. I love Zappos for the free shiping both ways.
Beth

 

[Aquajock]

I have mixed feelings about them. They are super lightweight which helps with the jumping around plyo stuff and fast feet. They are good lateral stabilizers. But the "cushion" seems to break down really fast. I did buy a second pair after wearing out the first in 4 months, but they already seem broken down again after only a few weeks. I have really tender metatarsals so I need extra cushioning even with my orthotics and thorlos!
As to size, I have always had to go up in size with Rykas, but not so much with these. Pretty true to size. I always order 4 sizes now from Zappos to get one to fit, and mail the other 3 back. I love Zappos for the free shiping both ways.
Beth

Thanks, Carole and Beth! Beth, your comments about the cushion breakdown were consitent with others I've gotten. I'm going to start cruising the Zappos site; you and Jonanah seem to have had good experiences. Plus, who can argue with free shipping both ways?

Thanks again -

a-Jock

 

[NinjaMom]

I ordered these shoes a couple of months ago to replace my beloved Ryka N-Gage studio shoes which were getting old and broken down. I know everyone's feet are different and shoe fit can vary BUT I did not like these shoes at all. I was interested in light weight but they just felt cheap, unsupportive, the toe box was too big, and overall just felt weird on my feet. I sent them back and ended up getting another pair of N-Gage from Zappos which we on sale for $50. I don't like these as well as my previous version but IMHO they are much better than the studio flex.

http://www.zappos.com/ryka-n-gage-studio-mid-black-silver-dark-grey

I really wish Ryka would make more studio shoes like they carried years ago (Cirrus, Cumulus, N-Gage etc.) as their newer versions just don't cut it. However, you can't go wrong with Zappos and their free shipping so maybe you could order them and see how they feel on your feet.

Good luck!

 

[Sunshine1528]

I've used them in the past and this time opted for the Ryka Assist XT's. I like them better because I was not liking the mids very well for movement for workouts like Kickboxing and Boot Camp styles.

All in all, you can't go wrong with Ryka studio shoes for your indoor aerobic type workouts IMO. ITA with going up half a size too.