Ryka vs. Asics Crosstrainers

M

maddiesmum

Cathlete
I have always used Ryka shoes for step and kickbox, presumably because when I started out with Cathe, that's what she always wore!

They have been fine, and it is now time to get new sneakers for step, HiiT, plyo and kickbox because my achilles is hurting again, tell tale sign for me.

I could go with the Ryka Assist XT 2 which Cathe uses in the new series, according to a search I did. However, I use Asics running shoes and have never had a more comfortable pair, so maybe I should stay with Asics for a crosstrainer?

So, apparently Banslug uses and raves about the Asics Gel Intensity Flore, according to my search on past posts (!), but I can only find the Asics Gel Intensity ($85.99 at onlineshoes.com).

However, I also read rave reviews of the Asics 260 TR Crosstrainer on zappos.com ($80).

Does anyone have experience with any of three shoes? And what do we think and recommend?

All help appreciated before I place my order and engage in trial and error, thank you!

Clare
 
hi- For me I love rykas always have, even before I knew Cathe liked them, but the assist xt 2 to me seems not to have enough support in the toe area to much mesh if that helps. They are a comfy shoe and I wear that at work ( on my feet all day) but couldnt do step etc with them, made my toes and sides of my foot hurt, not sturdy enough there for some reason. The assist xt is a great choice and I will be going back to those.
 
My Asics Gels are really just like their running shoes, so if you want a cross trainer that has better lateral support/toe box I think you should try it on first. I like my shoes but I really wish someone would make ones that are good at lateral work. I have big feet though, maybe others with narrow toes don't have that problem.
 
I recently purchased two pairs of shoes from Zappos (Asics Gel Intensity and Asics 260 TR Crosstrainers) and chose to keep the Asics Gels for my workouts. I was surprised how uncomfortable the Asics 260s felt compared to the Gels. But everyone's feet are different.

After wearing the Asics Gels a few months I have come to realize there is not enough padding in the forefoot area, but I'm also dealing with Morton's Neuroma, so that didn't help.

I finally went to a running store for advice and ended up buying a pair of Asics Gel Kayanos (a running shoe). I was told that given my foot issues (over pronation, fairly high arches and neuroma) I would be better off in a show with more stability, even if it was a running shoe.

So, it might be helpful to go somewhere to try them on first if possible. Most (I think) running stores will evaluate your feet and put you on a treadmill to observe whether you turn your feet in/out.

Good Luck! Shopping for workout shoes is almost worse than bathing suit shopping!:p

By the way, I have dealt with achilles pain in the past and it is not fun. Hope you find shoes to help prevent that.:)
 
So, mixed reviews here......hmmm.

jewels5: are you saying that they put you in a running shoe to do step aerobics? I am not sure if that is safe, is it?

I wear a stability shoe for running and that's not what I need again. I need new shoe for step and plyo, etc. I am not convinced a running shoe wil offer the correct support and lateral support I need. This is odd.

Not sure what to do now.....I have several running stores here in town, but where does everybody buy their step/aerobic shoes from?

Clare
 
Clare,

Yes, I did mention to the salesperson (who happens to also be a personal trainer) that I do step aerobics, kickboxing, lateral movements, the elliptical, and strength training. I am holding off on plyo moves right now as I think that may have contributed to my neuroma flaring up.

I wasn't necessarily recommending a running shoe for you, just trying to say that it may be helpful for someone to evaluate your feet. After going to the foot doctor (and also the running store) I learned there is a lot going on with my feet that I wasn't aware of, most likely due to ill fitting shoes.

Do you have a Fleet Feet in your area? I know they sell Cross Trainers, but all the running stores I've checked in my area don't sell them.

Hope that makes more sense. :)

Julie
 
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I am a dedicated Asics fan. I have a number of foot issues (tendonitis, PF, heel spurs) & no other brand works for me. Also I've found that the less expensive Asics (in the $50-70 range) are much more comfortable than the expensive pairs.

Ryka used to be a great shoe, but the quality seems to have changed during the last 5 years or so. Less cushioning & support, I think.

If it helps, my podiatrist (whose kids I am putting through college) recommends Asics or New Balance for high impact cardio.
 
I have been using the ASIC Gel Intensity for all my Cathe and Firm workouts for about 2 years (I use a different ASIC shoe for running). I previously tried many different brands as I searched for a great cross-trainer. Since discovering ASIC Gel Intensity I have been very, very pleased.
I have terrible feet (have had foot and toe surgeries on both feet and sprained ankles on both sides) so I am very particular about good shoes. I LOVE the Gel Intensity!

Be sure to replace them regularly (depending on often you work out and how intense your work-outs are) The support does break down with use and an old shoe does you no good!

Good Luck!
 
Thank you everyone for your replies. Thanks jewels5 for that explanation regarding running shoes! I already know I have issues and am I the process of being fitted for orthotics, so any orthotic I get will be inserted into whichever cardio shoe I end up getting. So, I sort of have that taken care of.....

As for the rest, I can see I will have to either find these shoes, both the Ryka Assist and Asics Del Intensity, in a local store or order both from zappos, who always have great deals on shipping and free returns, and just try them out and see what feels right.

And yes, replacing shoes when they start to wear out is something I always have my eye on, having had knee and hip issues for the last 3 years, mainly due to running, but there's no point in aggravating the situation!

Thank you ladies for all your feedback, your time and your trouble,

Clare
 
Finish Line

I found my Ryka Assist XT crosstrainers at a store called Finish Line in my local mall. They also had some Ryka running shoes on sale for $30 that I bought as well to wear when I walk my dog. Good luck finding crosstrainers in a "real" store. For the life of me, I can't figure out why so many running shoes are available but hardly any crosstrainers!!
Paula
 
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