What shoes would YOU buy?

createdbygod

createdbygod

Cathlete
Hi. I have been doing a huge "no-no" I believe...I've been working out barefooted for the past who-knows-how-long. It really hasn't been a problem until recently when I've noticed my feet/knees starting to hurt a bit. I guess I KNOW I should've been wearing sneaks, just didn't!

I've heard a lot about Ryka shoes and how good they are, but I'm not sure which model to get...I've done a search and just get more confused, lol.

My foot is a size 7-8 (if that matters), normal/wide, I've got a pretty high instep, and I've had bouts of Morton's neuroma in my one foot occasionally (again, if that matters). I do have a pair of Reebok shoes (I think they are crosstrainers, but am not sure), but they don't seem to be that cushiony and my feet get hot and burny in them fast.

Any help?

P.S. You know in Cathe's hi/lo sections the move (forget what it's called) where you bring you one foot up and across your other foot, kind of hopping as you do it? Yeah, well that's pretty impossible to really do without bouncy shoes!!! (At least for me--I just stare at the screen and think "How in the world do they bounce up that high? ):p
 
"How in the world do they bounce up that high?"

It's my considered opinion that they have cybernetic legs.

Ryka seems to be pretty popular. I have Ryka Rhythm II's and couldn't live without them. Lots of cushion, lots of bounce. I know some swear by Nike Shox. You really need to go try a bunch on and don't be afraid to bounce around the store in them. Everyone's foot is different.:)
 
How wonderful that you play the harp! :D

About shoes...any good crosstrainer will suffice. I wear New Balance because it's what I can buy/try on locally. I wear Asics for running on the treadmill, because I can get those locally too. No one in my area carries Ryka.

Also, about working out barefoot...I do that quite often with non-cardio workouts. It's great for your feet to get out of shoes...and it helps to keep your foot muscles strong.

But definitely do wear good shoes for cardio.
 
I need some new shoes. I'm thinking of getting some Rykas from Zappo's 'cuz the prices are so good but I'm afraid to buy shoes without trying them on first.

Kristy

I solemnly swear that I am up to no good
 
I asked the same question a while back and was recommened Ryka Enlight II. I ordered them from Zappos and I love them! I use them for weight lifting and indoor cardio, and have running shoes I use for jogging. You can also order them from the Ryka website, though it is easier to return shoes to Zappos if it doesn't fit.

Hope this helps.
 
Kristy -

It is very very easy to return shoes to Zappos. If you don't like something, you can send it back with free postage up to a year after you buy it. Great customer service.

- Diane
 
Thanks, it does help. I have been secretly eying the Ryka EnlightII from zappos.com...just kind of scary to order them without trying them on....but I just might cave in and get these.
 
Another option would be to order two sizes if you need to...I never know if I'm going to need a 7 or a 7 1/2 until I wear a particular brand...so when ordering via mail I will order both sizes and then return the shoe that doesn't fit.
 
They don't have the Ryka Enlight II's on zappos.com. They are the Enlight I's. There was a big mixup but they fixed the problem online to reflect that now. Saying that, I have only used the Enlight I's and I like them. I have wide feet at the front and narrow in the back and really high arches. They have been doing well for me so far. I have been using them for about 5 or 6 months now and got a back up pair of them a few weeks ago because these are starting to get worn out with all that impact. I don't know if you have an Academy sporting goods store near you but that is where I got my first pair of Ryka Enlight I from and they are priced really well there.

Toni
 
If you have a Famous Footwear nearby then you might find some Ryka. I bought a nice pair of Ryka crosstrainers on sale there and they work beautifully for me. But I agree with Shelley that everyone's foot is different. Also, I have the padded puzzle mats under my step that help with the cushioning on the bounce!

P.S. Cool that you play the harp! My piano teacher plays the harp and actually she has 3 CD's recorded. Wonderful music- her name is Christine Bonner.
 
Zappo's doesn't have the Enlights in my size. Apparently 8.5 is the only size they DON'T have. I'll have to keep searching.

Kristy

I solemnly swear that I am up to no good
 
Well, I just ordered the Enlights from zappos (it was the last pair of 7.5 they had) If they didn't offer the 100% refund policy and free shipping back and forth I wouldn't have ordered them, but I can try them and if they don't work out, send them back. Thanks for all the help! I'll let you all know how I like them when they arrive!

P.S. That's so cool about your piano teacher! I'll have to look her up! :)
 
Well, I just got my shoes today. I do like them! My only question/concern is the heel in the back comes up higher than I'm used to. It doesn't really hurt, but it doesn't feel good. Will this be less stiff and digging into my foot as I wear them and get used to the higher shoe?
 
On most sites, you are advised to size up one half a size when you buy your Rykas, but I found that the toe box was so roomy that I actually had to size down. I am about a 6 and a half sandal to a seven shoe, and I needed seven's in Rykas. I have always ordered shoes online and from catalogues with no problem.
 
It took me a little while to get used to the higher tops on the shoes. At first I hated doing step especially in them, it felt uncomfortable, but after a while I started to love them and the support they give. Give it some time and if you still don't like them, then try something different. I wouldn't even think of going back to lower cut shoes now. I really love them. Again, give it some time to get used to first, I know it feels really weird at first.

Toni
 
I agree with Toni. I had to grow to love my Rykas, but now I wouldn't be without them. They did not take long to break in and they provide excellent support and cushioning.
 
Thanks! Good, I hope I love them as much as you all do. I did 1/2 of a workout in them today, but had to stop and take them off as I was getting the beginnings of a blister on my heels. x( But, I will give them time. I do love how they have such cushion and support.
 
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