If you’re looking for a pair of stylish cross trainers, then look no further than the Ryka influence. They work well for a variety of activities and sports, but have recently become quite popular as a Zumba shoe.
What makes them ideal for workouts like Zumba is their grip on the sole, nice level of support and cushioning and how light they are.
Ryka Women’s Influence Cross-Training Shoe Introduction
Pros: Excellent air flow, variety available, flexible, lightweight, variety of widths, good amount of heel and arch support
Cons: Not the most durable athletic shoe, runs a bit on the small size (order 1/2 size up)
Best Uses: For athletic purpose such as walking, light jogging, sports, CrossFit, light weightlifting, Zumba
Let’s Talk about the Ryka Influence Cross-Trainer
Ryka has now become a popular choice when it comes to women’s shoes for CrossFit and other athletics. Women always have eye for things that are exclusive. Many of them are brand conscious. Ryka presents walking shoes, training shoes, running shoes, casual shoes, and work shoes. But today we will talk specifically about the cross-training shoe from this company.
Ideal for Zumba, CrossFit or Other Activities
These days, they’ve become quite well known as a Zumba shoe. For that purpose, they work extremely well. Not only are they light and flexible, but they’re also very stylish. Plus, you can order them in regular, or wide for a more custom fit.
- Padded tongue and collar
- Flex-Foil and Direct-Fuse support layers
- Precise-Return bouncy insole
- Dual density foam midsole with high impact N-Gage EVA energy return provides shape retention and...
- Traction outsole with footprint design
Quick Foot Transitions
One of the things that we like about this shoe is the pivot point. This allows for smooth, quick transitions between movements and allows for fast changes of direction. This is ideal for a number of workouts and sports, making it a nice choice for lots of people.
Comfortable, Cage-Like Lacing System
The lacing system is a little bit unique in that it allows you to get a tight, customized fit. They run a bit further down the sides of the shoe than other trainers. You can snug them up quite easily and most people find that it works really well for them.
Where to Buy Them?
Do they sound like they might be the pair of shoes for you? You can order them over on Amazon and don’t forget to sign up for a prime membership because you can often get free shipping on your order:
Flexible and lightweight
These cross-training shoes have been made keeping in mind all the requirements of the ladies. They are not only lightweight but also fit from all the angles to provide and extremely comfortable fit. Ryka has studied the way a woman takes her stride when she is jogging or running. Keeping all these things in mind, they made these shoes, keeping serious athletic performance in mind.
Comfortable
Ryka shoes are so comfortable that women can wear them most of the time in her day and do all her scheduled tasks. These shoes give the best comfort level. They have a cushioning effect in the middle of the shoe, and air flow bent helps the air to circulate within so that a woman wearing it can give her best performance.
They also have enough room near the forefoot. Many women who reviewed this shoe on Amazon mentioned how comfortable they are to wear, even for most of the day.
Learn More about the Ryka Influence
If you want to know more about this popular training shoe for women, then keep on reading.
Outsole
The sole of the shoe is made from durable rubber, which has a ton of grip on the floor. Not only that, but it’s durable as well. In terms of design, it’s similar to a footprint and the parts of the foot that touch the floor the most are reinforced for extra durability.
We love the pivot point features which allows for easy transitions during movements. You can easily turn and change directions without stressing out the knees or ankles.
Midsole
In terms of the midsole, you can find N-Gage EVA foam. This returns energy with each foot strike, which can lead to less fatigue during long workouts.
You can also find a RE-ZORB sockliner fit, which adds some shock absorption.
Upper
Finally, the upper is breathable and light in weight, which means that your feet will stay cool and comfortable, even during a sweaty, hot workout.
We love the synthetic materials in high use areas (the toe box, laces, and heel counter for example) which help to increase durability by reducing wear and tear on the mesh.
You can also find an innovative, independent lacing system that allows for a custom fit and also offers a bit of lateral support.
Ryka: About the Company
Ryka has been making top-quality shoes for (exclusively!) women for the past 25 years. They have a clear vision that women have different foot shape and require more than a just smaller men’s version
Their athletic shoes feature:
- Narrower heels to secure your foot in the shoe
- Extra room in the forefoot
- Increased instep volume
- More secure footbed
Ryka is definitely one of the top brands in athletic footwear for women.
What Can I Use Cross Training Shoes For?
That’s a great question and we’re happy that you asked. This shoe is extremely versatile and is designed for a wide range of activities, from sprints and jump to lifting and climbing. You can also use it for walking around the neighbourhood, or sports with the kids.
Key Features for the Ryka Influence Women’s Cross Trainers:
Here are just a few of the things you’ll love:
- Grippy rubber sole
- Unique lace-up system
- Padded tongue and collar
- Flex-Foil and Direct-Fuse layers for additional support
- Responsive insole
- Pivot point traction system
- Narrow heel designed for women
- Roomy in the toe box
- Mesh upper for great breathability
- Dual impact midsole for superior shock absorption
- Nice color and style options
- You can customize the width
Customer Reviews for the Ryka Influence Crosstrainer
—>Read Customer Reviews on Amazon<—
“They’re a super solid shoe for wearing at the gym to do a variety of activities—lifting, cardio, machines, jumps, rope climbs, etc. They fit a big snug around the ankle, but are not enough to be uncomfortable. I also use them for Zunba classes, and it seems like a lot of the other people in my class are wearing them as well!”
“With high arches and a narrow heel, it’s quite difficult for me to find sports shoes that don’t leave my feet super sore by the end of a workout. I was pleasantly surprised by these ones and my feet are still happy after a few months with them. I’ll be ordering another pair when these ones wear out (no signs yet though, they’re quite durable).”
“For the price, they work extremely well and I’m super happy with them. I use them at the gym for CrossFit workouts, as well as sports with the kids and walking. I know it’s a bit weird, but I wear them without socks and find them extremely comfortable.”
“I’m on my feet all day for work as an ER nurse so I need a pair of shoes that can stand up to the test. These ones? After a 12 hour shift my feet don’t ache which is good enough for me.”
Ryka Influence Pros:
- Wide variety of bright colors including mint green and purple
- No slipping in the heel
- Nice cushioning
- Ideal for lateral movements
- Excellent traction
- Top-notch ventilation
- Excellent customer service from this company
- Nice looking logo on the side
- Durable synthetic materials
- Variety of size and width options
- Easy ordering and returns
- Breathable material and your feet won’t get hot and sweaty
Ryka Influence Cons:
- Run too high on the ankle for some people
- Some people find the sizing inconsistent
- Low-quality, paper-thin insole
Ryka Influence Review
Do you want to find out more? Then you’ll need to check out this review of the Ryka Influence.
Summary for the Ryka Women’s Influence Cross-Training Shoe
These cross-training shoes from Ryka are the perfect pair for any kind of physical activity, including jogging, exercise classes or CrossFit. They are very light in weight, have good air flow and most women find them extremely comfortable.
Ideal for Various Kinds of Workouts
In short, they’re a great all-around athletic shoe in a stylish package at a very reasonable price. They manage to strike a nice balance between shoes for weightlifting that are heavy and sturdy and those for running which are light and flexible. The Ryka Influence can handle small amounts of both these things with relative ease.
Reasonably Priced
For the price? You really can’t go wrong and we also love the variety of vibrant colors and fun designs. Who says that workout shoes should be boring? Are you ready to get your Zumba on?
Where Can I Get Ryka Sneakers?
You can easily find them online. Shipping is often free with Amazon Prime. Shop now by clicking the button below:
Compare Colors and Styles
If you want to find out the various color options for these Ryka workout shoes, then check out the following chart below:
Is the Ryka Influence Ideal for CrossFit?
If you take a look around your CrossFit, or ask your CrossFit Coach about what shoes people wear for this style of workout, you’ll find a ton of variety. There’s everything from heavy weightlifting shoes to very light barefoot style shoes.
That said, most people stick with cross training shoes or CrossFit shoes (see below). That’s because during this kind of workout, you may encounter running, jumping, lifting and climbing, not to mention even more things. You’ll need a versatile shoe that’s up to the challenge and does a decent job at all these things.
What about the Ryka Women’s Influence Cross Training Shoe? It certainly would work well for your next WOD, HIIT or Insanity workout. It’s sturdy and stable enough for lifting, but is light and flexible enough for running. In short, it’s a nice training shoe that you’ll want to seriously consider!
Or, check out the Ryka Vida Rzx
Another top shoe from Ryka that you’ll also want to consider is the Vida Rzx. Find out more details here:
- 7.3 oz
- Breathable mesh upper with supportive synthetic overlays.
- Anatomical Precise-Return footbed
- RZX: RE-ZORB high impact cushion in the heel & Ultra Flex forefoot; the best in cushioning and...
- Rubber outsole with pivot point and strategic flex grooves.
Compare CrossFit Shoes
If you’re looking for some sneakers for your CrossFit workout that are going to stand up to the test and take a beating, but not leave your feet sore and tired by the end, these ones may not be right for you. They are not durable enough to stand up to rope climbs or wall handstands.
They also don’t have enough support to handle 100+ box jumps, or lift some serious weight. You’ll want to get yourself a higher-quality shoe like the Reebok Nano. Or, check out this comparison chart below with our top picks:
Can I Use the Ryka Women’s Influence Cross Training Shoe for Running?
A common question that people have is whether or not they can use a training shoe like this one for running. And, what exactly is the difference between these two styles of shoes.
In general, if you’re going to encounter a bit of running during a workout, these shoes should be fine. For example, a few minutes on the treadmill for a warm-up, or some sprints during a CrossFit workout.
However, if you’re training for a marathon, these shoes are certainly not a great choice They are too heavy because of the all the lateral support they offer, have too low of a heel to toe drop, and not enough flexibility in the midfoot.
For some better options to consider, you’ll want to check out the following:
What about the Ryka Influence 2.5 for Weightlifting?
If you’re going to be hitting the weights hard during your next workout, then you may want to know if the Ryka Influence will work for you. The good news is that this trainer is certainly better than running shoes. It has more support, is lower in the heel and is just generally more stable for lifting than runners.
However, if does lack many of the things that a dedicated lifting shoe does, such as a strap across the top, lower heel drop, and excellent traction. If you’re looking for this style of shoe that’s ideal for powerlifting, Olympic lifting, squats and more, then you’ll want to consider one of the following options:
What are your thoughts about the Ryka Influence Cross-Trainers?
Leave a comment below and let us know what you think about this Ryka Cross Trainer. Are they a solid shoe, or are you considering another brand. We’d love to hear from you.
Also be sure to give this article a share on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. It’ll help other fitness buffs, like yourself find this useful resource.
Anne Calderson
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Last update on 2019-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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