Ryka Radiant Fitness Walking Shoe
Since the tongue detached from the rest of the shoe, I haven’t been able to wear my Asics. And I gave up running, which was a short-lived crazy idea anyway since I have RA. I tried to ignore the pounding ache in my knees in exchange for a great cardio workout. Even my rheumatologist, who encourages aerobic activity, told me to stop the madness. So, I’m in the market for the best fitness walking shoe I can find for my money. I tried the Prospecs Power Walker but found the insole too hard–my foot felt fatigued after 15 minutes of walking. So, after coming across the Ryka Radiant and reading the good reviews, it’s now on my short list.
For the money ($70 and under), the Ryka Radiant walking shoe appears as if it will provide just what my feet need: cushioning for my sometimes painful forefoot, support for my heel (I don’t have chronic plantar fasciitis but deal with heel pain from time to time), decent arch support and ability to use a custom insole if needed. Room for toes and a soft padded tongue are an added bonus. Also, I do know Ryka’s last is designed to fit a foot with a wider forefoot and narrow heel–that’s me!
After reading through review at Zappos, I found it interesting that so many women ordered this shoe to go with their custom orthotics. I get it. Why pay big bucks for a walking shoe when you’re just going to take the insole out? I’m looking into a pair of these heat moldable SOLE inserts for $44 to use inside this walking shoe. In fact, the Ryka Radiant in my size 10 is $48 at Amazon with free shipping and returns! Even with the insoles, the total price is under $100.
The Ryka Radiant is available for $70 at Zappos, $55.99 at FootSmart, $33-75 at Amazon, $74.95 with special deals at Shoebuy. Apparently this style is on its way out and has been updated with the Ryka Radiant Plus which comes in the hard-to-find size, 10.5, and wide widths. The Radiant Plus (above) won the Shape Magazine Award for best walking shoe for workouts.
Have you worn Ryka shoes before? What do you think about them? How do they hold up to fitness walking?
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3 Responses to Ryka Radiant Fitness Walking Shoe
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I like Ryka. I find they run a half size too large, but I own all-weather shoes, mule-style slip-ons, and ADORED a discontinued trail running shoe. Yes, it wore out very quickly, but for the price – found on 6pm – I would still be wearing them if I could find them. I also used to use their studio shoes, because it was the only high-top that I could wear. (Very prone to ankle injuries, so when I was doing aerobics several times a week, I needed the support some days.)
I keep checking their running shoe offerings, but my distances are up, and I haven’t found anything that I’m willing to try while training for a spring event. I was delighted to see Ryka on your blog today!
I liked Ryka but didn’t go back to them last time. I was wearing Asics, but changed to Spira Valencia. They run large, have lots of toe room and have been working for me. They have a spring in the heel.
I also wanted to respond to your comment about moldable inserts. I use the Sole moldable insoles and they are lifesavers! I use the ones with the most cushioning. I recently replaced a pair that I used for almost two years (which was too long). I forgot how good they feel when they are new. I definitely recommend the Sole inserts.
Glad I found this blog – I’m all into comfort when walking. I do not run- never liked it, but I enjoy the outdoors and loove walking our dogs, walking with friends and when I go to the stores – I can get a good walk just by browsing the aisles looking for the best prices. That said I have used many walking shoes: Dr.Schools, Breezes (by Naturalizer), Ryka, J-41s and other brands. Have no complaints with any of them – I wear 9,5/10 M and found that Ryka feels better on my feet when I wear 9,5 (they are larger) – very confortable, easy to clean. I don’t wear sole inserts but my feet are getting older (just my feet – ha), so that’ll probably be the next step to “keep on walking”.