These Walking Shoes Were Designed For Women's Feet, And You Can Get Them At Target | HuffPost Life
We know our readers love a comfortable walking shoe (who doesn’t?), so when we found out this brand designed for womens’ unique foot shape is being sold at Target, we couldn’t gatekeep.
If you’re not familiar with Ryka, the brand is the first to design athletic shoes based on women’s foot shape and muscle movement. It’s also the first athletic shoe company that only makes shoes for women and it’s woman-owned to boot. Their shoes are made with the “Q angle” in mind, or the inside angle of the quadriceps muscle that differently impacts men and women’s weight distribution and stance. Ryka’s shoes promise to maximize stability while reducing the risk of injury with design details like a narrower heel, wider forefoot and flexible cushioning that’s contoured for a woman’s body weight.
If you’ve had a hard time finding shoes that fit your feet comfortably with proper support, this is your sign to check out all Ryka has to offer. Below, we’ve rounded up some of Ryka’s reviewer-favorite styles for walking shoes. All of these are available to shop right now at Target, and most of them for under $100.
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With a near-perfect 4.8-star rating, the Ryka Echo Knit slip-on sneaker is a popular choice for light hiking or everyday wear. The Echo Knit fabric is a soft, ribbed knit with a stretch topline so you can easily slip these shoes on and off using the back pull tabs.
Reviewers love the comfort and support of the cushy soles and the convenience of the slip-on design so much that multiple reviews mention owning multiple pairs of these shoes or wearing them for years. You can get your own pair in 13 colors and women's sizes 5-12, with both medium and wide options available.
Promising review: "I can't say enough about how wonderful these shoes are. Like a lot of people I have feet issues. These shoes felt good right out of the box. No rubbing. No pressure points. My insoles fit perfectly. Plus they're so stylish. I definitely recommend these shoes." — Charmy
The Devotion X Max RS walking shoe offers serious shock absorption with a much taller cushion, and is built for high-performance fitness walking. Its arch support, responsive cushioning and other design features have earned the shoe an American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance for promoting good foot health. Grab a pair in 11 colors and sizes 5-12, with medium and wide options.
Promising review: "Goodbye to all other brands of sneakers. Arch support is a must for me and for too long I've had to settle for "good enough" & "it'll do". It might just be a few millimeters difference in placement of the arch support from other brands but it has made the most impact. In addition to typical arch support, there's support for the center of my foot. There is support for the outside of my foot as well. I normally buy a pair of sneakers at a time. I bought 3 pairs within 2 months because the fit is incredible. The shoe feels as if it was made for my feet. It's snug at the skinny part of my foot, in a good way, and roomy at the widest part. I'm spreading the word to all of my women friends. Don't ever change the foot bed and you'll have my loyalty for life!" — Lilac
While the Devotion X doesn't have as high a cushion as the Devotion X Max RS, this bestselling shoe has also earned a seal of acceptance from the APMA. That's in addition to being rated "best overall" among women's travel shoes with arch support by testers at Travel + Leisure.
Enjoy a grippy rubber outsole, built-up cushion in the midfoot, a padded heel and more in this lace-up with a breathable mesh upper. The heel, lace eyes and logo are reflective for visibility, too. The Devotion X comes in 12 colors and sizes 5-12, with medium and wide options.
Promising review: "Love. Was reading thru info on how to heel from an extremely painful bout of ankle tendonitis, I saw the Devotion X had been recommended by orthopedic Dr’s. Thought these were fairly cute and very well priced. The shoes are actually cuter in person than I expect and fit so well right out of the box. They were comfortable for hours the first time I wore them! Helped tremendously stabilizing my ankle and keeping it in a neutral position. Slowly working up to my usual activity levels. Excited to wear them this spring and I’ll order another pair to break in before a trip to Scandinavia this fall." — PJBuck
The Viv classic sneaker can pair well with jeans or a dress, and has a similar everyday vibe to something like the Adidas Superstars. Made with faux leather, these lace-up shoes have less thick cushioning than some of Ryka's other walking shoe models. But with the padded collar, cushioned heel and "made for women" fit that's a constant across all Ryka shoes, these are still plenty comfortable. If you prefer a more streamlined look, try out the Viv. It comes in three colors, including a metallic silver and sizes 5-12, with medium and wide options.
Promising review: "This is my first pair and I will be buying more! I suffer from plantar fasciitis and other issues and finding a comfortable shoe these days is difficult. These have room for my toes to move (podiatrist said this is important), support for my arches (flat feet), and chusion for my foot overall. Finally a company that gets women's feet!" — Shoppermom
The Mary Jane style is a timeless classic, and Ryka's offering features the iconic strap with an adjustable hook-and-loop closure for comfort. The back has a heel pull tab to easily slip the shoe on, and the heel collar is also padded for more cushioning. This is an option for a slightly dressier or less athletic-looking shoe that still provides support and comfort. You can buy these Mary Janes in four colors and sizes 5-12, with medium and wide options.
Promising review: "This is perfect causal but functional shoe. The Mary Jane is summery, but has a secure strap, arch support, cushioned heel. This provides a solid shoe for me. And looks cute with capris, ankle pants." — BHnovi2
The Jumpstart lace slip-on sneaker offers the sleek look and feel of a lace-up sneaker with the ease of a slip-on shoe. Made for casual walking, the Jumpstart features laces that stretch all the way across the breathable, stretchy mesh upper for a bit of a different look, and also has the padded heel, cushioning and arch support Ryka is known for. Both the tongue and heel have pull tabs for easy-on, easy-off. Get a pair of the Jumpstart in six colors and sizes 5-12, with medium and wide options.
Promising review: "Recently purchased for traveling on honeymoon cruise! So much walking involved and not a bit of foot pain at all! These are perfect slip ons without looking too “granny.” I usually have trouble with shoes slipping off my ankle but Ryka got it right! More narrow heel and slightly wide toe box." — SpongeBobswife
For another slip-on sneaker option, you can try the Jog On slip-on sneaker. Some faux suede elements on the upper in addition to the stretch fabric make this shoe a stylish standout. Everyday, casual walking can feel like a breeze with the Jog On's thick cushioning, padded heel and slip-on design with stretch laces and a heel pull tab.
In the reviews, nurses, people with plantar fasciitis and others have sung the praises of this slip-on, with one reviewer calling them "the goldilocks" of slip-on shoes (not too tight or too wide). The Jog On is available in seven colors and sizes 5-12, with medium and wide options.
Promising review: "Amazing slip on sneakers! Perfect for walking the dog and working out. I truly think they are more comfortable than new balance or Nike. Will never go without them!" — Mmspenc4
Reviewers have put the Dash 3 walking shoe through all kinds of tests — walking for miles, going to Zumba class and treading over gravel, sand, pavement and more — and have declared this sneaker a winner. It's lightweight, has a padded collar and features a breathable mesh upper with faux leather overlays. Grab a pair in three colors and sizes 5-11, with medium and wide options.
Promising review: "LOVE LOVE LOVE this shoe. Comfort. Support. Wide toe box. I can put these on and forget about my feet all day because they are happy!" — Julia in PA
The Effortless sneaker has a lot of stylistic flair: The shoe features a faux suede upper, a terry cloth collar lining, scalloped trim and a scalloped tongue. But that doesn't mean Ryka skimped on quality or arch support in designing this shoe, with the same "made for women" fit and cushioning throughout. This is a "good walking shoe that doesn't look like I just stepped out of a gym," as one reviewer put it. You can get it in five colors and sizes 5-12, with medium and wide options.
Promising review: "Love these! Comfortable and such a nice pop of color. they don't make my large feet look like clown shoes" — Old Woman
If you do a lot of your walking on trails or hikes, the Sky Stride can help you navigate uneven terrain. This walking shoe has a skeletal guidance system for built-in support and stability under the midfoot and a padded collar that provides extra cushioning. The mesh lace-up front is adorned by suede overlays yet one reviewer said their "feet don't get hot / sweaty" in the shoes even after hours of wear. Get your own Sky Stride in three colors and sizes 5-12, with medium and wide options.
Promising review: "My tried and true sneaker for years was discontinued and other replacements failed to hit the mark until now!! These sneakers are the best thing I have ever put on my feet. Excellent arch support and the wide width is perfect. My back, knees, ankles, and feet feel better since I started wearing these!" — Kate R
Promising review:Promising review:I normally buy a pair of sneakers at a time. I bought 3 pairs within 2 months because the fit is incredible. The shoe feels as if it was made for my feet.Promising review:I saw the Devotion X had been recommended by orthopedic Dr’s.They were comfortable for hours the first time I wore them! Helped tremendously stabilizing my ankle and keeping it in a neutral position.Promising review:Promising review:Promising review:Promising review:Promising review:Promising review:Promising review:My back, knees, ankles, and feet feel better since I started wearing these!