If you’re a female in the market for comfortable and supportive footwear that allows fluid movement during your workouts, the Ryka Women’s Influence Training Shoe is well worth considering.
The Ryka brand, specifically the Influence model, was recommended to me by my friend Kristy, whose neighbor, a personal trainer, recommended it to her.
The shoes are designed for women’s feet and to cope with the demands of exercise classes. I needed new trainers and had recently started doing Figure 8 Fitness, so they sounded ideal.
Kristy and I are the same size in shoes, and after trying on hers I was immediately taken with how light yet supportive they were.
After walking around in them for a few minutes, I decided to buy a pair. (Mine are in the colorway Blue Iris, which is predominantly pale blue and lavender – see the first image below.)
I know appearance isn’t as important as performance, but I’m a woman who loves fashion. When I find sports shoes that are comfortable, supportive, and stylish, I’m sold. The Ryka Women’s Influence Training Shoe fits the bill on all counts.
They are well-cushioned, flexible, and have a breathable mesh upper.
I appreciate that they provide excellent arch support without compromising flexibility and that my feet feel fresh when wearing them, even after long training sessions. I also like the lacing system. which makes the shoes feel nice and snug.
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Suited to
Ryka Influence Training Shoes manufacturer recommends them for low-impact workouts and dance fitness.
As well as for Figure 8, I wear mine when walking for exercise, walking my dogs, and running errands.
Ryka Women’s Influence Training Shoe Sizes & Colors
Sizes –
Ryka Women’s Influence Training Shoes come in sizes 5 to 11 – B/M, C/D – with half sizes available.
Drop – (difference in height between the forefoot and heel)
The heel-to-floor drop is 6mm
Weight –
The shoes weigh 7.2 oz
Colors –
They come in 21 cool colors, which you can see by clicking here to visit Amazon.
The Ryka Brand
Ryka knows its stuff when it comes to athletic shoes for women, having designed the first pair in 1987.
This was not a marketing ploy, and the shoes didn’t just come in prettier colors than guy’s shoes.
The angle between the quad muscle and the patella tendon – Q angle – of an adult female is 3 to 4% greater than a males’. This difference impacts stance and weight distribution during physical activities, such as playing sport, exercising, and walking.
Knowing this, the brand manufactures its women’s shoes to provide extra support and stability where it’s needed to lessen the likelihood of injury and enhance performance.
The company’s female founder, Sheri Poe, created a partnership with Futures Without Violence, a non-profit organization aiming to prevent domestic and sexual abuse.
Product Overview
With its anatomical comfort grip, excellent support, and thick cushioning, Ryka Women’s Influence Training Shoes will help keep your 
feet comfortable during gym or home workouts.
And when it comes to appearance, with their on-trend design and eye-catching colorways, you will stand out from the crowd in a good way.
Add to this the shoes’ light, bouncy feel, breathable fabric, support, and flexibility, and it’s easy to see why they have so much positive buyer feedback, including mine.
Approximately three-quarters of buyers who left feedback for the shoes on Amazon stated that they are true-to-size, Kristy and I included. The others found them on the small side and went up half a size.
Key Features
Made for a Women’s Foot –
This model’s tapered heel better fits a woman’s narrower foot width. Its toe box is roomy, so you won’t have to worry your toes will be squashed together.
Cushioning –
Impact Pod Technology means your feet will feel fully cushioned with every step and light enough not to drag you down.
Whether it’s hip-hop, Latin dance, Jazzercise, or Zumba, these shoes will allow you to give it your all without suffering aching feet.
Additional cushioning comes courtesy of Comfort Fit Precise-Return insoles.
Comfort –
Comfort is paramount when working out, and this shoe doesn’t disappoint.
The nolded EVA midsole comprises a lower layer of springy, N-Cage energy memory foam with a soft foam top. This provides excellent shock absorption and helps cushion the entire foot all around for maximum shape retention.
Upper composition –
With its breathable mesh and faux leather overlays, extended training sessions are a breeze when wearing the Ryka Women’s Influence Training Shoes.
The mesh ensures airflow so your feet will sweat less, while the synthetic component strengthens areas prone to wear, extending the shoes’ durability.
Flexible midpoint –
Molded EVA provides excellent heel and arch support.
The midsole provides slight elevation that separates the forefoot and heel, enhancing flexibility.
It allows the balls of the feet to twist, turn, and slide without stressing the knees.
Heel & Drop –
RE-ZORB heel cushioning provides stability and comfort.
A 0.75″ drop provides just enough height to provide all the cushioning and support you need.
It also elevates the shoes’ appearance without negatively impacting balance.
Rubber Sole –
The Ryka Influence Training Shoes’ strong and durable rubber sole absorbs impact, making workouts gentler on the joints.
Their traction makes it easy for your feet to change position, keeping you in control during workouts and sporting or leisure activities.
Foot and joint safety aside, the shoes’ built-in bounce helps reduce walking fatigue.
Laces –
The laces are slightly lower on the shoes’ sides than other trainers I’ve worn, offering a greater degree of lateral support and making them feel secure.
Pros
- Ryka Influence Training Shoes come in a variety of sizes and two widths to suit most people
- They are available in a range of awesome color combos
- The shoes are very comfortable, with ample cushioning
- They’re light and bouncy
- They provide excellent traction and absorb impact
- They are flexible and offer excellent support
- Lateral movements are a breeze
- The toe box is roomy
- The heel has a good grip
- The upper fabric facilitates good airflow, so your feet will feel cooler during workouts
- They’re durable
Cons
- The shoes’ tops are higher than some sports shoes, which may take getting used to
- You might need to go up half a size to get a proper fit
- The insole is relatively thin, but I haven’t found this to have affected wear
Final Thoughts on the Ryka Women’s Influence Training Shoe
Having owned Ryka Women’s Influence Training Shoes for over a year, I can’t fault them. 
They look great and are as comfortable and supportive as any fitness shoes I’ve owned, and more so than most.
They have excellent grip but are still light and flexible, so I don’t have to worry about slipping, and my movements never feel impeded.
I’ve worn mine daily for workouts or during day-to-day activities, I can vouch for their durability.
Whether you’re a daily exerciser, a weekend warrior, or someone seeking a pair of casual, modern sneakers for everyday use, I highly recommend these versatile training shoes, as does Kristy.
