Have you ever considered a pair of shoes specifically for walking? Not just a pair to throw on to run to the store, but a pair for a great fitness walk. That is exactly what Ryka has created with the Elevate LX.
While not as widely known as other brands, Ryka has quite a following and growing for it thoughtful design aimed specifically for women.
I have noticed this brand quite often when shopping at places like DSW and Sierra Trading but had never tried them before. So I was excited when these showed up on my doorstep. They had always caught my eye with their colors and style, but could they really be as good as my Hoka’s or Asics?
Well, spoiler alert, I love these shoes. While running shoes work great for walking (just don’t wear the same pair to do both), these will be the first shoes I grab for anytime I will be spending a long time on my feet or walking a ways.
Who Is It Good For?
- Wide Feet: Stretchy, roomy toebox. Also available in wide.
- Walking Workouts: Primary use if for performance fitness walking according to Ryka, and they definitely deliver.
- Standing All Day: While they may not have the cushiest base, the support will keep your feet happy.
- All Day Wear: Pretty color options and simple design details make this a great look for all kinds of outfits.
These are shoes for those on their feet. Getting that walking workout in, or just on their feet all day and doing it in style. I put the Ryka Elevate LX through many different situations. General errands, walking downtown for lunch break at work, many walks of various distances, and even cheering on a local running race for a few hours.
Ryka Elevate LX Overview
Before we dive into more details about this walking shoe, let’s go over what make Ryka shoes truly unique.
Each pair of shoes, regardless of the activity, is going to be based on the Ryka Q technology.
“Our game-changing tech is based on the ‘Q Angle’, the inside angle of the quadriceps muscle that is 3-4% great in women than men, which impacts a women’s stance and weight distribution on her feet.”
Since Ryka shoes are designed for women, the structure of the shoe is a little different than most. You’ll find that there’s a wider forefoot and a narrower heel for a more secure fit.
The first thing I do when shoes arrive is get them on my feet. I want that first impression feel.
I noticed two very key things right away with the Elevate LX. One that I was very excited about, and one that disappointed me.
I’ll start with the exciting. I have for a very long time wanted a shoe that felt like my favorite Birkenstocks sandals. You know that feeling, ultimate support along the whole footbed.
Well these are it. Not just a medial arch support, but you can feel it on the outer edge of the foot. And the nice little heel cup keeps everything in place. The insole is so well molded and supportive. I do not have a particularly high or low arch, so if you do you may have a different interpretation.
Now for my disappointment. The midsole is is made of lightweight Q:Foam™ + Full-length RE-ZORB®. According to Ryka’s website, this is a highly responsive soft cushion.
It is definitely not a soft cushion. So if you like a higher stack of firm cushioning you are in luck!
I have since determined this is not necessarily a bad thing. The Q:Foam and RE-ZORB actually feel really durable. This cushioning with the sculpted channels of rubber make for a good step feel, almost rolling your foot forward.
Ryka also applies their Rykashield Stain Protectant. It may not keep stains away for ever, but it definitely helps keep them looking clean. And I might even say a little water repellant. I have worn these in some drizzly weather and my feet stayed nice and dry.
The Elevate LX has breathable lining with anti-odor and anti-microbial treatment as well. Ryka really does think of all the details!
Ryka Elevate LX Specifications
I feel like there is an ever rotating option of colors for this shoe. They all have really nice breathable mesh and gradient tones. They are also a very good budget option. Often on sale on their website, and I have spotted them at retailers such as Sierra Trading and Marshalls.
Quick Take
Pros
- Roomy toebox
- Highly supportive insole
- Versatile style
Cons
- Wide, flimsy tongue
- Firm cushion
Ryka Elevate LX Fit
For me, the fit on these is perfect. No notes.
Ok, I’ll give you notes on why it is perfect. Thanks to Ryka’s design, the slightly wider forefoot and narrower heel, I felt locked it without any tightness.
I have a wider forefoot and sometimes need a wide. Between the wider toebox and the upper material I never had an issue of anything feeling tight or rubbing.
The heel being a bit narrower and having a molded heel stabilizer, I felt secure with nothing moving around.
There are holes for heel locking if necessary and the laces are long enough to do so.
Ryka Elevate LX Feel
As I mentioned earlier, the insole on the Elevate LX feels wonderfully supportive. The foam may not be as cushioned as I was hoping it to be, but the insole hits me at all the right pressure points that makes it great for standing for long periods.
I wore these while spectating a local 10K and half marathon recently. I had to park a pretty far distance away due to road closures. I was happy to find that after walking at a swift pace and standing for a few hours my feet and joints weren’t too fatigued!
The tongue is lightly padded and low profile. Once in place it is not noticeable at all and highly breathable. That’s once it is in place.
The tongue is only secured at the bottom. While it may have a loop in the middle that the laces go through to hold in place, I found the tongue to be a bit too wide.
That width combined with the thin material made for getting the edges to lay flat when putting on the shoe difficult. More than a few times I’ve had to readjust before tying.
Our team has tested a ton of walking shoes, here are a few similar ones:
Having a shoe designed specifically for walking could really up your game. Whether you are working out or just out on your feet for a day of work, site seeing, or errands the Ryka Elevate LX is going to be a great supportive companion.Similar Shoes to the Ryka Elevate LX
Our Verdict
Looking for more shoe reviews and training tips?
- 9 Best Running Shoes for Walking Long Days or Workouts
- 5 Best Treadmill Walking Workouts for Every Level
- Best Walking Pad Treadmills
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