Customer Reviews Ryka Influence 2.5

These are perfect for my Zumba classes. The sole is special in that it allows for twisting and turning movements that end up being softer on your knees and other joints. These were recommended by the instructor, who teaches 8 Zumba classes a week (as well as several other fitness classes) and she swears by them. I've noticed a difference right away in how much easier I am able to move in class as well! I also like the bright colors; it's more inspiring to exercise when you feel bright and lively!

If you have wide feet that tend to swell, these are amazing. I've tried more than a couple of Ryka's in the last few months trying to find the perfect fit. I've worn them before and find the brand to be wide enough for my hard to fit feet (one foot is a half size bigger and much wider than the other), but I've gained some weight and needed to find a bigger size. Other Ryka's have a smaller toe box in the same size and/or less room in the opening. These are easy to get on and are roomy for me. The tongue is, different. A plastic material that I thought was going to be uncomfortable, but it's great. Overall, it's a great shoe that isn't neon and fits!

The laces are held by strings that are glued in. Once that string breaks the shoes are useless. It happened in a couple of months for me.

I wear a 10 in flats, sandals, and heels, but an 11 in sneakers. This particular style of Ryka is short on me in a size 11. My toe goes right up the the very end. Other styles work for me and I love Ryka in general, I just wish their sizing was more consistent.

This is my third pair of Ryka Influence. Great fit. Fitness Instructor for 19 yrs. only wear Ryka shoes. Influence is perfect for Zumba.

I for once am amazed. I feel like I have normal feet! I followed the suggestion to order a half size up. Big mistake for me. To long in the toe box, slipped off my heel. I reordered in 8.5 I will update my review at that time.

I really wanted to like these shoes. They were wide enough but were entirely too small.

WAY TOO SMALL!!!! I am a 9 and my feet didn't fit in these sneakers...

These shoes were definitely wide enough (yay!), but didn't provide enough structure for side-to-side movement. There was also no arch support. I was hoping to use these for HIIT workouts, but they just didn't have support in the right areas for my purposes.

I usually wear one size larger in tennis shoes as compared to regular shoes. This is the case for this shoe. The best thing about this shoe for me, is the outstanding arch support. I have a lingering issue with plantar fasciitis, so having this support is fantastic. Very comfortable and allows me to go the extra yard at the gym for Zumba and H.I.I.T. classes. I don't feel as if I have optimum turning for Zumba in this shoe, but the support aspect makes up for that and I can accommodate where needed. Just bought a second pair!

Differences between this and the Influence, as far as I can tell: - The 2.5 is a bit lighter. - The 2.5's upper has thinner fabric and more mesh. - The 2.5's inner lining fabric is thinner and more breathable. - The Influence has a typical padded sneaker tongue; the 2.5's tongue is a strip of fabric with a plastic fan-shaped piece at the top above where you tie the laces. Whether this will be too floppy or cut into the top of the foot is probably going to be a case-by-case thing based on the shape of your foot and ankle. - The 2.5 runs a half size small. I always wear 9.5 Medium in Rykas. But I needed a 10 Medium in these, and they still felt a tiny bit snug across the forefoot -- may have been able to size up to 10 Wide. There is not a huge amount of difference between the two shoes -- if you like a more traditional athletic sneaker with more fabric around the upper, pick the regular Influence, and if you like a light mesh sneaker, pick the 2.5 (and size up).

I'm returning because the sole was too narrow at mid-foot. Shoe was light and probably would be comfortable if it fit. Do beware: the edge of the fabric was so sharp, it cut my finger when I was lacing.

I bought a pair for Zumba. They have cushiony soles, but not enough for me. They give me sore knees after my workout. The padding on my feet is wearing thin, so I need extra cushioning in the shoe. I'm going to try using my orthotics to see how well that works. I used to love the New Balance 1011 shoes, but can't find anything comparable. These Rykas are definitely better than the New Balance shoes I tried recently, so I'm keeping them.

I bought a 7.5 regular width and had to return them for a wide width -- they run narrow. The wide width is perfect. I work as a server and on my feet for 4-5 hours without sitting some nights. These shoes are great for this type of work because they are very light weight, they have good arch support and good gripping soles - but not to the point where I am wrenching my knee if I twist the wrong way. Very happy with them.

Taught my Hip Hop dance class in these shoes last night, and they are great! A LOT of shock absorbency, glided well on the floor, didn't stick to it. Very comfortable shoe! I did have to size up a half size in these shoes, which I rarely have to do so be forewarned. I originally bought my size, and had to return them for the larger one. But once I got the correct size, they felt great! More arch support than my Asics that I bought to teach other classes, that were more expensive (ugh). You can't go wrong with these if you're looking for an athletic dance shoe.

Very comfortable for Zumba. In most shoes, I wear a 7.5 W. My last pair of Ryka's were an 8 Med. This pair I needed an 8 W. Thanks to Zappos for making the trial and error on sizing so easy.

Great for Step Aerobics. Plenty of support. Grab where you need it. Pivot where you need it. Light enough to really move.

I ordered a half size larger based on other reviews and the shoes fit fine. Very comfortable.

Great shoe for dance classes! True to size, light, comfortable, allows turns and pivots.

This is my second pair. The fit is perfect for me. I wasn't too crazy about the style, but once I purchased them, wore them and got used to them, I was pleased. My first pair had a design flaw -- one of the white eyelets came loose within 30 days of purchase and I couldn't fix it. Zappos replaced them without any problem. I really like these shoes for dance aerobics. They have the correct sole with less tread for dancing on a wood floor, which is hard to find. They are light weight. And comfortable right out of the box. I would definitely buy them again and highly recommend them. The first two photos are of the eyelet that came loose. The 3rd is the new pair on my feet.

Great dance shoe for me. Good support but still flexible Toe box size does not pinch as I have some arthritis in my toes Ryka does make best dance shoes I just wish it came in black and white

Love these shoes! They didn't even need to be really broken in to start to feel comfortable either. I have large feet and I'm always hesitant to try new shoes but I was impressed with these. I have been jazzercising for 10 years 3-4 times a week. Highly recommended for this form of exercise.

I followed everyone else's advice and ordered up a half size. I wear an ankle and foot brace similar to one worn for drop-foot so I have to wear shoes that will accommodate it. I also have an orthotic for the other foot. I was able to remove the liner and put in my own orthotic. I wore them today to a Zumba class and they were broken in by the end of class.

I loved the look of this shoe and it seemed true to size but I was afraid that the slide spot on the bottom was not smooth enough for the pivoting I need for high impact Zumba.

I like this shoe very much. I had previously owned Ryka, switched to another brand, and now I'm back to Ryka, mostly because of the fit. Ryka has the best wide fit for my feet. Additionally, this particular shoe is lightweight and supportive enough for my workouts.