RYKA Women's Influence 2 Cross-Training Shoe

I got a 1/2 size up as suggested by other reviews. I also went a step further and got the wider width. I have always used Ryka shoes. They are made off the foot mold of a woman and fit nicely. I found the last pair I got not that supportive. I used it for dance, kickboxing, and step. They are definitely making Ryka's a little bit cheaper because I had no problems 10 years ago getting my actual size and comfort all day. I settled on the Influence 2 Cross Training shoe and they fit nicely but again I had to get a 1/2 size larger and the wider width is very comfortable. I tried it in kickboxing and pickle ball and it seemed to hold up nicely. I just have to get use to the bottoms. They're not as flat as previous models. I like the pivot circle. It helps in any exercising activity. I can't comment on the arch support because I use orthotics. They fit nicely in the shoe. Some people commented on the tongue not having padding. It's really not an issue for comfort.

I'm a little baffled about the sizing. Every review says to order a size up. I ordered a half size bigger than my usual and they are way too big! I think it might have something to do with the wide width. I think it might be extra wide. But anyway, I usually wear an 8 wide and I ordered these in 8..5 wide and they are way too big. I'm stuck with them because I had to use the for an entire workout (didn't have any other shoes with me), so I can't in good conscious return them.One thing I can tell though is that the cushioning is awesome. Wonderful shock absorption for jumping. I can't really give a good review for stability because mine are too big. I wear two pairs of socks but my feet still have some room. I don't feel any arch support, but I think it might be because I do not have the correct size. I'm going to get some arch support insoles to try. I can't return them so I'll make the best of it

I desperately wanted these shoes to fit. They look so cool, had so many great features, and were so comfortable...everywhere but the toe box. I have never had problems with shoe width before, so the way these shoes fit was completely surprising. Running right under the middle of the ball of my foot was a hard seam that I could feel clear through the insoles. Standing and light walking were ok-I could feel it the whole time, but it didn't bother me terribly, at least not for the 10 minutes or so that I was walking. But when I tried to dance in them, it dug really hard into the bone in the ball of my foot-the pivot spot, basically. I took the shoes off and my feet hurt the rest of the night. HUGE bummer. I still give these shoes 3 stars because they'll be great for somebody. I'm going to try a wide because I really love the shoes and need something light and arch-supporting for Zumba, and I think with some minor adjustments to the width, these shoes will rock.Long story short: be careful with the width of this shoe. If you're not someone with an obviously narrow foot, maybe get a wide from the get-go.

I'm a fitness instructor and long time Ryka wearer. These shoes offer moderate cushioning and support. They felt comfortable until you hit the toe box area. I ordered my true size first, an 8.5 B. My foot is fairly narrow to begin with but my toes hit the end of the shoe and the bottom half of my foot was squished into the toe box. I normally don't have this issue with Rykas. They are a company known for their wider foot box area to accommodate a woman's unique foot shape. Not the case with these shoes. I exchanged them for a 9 wide. My toes no longer hit the end of the toe box, which is good. AND the bottom half of my foot is not squished. Please, Ryka, go back to making a wider toe box area for all of your shoes. I was disappointed that I needed to go up a 1/2 size and get a wide but so glad you offered the wide in this style, even though my foot is narrow.

Just to clarify: 1) The arch support is probably average. I have an high arch and have to add additional support. 2) I bought these specifically for doing a highly athletic version of Zumba because the tread design is perfect with a great pivot point and yet the balance of the tread is not too slippery. That said, the ball of the foot is a bit more flexible than I like so I've added an internal orthotic that stiffens it up a bit and has the proper arch support. Despite the need to customize the fit, the "Influence" including this version 2 style are the best shoes for Zumba I've tried.

I have flat feet but i am very comfortable wearing neutral shoes as long as it has a little cushion like the nike flex fury, i wear them all day during surgery at work and even for studio class workouts. When i opened the box i was excited because i have been getting into Zumba this year and i go at least 2-3 a week. I wanted to get special shoes for the class. As soon as i tried them on (standing on carpet) i was like... hmm..they are soft! but then as i stepped onto the laminate floor... OUCH! The shoes offer no cushion and the bottom of the shoes felt bulky in some spots like it made me stand weird. They RUN SMALL!! I am always a 10.5 in women's and these shoes had my toes scrunched up! I think i would have possibly needed an 11 maybe 11.5..not sure but i returned these shoes right away. I do not intend to purchase these in a bigger size to try them or even this brand at all. They were so uncomfortable just trying them on i don't see how someone can do intense zumba in these. There is no way. I gave them two stars just because they look good but they feel like crap.

As other reviews have mentioned, I found the toe box area to run narrow despite ordering a wide width. I would suggest ordering a half size larger if possible. I was not able to, as 11.5 is not offered. I was hoping the wide width would compensate. It does, barely. I was able to wear them without any break-in time for exercise class and also for a much longer time shopping at the mall. Lightweight in comparison to running shoes, good heel and arch support with provided insoles. Haven't tired them with my custom insoles yet. Would recommend for Zumba, Jazzercise or Rizzmic-type classes.

wore it once to zumba and it's the first time in a while I dont leave with ankle or knee pain. I think the large pivot point on the ball of the foot really helped