Our Story

For over 25 years, Ryka has been innovating athletic footwear exclusively for women. In fact, everything we create is designed by women. From the shape of her foot to the angle of her stride, we understand that women require more than just a downsized version of a men’s athletic shoe. Fitness fads have come and gone, but one thing remains true to this day: Ryka is the only footwear company managed, designed, and solely dedicated to creating performance women’s athletic shoes.

At Ryka, we honor and respect the collective female core. We inspire women to achieve their own personal transformation both physically and emotionally. We encourage a balanced life of fitness for all women of all ages. We fight for equality and applaud women in all endeavors. We shout with pride: women supporting women!

The Science

Ryka knows that a woman’s foot shape, muscle movement and skeletal structure are all inherently different from a man’s. The “Q-angle”(quadricep angle) – the anatomical relationship between the hip and knee – measures 5–7 degrees greater for women than men. As a result, women tend to shift more weight to the outside of their feet which leads to over-pronation, instability at foot strike and higher risk of injury. All Ryka sneakers, including Ryka walking shoes, are designed and developed taking into account a woman’s unique fit needs.

Our design philosophy integrates all of our technologies into one of the most researched, women-specific lasts in the industry. A complete footwear solution that fits the shape of a woman’s foot perfectly – with a narrower heel, roomier forefoot, increased instep volume and a more secure footbed. The result is a high-performance, athletic shoe engineered to address the unique biomechanics of active women for unsurpassed fit, comfort, cushioning and control.

Social Alliances & Partnerships

Ryka believes in giving back. It’s important to us because we know it’s important to you. We support the women’s fitness community by sponsoring events and programs that encourage all women to go out and move, participate and be active.

We support fitness industry professionals through our Ryka FIT program and through alliances with various fitness groups like Jazzercise.

We’ve partnered with Kelly Ripa to create a collection of high-performance shoes including women’s running shoes, with everything she needs for a full-spectrum workout to take shape. For Kelly Ripa, fitness isn’t a hobby...it’s her lifestyle. Whether she’s at the gym or running through the streets of New York City, she makes time every day to connect with her inner athlete. It’s her passion because it transforms her from fit to fabulous in every way.

Our support of the women’s fitness community is deeply rooted in our collective belief that a woman’s participation in a fitness program builds and strengthens her self-esteem and confidence. As a company inspired by women, for women, we know from personal experience.