RYKÄ Rocks to Walk: And FREE SHOES! (A Spectrum of Reviews)

Shortly after the Cat was born, we moved from NYC to CA. I think I was wearing worn-out loafers or something. I doubt I had a pair of athletic shoes to my name. But, I was eager to get back in shape and had visions of walking to the store, baby in stroller. And so, I went to TJ Maxx and was thrilled to see a bright-white pair of Tommy Hilfiger sneakers that fit me.

I still had images of junior high in my head in which everyone wore bright-white sleek Reebok shoes, but my wide hobbit-feet could only accommodate these puffy ivory ones that looked like knock-offs, even though they were “real.”

So back to the Hilfiger: I thought I was cool. But that was nearly seven years ago. Since then, I’ve worn them to death. Several times I considered replacing them, but figured they still looked okay and felt fine. (In reality, even if old shoes feel comfortable, they aren’t providing the appropriate support.)

My old shoes took me through the Cat’s post-partum period, plus Spliggle’s pregnancy and aftermath. Last year I wore them while losing 20 pounds by walking around my local reservoir. I have since gained 10 back, but was ready to hit the pavement again when I heard that the Parent Bloggers Network and RYKÄ were teaming up to enable active bloggers to try out some spiffy shoes.

I received the MC2-Walk shoes, designed for people who walk. (Don’t know what shoe would be best for you? check out their shoe-finder to discover your options.)

When they arrived in the mail, I was happy to behold their sleek, platinum-white beauty. But that sleekness worried me. I thought, “Oh no! Are these so narrow that I won’t be able to fit in them?”

I need not have been worried: they went on with ease, hugging my feet precisely in the right places, and yet, the shoe looks thin, and by extension, so does my foot. (Hey, maybe I should purchase some RYKÄ sportswear to see if it slims the middle!)

Check out Spliggle modeling the shoes – and see how cool the bottom looks? They are beautiful, but those little bubbles do more than just look pretty.

The MC2-Walk boasts (from the website:) C2 technology in the heel for superior cushioning, Nitracel® in the forefoot that returns energy for better spring, and a blown rubber, high-abrasion outsole for great traction. But even before reading the official description of what this shoe promises, I could have guessed: my walk is now bouncy. I have a spring in my step.

Initially, I was worried about the bounce because I feared getting heel blisters. But instead, the shoe moves with me without causing friction. The bouncy-step is comfortable and my knees haven’t been as creaky post-walk as they were with my old shoes.

My reservoir route is quite hilly, so my feet slap the ground on the way down and my knees work hard on the way up. But the MC-Walk can take it: no foot pain, no blisters, no fighting the shoe while I fight the slopes.

My back hasn’t been sore post-walk either, which is important. It seems as though my walking stride is more effective, or at least much easier on my joints. Sure, I can still get a good workout, but not at the expense of jarring things that aren’t meant to have such impact.

Shoes that look great, are comfortable, and promote a safe workout? Yes to all three.

Want some RYKÄ?

• RYKÄ is giving away 50 pairs of shoes a day through October 25th (AND 50 performance tees per day.)
• The Parent Bloggers Network will be holding a Blog Blast this Friday (Sept 14) in which you can win an entire outfit (plus shoes) from RYKÄ! Four more bloggers will each win a pair of shoes.
• If you don’t win ‘em, buy ‘em. (They also have cute workout clothes.)