If you’ve been into running for some time, you’re aware that many people swear by Brooks’ running shoes; they indeed have some excellent walking and running footwear options. However, did you know another historical brand Ryka also offers top-notch shoe options?
Most people are only familiar with one brand or the other, although both are great but cater to different types of markets.
To understand the real differences between these two shoe brands, you should have in-depth knowledge of their features. So, let’s compare both brands in their important segments. Let’s start
Comparison Table Between Brooks And Ryka:
| Brooks | Ryka |
|---|---|
| Founded in 1914 | Founded in 1987 |
| Become more Well-known for Running shoes | Best known for protective walking and athletic footwear |
| A huge variety of footwear | Relatively fewer options |
| Cushioned | Highly cushioned |
| Popular among Pro and Beginner Runners | Famous among Active Women |
| Wider Heels | Narrow heels |
| More Popular | Popular |
| More Sustainable | Less Eco-friendly |
| Highly Durable | Durable |
Overview of Brooks:
Brooks, a Seattle-based fitness apparel manufacturer, is well-recognized for its high-quality and durable running shoes.
The company was started by John Brooks Goldenburg in 1914, and it used to make ballet slippers and shoes. In the early 1970s, they began producing baseball cleats and roller skates before focusing on running shoes.
Once Brooks changed its attention to running, the demand for its men’s and women’s footwear designs, as well as its accompanying apparel, such as sportswear, shorts, and socks, skyrocketed.
With its present headquarters in Washington State, Brooks continues to manufacture running gear.
It’s also important to note that Brooks only makes running shoes, so all of their technology, R&D, etc. is very focused on running.
If you’re searching for a dependable everyday running shoe, the Brooks Ghost 14, one of their best sellers, is an excellent option with many positive online reviews.
The Ghost 14 is a versatile shoe that excels at both road running and cross-training due to its good fit, neutral support, and plush cushioning.
The brand also maintains a commitment to sustainability by producing its products using eco-friendly methods and by supporting a diverse running community.
Overview of Ryka:
Since its beginning, the mission of the brand Ryka has been to constantly believe in and celebrate each day as every woman deserves strength and happiness in the world.
Sheri Poe founded Ryka in the United States in 1987 intending to develop a better-fitting sporting shoe for women. It was the first company to design sports shoes specifically for the “foot shape, muscle movements, and build” of women. Moreover, the company manufactures athletic apparel, bags, activewear, and other accessories.
In addition, Ryka merged with Global Sports in 1997, and later this sports industry sold its branded division to American Sporting Goods Corporation in 1999.
Presently, Brown Shoe owns this brand after buying American Sporting Goods in 2011.
In their huge collection of shoes, Devotion plus 2 Fitness Walking shoes are the latest version of their iconic style and one of their bestselling models with more than 800 positive customer reviews on the website to date.
It is a classic sneaker silhouette with leather overlays that reinforce the lacing holes, heel, and toe for increased durability.
Furthermore, the Ryka FIT Program and the company’s partnership with fitness organizations like Curves are aimed to develop and boost women’s confidence.
Major Differences between the Brands:
I will share an in-depth breakdown of the differences between Ryka and Brooks; so, without further ado, let’s move on!
1) Comfort:
When you’re on your feet for a long time, you need footwear that supports your body and gives you a lot of comforts which both Ryka and Brooks offer.
Ryka shoes feature lightweight stability and innovative cushioning technology for both casual use and high-performance running.
Their well-known RE-ZORB responsive cushioning absorbs shock and protects against impact. This makes sure that your feet will remain comfortable even if you walk all day.
Moreover, the soles of these shoes give you extra support while doing long hikes or other activities, and their Skeletal Guidance System helps you walk in a way that is beneficial to your body.
In addition, the molded EVA in the anatomical footbed offers customized cushioning to the specific points of your foot, which significantly contributes to the shoe’s overall comfortable feel.
On the other hand, for ultimate comfort, Brooks incorporates two types of cushioning in their shoe styles, which allows for a good amount of comfort from plush to minimalist.
The DNA LOFT technology incorporated into Brooks Running Shoes which is flexible and moves smoothly with each bend gives a soft yet firm cushioning choice for the wearer’s feet. This cushioning type is made from EVA foam, rubber, and air, it’s interesting that even air is giving their shoes a soft feel.
However, the brand did changes to the formation of this technology and made the nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v2 even lighter giving runners a more smooth experience.
Brook’s current models employ DNA LOFT v3, which is an improved version of the DNA LOFT that enhance comfort, and performance even more.
For customizable cushioning and support through the sole, Brooks also promotes their BioMoGo DNA technology. This signifies that the insole will adjust to your foot as well as your specific pattern of running.
2) Popularity:
Brooks has been making shoes for more than a hundred years, and their shoes are popular among both casual and long-distance runners because they are highly durable.
Runner’s World and Sports Illustrated awarded the brand “Best Women’s Running Shoe” and “Best Winter Running Shoe,” respectively.
Alternatively, Ryka shoes have been published in numerous media outlets, including PR Newswire, CNBC, Outside Business Journal, and NBC News. Their footwear is a popular choice among professional women who have an active lifestyle.
3) Target Market:
Whether you’re a young or pro athlete and looking for some comfortable running shoes, Brooks has something for everyone.
The brand basically caters to “self-define,” and professional runners. Their average consumer is between the ages of 25 to 44. In addition, Brooks especially offers its collection for people who have had a running-related injury.
Alternately, Ryka is aimed at women between the ages of 21-35 who care not only about how they look but also how physically fit they are. It focused solely on three specialized end-use markets: walking, aerobic, and cross-training shoes.
4) Price:
Brooks has both affordable and expensive footwear options roughly ranging between $100 to more than $250 whereas Ryka shoes have an average cost of around $49 to almost $169.
5) Design:
Brooks offers classic running shoes for Men and women with varying amounts of pronation control and support. These shoes are designed in a way to give strength and traction on all terrain.
The stability shoes from Brooks have a guide-rail design that provides support without forcing you to change your gait. In other words, your feet will be in the optimal position for ideal alignment and motion.
Typically, their shoes have a wider toe box which makes them an excellent option for runners with wide feet, bunions, metatarsalgia, or a square-shaped forefoot.
If you want more responsive performance running shoes you can go for the brand’s DNA AMP midsole options that provide good energy return.
Conversely, Ryka shoes are made specifically for women, which sets them different from other sneaker brands. Additionally, the shoe’s structure takes into account women’s unique morphology, foot shape, and muscle movement.
Ryka claims that to make a shoe that “fits the shape of a woman’s foot perfectly,” they give it a secure footbed, slimmer heel, and a considerably larger forefoot. Also, keep in mind that the narrow heel of these shoes takes some time to get used to your foot.
Moreover, the ankle strap of their footwear is padded and broad. This feature aids in preventing foot disorders and injuries when walking or running over rough terrain. This strap can also be tightened to provide additional support if needed by adjusting its width.
In addition, they are available in a wide range of colors and styles, making it possible for you to find the shoes that are most suited to your preferences.
Conclusion: Which Is Better For You?
Ryka and Brooks have an impressive collection of premium running and walking footwear. Both companies have devoted fan bases, high ratings from customers, and a variety of technological advancements to keep up their products.
Given that Brooks is known all over the world and is proud of the reputation it has worked hard to earn for making shoes that work well for every foot type. This athletic brand is undoubtedly one of the top choices for running and walking gear for both men and women.
Ryka on the other hand made its footwear different by offering cushioning, support, and its famous Made for Women fit. The brand may offer less variety than brooks but its durability and protection are not ignorable.
I am sure now you got an idea to select the appropriate footwear to meet your needs while staying within your budget.