Monday, September 24, 2007

Product Review: Ryka.

The thing I love about doing reviews for PBN is you never know what you're going to get. Most recently, they've connected with Ryka and some of us lucky testers were able to try a new pair of walking or running shoes.

After the marathon, and since I'm training for another, I jumped at the chance for new shoes. Jumped I tell you.

First off, let me say that I always giggle a little bit when people tell me they have a "hard time" finding shoes. Hmmm. Too wide, too narrow, too boxy, not enough support, too much support... But at least they have them in your size.

I was thrilled to find out that Ryka offers shoes up to a 12. And guess what I wear. A 12.

They arrived a short while later, and I immediately tore into the box and tried them on.

I should have known better, given my other running shoes are a 13.

They were perfect, until it came to the toe box. Too small.

Not much, but given that in High School I lost two toenails due to too small shoes, I'm overly cautious.

I contacted the Ryka rep, and she was very apologetic and offered to send me apparel instead. Was this my lucky day?

A short while later, the Free to Move LS top arrived in the mail.

I love it.

I try to keep all my running gear in one dresser drawer. The things I love stay on the top - kind of like my kids, I tend to wear my favorites as often as possible. Every so often, I sort through it and pull some of the things from the bottom back up to the top. Halfway through my next run, I remember why it's on the bottom - too big, too small, too bunchy, too whatever. Then I wash it and it finds it's way back to the bottom of the drawer. This shirt will stay on the top.

This top will be a staple as winter approaches. I tried it on, and loved the fit -it's plenty long through the sleeves and waist. It moved with me and kept me at the 'right' temperature through my runs. For my long Saturday runs, I generally leave around 7 am (plenty chilly) and arrive home 10 ish (getting warmer). It kept me warm during the chilly parts, and cool during the warm parts. Most of all, it's flattering.

If you're looking for some new togs, Ryka is giving away 50 pair of shoes and 50 performace tees every day from September 5 through October 25th. Check it out!

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4 comments:

Mitzi Green said...

13? 13????

girl, those aren't shoes, those are skis.

and yes, i know you could dribble me down half court and score a 3-pointer with my sad little dwarf ass.

Tree said...

I love this post because I have the exact thing going on in my drawers. I find myself saving my favorite running clothes for my long run or for a race that weekend - nevermind that I could wear it and then wash it before I needed it that weekend.

I am going to go right over to Ryka and check it out!!

Builder Mama said...

Oooh, I have that top in blue. Definitely in the top of my drawer too, it is awesome for wicking moisture and not too heavy either. The other thing I like about it is that unlike the Underarmour shirts that I have, it's not so skin-tight that I feel nekkid. It's cut generously enough not to be embarrassing to wear if you're more than 100 pounds.

Sorry the shoes didn't work out, but at least you scored something you'll really get a lot of use out of!

Lukie said...

I signed up for the shoes. Thanks for the info. I love free stuff. We will have to wait and see.