Review: Men's Rocker Bottom Shoes by Ryn

Saturday, June 12, 2010

When I learned I was able to try out a pair of the new Ryn X-Run sneakers I was ecstatic. I had been looking at the various types of curved bottom shoes for a few months. I was not disappointed when my pair arrived.






The shoes come with additional set of insoles so you can customize the fit as well as some extra laces. The fit is excellent and the sizing was right on. So many sneaker manufacturers vary, so you never know. These were perfect.


When I first put them on I felt as if I was standing on something as you can rock a bit front to back and they increase your height by about 2 inches. They are fairly stylish and have an air pocket similar to a pair of Nike’s. They look so much like a regular pair of sneakers my neighbor didn’t realize I was wearing special shoes until I pointed them out.



After a very short learning curve I was up and going with confidence. Once you start walking you notice the difference immediately. Because the shape of the bottom of the shoe, I wasn’t hitting the pavement heel first like I do in my regular sneakers. I was hitting mid sole at the apex of the curve. This meant that my knee was still a little bent as I made contact putting all the stress on my muscles instead of my heel and knee joints. I started to feel my calves and outer thighs warming up right away.

After your foot hits the ground, the arc of the shoe propels you forward very naturally so it’s very easy to keep up a good pace. I would have no trouble walking a few miles in these every day.


I was expecting to feel some burn in other parts of my legs and glutes but I didn’t feel anything different than with a normal pair of sneakers. I imagine everybody feels the burn in different places as we all walk a little differently.


Overall I love my Ryn X-Run shoes. They perform almost exactly as I expected and are very high quality. I would recommend these shoes to anybody looking for an excuse to get out and walk or run as they make it easy and effective. Hardcore walkers and runners would gain the benefit of the reduced knee and joint stress as well.

I have not put enough mileage on the X-Runs to know how well they will wear, but my feeling is they will last long enough to be a good value for the money.

If you see a guy walking past you with a grin on his face and a good sweat worked up it may be me in my Ryns. Check out my calves and thighs after I pass!

You can view the full selection of Ryn rocker bottom shoes, which include sneakers, sandals, and oxfords for men and women, at RynFootwearUSA.com, where there is always Free Shipping to the U.S. and Canada. Keep up with the latest from Ryn by following RynShoes on Twitter and Ryn Shoes on Facebook.


Thank you to Ryn for providing us with a sample pair of shoes free of charge to base this review upon.



18 comments
  1. Bobbie Said,

    I am curious about these kinds of shoes with the shaped bottom. I suffer from chronic hip pain and I am wondering how well these would be for someone with hip pain (putting the weight on the muscles versus the joints). Do you feel alot of pressure in the hip area or is it mostly in the muscles?

    Posted on June 12, 2010 4:55 PM

     
  2. Todd Said,

    Bobbie,

    It is tough for me to say how it would affect your hip joints. But the impact is almost non existent so I would imagine when compared to regular sneakers they would be an improvement. The heel to toe rocking motion pushes you forward very naturally so that may make a difference. I hope I was able to help!

    Todd

    Posted on June 12, 2010 5:13 PM

     
  3. Brandy Said,

    Oh those are neat. I really need to get myself a pair.

    Posted on June 12, 2010 6:45 PM

     
  4. Lady V dZine Said,

    I have been looking at rocker bottom shoes and wanting to try a pair, as I have low back issues and thought the reduction in impact may help. Thanks for describing how the shoes affected your step. Great review!

    Posted on June 12, 2010 7:03 PM

     
  5. Bobbie Said,

    Hi Todd,

    Thanks for the reply! That makes sense. In your post you did mention that you felt it take off your knees so I guess I was curious if you felt more pressure or the same as a normal sneaker. I am going to have to go try a pair at a shoe store (maybe not this brand, but the idea) and walk around in the store a bit. If it takes ANY pressure of the hip, this is DEF the shoe for me! Thank you for your incite on this and for answering my question!

    Posted on June 12, 2010 11:49 PM

     
  6. Todd Said,

    Glad I could help Bobbie.

    Posted on June 13, 2010 10:07 AM

     
  7. clenna Said,

    Thank you for the review. I have been wondering how these shoes feel. I like that they help with good posture. I may have to get me a pair!

    Posted on June 13, 2010 10:58 AM

     
  8. Jess Said,

    Awesome review! I hate shoes, maybe if I got a pair of these I'd learn to love them. ;)

    Posted on June 13, 2010 5:26 PM

     
  9. Momstart Said,

    I need a new pair of really good supportive running shoes. These look great.

    Posted on June 15, 2010 12:04 AM

     
  10. Camas King Said,

    Thanks for the GREAT Ryn review Todd!
    If any of you need more info, please feel free to email me directly. heath.norton@rynfootwearusa.com

    Ryn Shoes are great for walking, running, standing, etc. They will increase your muscle activity, and circulation, and improve your posture. Burning calories has never been so easy. Oh, did I mention they are low-impact on your joints?!!

    Rock Harder with Ryn Shoes!

    Posted on June 15, 2010 12:02 PM

     
  11. Great review! Very informative :) The shoes look good on you!

    Posted on June 15, 2010 11:20 PM

     
  12. Beeb Said,

    I've been doing a lot of walking lately because I hurt my knees doing the stair machine at the gym, so now I have to take it easy on the joints until they heal up completely. I had never heard of these shoes, but I totally want a pair now - they'd be perfect for my poor aching knees! Ha!

    Posted on June 16, 2010 4:45 PM

     
  13. I just got a pair of these as well and love them. They make keeping the pace effortless.

    Posted on June 17, 2010 9:35 PM

     
  14. Dee@CWM Said,

    I've been eyeing these for a while and so want a pair. Thanks for the review, I will definitely have to consider these because I need to get moving and with all the benefits these offer, sounds like just what I need.

    Posted on June 17, 2010 10:22 PM

     
  15. DG Said,

    these look great! I'm thinking of getting a pair but waiting for a coupon!

    Posted on June 24, 2010 8:53 PM

     
  16. traci smith Said,

    i want a pair but cant afford them, but i am curious to know since you have used them, all of about a week now lol, have you honestly noticed a difference when walking? can you feel it when walking ?

    Posted on June 25, 2010 5:46 AM

     
  17. betchie Said,

    I wonder if there is a difference with the different type of rocker shoes on the market. I bought a pair at Target the other day. Have you seen those?

    Posted on June 27, 2010 12:46 AM

     
  18. Todd Said,

    Traci and Betchie,

    I can feel it in my lower legs. But the real value to these is the motivation to get out and move for me. They allow a faster pace than without rocker bottom shoes.

    As far as value, I have not tried a lower priced pair. I can say that these are decent quality and they will last a couple seasons for sure.

    I am also 255 pounds and I need a pair with a solid core for the rocker, the Ryns provide that. I would imagine (I don't know for sure) that a cheaper pair needs to save that money someplace, the sole cant be as rigid.

    I hope I was able to help.

    Posted on June 27, 2010 1:51 AM

     

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