Ryka Women's Influence Training Shoe - Cushioned Dance Cross-Trainer

Our review of the Ryka Women's Influence Training Shoe finds it best suited to dancers and anyone doing low-impact, studio-style workouts who wants a lightweight trainer with focused cushioning and turn-friendly traction. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of N-Gage energy return foam and an ergonomically-shaped outsole with a pivot point, which together deliver responsive cushioning and smooth turns during dance fitness classes. Fit and comfort are prioritized in a women's-specific last, so the shoe feels secure at the heel while allowing toe splay during extended sessions.

Key Features

• Dance and low-impact focus: Designed specifically for dance fitness and low-impact workouts, it supports lateral movement and quick direction changes.
• N-Gage foam cushioning: The midsole foam provides energy return and helps maintain shape over repeated impact for lasting comfort.
• Women-specific fit: A narrower heel and roomier toe box accommodate a woman's foot shape and reduce slip at the back.
• Breathable materials: Mesh uppers with faux leather overlays balance airflow with targeted durability in wear areas.
• Pivot-friendly outsole: The rubber outsole includes a pivot point to make turns and spins feel smooth and controlled.
• Supportive insole and heel: Anatomical insole with extra arch and heel support plus a padded heel enhances stability for repetitive footwork.

Who It's For

The Influence is aimed at women who attend dance fitness classes, take low-impact group workouts, or want a nimble cross-trainer for light gym sessions. Its lightweight 206 g per shoe construction and pivot point make it particularly helpful for classes that require turns and lateral moves.

Those who need heavy-duty running shoes, maximalist cushioning for long road runs, or specialized court shoes should look elsewhere; this shoe is not designed as a high-impact running or court shoe and prioritizes agility and studio performance over long-distance shock absorption.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lightweight construction keeps feet feeling agile during classes.
• N-Gage foam provides responsive cushioning and helps the midsole retain shape.
• Pivot point and ergonomically-shaped rubber sole make turns smooth and reduce drag.
• Made-for-women fit with a padded heel increases stability and comfort.

Cons

• Not intended for high-impact running or intense cross-training that requires maximum cushioning.
• Faux leather overlays may show wear faster than full-grain materials under heavy use.

Specifications

Best for	Dance fitness and low-impact workouts
Performance tech	N-Gage energy return foam
Fit	Made for women: narrower heel, roomier toe
Materials	Breathable mesh with faux leather overlays
Insole / Midsole	Anatomical insole with arch and heel support / Lightweight EVA midsole
Outsole	Ergonomically-shaped rubber with pivot point
Weight	206 g / 7.2 oz per shoe

Our Verdict

The Ryka Influence is a strong choice for women who prioritize studio agility, comfortable cushioning, and a secure fit for dance-based workouts. It delivers focused support and pivot-friendly traction at a reasonable value for its intended use, but those who need heavy-impact running performance should select a different model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for dance classes?
Yes, they are optimized for dance fitness with a pivot point and lightweight cushioning that aid turns and lateral movement.

Do they offer arch support?
They include an anatomical insole with extra arch and heel support designed to improve comfort during studio workouts.

Are they suitable for running?
They are intended for low-impact activity and light cross-training; they are not designed as a primary long-distance running shoe.