Verdict from 3 experts and 100+ user reviews
6 reasons to buy
- The majority of owners were very pleased that the Ryka Hydro Sport worked well on wet surfaces and even underwater.
- Many stated that it was also effective for hiking on slippery trails and for walking on pavements.
- The drainage ports were much appreciated as they effectively removed excess water upon leaving the pool or other bodies of water.
- The materials utilized on it were praised for their quick-dry properties.
- Users also liked the webbed lacing system as it allowed them to adjust the sides to fit their foot profile better.
- The durability of the shoe was also lauded by water aerobics enthusiasts.
6 reasons not to buy
- One of the most significant issues that people had with the Hydro Sport was the lacing system; it becomes loose underwater and the toggle quickly broke.
- Several water activity enthusiasts complained that the sole had no grip on the pool bottom and caused them to slip numerous times.
- Some did not recommend it for everyday use because it lacked support.
- The seams in the toe box rubbed the toes and left them sore.
- A few people claimed that the shoe expanded significantly in the water, which made it too loose and unsupportive.
- The shoe was deemed not breathable enough by a minority of users.
Bottom line
The Ryka Hydra Sport was greatly praised for the comfort it delivered to practitioners of aquatic activities. The drainage ports and quick-dry materials were immensely lauded as they allowed users to go from wet activities to dry ones without the need to change footwear. However, there were complaints that the shoe laces kept untying and that the toggle did not function properly. Despite some issues with the trainer, it was still the shoe of choice for many hydro sports enthusiasts because of its grippy outsole and overall durability.
Tip: see the best workout training shoes.
Good to know
- Ryka is one of the many companies that offer shoes made especially for water activities, but what makes its offering appealing is that the shoes have enough cushioning for various events. The Hydro Sport features drainage ports and a breathable upper, both of which facilitates in its quick-dry characteristics. It allows people to swiftly transition between wet and dry activities without having to change footwear.
- The shoe uses round laces secured by a toggle to prevent knots from becoming undone. It has a webbing midfoot cage that provides lateral support.
- This model uses the compression molded ethylene-vinyl acetate (CMEVA) foam midsole. It protects the foot by absorbing the shock of each step. The outsole is made from sticky rubber which grips wet surfaces. The opening of the drainage ports can be seen in the outsole.
All training shoes from Ryka only come in women’s sizes. The Hydro Sport is true to size and comes in B – Medium width profile. The stretchy upper provides a foot-conforming fir while the webbed lacing system delivers a snug fit to the midfoot, factors that should be considered when purchasing a pair. Consumers are advised to try the shoe in person to determine a secure and comfortable fit.
A sticky rubber makes up the outsole of the Hydro Sport. This type of compound does not lose traction even on wet surfaces. It is also durable, resilient and flexible, which allows it to adapt to foot movements during activities. The openings of the drainage ports are visible in the outsole. The drainage ports allow water to come out of the shoe, but they also serve as entry points for water and debris.
The midsole of the Hydro Sport is made from CMEVA, a type of foam that is lightweight, durable and provides shock absorption to the underfoot. It is designed to funnel water out of the shoe utilizing the drainage ports. These ports connect to the outsole to ensure that no water is left trapped inside.
The Nitracel insole serves as a barrier that prevents debris from getting inside the footwear via the drainage ports. It draws moisture away from the foot to keep it dry and comfortable. It also serves as an additional layer that attenuates the force of impact with each step.
A mesh material makes up the upper of the Ryka Hydro Sport. It is lightweight, breathable, quick-drying, and not easily damaged by chlorinated water.
Synthetic overlays reinforce the toe box and the heel section, areas that are subject to impact or scuffing during training in or out of the water.
The tongue and collar are both padded. These sections not only ensure comfort, but they also lock the foot down during the activities.
The closure system features rounded laces that are secured with toggles. The toggles tighten and loosen the laces, and they keep the foot secure if the knotted laces become untied. Strips of sturdy fabric adorn the lateral and the medial sides of the midfoot. This cage-like system integrates with the laces so when they are tightened, the web-like structure becomes taut and pulls the side panels closer to the foot. This design enhances the lateral support of the upper.
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