Ryka Devotion Plus 3 Review: A comfy option for walkers Menu Verywell Fit Nutrition Weight Management Nutrition Facts Nutrition Basics Diets Meal Plans Meal Delivery Services View All News Fitness and Nutrition What to Buy How We Test Products Fitness Gear Nutrition Products Tools Recipe Nutrition Calculator Weight Loss Calorie Goal BMI Calculator Body Fat Percentage Calculator Calories Burned by Activity Daily Calories Burned Pace Calculator About Us Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Search What to Buy Ryka’s Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoe is Comfy and Supportive for All-Day Wear A versatile, well-designed shoe with a comfortable and flexible fit By Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process Updated on July 05, 2022 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by John Honerkamp Reviewed by John Honerkamp John Honerkamp is an RRCA and USATF certified running coach, celebrity marathon pacer, and recognized leader in the New York City running community. Learn about our Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT Fact checked by Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT Isabella Broggini is a health writer and editor, NASM-certified personal trainer, and fitness nutrition specialist. She is a commerce editor at Verywell. Learn about our editorial process We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. 4.9 Rykä Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoe What We Like Lightweight and breathable Excellent shock absorption Good traction Sturdy and durable What We Don't Like Eyelets aren't easy to lace Bottom Line Ryka’s Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoe is a durable, well-designed option that offers a comfortable fit, lightweight feel, and supportive cushioning, making it ideal for fitness walking or all-day wear. View On Amazon View On Zappos 4.9 Rykä Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoe View On Amazon View On Zappos We purchased Ryka’s Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoe so our reviewer could put them to the test for outdoor and treadmill walking. Keep reading for our full review. When selecting a walking shoe, a comfy fit is key, but support, cushioning, breathability, and overall durability are also important considerations. A popular choice among fitness walkers, the Ryka Devotion Plus 3 shoe is designed for a woman’s unique foot shape, with a narrower heel, roomy forefoot, and soft, cushioned comfort. To see if it checked all the boxes for a reliable walking shoe, I laced up a pair and hit the roads and treadmill for some test walks. Who it' s For Lightweight and responsive, the Ryka Devotion Plus 3 is a versatile walking shoe that’s suitable for fitness walking, cardio workouts, or comfy casual wear. That being said, it’s designed for women with a neutral gait, so it doesn’t have the stability features that a walker who overpronates, or rolls their feet in when walking, might need. It’s also not intended for running, so women who want an athletic shoe that works for run/walking should seek another option. Verywell Fit / Christine Luff Cushioning Plush yet supportive It’s tough for a shoe to feel lightweight and springy, while still offering a soft, plush feel, but the Devotion Plus 3 pulls it off. During walks both outdoors and on the treadmill, it provided cushioned comfort and excellent shock absorption from start to finish, which earned the shoe high marks for cushioning. Even the shoe’s collar and tongue are cushioned, which definitely enhanced its overall comfort. With a history of plantar fasciitis, I need a walking shoe with good cushioning and shock absorption, especially in the heel area, and the Devotion Plus 3 delivered. The well-placed foam cushioning definitely helped to soften impact without feeling too squishy and it evenly distributed weight throughout the shoe. After a long walk, the cushioning still held up, keeping my feet from feeling fatigued or sore. Responsiveness Adds spring to your step As soon as I laced up these shoes and started walking, I could feel the shoe’s springiness with each step. Even when I wore them casually for an entire day, they still provided good energy return. The balance of plush comfort and dependable bounce back made me give these shoes high praise for responsiveness. When I finished a long walk, I wasn’t rushing to immediately take them off, which is always a sign of a comfy, well-fitting shoe. Upper Comfort Smooth flexible and breathable The shoe’s upper is made with smooth, breathable material that stretches to the shape of the foot. The result is a snug, supportive, and comfortable feel that allows for good flexibility. There’s ventilation on both the front and sides of the shoe, so my feet stayed dry and cool, even during warmer weather walks. Whether I was wearing them for exercise or casual wear, the upper provided lightweight comfort. Fit Snug and supportive but not too tight Right out of the box, the shoe offered a comfortable fit, without any need for a break-in period. The stretchy mesh upper hugged my feet, which felt supportive but not at all constricting. When I finished a long walk, I wasn’t rushing to immediately take them off, which is always a sign of a comfy, well-fitting shoes. I have narrow feet, but I still need plenty of room in the toebox to prevent blisters and bruised toenails, which I’ve been prone to in the past. The Devotion Plus 3 accommodated both concerns, with a spacious forefoot for my toes to splay out, and a heel counter that cradled my rearfoot for a locked-in feel. My feet didn’t slide around or move up and down inside the shoes as I was walking. For those who need more room, the shoe is also available in wide widths. Overall, it exceeded my expectations for fit. The well-placed foam cushioning definitely helped to soften impact without feeling too squishy and evenly distributed weight throughout the shoe. Lateral Stability and Support Just what' s needed for a neutral gait shoe My first impression when I first put these shoes on was that the support in the arch area felt just right—not overly rigid and not too soft and plush. As I started doing an outdoor walk, I definitely felt the ideal amount of support and stability for a neutral walker. The shoe’s grippy, rubber outsole also provided reliable traction on both smooth and uneven surfaces, which increased its overall stability. That being said, if you have flat feet and severe overpronation, you might need a shoe that’s a bit more rigid and offers more motion control. Or, if you prefer custom orthotics, this Devotion Plus 3 is certainly deep and wide enough to accommodate them. Verywell Fit / Christine Luff Blister Protection Comfortable materials and smart design prevent irritation Made from lightweight, breathable materials, the shoe’s upper helped to keep my feet cool and blister-free. The shoe also has good ventilation in key areas to dry sweat, so your feet don’t stay wet and more prone to blisters. I also didn’t notice any irritating seams or rough areas, and my toes had plenty of room to splay out. Unlike some other walking shoes I’ve tried, these were comfortable right out of the box and didn’t need a break-in period. I didn’t get any blisters or notice any rubbing or irritation during the first few wears. There’s ventilation on both the front and sides of the shoe, so my feet stayed dry and cool, even during warmer weather walks. How We Tested I walked in the shoes for about three weeks, compiling about 35 miles on the treadmill, roads, and walking paths. Some walks were shorter distances of only about 2 to 3 miles. Other walks were 6 or 7 miles, so I could test how the cushioning and support held up over the long haul. To see if the shoe was a good option for all-day wear, I also wore it casually while working, doing household chores, and running errands. Price Excellent value for the money High-performance walking or running shoes from top brands can easily cost $150 or more, but the Devotion Plus 3 shoe offers similar quality and comfort at a more reasonable price ($99). Verywell Fit / Christine Luff Competition Similar performance higher price Offering a comfortable fit, lightweight yet supportive cushioning, and excellent responsiveness, the Devotion Plus 3 rises above many similarly-priced walking shoes. Some shoes may offer comparable quality and performance, but with a higher price tag. If you prefer leather as opposed to a mesh upper, you may like Saucony’s Omni Walker 3. Its style is better suited for casual wear and it may offer more protection when walking in colder weather. If you want a shoe that also works well for running, the Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 is a nice option. They’re a bit more expensive than the Devotion Plus 3, but worth the investment for their versatility. Final Verdict Yes, buy this all-around comfortable, well-designed shoe if you’re a neutral walker. The Devotion Plus 3 is a high-performance neutral walking shoe that provides good support, outstanding shock absorption, and a flexible, comfortable fit. With a lightweight feel, breathable upper, and dependable traction, it’s a solid choice for both fitness walking or all-day wear and a great value for the money. Specs Product Name Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoe Product Brand Rykä Weight 8.7 oz. Closure Lace-up Heel Drop 11 mm What's Included Running shoes and laces By Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit Related Articles The Best Treadmill Running Shoes of 2022 for Logging Miles The 10 Best Walking Shoes of 2022 for Any Distance The Best Women's Walking Shoes, Tested By a Personal Trainer Expert Tested: The 10 Best Cushioned Shoes for Walking 19 Best Fitness Deals to Shop Now for Amazon's Prime Early Access Sale Brooks Ariel 20 is a Stylish and Comfortable Shoe for Overpronators 12 Best New Balance Shoes for Walking and More, Tested by an Expert Lululemon’s Blissfeel Running Shoe is a Shoe for The Neutral Runner The Best Walking Shoes for Seniors of 2022, According to Experts The Best Women’s Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Per a Podiatrist 9 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches to Keep You Comfortable for Miles The Best Walking Shoes for Men That a Personal Trainer Recommends The Best Waterproof Sneakers of 2022, According to a Running Coach The Best Nike Walking Shoes, Tested and Reviewed by Experts The Best Shoes for Bunions, According to a Running Coach We Tested the Best Walking Shoes for Overpronation by Walking 100 Miles When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept All