When I took them for their first test walk, all I could think about was how each stride felt like stepping on a giant marshmallow. While the sole is ultra-soft, my feet never sank into the cushioning—it’s still slightly springy. I was so impressed that I insisted my mom try them on right after I did, and she also fell in love with them instantly (so much so that it took some serious convincing to get her to give them back).
While walking
Over the next three months, I realized that the Devotion X Max also has plenty of other walking-friendly features, like a light, breathable upper. The fabric and mesh provide great airflow—I could easily feel a summer breeze through the shoe, which prevented my feet from getting too hot or sweaty, even on 80-degree days.
Also handy? A stain-resistant coating that the brand claims will shed dirt, mud, coffee, blood, and more when you run the shoe underneath cold water. (While I haven’t spilled anything on my pair, I can confirm that they still look like new after weeks of wear.)
Original photo by SELF senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
At first, I was concerned that a shoe with so much cushioning (and a fairly chunky heel) would weigh me down. But at just 8.6 ounces, this pair is lighter than many other SELF favorite shoes—including Hoka’s Bondi 8 and Brooks’ Glycerin 21, two 2024 Sneaker Award winners that both weigh 9 ounces. I also never tripped or stumbled in them, despite how padded they are.
After miles of test walks, this shoe only feels more comfortable, cradling my arches and helping me trek farther before I get that telltale ache in my heels that comes with a day well spent strolling around New York City.
Bottom line
I can usually find something to gripe about with almost every pair of shoes I’ve tried on. But with Ryka’s Devotion X Max, I (shockingly) have no notes. Aside from the large logo emblazoned on the side, they’re cute, easy to wear, and come in lots of chic color combinations. Even the price is right: At $90, these are much cheaper than many other popular athletic shoes (which can run anywhere from $120 to $285).
If you’re still slipping the same, worn-down walking sneakers on every day, I’d highly encourage you to give this pair a shot. There’s really no other shoe like them (or, at least, I haven’t found one yet that comes close). They’re super comfortable, not too expensive, and backed by podiatrists—what do you have to lose?
Get more of SELF’s great product recommendations delivered right to your inbox (for free!).
Related:
