My Mom Walked 10,000 Steps in These Comfy Sneakers That Are 50% Off

One of the perks of being a shopping writer is getting the chance to try out brands that I may have never considered previously. But what takes this work perk to the next level is sharing said products with friends and family (I’m only one person, after all); it’s exciting to watch them fall in love with brands they never knew existed. 

For example, my mom let me know at the start of December that she needed a new, comfortable pair of tennis shoes. It just so happened that Rykä, a sneaker brand I’ve known to be comfy straight out of the box, sent me a pair of its Trailblazer Running Shoes. So, I wrapped them up and gifted them to her for Christmas. She couldn’t get over how plush and bouncy the soles were; now she’s planning to pick up a second pair while they’re on sale for 50 percent off during Nordstrom's Half Yearly Sale.

Rykä Trailblazer Running Shoes

The running sneakers come in four colors: ivory, multicolor beige, gray, and green, and sizes 5 through 12. They feature a traditional lace-up design, removable arch-support insoles with lots of cushion, and grippy outsoles that offer great traction on slick, uneven surfaces and absorb impact with each step.  They also have a slight platform — the chunky soles are just under 2-inches high.

My mom was shocked at how comfortable the Rykä sneakers were straight out of the box. She was also surprised at how fashion-forward they were. “Shoes that are this comfortable never look this good,” she told me. She also said that the insoles felt like “walking on clouds,” and that she could get in her 10,000 steps with what felt like no effort on her heels. She noted that they were breathable enough to keep her feet cool during workouts and had a “nice amount of bounce back” and “support” to keep her feet from feeling fatigued. She experienced all this within the first week of wearing them — no breaking-in needed.

The one thing she’s loved the most about the running sneakers? How fun they’ve been to dress up and down. On Christmas day, the shoes just so happened to match the geometrical, neutral-colored set she was wearing, but they also would have paired well with leggings and a running tee on her way to the gym. On casual days when she needs the sole support for running errands, they also style nicely with jeans and a sweater.

Shop Rykä’s Trailblazer Running Shoes while they’re 50 percent off during Nordstrom's Half Yearly Sale. But hurry, the sale ends soon.