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Rykä’s Era Lace-Up Sneakers are less expensive and more comfortable than Sambas. They’re even more affordable while on sale at Amazon.
Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider
I used to play indoor soccer and would burn through my Adidas Sambas within a season. But while the slim tapered toe is great for ball control, they do not feel great to walk in.
Rykä’s Era sneakers are my most comfortable Samba-adjacent sneakers. Right now, they’re on sale for as low as $64.99 at Amazon . These podiatrist-approved shoes have substantial arch support, and the toe box is wider so my toes can splay naturally.
To learn about another pair of my favorite Rykäs on sale , see why its Devotion Xs are my go-to walking shoes . I saw Rykäs drop during Prime Day and they’re likely to be even cheaper come Black Friday. That said, I’m witnessing more Era sneaker colorways sell out the further we get into fall.
Adidas Sambas are arguably the most popular lifestyle sneakers right now. I saw another uptick earlier this year during the World Cup. In our guides to the best Sambas alternatives and retro sneakers , we tested similar sporty plimsolls to find ones that cut against the grain.
I tried plenty of shoes that felt stylish and unique, but none more walkable than the Rykä Era sneakers .
The Ryka Era sneakers have a subtle lift in the midfoot area. This supports my achy arches better than flat-soled Sambas.
Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider
They’re approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association. Rykä designs its shoes specifically for women’s feet, which tend to have a narrower heel and are more prone to metatarsal pain. The Era sneakers are cushioned in the forefoot and have a fitted, rigid heel counter to support my gait.
The Era sneakers come in wide-foot sizes, too. The wide fit comes with an extra 0.5 centimeters than the medium ones. This makes them the more size-inclusive choice over Adidas Sambas.
I got the size 8 medium width and they just fit me. The width fits true to size. Lengthwise, I run into the same fit issue often because my second toes are longer than my big toes (AKA Greek toes). If your foot shape is similar and you plan on wearing the Rykä Era Sneakers with thick socks this winter, consider going up a half size.
Adidas Sambas vs Rykä Eras
Adidas Sambas have flat soles with no arch support. These gum-soled shoes come in a single, narrower width option and have an almond-shaped toe box. They’re often made of genuine leather with suede accents. On average, they run for about $96 a pair.
Rykä Eras are also flat soled, but inside they have contoured footbeds with more cushioning in the heel cup and forefoot.
The main drawbacks are that they only come in women’s sizes and the faux leather doesn’t age as gracefully as real leather. They cost as little as $65 a pair.
The bottom line
If you like the look of Sambas but aren’t comfortable in their flat footbeds, the Rykä Era sneakers are a solid compromise. The Whitecap Beige pair I have is on sale for about $65 at Amazon.
That’s $15 cheaper than the $80 listing price on Rykä’s site , and less still than the average pair of Sambas. If you do order the Eras directly from Rykä, check whether you qualify for an extra 15% off with its discount program or sign up for texts to get $10 off a $65 order.
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