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Deal.ai › Compare

New Balance 574 Core Sneakers vs Ryka Imagine Walking Sneakers

The New Balance 574 Core is the better all-rounder: a proven suede-and-mesh runner with ENCAP support, a rubber outsole and a long track record, and owners rate it higher. The Ryka Imagine is lighter and built specifically for women's feet, with memory foam and heel gel, but it is a walking shoe with a thinner following. Buy the 574 for everyday wear and mixed use; buy the Ryka if you want a light, cushioned shoe for daily walks.

  • Choose the New Balance 574 if you want a durable everyday sneaker that handles school, errands and light sport, and you value a well-known fit and strong owner ratings.
  • Choose the Ryka Imagine if you are a woman who walks daily and wants a light, softly cushioned shoe shaped for a narrower heel and roomier toe.

Prices

  • New Balance 574 Core Sneakers: $50.02 at eBay (last seen Nov 8)
  • Ryka Imagine Walking Sneakers: $54.99 at Target (checked today)
  • Difference: the New Balance 574 Core Sneakers is $4.97 cheaper than the Ryka Imagine Walking Sneakers at the latest prices (Nov 8 and Nov 10)
New Balance
New Balance 574 Core Sneakers

New Balance 574 Core Sneakers

4.4(243 ratings)
$50.02at eBayChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • ENCAP midsole gives stable support underfoot
  • Suede and mesh upper holds up to daily wear
  • Rubber outsole lasts and grips well
  • Wide range of sizes and extended widths
  • High owner rating from a large sample
Cons
  • Heavier than the Ryka
  • Kid sizing, so adults need to size up carefully
  • Not designed specifically for walking gait
Ryka
Ryka Imagine Walking Sneakers

Ryka Imagine Walking Sneakers

4.1(52 ratings)
$54.99at TargetChecked 2 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Target
Pros
  • Light at 6.5 oz per shoe
  • Memory foam insole with gel heel insert
  • Women-specific last with narrower heel and roomier toe
  • Breathable mesh upper
  • Moderate 7 mm drop suits walking
Cons
  • Fewer owner ratings and a lower average
  • Softer cushioning can feel less stable for sport
  • Limited size range in the listing

What separates them

New Balance 574 Core SneakersRyka Imagine Walking Sneakers
Intended useEveryday wear and light running heritage; works for casual and mixed useCasual and fitness walking specifically
Weight per shoeAbout 7.2 oz in the listed spec, heavier build6.5 oz, noticeably lighter
CushioningENCAP midsole: soft EVA core with firm polyurethane rim for stabilityEVA midsole with memory foam insole and gel heel insert for softness
Fit designUnisex kids' sizing with extended widthsMade-for-women last: narrower heel, roomier toe, softer cushioning
UpperSuede, mesh, leather and polyester mixBreathable mesh with leather overlays
Outsole durabilityRubber outsole with 5% recycled rubberSecond-density rubber outsole
Owner ratings4.4 out of 5 from 243 ratings4.1 out of 5 from 52 ratings
Heel-to-toe dropNot published; neutral everyday geometry7 mm, a moderate drop for walking

Price history

$79.98$20.00
Nov 3Nov 10
  • New Balance 574 Core Sneakers: lowest $20.00 on Nov 10 at Finish Line.
  • Ryka Imagine Walking Sneakers: lowest $49.97 on Nov 10 at Nordstrom Rack.

Prices at every store

New Balance 574 Core Sneakers

  • Level ShoesNew

    In stock

    $60.00+ $26.00 shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Level Shoes
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by denim_n_jeans (99.9% positive, 33,900 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $50.02Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit eBay
  • Stock shoesNew

    Availability unknownReturn policy

    $59.99Checked 2 h ago
    Visit Stock shoes
  • DICK'S Sporting GoodsNew

    Availability unknown

    $60.97Checked Nov 8
    Visit DICK'S Sporting Goods

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 53 stores and price history →

Ryka Imagine Walking Sneakers

  • TargetNew

    In stock

    $54.99Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Target
  • Nordstrom RackNew

    In stock

    $49.97+ $10.00 shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Nordstrom Rack
  • Famous FootwearNew

    In stock

    $59.99+ $17.95 shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Famous Footwear
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $54.99Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Amazon
All 13 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecNew Balance 574 Core SneakersRyka Imagine Walking Sneakers
shoe_size55
colorGrayBeige
Size (US)13.5, 11, 12, 13, 5, 6, 3, 4, 3.5, 4.5, 1, 2, 1…6.5, 8.5, 5.5, 8, 5, 7, 10
Weight (oz)7.26.5
FasteningLacedLaced
OutsoleRubberRubber
Age GroupKidAdult
GenderMaleFemale
Upper MaterialMesh, Polyester, Suede, LeatherMesh, Leather
MidsoleFoam, EVAEVA
Size5—
Manufacturer ColorGrey with White—
Show all 18 specsShow fewer specs
SpecNew Balance 574 Core SneakersRyka Imagine Walking Sneakers
Sizes5 — 12—
Drop (mm)—7.0
Insole—Foam
Width—Wide
Shoe Width—Medium
Actual Color—Beige

What reviewers say

New Balance 574 Core Sneakers

  • 4.4 / 5243 ratings

Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 243 ratings, the 574 Core is well liked as a sturdy, good-looking kids' sneaker. Buyers tend to praise the build and cushioning; the main complaints are about sizing and the suede getting dirty.

What people mention
  • BuildPraisedOwners describe the shoe as solid and durable for everyday kid wear.
  • ComfortPraisedThe ENCAP cushioning and padded collar get credit for all-day comfort.
  • SizingMixedSome buyers say the fit runs small or needs extra room for growth.
  • Suede careCriticisedThe suede upper shows dirt and scuffs and needs cleaning.

Ryka Imagine Walking Sneakers

  • 4.1 / 552 ratings

Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 52 ratings, the Imagine draws praise for its light weight and roomy toe box. Complaints center on sizing and on cushioning that softens over time.

What people mention
  • FitMixedBuyers like the narrow heel and roomy toe, but some say the shoe runs small and order a half size up.
  • CushioningMixedThe memory foam and gel heel feel plush at first, though some owners say the insole packs down over months.
  • WeightPraisedAt 6.5 oz per shoe, owners call it light enough for long daily walks.
  • Arch supportCriticised

Questions and answers

Which is better for daily walking?
The Ryka Imagine. It is lighter, has a 7 mm drop and gel heel cushioning tuned for walking. The 574 works for walks too but is heavier and less walking-specific.
Which lasts longer?
The New Balance 574. Its suede and mesh upper and rubber outsole are built for mixed everyday use, and its larger owner base reports solid durability. The Ryka's softer foam can compress sooner with heavy use.
Is the 574 worth stepping up to over the Ryka?
If you want one shoe for school, errands and light sport, yes. If walking comfort and low weight matter most, the Ryka is the more focused choice.
Does the Ryka fit women better?
Ryka builds on a women's-specific last with a narrower heel and roomier toe. The 574 uses unisex kids' sizing, so check the size chart and width.
Which is more stable?
The 574, thanks to the firm polyurethane rim in the ENCAP midsole. The Ryka favors soft cushioning over stability.

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More comparisons

  • New Balance 574 Core Sneakers vs Skechers Bobs Squad 4 Women's Slip-On Sneakers
  • Skechers Bobs Squad 4 Women's Slip-On Sneakers vs Ryka Imagine Walking Sneakers

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best New Balance 574 sneakers for women
  • Best women's everyday casual sneakers for walking
Some walkers say the shoe lacks enough arch support for longer distances.