If you are looking for a casual shoe that’s lightweight, sturdy and distinctly European, consider going with a Rieker Antistress shoe. These high-quality shoes have a 130-year history, and are currently expanding their market from Germany to the entire world. They’re a bit pricey but worth every penny, so if you’re looking for something long-lasting be sure to check them out.
Rieker shoes had their birth near the German Black Forest in 1984 when Heinrich Rieker opened his first factory. When Heinrich died, the Rieker factory was passed on to his sons. It has remained in the family ever since, and has now been passed down through five generations of Riekers. Over time, they have undergone some considerable growth. No longer a lonely factory at the edge of the forest, Rieker has offices in 62 countries and manufactures shoes in eight. The original factory near the German Black Forest is still operational; it’s a home for shoe design and development. Rieker headquarters in Reiden, Sweden.
Rieker Antistress shoes are unique for a handful of reasons. They’re lighter than most footwear, made of high-quality lightweight materials in a process that is as old as the company itself. Rieker shoes are incredibly flexible; by fitting tightly at the heel; the rest of the shoe is free to wiggle and shift without sacrificing support. Rieker shoes are also hand stitched, and the flexibility of the shoe is never out of mind. Shock absorbing pads are included in the sole of every Rieker shoe. They are designed to spread impact and pressure out across the sole, which prevents stress to the body. And of course, because of Rieker’s unique design, the front of the shoe is quite roomy, making for a comfortable, easy wear.
The commitment to high quality shoes that are good for the wearer is evident; Rieker shoes follow the latest trends, but add a twist to each style that is clearly designed to protect the body. These shoes are designed for walking, and there’s a definite difference between them and other walking shoe options. Lightweight, flexible, shock absorbing and roomy, Rieker shoes are designed for the street.
You can buy Rieker shoes online, either by following links from the Rieker website, or shopping at shoe outlets such as zappos.com or DSW. If you choose to shop online, make sure you know your European shoe size, which is roughly three times the length of your foot in inches. If you are unsure, check out one of the many conversion charts available on the Internet.
It’s always a good idea to try your shoes on, though, so you might consider stopping into a specialty shoe store (The Walking Company is a great example); most carry Rieker products. Expect to spend around $100; Rieker shoes are an investment and ought to last for quite a few years.
So if you are interested in wearing shoes for walking and are comforted by five generations of shoemakers, consider Rieker Antistress when shopping for shoes.