Rykä
American footwear brand
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rykä is an athletic shoe brand for women.
| |
| Company type | Privately held |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sportswear and sporting goods |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Headquarters | Irvine, California |
| Products | Women's athletic shoes and apparel |
| Parent | Caleres |
| Website | www.ryka.com |
History
Rykä was founded in 1987 by Sheri Poe, who wanted to design a better-fitting athletic shoe for women.[1][2] The company also produces athletic apparel for women.[citation needed]
Rykä merged with Global Sports in 1997.[3] Global Sports sold its branded division in 1999 to American Sporting Goods Corporation.[4] The company is now owned by Caleres Inc., who bought American Sporting Goods in 2011.[5][6]
Publicity
Poe is credited with introducing Princess Diana to her shoes, through her creation of the Ryka Rose Foundation, a nonprofit organization working to stop violence against women.[citation needed]
Since 2008, Kelly Ripa has been the spokeswoman for Rykä shoes.[7]
The Rykä brand is an example of foreign branding.[citation needed]
