I normally wear 8-81/2 in workout shoes, and ordered 8 in these.  There is not really room in the toe box, so I would go up half a size.  There is an amazing amount of cushioning in these shoes in the heel, and especially the forefoot.  I have problems with metatarsal pain and plantar fasciitis, so I can really appreciate the cushioning.  I do hip hop abs and kickboxing in these shoes, and they work very well.  There is great lateral stability, and no matter how much high impact movements I do, my feet are not hurting, or numb.  The removable insole has no arch support, but has tremendous cushioning, so I slip the Soul Insole orthotic insoles under the footbed and it feels great.  I love these shoes and am going to order more a half size up.  I also do wish the toe box was a shade wider, and I have normal width feet.