I used a pair of split second IV's back in the day when I used to wrestle and I loved those shoes to death. I bought an expensive pair of adidas wrestling shoes and they started falling apart pretty quickly. Since then I've sworn by Asics shoes (both running and wrestling). I use these shoes now for boxing. The fit is as expected. I typically wear a size 7 shoe but ordered up to a size 8 so my toes were flush. These shoes do expand after you get them so it's possible a 7.5 would have been fine for me. Anyways, the sole has no support its pretty flat, very flexible, and so far has been durable. The shoe also breathes extremely well. I was surprised since my Split second IVs always smelled awful. That is not the case with these. I've found the grip is pretty good on dry surfaces, if something is wet though you are out of luck. I go these so I could have a better feel of the ball of my toes. These would work well for lifting shoes as well I bet.

I didn't have any problems with defects but I'm sure there is bound to be some out there.