I had used my other shoes up and my knees were just killing me. I had tried a few other shoes that didn't feel right. I got these and my knee pain went away. It did take me a few try's to get used to them because they just felt different from my Ryka XT2's. But I really love the fit now. They have been great for jazzercise and I am an instructor so I use them every day. I will buy this product again. I usually wear an 8 sometimes an 8 1/2. I bought the 8 and they were too small-my toes felt crammed. Got the 8 1/2 and they fit great.