I bought these shoes for lifting weights in.  I had a standard pair of Chuck Taylors which were one size too large (more on that later).  So I got these shoes in order to both get the correct size and to get a slim soled version specifically for lifting heavy weights with (where it's advantageous to have a slim, firm sole).

Well, as it turns out, the sole on this shoe is just as thick as the standard Chuck Taylor!  It sure looks thinner from the side, but it isn't.  So anyhow, I'm still left with a great shoe, just with a slightly thicker sole than I was expecting.  Oh, and these run a full size large.  I wear an 11 in nearly all athletic shoes, but I wear a 10 in Chuck Taylors.  I bought a size 11 Chuck a couple years ago and they are comically large on me (think clown shoes).  So definitely get one size smaller than you usually wear for athletic shoes.