The bottom line for these shoes is that they saved me from having foot surgery. I was experiencing so much pain in the ball of my foot, so I went to the doctor. After having X-rays and a an exam, he suggested surgery. Apparently, I had bone spurs on my big toe joint, and he thought that removing them would help the pain. After a final conversation before surgery, my wife and I investigated these shoes. I have been wearing them now for about a month, and the pain is almost gone. As a teacher, I'm constantly on my feet, and now these are the only shoes I'll wear, except when I go to the gym. I now own 3 pairs and I am so happy with them....and I avoided surgery!