First pair of Rykas, but definitely won't be my last. Really fine set of shoes. Quickie points:

1) Ball of the foot area: I prefer more cushioning. A quick trip to the drug store killed that concern, via a ball-of-the-foot set of gel pads. Placed the gel pads under the insole. (May be fine as is for most though.)

2) Indulging fitness walks of 3-5 miles near daily means I go through athletic shoes quickly. Despite all those shoes, these are the ONLY ones which make it *impossible* to have pain under the shoe-tie area. There's a patch of what appears to be leather, atop the tongue. When you tie the shoe, the knot situates itself directly above that patch. So, because this usual irritant is missing, no need to me to use Lock Laces on this shoe. (I've got em on just about all my other sneakers.)

3) The shoe strings actually stay tied, even throughout a multi-mile walk. No double-knot, or Lock Laces, needed.

4) These bad boys are not only super comfy (they cup the heels in a truly glorious fashion!), they look dang good as well.

5) I have mild over-pronation tendencies. I was concerned that there might not be enough support. The support is great, even though these are the lightest shoes I own.

6) Sizing: I always buy 1/2 size up from my true size, to ensure I have a thumb-width of space from toe to shoe tip. Fit exactly as desired.

Conclusion: You really owe it to yourself to try these. Amazon makes it painless for returns, but I suspect you too will deem these stone cold keepers. (Purchased out of pocket; no Vine Membership involvement in this case.)