Admitidly, our family has been partial to Asics Gel shoes for some time.  But our son, who hadn't owned a pair, really liked the looks of these.  So we bought them for him.  He LOVES them!  They are so comfortable for walking, runnung, going to the gym, and just wearing.  Time will tell how they stand up, but I think he will grow out of them before they break down.  A definite THUMBS UP!