This classic NB 993 has perhaps the highest quality materials both inside and outside the shoe. There is real suede leather and thus the increased weight of the shoe. I own about 20 pairs of running shoes at this point ( way too many) so I can make some comparisons. My top 2 running shoes are the Kayano 17 by ASICS and the Brooks Trance 10. I see reviews that this shoe is for over pronators. It actually feels to be to be made for mild supinators. The shoe is neutral when I add my SOLE moldable insole and take out the stock insole. Its a practice I highly recommend for most running and basketball shoes. There have been very few shoes where I thought the stock insole was good enough to leave in. With all these reviews mostly positive I'll add my 2 cents. This is a shoe that goes beyond just running. Its a cross trainer, a walking shoe, a treadmill shoe, a trail shoe a work shoe and can be used even for other sports like basketball. Its got stability good cushion and just feels good on my feet. There is no other running shoe I would dream of playing basketball in but you can get by in these although I wouldn't make it a habit. There are some complaints about the upper wearing out near the toe area. I do not recommend using these with cotton socks as this increases the coefficient of friction. These will do best with a synthetic acrylic sock made for running. I use only the SOLE socks as well and very seriously doubt I will get any wear though on the uppers. Again do not use cotton socks. A good rule to follow for most sports. Is there any one thing that is truly outstanding-- not really. Its the combination of things that NB has incorporated into the shoe that make it a jack of all trades. It still a running shoe but it can do much more. I really appreciate this shoe and look forward to this shoe lasting a long long time.