Bucked off a horse and cracked my sacrum in June 2011.  The worst part was muscle damage which has taken a long time to heal.  These were a godsend.  Much more STABLE (horse pun accidental) than the "exercise sneakers" everyone is peddling.  My balance has been aided greatly and it seems like my "core" muscles are finally coming back.  Plus instead of my joints taking a pounding it finally feels like I can walk with energy and "drive" that I didn't have before.  These are terrific; very comfortable too.  I bought a pair for barn chores and another for going "out and about."