Although I could use any shaping up this shoe offered, it was the hope of pain relief from plantar fasciitis and bone spurs that motivated my purchase.  It worked.  The shoe redistributes the pressure points and very little weight gets put on the painful heel spur as I walk.  Won't try getting back into exercise walking for awhile, but getting through a day at work without pain was a blessing.  I usually wear multiple insoles (arch supports, heel cushions, and/or wedges for over-pronation), so I purchased these a full size larger and wider.  I may be able to do without the insoles now, so I'll try a truer size with my next purchase.  Several months ago I purchased an off-brand shape-ups (lace-up sneaker model) and they were just OK (heel pain somewhat better, but they pinched my toes), but this Mary Jane style looks smarter.
  Just adding to this review:  I've been wearing these for a full week now, at 10 hours a day, I am still very pleased with them. I have been more productive at work and around my home than I have been in a couple of years.  It's amazing what feeling no pain can do for your life.  Doctors who haven't been able to do anything for my plantar fasciitis or bone spur (except surgery!) should recommend these.