Kudos to Asics for recognizing the strength training market and not just releasing general purpose cross trainers.

These have a raised heel - not sure the height but more than 1/2 an inch - which is important to add flexibility.

I'm squatting around 370lbs at the time of this review and I find these to give a very solid base - much more so than Chucks. The product description lists cushioning but that's only the insole which is very slight - not squishy like a cross trainer & very solid with 300+ lbs on my back.

The raised heel lets me get full depth for overhead squats and snatching with out losing my balance.

I have wide feet the shoes were a little snug at first but they've loosen up.

Asics make quality shoes and these not exception.