This is about my 4th pair of this model shoe I've owned.  I have always used them for step aerobics, kickboxing and general weight/circuit training.  What I love about them is the room in the toe box.  What was better in the previous versions for sure is the cushioning was far superior and without it, it feels to me like less arch support.  There is also a loss of bouyancy in the forefront of the shoe that is noticeably different then in the former versions. The shoe does feel light weight but in my opinion, Ryka sacraficed the very materials that made it the great shoe it was.  Customers who are used to the previous versions may be  disapointed.  On a positive note, I do love the look of them.