I purchased these shoes about a month ago after reading good reviews.  I compared them to other 'toning' shoes but liked that these looked more like a normal sneaker (i.e. not a huge bulky heel to shout out that you are wearing 'toning' shoes!).  I bought the grey/plum color and was surprised that the black part of the shoe is actually a velvety material on the top.  I don't love that look, but it's not awful.  As for performance, I try and wear them every time I go for a walk, run errands, or clean around the house.  I can tell that my legs get fatigued sooner than normal if I'm wearing them.  I have also tried running in them when I don't have my running shoes handy -- I'm not sure they are the best for running as they change your stride and I felt a bit sore in my shins, but it's doable.  Overall, I've been pleased, they are exactly what I expected (minus the fuzzy velvet!)