Got these as a substitute for Birkenstock Arizonas, for longer walks with the dog. I have had plantar faschitis, which I conrol with insoles in all my shoes. Birk footbeds are as good as insoles, as the heel and arch are good for my feet. The Merrells don't seem to have quite as good an arch as the Birks, but are very comfortable and have enough contour so that I can wear them for a couple of hours and be fine. Most importantly, they're not too cushioned. Some manufacturers use cushioning as a substitute for good foot support, but it's the way the foot moves through the strike and push-off that makes the difference, not the cushioning. I don't think I'd want to wear these all day (hence four stars), but for a couple of hours they're really great.