At least not to me. I had to verify this shoe was by Brooks. I have four pairs:"Pure Connect", two "Pure Cadence" and my first pair: "Pure Grit". They are heaven to my feet!! One is in my normal size 8.5,(sale) but others are sz9. This "Green Silence" feels TOO 'minimal". NO arch support and sz9 way too roomy. They are going back to Sierra Trading. Ball of right foot just loves Brooks!! They are the BEST shoe I've found in decades! Just not this "Green Silence".