These are very comfortable shoes to walk in. They are designed for supinators (or underpronation) (one's whose heals wear on the outside edge of the heal; not the inside (protonator.) I find these shoes stable and easy to walk in on. I walked on asphalt, gravel, redwood leaves, cement sidewalks all easily up hill, downhill and on level ground; even while the ground was wet. I don't run much; but I do occasionally sprint and the cushion feels great. I bought these shoes mainly for comfortable walks on the sidewalks. I have another pair of shoes for the off road trails. The heel is cushioned well; best I have felt. I also like the cushion on the ball of the feet and under the tongue. I did order a half a size larger than my usual dress shoe size and a narrow as I have narrow feet. They fit perfectly well. They are flexible just enough and firm just enough.