I bought these shoes for ankle support and flat sole stability.  I had major ankle reconstruction in January this year and needed shoes that supported my ankle and had a sole that was flat, not knoby with the cleatie thinges....this shoe worked.  I have used New Balance shoes for quite a while now and these did not dissapoint.  When I fully recover I may go to a skateboard shoe since the high tops are now becoming fashionable there and they are always much more colorful.  We'll see....