soles that squeak when walking annoy me. I've had great luck with Merrells in the past and this is no exception. These shoes are silent on carpet, wood, tile, cement and marble. I can remove the insoles to put in custom orthotics, but there is also room in the shoes to wear orthotics with Merrell insoles over them. I have the matte black version, not the polished one; until they crack. The laces appear to be of high quality and made to last. I'm a size 13 and these shoes are a little roomier than usual, especially in the toe area, but not uncomfortable.