I have altered many Tai Chi shoes over the years. This is the best I've found so far. The outsole is nice and wide, as it should be. Many tai chi shoes try to mimic more standard sole shapes that are too narrow for tai chi practice. That is exactly what is needed. The black fabric upper is very durable and will definitely last longer than the outsole when I'm training on concrete. I usually wear 42 so I ordered 43 but still they were too small. I ordered 44 and they are just right.