I felt they were great shoes. I'm not a professional lifter so take my point with a pinch of salt but I found this shoe to be durable and well made. I reduced the size, although another comment from a real pro lifter said that lifting shoes should be narrow. To be honest I sent the shoes back within a month because I realized I could squat better without them (I was trying to learn more about the mechanics of a good squat) but in the time when I she had, I used her. enough to ensure they last me a while and I would buy them again should the need arise.