I had the previous iteration of this shoe, the Salomon Exit Low (2000). I used and abused that shoe for two years before it fell apart. The Expert Low appears similarly well-made and able to take lots of abuse. It is very stable and supportive without being overly constricting... this is due to what appears to be a board last construction. The polyurethane midsole provide a good amount of cushioning, but is not bouncy or springy like running shoes. These shoes are relatively heavy, but not overly so--this goes along with their very supportive nature and construction. They do take a few days of walking around to break them in, but once done, you're set. If I had to change one thing about this shoe, though, it would be the lacing system--I don't like the speed laces (i.e. one pull tightens everything). The speed laces are too hard to keep tight while you're tying them, and difficult to adjust for pressure at different points (i.e. if you want them to be tight at the top but a bit looser in the middle).