I bought these primarily for casual city riding. I needed a pair of shoes with a hard shift pad because my aftermarket gear shift lever doesn't have a rubber tip. For me, ankle protection is non-negotiable, so I ruled out most low-cut riding shoes. The high-top design provides extra ankle and lower-shin coverage, making them feel much more secure on the foot. I've only used them once so far, but my first impressions are very positive. My only minor criticisms are that the shift pad could have extended slightly further towards the front of the shoe for better coverage, and the laces are a bit too long, so I have to tuck them in to prevent them from getting caught on anything. Other than that, the shoes are excellent. They're comfortable, feel sturdy and well-built, and have a casual look that's easy to wear off the bike. The sizing is consistent with other Alpinestars footwear, so they fit exactly as expected.