not sure how this got to be a top seller. the cushion works going downhill but you have to account for the sole size which means you are raising your leg higher or you'll stumbled down..as for hiking on inclines, the traction on this shoe is horrible. I'm using a heel to toe when I go uphill which enables me to use my thigh/hamstring muscles--with this shoe, i'm using calves. Not pleasant. i wish i didn't throw away the box when I first got it..or I would return this shoe. I tried several different hikes to see the value and in all, I'm cursing. I'm on the lookout for a different shoe that will work for my 10+ hikes/. WASTE OF MONEY...