We just purchased these online. Really fast shipping. Thank you for that. The new design has padding around the ankle. The size was true to our other So Danca TA 800's and custom So Danca tap shoes. Because of the new padding, there was no break in time. We did have the rubber put on the bottom of the shoe and it works great. The sounds are just as loud too. My daughter's other So Danca tap shoes lasted forever. Would recommend to all:)