The sole is flat apart from the obvious studding on the bottom that you can see in the picture. They are really quite stiff for a cheap shoe aswell.
I am a size 9, but had to get an 8.
They are a cheap shoe, but as far as I'm concerned, not too shabby for the money. They are technically a mountain bike shoe(not that, that really matters). They take an SPD pedal and cleat. A bit easier to walk in than road shoes.
I haven't ever used really expensive shoes so I can't comment on comparisons. Obviously materials will be a higher spec.
That's about all I can tell you really. Hope it helps you decide. They also do triple fasten, all the way down.