I prefer cup soles over vulcanized soles because they don't get destroyed as fast with flatland. Been wearing my first set of Etnies Number mid tops and they're great. Pretty lightweight, really cushiony, and I like the way I can put them on or off just with the velcro strap and keep them laced. I got midtops for the first time because I was also sick of knocking my ankles into my bike when I fall.
The Nike Airflight (89's) have the stiffest bottom out of all the shoes I've used for riding.
I got a pair of Etnies Number and thought they were total trash. They flexed like CRAZY after one session.