ive seen this shoe pictured really downturned and slightly upturned as shown in this picture. what is the shoe actually like?

it's down, no it's not. for real this shoe it down turned, however if you don't man up and wear tiny shoes it will flatten out because it is soft. be a man and wear tiny shoes

Agreed with Stephen, they're not down turned at all in my experience with sportiva shoes. It's a very soft shoe which you will break in very quickly: It took me 3 routes to feel comfortable with them and I sized them the same as Miura VS and Venom which took me much longer to break in.

yes they are downturned, no they arent as downturned as some, but more than most

The Cobra is not at all what I would consider a down turned shoe, like the Testarossa. It is a more standard slipper that is a great all around shoe if your feet are strong (you have the strength to stand on small edges without the help of an edging shoe). I size these and most all my climbing shoes large. That way I can be in them comfortably all day, or at least for extended periods without being in pain. Life has enough suffering without tight rock climbing shoes. Do yourself a favor and go BIG! The only drawback is that the shoe can "roll" a bit when you are trying to small edges, which can be overcome with strong toes/feet.