A couple years ago I did some research for 'the most comfortable shoes'. One of the Sketchers came out on top... and I bought them.
Do you notice what shoes people wear? I don't. You could have pink bunny slippers on and I wouldn't notice. BUT.. my grandkids noticed my Sketchers.
Were you aware that wearing Sketcher's is the most 'uncool' thing a human being can do? I wasn't... but wow did I find out. They noticed my Sketchers instantly, "Papa, NOOOOOOOOO, you can't wear those". Apparently my wearing Sketcher's would have humiliated my grandkids out of society... forcing them to be monks in Tibet.
Ok, the Sketcher's.... they were ok... not as comfortable as advertised but I had no problem with them. But you're right, they don't hold up.
Another shoe tidbit: My kids want me to wear Nike's... because they're 'cool'... I can't wear Nike's. Nothing fits my feet worse than Nike's... over the years I've owned quite a few pair of Nike's and NOT ONE PAIR fit right.
I'd say in order the best shoes I've owned are: Dr. Martens, Merrels, Vasques, Brooks, New Balance, Adidas. Dr. Martens will last you your lifetime... then you can pass them down to your kids, who in turn can pass them down too their kids, who in turn can... you get the idea. - JamesJM