Of course, I grew up in canvas sneakers with a new pair each summer. I do not really remember owning pairs of Adidas or Nikes. I sort of assumed expensive shoes were not better, but just more expensive because of the company's advertising and constantly changing styles.
One's never too old to change one's opinions.
As I have a renewed interest in walking as exercise, I bought some slip-on Skechers a few weeks ago. They are called GO WALK something or other. And they make my outings seem like heaven, assuming that one walks on clouds there. My feet are suddenly much happier.
I ordered another pair for our upcoming winter although I've been wearing sandals nearly exclusively from November to March since we retired in 2014. These are a different style and require lacing up.
I just had Jay order a pair too. We walk a whole lot when we're travelling and it makes sense to have suitable shoes. So after six and a half decades of walking on earth, save for the first few, I've become interested in shoes.