Major brand names dont do a thing for me. You're basically paying for the name. I buy the cheaper brands that last every bit as long...if not longer...than the big name brands.
I don't believe in paying twice as much just to have an advertisement on my feet. Besides, when I look at who does their advertisements, I would not support any business who pays the likes of them big bucks to wear their shoes and then charge ME twice the price to have the same shoe. Professional sports has no appeal to me. I sure don't want to help pay professional athletes even more.
But I have adidas sneakers for when I do.
No really I buy what fits my feet best. I need size 14 so I take what works. it's Adidas these days.