That's too bad! I think people, runners especially, have been conditioned to replace their shoes every six months or so. I think a shoe in the $150 range should last years not months. You're right, even styles can differ a lot within the same brand. I've been wearing my New Balance now for a couple of days and, honestly, they aren't great. I'll probably try the Brooks the next time around.
It's funny how New Balance used to be what all the old people wear and then suddenly the athletes have them and Sketchers are the new old people shoes. I have heard good things about Clark's, but their styles leave a lot to be desired for me. I don't know if I mentioned it but I recently bought some waterproof hiking shoes from Nortiv 8, but I haven't had a chance to really try them out yet. If I like them I will probably buy some hiking boots from there for more ankle support.
Haha, I told me wife I was practicing to be a geezer when I unboxed these shoes. They remind me of shoes you'd see an 70 year old man wear with white socks and shorts in Florida. I used to like Clark's but don't anymore. I remember you mentioning the brand in a previous comment. I've never heard of the Nortiv 8 brand but will have to look for them. The last time we were hiking in Sedona I decided to try some of the barefoot hiking shoes from Merrell and they ended up beating up my feet pretty badly. I'll definitely be going with a traditional hiking boot the next time.
I'm not sure the quality on Nortiv8, but I see they just won an award for something. I don't remember what it was now.