There are so many models and probably many models are made in different factories with different standards, within the same brand.
I had a pair of New Balance running shoes that I've had well over a decade. Since 2020, I did a lot of walking with them. Earlier their year, I saw that they had a big hole in the soles. The holes didn't go all the way through but for some reason it was as if a piece of the sole dropped out. From the side they looked normal and felt good, still a lot of cushioned feel.
So I got rid of them and bought a NB trainer. Within 2 months, there are holes on the sides because the mesh materials are poor. The soles are mostly still there though they don't feel as cushioned as my old NB joggers. I had to buy some Dr. Scholl gel insoles.
So two vastly different experiences with NB shoes.
And I never paid more than $50 either time.
I've had two pairs of Sketchers and the first pair lasted me years. I still have them though the soles are mostly worn so I'll probably toss them.
Then I got a pair last year and put a lot of miles on them. The soles are rounded on the edges so they're wearing out but the canvas uppers are intact, unlike the NB trainers.
I wonder though, as heavily as Skechers advertises on TV, whether they have consistent quality across all the models.
They promote the max cushion models and the other day I saw some ads about work shoes where they all can be slipped into and out of, without reaching down with your hands or using a shoe horn.