It must be because they are all converging upon some Chinese (non)standard of lightweight, poorly-stitched rubbish.
Even so-called active or endurance brands have turned into carpet slippers. Rockport, Timberland, et al.
Athletic shoe makers are doing their damnedest to fool the market with lightweight this, minimalist that but a foot strike in running, or even walking, requires stability and shock absorption ie the very things athletic shoes companies once advertised.
For further proof, I give you Allen Edmonds, who have not compromised on materials or construction. In the Obama economy, AE shoes are $350/pair which seems outrageous....until you buy Bostonians or other previously respectable brands and they fall apart inside a year.
I fell for that but once. When I started walking regularly, I was talked into buying an expensive pair of lightweight walking shoes. They disintegrated in about three weeks. I should have known something was funny, because the same store selling the lightweight shoes was also selling ankle weights in order to "increase the exercise potential of walking". I found that plain old heavy Rockport leather shoes work best, both for my feet, and for longest time to wear out the soles.