Honestly, most of the time you’re paying for Brand names, not quality of construction. There’s just a few brand names I hold in high esteem only because they actually deliver quality of construction.
Happened to be in a payless last weekend with the wife and saw a pair of hightop converse on display, cost...$55. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t check but I’m sure they were made in some pacific rim country. When I was a kid my parents used to buy ‘em for me for $8....’course that’s been a while. lol