I have in NZ brought shoes that seemed very good for DS, and were not expensive but a good brand like clarkes is reliable. DS got his first pair only now for school and he loves how they feel.
When he was smaller and not lasting in them as long I was buying cheaper ones, but you have to really look at the shoe carefully. Stick your hand in and feel what the toe area feels like, push down on the insole and feel for comfort, suport and any bumps and lumps etc that could be uncomfortable. Feel what the tongue (if it has one) feels like, is it scratchy or too thin or too thick? etc. Bend the shoe and see how flexible the shoe and sole is, how heavy is it? What material is it made of - can his feet breath, is the shoe washable etc?
Think about what makes a good shoe work for you and think about what makes a shoe uncomfy for you. Then consider what it things a kids feet need, ie; room for toes, arch support, etc.
There are shoes out there that dont cost as much as the 'quality' brands, but you really need to inspect each shoe well, and sorry I cant tell you any brands here, as the ones I found to be good were in NZ.
Hope thats of some help anyway.