We've had the full range of shoes from terrible through to pretty good. TBH I can't afford to be paying > $100 for a pair of shoes at a time of year when there are so many other expenses, but if I could, I would, because your kid wears them every single day, so it doesn't make sense to economise on them. Having said that, we've had mid-priced shoes from places like Williams (ie shoe shop) & even the Grosby's from Target that have fit well & lasted well through the year. But you need to be a savvy shopper because in the mid-price range, the quality varies a lot. I look for leather, evidence of good seams, & the extra inserts (for better fit). I would steer clear of the very cheap, we bought some in a desperation one year (DD's size was sold out everywhere else) and they didn't last the term even.