I buy my kids Sketchers simply because they seem to last longer than almost every pair I've gotten them. I've bought cheaper shoes for about $15, but they tend to wear out in a few months. Whereas the more expensive/better quality ones last longer than my kids wear them and I often pass them down to the next one or further.
But I tend to feel there is a limit on how much should be paid for quality. At the same time, paying for quality has a long-term good effect in that you like what you buy, you use what you buy, and it lasts longer. I don't know if you're like me, but if I don't like something, I won't wear it, no matter the price, so I tend to be really picky about what I buy and prefer to pay more than the norm for something I really like and will use.