The first couple of years of running I went through a lot of shoes which didn't seem to work. I have been using the Brooks glycerin for the past five years. They feel comfortable but I still get injured. (I had knee surgery two years ago)
I suppose I could try a $45 pair and see what happens.
Most low end shoes tend to be stiff and heavier than their more expensive couterparts. Inflexible shoes lead to leg injuries, plain and simple. Off brand shoes are inexpensive for a reason. They use inexpensive materials that cause more harm than spending the extra $30 or so dollars for a brand name shoe. Spend the extra money and save on doctor bills.
A shoe that is $75 this year can be bought for $40 next year.
I've been told - within a company - the more you spend = tmore cushioning. I think a good example is with Adidas. Their entry level shoes have very little cushioning but their high end shoes have lots more. An exception to this maybe Nikes (their entry level shoes are great for the $$$)
However, in my opinion, I'd rather buy 3 pairs of $100 shoes than 2 pairs of $150 shoes.
I think common running shoe misconceptions are 1) the more medial support in a shoe - the better and 2) the more expensive a shoe - the more support. If you work in a running store, you'll always find the rich guy who's a neutral runner who insists on buying Kayanos...
That being said, I now live in Boston and there's a New Balance outlet store that has RIDICULOUS sales. When I had to buy shoes at retail price, I used to buy the 1200's series shoes for about $120. Every now and then they go on sale for less than $50! Sweet for a poor student like me!
Does all that cushioning weaken the ability of the foot to withstand the pounding of runnng. The need for high cushioning expensive shoes seem to contradict the new ideas about barefoot running.
Maybe less is more.