DSW etc has what seem like knockoff versions of shoes that you don't find in the Nike store like the Windflo (pegasus?), Flex (free?) Experience, Downshifter, Renew Rival and other awesome names. What exactly are these? Are they heavier and not as springy?
There's also Adidas Energy cloud, the Duramo. There's even a NB one that looks like the Vazee called the Marvis.
Other than the twilight zone what is this?
Marvis. Ha!
All the shoe companies have budget models. Sometimes it means that they use older sole technology and upper designs and less cushioning. Sometimes the company stands behind these shoes and gives them model names that fit the rest of the lineup (like the Asics GT-1000, a completely workable support shoe), and you'll find these budget models at Running Warehouse and other retailers.
Other companies don't want their budget models to eat into the market for their midrange and premium models, so they give them names that sound like embarrassing diseases ("Winflo") and keep them out of the usual retail channels. You'll find them on discount sites like 6pm.com and in budget retailers like Shoe Carnival. Some of these models are still decent running shoes.
You really have to look at the shoes on a case by case basis. Some budget models are only lacking the latest and greatest, and would have been perfectly find for 2014 or 2016. Others are junk.
Keep in mind that midrange (MSRP 100-120) and even premium models (MSRP 140+) can be found on sale or closeout deep discount for around the same price or even less than the budget models.