Reebok's children line is very cheap, and rather durable. However, they can be hard to find.
Disney's Hannah Montana shoe line is very expensive, but your little one is going to love it.
The Nike velcro children's line is very durable, and only moderately expensive.
Generic kids' shoes are usually made out of the same material as the brand names, but will have a shorter warranty and be cheaper.
Kids have a tendency to wear out their shoes before they should. So, I would think it's cheaper to continue going to Payless, as opposed to finding an expensive brand that would wear out just as easily. In my experience, there is no brand that outlasts the others.
K-Swiss is a brand of athletic shoes. Keds is a brand of shoes for kids.
Doctors tend to recommend shoes that have flexible soles for kids.
Any quality brand will definitely be much more durable than cheaper brands.
Etnies shoes brand, besides shoes, makes also jackets, sweatshirts, tees, shirts, denim pants, shorts and accessories. The brand has products for men, women and kids.
I don't think puam is a bad brand. I bought a pair of <a href="http://www.kids-shoes-shop.com/puma-outdoor-climbing-big-kids-shoes-c-1051_1101.html">Puma Outdoor Climbing Big Kids Shoes</a> are very well.
Zappos.com had a lot of options for kids running shoes. Since they deal with shoes primarily that had many options and choices of color and brand. Roadrunnersports.com also had articles on what is best for your childs needs.
Geox Kids Shoes - The Best Italian Shoe Brand For Kid Antiono Zengra is a good designer
Greasers wear blue jeans jacket/leather jackets, blue jeans, an old shirt, and for shoes... cowboy boots or tennis shoes (mostly converse) Basically anything that they can get their hands on. Socs wear madras and other expensive clothing. Leather shoes and khaki pants. Designer brand. (the rich kids)