There is a lot of information on this board about all the shoes you named. If I were you, I would use this board as a research base. Lots of people have posted favorably about New Balance, Birks, Mephistos, Ecco, etc. -- and have explained WHY they like them, based on individual foot problems, conditions, high arches or flat feet.
But the best way to decide what shoes to buy is to go out and try them on -- and to take a long time when you do, analyzing how they feel and if they give you what you the support, flexibility, cushioning or whatever you are looking for.
spider-tf042.proxy.aol.com 13:01:42