A few years ago I realised I had been wearing the same work shoes (HS Trask, Cole Haan, Allen Edmonds, J&M)for almost 10 years getting them resoled when I needed. Like you, I researched and decided it was time to stepup and get some nice shoes. I bought the following brandswith shoe trees all on sale. I have had them 5 years now and they stilllook like new
Crockett& Jones, John Lobb, and Church's.
I got the best deal on the Crockett & Jones here (~$400).
http://plal.com/main/index.php?page=crockett-and-jones-handgrade
Rotate your shoes. Use Shoe Trees, and shine them once a month. They will outlast you. </p>