My son started wearing Tsukihoshi shoes about two years ago and since he's started wearing them, he's always pick these if given a choice at the shoes store.  I think it's bnecause they're lightweight and comfortable.  Yes, they're more pricey but I found that the right shoes are important.  We've gotten some shoes that affected the way he ran.

Editing to take a star off: We went through two years of Tsukihoshi Euros and ended buying a new pair every few months because the rubber where the toes were kept peeling off.  Also, near where the big toes are, that's where a hole generally appear.  They just don't last well.  I gave up on the Euros and got the Fuji earlier in the year (2013).  That one lasted us about 7 months.  The rubber on the toes stayed but the decorative rubber on the heel fell off.  Still, that was a new record for us.