I'm an overweight walker, wear a size 8.5, and have been buying very good ASICS cushioned running shoes.  Problem is all the shoes I have used wear out (lose their cushioning) within 6-9 months.  I walk between 9-12 miles a week and hate seeing $70-$100 ASICS Cumulus running shoes get replaced so quickly.  I figured, since all shoes lose their cushioning faster with heavier users then why not try some cheaper shoes.

I picked the Gel Venture 3 Trail shoes because I noticed the Cumulus becoming marshmallow like on hot days when they were closer to the end of their life span and because my ASICS Neo Walkers were wearing very quickly on the soles.  The Venture trail running shoes have a stiffer bottom of slower wearing black material.  They do not flex as well when brand new but give them 5 or 10 miles of use and they are great.  Cushioning is less than the Cumulus but give a more secure feel and I have had no shin splints develop.  They breathe a bit less than the Cumulus but are warmer in the winter.  So far they are great and the experiment seems to prove that I don't necessarily need the higher end shoes.  The gel in the heel works well and since I am not running, I really do not need the forefoot gel of the Cumulus.  Also, the gel is centered on the heel(better for the heel strike of a walker)vs the Cumulus runner where the gel is pushed toward the outside of the heel.

Only drawback may be slight break-in and the fact that the laces are pretty slippery and come undone more easily than other ASICS I have had.  You just have to tie them tight.  I lucked out and found mine for $40 at that lower end "french department store chain ....Jacque Penney" :)