I have serious overpronated feet so I too, prefer to go to specialty stores (running, or whatever sport I'm doing) for my sport equipment shoes/boots. I like that the staff knows its product as the person serving me only does that and is not going from one department to the next.

I also found a company (Vionic) that does shoes for those like me with overpronation. I can finally wear heels or sandals without risking an ankle twist when walking.

I can always have my insoles done professionally (which I do yearly or every 2 years) but I find they are good but not fitting in everytype of shoes I have. So Vionic for dress/sandals meets my needs. And for sports I like to go to the Running Room where they have a very nice selection of the type of shoes I need.

I always wonder if I had taken better care of my feet when I was younger (by investing in high quality shoes) if I would still have all those knees issues I go through today.