Converse would be my favorite, I find that they are extremely durable. They are also less expensive than Nikes if you shop around at warehouse sales.
I'm a big fan of Nike and ASICS. You will never catch me in Jordans or Adidas! They are both made/designed too chunky for my liking. Nike has always been a favorite since growing up. Apparently they were the brand to last the longest (let my mother tell it), so I sticked with them throughout the years. Not to mention I was a student athlete and Nike sponsored our gear. Nike creators always have the best designs. (i.e. Seattle Seahawks jerseys/uniforms) -- I believe they are the only NFL team to be sponsored by Nike.
My favorite brand of shoes depends on what use do I need it for. I am into running, so I choose to buy Mizuno running shoes when I need one. They are very durable shoes and have a long life, but it still depends on how frequently you use them. For some daily shoes, I choose to but in thrift stores because I just use them for going out. They are not that durable but I do not use them always since I wear different sneakers daily when I go out and also these shoes are cheaper because they are in thrift shops.
My most liked sneakers are Converse Chucks. I have a few pairs of Chucks in different colors, but my favorite type to wear is my navy blue high-top shoes because it allows me to move around while doing extreme activities much better than my low-cut shoes. I still acquire a new pair once a year, because I usually give away a old pair or it becomes to worn down.
Right now, some refer to me as a sneakerhead. I own around 10 pairs of Jordan's that range from the prices 200$-1000$. To an outsider of the sneaker community, this may seem absurd. However, some of these shoes are extremely rare and limited. Growing up, shoes have been a huge part of my life. Watching Jordan play (as you did) fascinated me. I wanted my mother to buy me all the sneakers in the store. Obviously this didn't happen, but it is what started my crazy for sneakers.
Just like with clothes, jewelry, hats, and everything else that human beings adorn their bodies with, I am not into the whole brand thing. I have no set brand or any favorites. I buy whatever looks good to me, whatever I am drawn to, and if these articles have no brand on them then so be it. If they do, then so be it!!
