'Es and DC both make shoes with impact gel and airbags in the heels. I know those brands aren't "hip" among the skinny jean crowd that makes up skaters today but whatever. At least they're making some shoes with padding and impact support, triple stitching, and double/triple layered ollie areas. You can also improve any shoe by spending ~$20-30 on a pair of better insoles.
It doesn't surprise me that Nike skate shoes aren't the most durable or that the quality has gone down since they were introduced. In other sports, like running or basketball, Nikes have been known as shoes that wear out fast and are kinda cheaply made.
I've never had a pair of SBs because I just started skating again and they didn't even exist when I last skated. The only models I would even seriously consider are the Salazars and the Zoom Tres (discontinued). Dunks seem okay and the new Kostons might be good (or not). Personally I don't know why everyone thinks the Janoskis are so great...they look like wannabe boat shoes and the thin, floppy design can't be that comfortable.