It's ironic that you mentioned the 'Chinese-made poor arch support .' My neighbor says the same thing about all of her shoes made in China. She mentioned that they are so hard that she felt like a walking 'Frankenstein', ah my interpretation, not being able to walk normally. She cuts them open and pulls out the supposedly arch support and throws them away. She also believes the insert weakens the ankles.
These appear to be "Zeba" shoes so I wonder if they are the same as your friend bought? I noticed a youtube video by Bob and Brad ("the most famous physical therapists on the internet" ) that endorses these. I don't know if that is a paid endorsement. I also like Skechers.
So I have to wonder; did you just join this forum to place an advertisement for the shoes or will you be joining in the discussions?
They are the same as the ones that she bought, Zebra. I would love to see what Bob and Brad wear on a daily basis. My friend got them because of a double knee replacement and the idea of not bending over appealed to her. Not bad shoes for the flat-footed, but not worth $159 IMO.
Not to be a contrarian, but I think bending down to put on socks and ties your shoes, however painful, is good for you until such time as it is absolutely impossible to do it. It is sort of like the idea that you shouldn't stop moving until you're dead.