I agree that the more textured leathers seem to hold up better on the whole.
But my lightly textured pewter Sofft Bernias and Breeze sandals definitely showed their wear. Mind you, those sandals were constantly on my feet and in some pretty challenging conditions -- but the footbeds seemed to wear out extremely quickly, showing cracks and black marks. Fortunately, the tops wore much more slowly. Still, it felt a bit icky underfoot once they cracked.
So far, my Ralph Lauren gladiators are holding up very well. I have no scuff marks on my Ecco sneakers. A few on my Ecco sandals, which I wear infrequently this year, but wore in some challenging circumstances last year. And no scuff marks (yet) on my Jolenes.
I agree, Angie, that they are very versatile shoes that are easy to wear. It is funny -- our feet are differently shaped but the same shoe size and many of the ones that work for you also work for me.