Hello Ed,
I have been to Brasil and have first hand experience of them. They are not that bad but dont last as long. There are absolutely loads of people that wear them incl the school kids. There are loads of different varieties, styles colors also, and cheap! The black/red high tops remind me of a brand that was available over here in the UK late 80s called "American AllStar" do you remember them. I remember pleanty of girls at school that couldnt afford chucks & wore them during "fourth year". Knock offs they might be but they are interesting. Me, I dont like ultra highs so much anyway.
I am still in the market for some decent "bound in chucks" pics...
best wishes