As far as i know all are the same.Idk why they are so popular doe, i would pick adidas zx/rebook classics over them anyday.
If you're going to have surgery, try not to wear them everyday, its will weaken your muscles. Air Max is good as i heard, no need to put insole because its will give you 1.4 to 1.7 inches. So wearing extra insole will make you look silly
I go from 166->170 with the air max. Other shoe I guess would give me only 2cm.