+1 on the Brooks B17.
It's really funny that the perception of softer/squishier is better(not saying this is anyone's perception here). I know when I started riding a couple years ago, that's what I thought. I just got a Brooks saddle for my bday in Jan. Only have about 40 miles on it and I already like it significantly more than any other saddle I've had so far. I think the real key is identifying sit bone width like others have said and then getting into a good pair of shorts!