Make sure the Format Lock isn't turned on.
After saving the format be sure to close the current window and open a fresh window to ensure you are only seeing the result of the saved formats and nothing left-over from making changes in the original window.
Check what has actually been saved under Preferences / Folders / Folder Formats. That should give a clearer picture of what is and isn't saved for different paths.
The Folder Formats: Detailed Guide may help understand any other complex interactions between folder formats.