Read this[/URL" target="_blank">, and then find a specialist store, one staffed by runners, ideally one that does video gait analysis.

The cost of the shoes pales beside the cost of physical therapy for the injury from the wrong one.

My shoes were $132, which almost killed me because up until that point, all of my sneakers had been from the Dollar Store (I am super cheap!)

But if you think about the hours of enjoyment you get out of running, I think it's really worth it. lontach is right about injury prevention, too. And if you think about how good running is for your overall health, well, we all know how much it costs to be sickly nowadays....

I'm sort of cheap so I shop around to save a bit. I struggle to pay much over $70 for running shoes. Currently I run in Asics 2110's - around $70
Saucony Grid Omni Ultimate 5's - $58

Buying last year's model will usually save you $20 or so if you can find your size.

I have been through lots of different brands and models of shoes, and for a long time wanted to stay under the $90 range. I always had a few pairs that i liked (mostly Brooks and Asics), but I never felt very strongly about any. One day i tried a pretty expensive pair that was the last years model (Brooks Trance - around $135 normally) and i was shocked at the difference it made in how i felt. i never felt the subtle knee and calf pains that i had grown accustomed to over the last 3-4 years. I think the main reason it made such a difference for me is that I am heavier than a lot of runners (6'3", between 190 and 210 during that time). I have bought a few pairs at a time around when the new model comes out and i can get them at about $95, but I would pay (and have paid) full price for them.

Just a thought.....once I "found" my favorite shoe (w/professional input ) then I kept my antennae up for specials on that particular shoe (ie: Sam's club had a 'special purchase' of my Saucony's!! so, I was able to 'stock up!")......have saved a bit of cash - applied to other fun gear! -

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We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started, and know the place for the first time. - T.S. Eliot

quote:<HR>Originally posted by luv2talk:
And what are the major things you look for in a good running shoe?
<HR>

I look for light, flexible, relatively flat, not overly cushioned, well made shoes. I've been running in LOCO Banditios for the past year and half and am very happy with them. They are definitely NOT the typical SUV shoe.

I like to be able to feel the ground that I run on, rather than being isolated from it.

I highly recommend that you check out LOCO running shoes.
<http://www.locorunning.com/>
Once you purchase online, they offer discounts for further purchases.

My last purchase was 2 pair for the price of one.

Check 'em out.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by mrwizard:
I look for light, flexible, relatively flat, not overly cushioned, well made shoes.
<HR>

Same here. I love my Adizero PRs. 4oz each, extremely flexible, very flat, and just a little cushion. It takes a while to get used to running exclusively in flats but it's worth it in the long run.