Running shoes

I really like my Asics. They fit a little tighter around the heel which helps when running.

If you have a local running store, I would go there and get professionally fitted. I'm training for another half marathon, also, it's in November...as well as one in February. :-)

I pronate, so I go for a stability shoes. I love Asics, but I love love love my Brooks GTS. Careful with the minimalist shoes. From what I've read, they're good to walk around in and train your muscles, but running can be touchy.

Sorry, I don't have any advice, but I'm also interested in knowing the answer to this question! Right now I am training for a 5k and used my Teva sandals which did me well until I started increasing my run time. Looking for something that will give support for the long run! Pun intended!!

YOU REALLY NEED TO CHECK OUT BROOKS!!!!! They are very high rated in Runners World! I have a pair of Brooks Ghost 4's. One thing you need to do is go to a running store and have someone watch how you walk. If you Pronate or Supinate, they have different models of shoes that compensate. I run neutral so the Ghost 4's are perfect for my stride but they may not work for you.

Seriously, as a long distance runner, you need to get some good shoes!

I just got my first pair of Vibrams (five fingers). They're great for trail running and running on a tarmac track.

I have learned that shoes and feet are not created equally. I once had a foot injury and ended up seeing a podiatrist. He made some recommendations based on my feet (low arch), stance and weight. You are going to need your feet and knees for a long time to come, even if they are fine now. Certain shoes are better for certain body type and knee/foot geometry. I would take the time to get a doctor's opinion on that, and then read some reviews on shoes once you have some names and models; then pick the best value.

Amazingly, the best shoe for me was the Sketchers Shape-Up. The New Balance I used to use, and also a pair of Nikes contributed to runner's knee which is no fun at all!

For those just starting out: warm up first, never stretch cool muscles, avoid high inclines on the treadmill, and steep down hills if you are otdoors.

The only advice I would take from a thread like this is that which says, "Go get fitted at a specialty running store." They will analyze YOUR stride/gait/etc. You may not wear the same shoe that myself or anyone else here does. You may have very different needs. To prevent injury, get fitted!

Once you have more experience with what works for you you should be able to bargin shop for a specific shoe type based on experience of what you know works for you. But this early in your running career getting fit at a specialty store is a really good idea. I buy about three pairs a year and I have tried a lot of different shoes. Here are a couple of things that they might forget to point out even in a specialty store:

check the collar of the shoe (that its not too high around the ankle) if your ankle bones protrude at all then what doesn't hurt at all for a quick run around the store could actually cause a serious bruise after 26.2.

Don't get fixated on any size number. You might be an 8 in your regular shoes but if a 10 feels the best (has at least a thumb width between your big toe and the end) then go for the 10. Your feet will swell while you run and its nice to keep your toenails (yup...they will turn black and fall off from hitting the end of the shoe).

There is no such thing as "breaking in" running shoes. If they don't feel great out of the box all the little problems are just going to be multiplied as your mileage increases.

If you find ones you love and have worn through a couple of pairs with no injuries or prblems and then you find them in clearance: buy all that they have in your size! The next years model is often different.

I have heard good things about Brooks, I'm seriously looking at the Glycerin 9's. But thought that I would consider the Vibram's before I settled on a shoe.

I agree with the other poster who suggested CAUTION with the Vibrams. I bought a pair a month ago and I'll admit, they feel fantastic. But I went for a long run in them (I was also training for my first 1/2 marathon), and ended up with a stress fracture in my heel that has sidelined me completely -- I can't work out on it until next week (after 4 weeks in a boot) and I can't run on it until October, if all goes well.

My ortho said he has also seen articles coming out in his medical journals lately about long-term marathoners who have never had injuries, and when they've run long distance in Vibrams, they had fractures for the first time in their careers. He expects to see much more of this as time goes on.

I'll probably wear mine for hiking or walking, and maybe -- a big MAYBE -- for short runs eventually. But never for more than 3 miles again. It's not worth it.