Running shoes that work...

Asics Gels here! Love them. For running I had a local running store film my gait and suggest the right build up for me. But I knew what brand felt best for sure. They also moved my size up a half size which really did help me with my bruised toes.

As the other posters have said, there is no "right" running shoe. So many factors affect your shoe purchase that getting a correct answer online is impossible. Visit a specialty running store, have them analyze your gait and see what they say.

Love PureFlow by Brooks. So comfortable, well cushioned and very lightweight!

I'm not a huge runner, I really liked Brooks for awhile but they seem to breakdown quickly even for me.

I saw reviews for the Saucony Progrid Kinvara 2 so I put them on my wishlist. Got them on Christmas and have used them 2x already (only a few miles) and I really like them, they are super light and have great support.

The bonus - they come in great colors, mine are Bright Neon Pink.

I like three brands for different reasons, Mizuno (Wave Rider & Enigma)- they spring you forward! LOVE. THEN (out of my personal tradition)I like Adidas - high quality and great firm comfort and not too squishy) Adid as is known for their high quality - and it shows! .

Finally, I am in the process getting a pair of Brooks Glycerin, the reviews look great, and I will use them for my high mileage runs for extra protection.

I never had luck with Nike, tried them for years, but I do like their other gear, shorts/shirts etc. (: I even had my DH try Nike with no luck so I put him in New Balance instead - that he loves. But in the end the shoe is what works for you and you just have to try different ones to find what suits you the best.

GL!

If you have any knee or joint pain caused by impact, try the Muzino Wave Creation 12. Its heel is suspended in air so it never contacts the road.

Here's a pic: http://www.icie2.com/mens-mizuno-wave-creation-12-running-shoe-charcoal-yellow-9/1104337/product/

I can't describe how wonderful these shoes are. I was having knee pain on any downhills and with long distance. Within a few runs on these shoes, I couldn't even feel my knees. Within a few more runs I was able to run distance without limitation from my knees because there was no pain.

After running in them for several months now, I can run down steep hills - even running really fast where the pounding on the knees would be harsh - and still no knee pain at all. My knees feel 100% cured, even though they had bothered me for about five years. Today I have no limitations and no pain.

I don't know how long they will hold up, but it no longer matters. I think the outside of the heel wears out faster than my prior shoes because it is slightly beveled, but even if they wear out sooner than other shoes, they are a lot cheaper than knee surgery.

I weigh ~ 175, I can only get 400 - 450 miles out of my shoes (so that's about 2 months per pair). Any more than that and I start feeling like I have shin splints. More power to those who can get more miles.

I run out of two pairs at a time, alternating days.

I'm not a huge runner but was having horrible shin splints...went to a running store where they did all their jazz....I've always loved nikes but ended up with a pair of K Swiss tubes and some new insoles for my high arch...best shoes I've ever had...My feet feel amazing after I run and no shin splints anymore...already have my eye on a new pair of k swiss when I need them!

>>Thanks! I appreciate all the feedback. One common response is to get fitted professionally. This makes absolute sense for the absolutely serious runner/trainer. <<

I respectfully disagree. If you run regularly, you should do it to your feet. Go to a running specialty store and get fitted with a shoe that match your feet. Be good to your feet - they have to carry you for a long time. I have a very high arch, and I would not have been able to do what I have done the past 7 years, if it wasn't for my local running store. Your running shoes are foot specific and you should not select them at random. It can give you problems you did not expect.

The reason I promote local running specialty stores is because most of the staff are often runners and know what they are talking about when they fit you. Make sure you ask for their return policy as well. A good return policy will characterize a good running store.

I haven't seen all the entries, but you should replace your running shoes every 300-400 miles. It would actually not hurt to have two pairs and rotate them. The reason is that we (ALL) wear our shoes down depending on the shape of out feet.

Once fitted and you know the shoes you were fitted you'd want to stick to them. I have managed to negotiate the price I can find them at online (or close) with my running store, the same thing with apparel.

My running background - 25+ half marathons, 6 marathons, several triathlons including a half ironman. I was a New Balance user for a long time until I switched to ECCO.