Running shoes: What are your favorites? Suggestions?

My favourites are my old Nike Vomeros - but that doesn't mean a thing as everyone has a very different foot and different needs.
I'd suggest that you get yourself to a good running store and get some advice about what is right for your foot and your running style.
I know how expensive shoes are (I'm guessing you're in Australia, I wish I could buy shoes cheap like they do in the US!) and you have to get what is right for you.

I went to the local running store to buy my first pair of "real" running shoes, but I felt pressured to buy the ones I got and ended up with some knee pain... and I know I overpaid as well.

I DO NOT want injuries so good running shoes are essential. I see a lot of runners with similar shoes, so I figured this would aid in my search

I am in the states, I plan on going to the local sporting goods store soon but was hoping for some "ammo" to go with! I dont want to pay $200... It almost seems illegal to charge that much! lol!

Over $200 is standard for good running shoes in Australia, but people in the US usually seem to get them much cheaper - hopefully you won't have to pay that much.
If you want a general overview, the last issue of Runner's World that I bought had a great shoe comparison. That's the Aussie version but it's probably in the US mag too.

There is a great website I use to buy my shoes www.roadrunnersports.com they will "help" you find the best shoes for your running style. For instance, my husband has flat feet so it helps him determine the best shoes for that and now he does not have pain when he runs.

Plus they have very good prices and have a 90-day wear and return policy. If in 90 days you are not satisfied with your shoes, send them back and they will either give you a new pair of different shoes or refund your money

my fave is Sketchers Prospeed.

I have asics cumulus runners for the gym/running outside. Paid about 100 euro for them (i'm in Ireland). Got my gait analysis done and they recommended these to me. THey are fab, like running on cushions. Totally worth the money.

I'm only repeating what I've heard..... BUT according to Stephen Fry of QI fame, he said a friend of his 'gold medal winning friend' said that once you get to about £70 everything on the shoe is just the same and only the cost is different... like I said I'm only repeating what I've heard, do with it what you wish...

However I do think that getting input from people in the stores could help, I would be inclined to go to two or three and see what each one says.

IMO

I guess I'm lucky, I can wear practically anything out there as long as they fit properly (normal pronation - I use a neutral cushioning shoe) and have been running using Asics Nimbus shoes for the last few years - but what works for may may not work for you.

Here are some links to articles that may help.....

http://www.runnersworld.com/subtopic/0,7123,s6-240-319-326-0,00.html

http://www.runnersworld.com/shoeadvisor

So as an over-pronator, I take it you have either low arches or flat feet as most over-pronators do, correct? If this is the case, you would do better with motion-control shoes that help to control this. You can do a wet test or gait test to be sure. Runner's World online is great for helping to determine what type of arch/foot you have and shoe needs. Also a great tool, www.roadrunnersports.com is great for not only helping to determine what type but also in finding the right or best types of shoes for you based on certain variables such as gender and terrain types.

It is very important to wear the best types of shoes for you and your body, rather than what everybody else says is a good shoe. You will minimize injuries this way and feel better running overall. Price doesn't matter in the sense that many times you can buy a great pair of running shoes for $80 or another good pair at $200. Also remember that you should be either switching them out approximately every 500-2000 miles to help minimize injury as well. It's different for every person. Personally, I use one pair one day and then another the next.

Also note that just because shoes may be right for your arch type, every brand may not be good for you personally. I can only use 2-3 brands out of the many available. RoadRunnerSports.com has a great deal for a VIP package with free priority shipping and 10% off every order, as well as the right to return any pair of shoes within 90days, no questions asked. This means you get to try them out and see how you feel after at least a month of running in them. Can't beat that! They're really oriented for the customer.

I hope this helps in some way, especially as running can be a great part of losing or maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle, moreso when paired with MFP

Interesting... But as I said, most, not all of over-pronators are low-flat footers. So do you still wear running shoes for high arches?