Nike running shoes... Thoughts?

@baffled makes a good point. What you are running on is important. I have a pair of Frees but I only use them for lifting since they are super light and don't take the impact of outside runs well for me. Now I have a pair of Lunars that I LOVE for outside runs and treadmill runs. They are light (super cute in gray/pink) but leave me feeling less of the impact during runs. I have had 3 pairs of lunars and loved them all.

What type of surface will you be running on? I currently have a pair of the Nike Free running shoes and have found them to be wonderful on a treadmill, but not so great outside on concrete.

I usually run on asphalt and concrete and the Nike Frees (version 2, not 3, the latter not fitting me as well) have been great on it. Much better than the Air Pegasus N7s I was running in before.

Granted, I mainly stick to Nikes since we have an outlet in my town, I haven't tried many other brands.

It's funny you posted this because just last week I bought new running shoes. I started running almost a year ago and have always worn Nike's because they felt OK and I could always find a pair I liked on sale for under $50 or so. A few months ago I have gotten more serious about running and have started doing 5K's and I love it! I like to read Runner's World magazine and other blogs on running and read the same thing over and over... The most important thing you need when running is a good pair of running shoes. So I decided to look into getting a better pair.

I went to a store called Active Runner where they specialize in analyzing your foot type and helping you select the shoe that is right for you. I found out that I have excessive supination, also called underpronation, and the shoe I was wearing was not the right fit for me. He had me try on several pair and I ran on the store's treadmill until I found my perfect match. I was amazed at what a difference the shoes made. I purchased the Muzino Wave Rider 15 for $119.00. I never thought I would spend that much for shoes, but it's definitely worth it!

I suggest going to a store that specializes in running shoes and get your foot properly measured and take your time. Only you can find the shoe that's right for you. Yes, it may be a little pricy, but if you're serious about running, it will definitely be well worth it! Best of luck!!

Unfortunately where I live we dont have specialty stores. We have your typical Foot Locker, Finish Line, Journeys ect. I mostly run on the treadmill because right now it is so hot outside, but when it cools off I plan to start running outside and eventually do a 5K. If there is a shoe that is good for both that would be more realistic because I would like to be able to run on both surfaces.

The surface doesn't matter unless you start running very technical trails. It's more important that you are in the right shoe for your gait. If you can't find a specialty store, maybe find a running club with an experienced runner that can help analyze your gait. It's really that important.