Running is NOT a cheap sport. You have to spend money on shoes to keep your body from becoming injured. Once you figure out what shoe works for you, then you can seek out sources to buy them cheaper, but you have to decide that if you are going to run, it's at least $100.00 for shoes, and you can't take short cuts.

Actually, I'm going to disagree with some of that. Running is pretty cheap compared with the myriad of sports I have or still do play. With that said, I purchased my $1,000 irons for $400 when someone bought them, hit them once at the range, and then realized they weren't the right clubs. I don't want to spend money I don't have to spend. I also think that saying one must pay $100 for a pair of shoes just means that the marketing has been successful. It wouldn't be America if we didn't think it was ok to pay $4 for a cup of coffee or $200 for a pair of jeans. My wife runs in Wave Creations not because she needs the padding but because they are the most expensive pair Mizuno makes and she changes at the first sign of dirt or when the new model comes out. 85% of the runners I know either buy the most expensive shoe in their brand or buy a pair of Nike/NB/Adias at an outlet with little regard to picking a good shoe. On the other hand, I want to buy the right shoe for me at the best price I can find. I've never paid $100 for a pair of running shoes. Maybe even more than the money factor is the fact that it takes several runs for a new shoe to feel right. Once it hits the sweet spot, it's disheartening to know that in 8 to 10 weeks it's time to start over. There's a certain comfort factor, both mentally and physically, in having a reliable pair of shoes. Now I'm getting nostalgic...

If your shoe is working (you are injury free) for you I wouldn't switch, keep buying the same ones. I run in ~$60 racing flats, mostly Adizero Adidas RCs. I just picked up a pair of Asics Hyper-Speed IIs for longer races. I do a lot of my running at a local park with a gravel and dirt track so they do not wear out quickly. I also try to run barefoot or in my vibrams, usually in soft grass. I believe this helps keep my feet and lower legs strong and stretched, which helps prevent injury. I disagree about running not being a cheap sport. It's still cheaper than a gym membership if you don't buy expensive shoes all the time and race every weekend. You want an expensive sport, try auto racing!

Home > Home & garden > Sports & exercise equipment > Running shoes Sports & exercise equipment In this report Overview CR Quick Recommendations Ratings Latest Ratings Canadian Ratings How to choose What we tested for Virtual pedometer Anatomy of a running shoe August 2008 Ratings Running shoes Nike Air Zoom Vomero+ 2 (men's) Champion Helium (men's) Nike Air Zoom Vomero+ 2 (women's) Champion Wonder C9 (women's) Availability Most models in stores at press time. Within types, in performance order. indicates Quick Pick. Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor Brand & model Price Overall score Test results MEN’S Nike Air Zoom Vomero+ 2 1 $120 78 11.5 Brooks Glycerin 6 1 120 75 12.2 Adidas Supernova Cushion 7 3 90 74 12.1 Mizuno Wave Rider 11 2 95 72 11.2 Asics GEL-Cumulus 9 3 80 71 10.9 Saucony ProGrid Triumph 5 1 120 70 11.8 Avia Tuned Trainer II 1 80 69 11.3 Puma Complete Infinitus 1 85 68 9.2 Reebok Premier Cushioning V 1 80 64 12.3 Nike Air Pegasus+ 2007 3 85 64 12.6 New Balance 893 2 85 60 11.2 Champion Helium (Target) 1 30 52 11.6 WOMEN’S Nike Air Zoom Vomero+ 2 1 120 76 9.8 Nike Air Pegasus+ 2007 3 85 72 9.9 Puma Complete Infinitus 1 85 72 7.3 Reebok Premier Hatana 1 85 71 9.7 Adidas Supernova Cushion 7 3 90 70 10.2 Brooks Glycerin 6 1 120 70 10.1 Asics GEL-Cumulus 9 3 80 69 9.3 Mizuno Wave Rider 11 2 95 69 9.0 Saucony ProGrid Triumph 5 1 120 68 10.1 Avia Tuned Trainer II 1 80 64 9.1 Champion Wonder C9 (Target) 2 28 56 10.2 New Balance 893 2 85 56 8.9 Discontinued but still available in stores. Guide to the Ratings The overall score is based mainly on fit, cushioning, stability and flexibility. We also considered breathability, weight, and features like lacing systems and reflective strips. Widths available specifies number of widths. Although most running shoes come in a wide range of lengths (from 6 or 7 to 14 or 15 in most men's models and 5 or 6 to 12 in most women's), many are available in only one or two widths. Weight is in ounces for men's size 9 and women's size 7. Fit reflects the panelists' judgments on toe-box roominess, heel snugness, and arch comfort. Cushioning scores are based on outside lab tests and panel judgments of impact absorption at the heel and forefoot. Stability combines outside lab tests and panel judgments of how well each shoe controls pronation, the foot's tendency to roll toward the inside. Flexibility combines lab measurements and panel judgments of the force required to bend each shoe at the ball of the foot. Breathability reflects how well moisture from sweaty feet will evaporate. Price is approximate retail.

The above post is from consumer reports. the last number is the rating for the tested shoe. I have switch from etonic-Nike-new balance-asics and a few in others over the past 19 years. I now buy shoes on-line. I overpronate( maybe an age thing). I buy the discontinue model. I have three new pair at present . Two came last week @ 25% off the closeout price. Asicis KayanoXll . Paid $130 for the two pair. Upgrade from the GT- 2120 which cost $60. I have been running in Asics the last 2 years. Asics work for me.