Same ones I train in. I wear the Assic Kyanos and or the 2100 series. Usually the Kyanos for a marathon. I need something with some support and racing flats do not offer that.

I wear my heavy trainers...the New Balance 760 series...767 maybe, whatever one is in production. Same running shoe I've had for the past 8 yrs...started at 761 and have switched only when they discontinue and move to the next version. I have no arch in my foot, though so I'm kind of afraid of racing in smaller, lighter and less supportive shoes for the sake of my knees, back, etc..

I use the model I train in. Asics 2100 series.
I have several pair and I have one pair set up with elastic speed laces just for triathlons.
I chose this shoe because I went to my local shoe store and got a gait analysis and they recomended the Asics. I have felt comfortable running in that so I am sticking with it.
It has lived up to my expectations, I have had 1 blister wearing Asics since 2003, and that was during a marathon in the pouring rain. I have not had any running injuries while wearing them either.
If they stopped making them I would get another gait analysis and go with what they recommended.

I've always worn the same thing I trained in, right now it's the Nike Air Structure Triax. If you need supported running shoes is it "safe" to race in racing flats? I'd like to give it a try but really don't want to risk injury. Thoughts on the subject?

It depends on the distance. I have Newtons- www.newtonrunning.com that I got for free from doing the 24 hours of triathlon. They are pretty expensive ($150) or so, but this is the closest you will get to running barefoot I think. They are pretty amazing as they really propel your feet forward. But the disadvantage is not very much support so I only wear them if I'm running 4 miles or less. They are great for sprint distance 5K's. But my friend wears them for longer distances (6 miles and more) and has no problems. I think it just depends on much support you need. For longer distances I wear my Nikes.

Like Zoot shoes, Newtons are not carried at very many stores, but they are at alot of the race expos, at least around me (likely since they are based out of Boulder, CO, where I live by. They are pretty cool though and if you have the money, I say give them a try!

I have the Zoot Ultra and I just wore it for Vineman. I got a teeny blister on my little toe but I didn't use any BodyGlide at all. I like them. I normally run in Asic Kayano. I had done 3 short runs in the Zoot just to check them out before the race so I knew they would work.

I wear Newtons for training and racing. I've worn them for everything from 5K to marathon and been pleased.

But I definitely see how they would not work for every runner.

I have the oddest shaped feet. Very narrow and a huge arch. The only shoes that have every really worked for me have been Nikes.

i'm wondering what kind of shoes i need to get. we have a place that analyzes your foot and walk around here, but it's so expensive and they charge like double for shoes. are any good shoes that feel good gonna be okay?

I have used Asics 2100 series and Kayano for a long time. Perfect shoes.
Now I am trying Pearl Izumi Pace. I don't do socks on the tri and the Pearls don't create hot spots.

I would second guess the the Paces for 10 miler or distances just because I haven't ran that far in them and they are new to the shoe biz.

Focus on fit over price. If you have a natural gait and footstrike with strong and flexible arches, go with a racing flat. If you need a little more support, go with a lightweight training shoe, Asics DS Trainer 13 (even though the 12 was much better IMO), or Nike Air Zoom Elite III, Adidas Supernova Light 6, and many more (those are just the ones I have run in recently). Lightweight trainers are usually about 1-2oz lighter than regular trainers, and if you don't need all the extra support and motion control, don't pay the extra $40-50 for it.

@KitKat

If you need support because you have moderate to severe overpronation or supination i wouldn't risk it, otherwise, for a 5k or 10k i say go for it.

ASICS gel cumulus 9. They are now selling the ten model so I went out and got two m ore pair of discontinued and cheaper 9's. This shoe came from my looking at Runners world Shoe Finder and then going to a big box retailer. (no pressure to buy)The two previous shoes I got at a special running store absolutely did not cut it. Really Bad!!!

I wear Brooks Adrenaline for training and for longer races, like half marathon. I have been using ASICS DS Trainer 12 for races. The Adrenalines are the best shoes I have ever owned. The only problem is they only last me 3 months or so. The cushioning wears out before the rest of the shoe. The ASICS are fine for racing but the support for training is not there. They are light and look good but my feet are still sore after using them in a race. I used them for a half marathon and could barely walk when I was done.

Thanks for all the responses everyone! Even though I'm not much closer to a decision it'll help me (and other readers) to be prepared when going shopping. I definitely want to try on the Saucony A2's and some Pearl Izumi's to compare to the DS Trainers. I'm just not gonna be able to pull the trigger on the Zoots without trying them on first. Maybe next year. The Newton's sound interesting too, but I doubt I'll find them. We'll see...