Having run in a few different brands and injured myself in each, I cannot acclaim getting yourself professionally fitted enough. I've been wearing the same model of Brooks' running shoes for the last two years and am on my 6th pair. But then again, the perfect shoe for me might give you an injury in a week. Get fitted, then choose the pair that best meets your needs and taste, and then run like hell! (To advertise my favorite brand however, Brooks is awesome! wOOt! Yeahhh!)

+1

Been running in the same model of Asics for a while now. You pray for a new year so you can at least get a new color.

I HATED BROOKS! But that's just me. Go get fitted that's the best way. I'm currently running in a pair of sucony's that I love. I've also run in Nike's (didn't really like them that much) and asics which were to hard for me.

i can't say enough about my newtons

love asics nimbus and kayano

My podiatrist suggested New Balance & ASICS. I love my Kayanos. He specifically warned against Nike, but maybe they've changed since his impressions were formed. :) He also said Brooks had come a long way, and their new shoes were good.

jono

+1 on getting professionaly fit - but know that most stores don't carry Newton, which I love.

(and the banners pay to keep the site going. Ad salesmen of the world unite!)

What sort of running are you going to be doing? Cross country flats are only good up to 10k (and even then, if on the roads, may beat you up quite a bit if you land heavily or on the heel). They would best be reserved for 5k and speed work on the track. Simply too little support and cushioning otherwise.
For trainers, go to a running store, have them analyze your form and footstrike, and run around in a bunch of shoes. Ultimately, no recommendation from someone else will be perfect for you. Just go with the shoe that feels the best for your preferences. And don't be afraid to spend an hour or 2 selecting shoes. You'll be spending a lot more time in them after you leave the store, and the next time in will be much easier if you get it done right the first time.

Preface: Stupid Question

Where and how do you get Professionally fitted for a shoe?

I have a pair of NB's and I think I have put about 500 miles on them or so and am in need of a new shoe they are uncomfortable and I have been running into Heel problems with them (Strained my Achilles).

Any good running store (not all shoe stores that have running shoes are good running stores). The store will probably have a treadmill inside where they can watch you run.

You don't necessarily need to get "professionally" fitted for a shoe. Most of the people you see in running stores are either former/current runners, or people involved in the sport somehow. They likely won't have any formal training, but will be able to look at your feet, wear patterns on your old shoes (take your worn shoes with you!) and your stride/footstrike and recommend a group of shoes. Be wary of anyone who tells you to go with a specific shoe. Really, you should try out a few different pairs that may work for you and compare them. Put one shoe on your left and a different on the right and run 100 m or so. Repeat with other shoes until you figure out which you want. Just like with the optometrist: A or B, C or D, until you get the perfect fit for you.

500 miles is near the upper limit for shoes if you are putting in most of your miles on pavement. Personally, I rotate a couple/3 different pairs of shoes to keep my feet and legs happy. Currently it's Asics DS Trainer 13 with about 100 miles, Puma Complete Phasis with 150, and Nike Air Zoom Elite with near 350, but over half that on a treadmill. All work very well for me, which goes to show there is never one "must use" shoe.

Running stores are *very* hit and miss... my buddy had some very specific advice from a podiatrist (read: trained professional!) and got into several arguments with running store clerks who thought they knew better.

They don't. They can be helpful, but if you want professional advice, go to a professional. A podiatrist will cost you what, $75? A bad pair of shoes will cost you $150 anyway and then when you injur yourself...

(I'm not associated with podiatry in any way, other than being a satisfied customer!)

jono

I love my Newtons! Running farther and faster than ever before.

I've been very pleased with my Mizuno Wave Creation 8s. I went to a local tri store that videotaped me running on a treadmill in several different shoes in addition to looking at my old shoes and asking typical questions about injuries, specific issues while running etc.

[quote=tsilcyc]+1

Been running in the same model of Asics for a while now. You pray for a new year so you can at least get a new color.[/quote]
+1

Go to the store and run in the shoes.. I've had my foot mapped and matched to the shoe and haven't changed since. I run Asics Cumenlus (could be spelled wrong). I have tried on Newtons and love the way they feel when you run, but I haven't raced in them. The other shoe I'd consider are the Zoots. Love the fact that water drains out from the shoe and the edging on the back to get the shoe on.