Its very hard to say if that's really the right shoe for you. The store may be pushing the Brooks because they have a deal with Brooks and its more profitable for them to sell Brooks instead of any other shoe. Unfortunately, trial and error is the only way to go. To compound problems, over time you'll become a more efficient runner and change your technique and eventually have to move to another shoe to more adequately adjust and fit your needs.

Are you not happy with what they recommended? Why?

Maybe I'm more trusting than Jarhead, but I wouldn't immediately jump to a conclusion that someone was trying to steer you in the wrong direction. It happens, yes, but I think most people want to get it right and create a long-term happy customer.

It sounds like they did the right things (talk to you, watch you run, etc.). The only thing I'd add is to ask around your local area for a recommended store and person in the store.

I think you will find out over time what shoe works for you but as Jarhead said, that will likely change.

In reality though, it's kind of always hit and miss because styles and versions have changes that can alter what works for you. I started out in Asics Gel Foundation because I over pronate and I was a big guy. These were the shoes that the I picked out of three choices.

As I lost weight and become somewhat more efficient, I've ended up running in K-Swiss K Onas most of the time--and it took me time to get used to these because the muscles in my legs and feet needed to strengthen. From the looks of it, K Swiss is moving away from the K Ona model so I will have to find something else.

Welcome to the never ending question... ;) I am surprised that the store only suggested one option?

+1 to trial and error. You will find a pair and love them. Then the dreaded "update" will eventually occur. Many times it will then be back to trial and error again.

-0.5 trial and error. Yes, really it's about a show that you "like" and that does what you want it to do and there is a little T&E in that but you can hedge your bets by understanding what your needs are (how much you pronate, how stiff/soft, high/low your arches are, and what your strike and stance are like). Getting to someone who can really look at your structure and the mechanics of your gait will help you understand what kind of shoe meets your needs from a scientific standpoint, then rest is empirical testing. so... +0.5 trial and error.

I love your homage to Dr. Seuss. My mom read me that book. Great perspective for running and triathlon.

[img=200X150]http://static.thepioneerwoman.com/homeschooling/files/2010/11/oh-the-pla...

[quote=paganopj]I think you will find out over time what shoe works for you but as Jarhead said, that will likely change.[/quote]

Conversely, if it doesn't change and you end up liking Brand X Model ABC, it makes it easy to buy additional pair. My go-to pair holds up around 500 miles, or about the entirety of a marathon training program. Before the race I'll walk into my shoe shop, kick off one shoe and say, "New pair, please." No fuss, no muss. This is generally bad advice, but I'll get a new pair really close to the race. I'm the dork with brand-new shoes in the starting corral.

I usually walk into a shoe store and TELL THEM what I like. But that is because I have had a lot of trial and error experience, coupled with the fact that I am a member on this forum. I also tell them what size, because my feet swell when I run, so I need a larger size than what they measure me at.

Shoes seem to be one of the things that is highly personal. The shoes I gravitate towards, don't usually match what would be recommended by the store clerk.

None of this really helps you though, go with your gut. And for your next pair, don't be afraid to try something different.

[quote=gfd]+1 to trial and error. You will find a pair and love them. Then the dreaded "update" will eventually occur. Many times it will then be back to trial and error again. [/quote]
The painful truth!
You should see my closet. I have (without going to count them) 12 pairs of road shoes sitting around the house. (I won't even get into the trail shoes I have) Altra, Hoka Bondi, Nike Free Vomero, Newton, Asics, Gel Nimbus,New Balance, yada,yada,yada.
I like to experiment. I'm also trying to get back to a more minimal shoe like I wore 40 years ago. Some success but my 57 year old legs really like cushion.
It can be a pain to find a shoe you really like and if you do find one...buy at least two pair! They will change it.
Also, take shoe reviews with a hand full of salt. I can't tell you how many times I read reviews, all glowing, only to find that the shoe sucked. Even personal recommendations are suspect.
Running is HUGE right now and every shoe company on the planet is trying to schmooze you into their shoes. Don't believe a word. Find what works for you.
Luckily I have a GREAT LRS that has a 50% off room...lots of different shoes at half.
Trial and error.
I think shoe companies secretly love it.

@anton. I think you should open up a shoe store. You've made me feel a lot better about spending $400 on shoes over the last year.

I think at times we also start to get a bit full of ourselves in thinking that there is a "best shoe", or even a "best shoe for me and I only run in Brand X Model ABC".
Ever noticed how most sedans on the road start to look very similar? Designs generally start to converge. Sure, there are some differences but I can name 5-6 shoes that work for me, and I generally find a new one each time I hit the store.

Example. I wore out my Ascis Gel SpeedStar's and needed new boots before IMTX. I went in with a list of four options and told my fitter that I wanted a little more forefoot cushion and a little more stability since the IMTX run course is going to be long and hard on concrete. He put me into an Asics GEL-DS Trainer 17. I'd never seen it or tried it or read about it, but it's been great this past week.