Running Shoes

The New Balance 1224 is a good shoe for weight, comfort, and stability.  It's a little pricey at about $139 but I feel it's worth it.

I would try a FleetFeet or similar running store where they will look at your feet and your gait, etc.

I've always had good luck with Asics, so I stick with those. I'm wearing the Nimbus 9. I like the cushioning.

I've never worn the Zoot shoes, a local store has them but they are very minimal and are probably better suited to someone who's lighter and has a better stride than I do.

Thanks guys, I tend to run in Nike because that is what I know. Just thinking about broadening my horizons. Don't know if something is better until you try, just hate to throw money at bad shoes...know what I mean.
I have now found the gear reviews (did i mention I was a newbie?) Still wanting anyone's opinion though.
My weight tends to fluctuate between 165and 170 lbs (if it matters). my biggest nemesis is a narrow foot. In other shoes I have been know to buy from the women's section of the store if the style is the same and the size is large enough because women's shoes tend to be more narrow.

Everyone will have an opinion on shoe brands. I wouldn't consider Nike one of my first choices in a training shoe. I think they lean more to the fashion end of the spectrum (if you know what I mean). A good running shop will point you in the right direction. I bet you have a FleetFeet or something similar in Chattanooga.

No Fleet Feet that I am aware of. The local running ship I frequent here is the Front Runner and they do the "evaluation" as well but the usually offer "these will be good shoes for you" in about four different brands. It's my choice from there, that is were I get lost and end up with the same ol, same ol.

If you go to a running specialty store, ask if they will let you try the shoes out and return them if you don't like the. Mine does that, I've returned a shoe that I wore for about 2 weeks no problem and got some others that I like much better.  I started with Saucony but now wear Brooks Addiction 8 which seem to be working very well. 

Hmmmm, I have always just assumed they wouldn't do that. I guess I'll ask.

Everyone will probably say something different but...

 I wear Brooks Burn 3.  I have owned 8 pair.  I wore them in every race including a marathon.  I LOVE them and am going to go order a couple more pair through Amazon to get me through the summer (I replace them religiously).

 I have owned two other Brooks models that gave me blisters when running.  I called Brooks because our lovely local running shop will NOT take back any shoes sold.  Brooks was kind enough to let me send them back to them and sent me a new pair (I paid the shipping). 

 I hope you find a shoe you LOVE too! 

Edited by Bronwyn1968 2008-10-30 3:28 PM

I just posted a thread earlier in the week about my first experience at a real running store opposed to just going to the local Sports Chalet. In short it was a great experience and you should be able to get something there to suit you perfectly. I ended up getting Saucony Progrid Omni 7's. Among many others that I tried were some Nikes and they felt the least comfortable of all.

I've been wearing the Adidas Supernova Sequence for the last several months, and have been pretty happy with it. It has great cushioning, nice stability, breathes well, and isn't too heavy-feeling. I would buy another pair in a heartbeat, but unfortunately my new custom orthotics just don't fit very well in them...so I will be searching for a new shoe that will accomodate my orthotics.

You need to find a good running store. Some around here have treadmills with cameras, and they will let you try a bunch of shoes and help you while showing you what your feet are actually doing (Jack Rabbit in NYC). It doesnt have to be that complicated..but finding a good local running store is key here.

Personally, I have always used ASICS for trainers and Nike's for racing flats. I wore the Nimbus last year and it worked well for me. This year, I wanted a little more control, as I was getting some tendonitis and hip problems with heavy mileage. So I just ordered a pair of Kayano's. I havent put many miles on them yet, but so far..GREAT shoe. Feels very comfortable on my foot and stable. So far...in love with the shoe.

A lot of what feels great to you will depend on your foot shape. I have a Q-tip type shape, which seems to work better with ASICS shoes. Personally, I have never found a Nike trainer that I like. Their waffle racer is great because its just dam light. Like socks. But overall..many other companies make better running shoes IMHO. Brooks and Saucony would be the next place I would start to look. But just my 2 cents. Its a very personal thing when it comes to running shoes.

Q-Tip shape...Don't know what shape I would consider my feet to be.
We only have two running shops around here. I have only been to one of them, the other was always on the end of town but now that I changed jobs I am kind of in between them. Maybe I'll give the other a look see.

Nobody is gonna say anything that you don't know.  Just keep trying shoes on until you find the one thats fit well.  Also, make sure your form is good, an easy problem to fix once it is diagnosed and  all shoes will be good.  IF you have really good form, stability in the shoe can be less, bad form might want more cushioning / support.