Shoes are the main equipment of a runner. This is something we never doubt spending money on. No matter if you are a beginning runner or an experience one, you always need to buy the best shoe possible. Running shoes are very different from the regular trendy, training shoe. Chances are that a $50 athletic shoe is not specific designed for running. Running shoes that are best in terms of cushioning, support, fit and durability are usually those that are between $100 and $180. There are different kinds of running shoes to accommodate the different foot types (normal, flat or high arch) and biomechanics (over-pronator, neutral pronator and supinator). It is important to have this in mind before buying your new pair of runners. It is not just about going to the store and buying the coolest ones or the cheapest ones. It is about knowing what works best for you. Buying the right pair of shoes will guarantee a smooth training and will decrease the risk of certain injuries. Each brand uses different types of cushioning technology: air, gel, hydro flow, etc. This cushioning wears out after a year of use (around 900 miles), depending of the type of runner you are. So even though your shoes might still look good in the outside, it is time to change them. When I first started running I did not know about this. I started feeling this awful pain in my left knee after 4 kilometers into a run. I could not figure out what was going on because everything seemed good. An experience runner suggested, after knowing that my shoes were 2 years old, that I should try a new pair. She was right; a new pair of runners was the solution to the knee pain. The old ones were not providing the amount of cushioning needed, so my knee was not well protected. I recommend these sites to help you get an idea of the kind of shoes you need. www.runnersworld.com/ http://www.runningfree.com http://www.runningwarehouse.com My animal lover note: If you have Netflix or Apple TV I really, really recommend that you watch VEGUCATED.