running shoes

I have seen posts on here before about running shoes, and those brands seem awesome.  But I am wondering, if I pick up a pair of tennis shoes at Target would that be fine?  I know they will not last as long, but I can't afford to spend 100 bucks on shoes right now, and my Nike's are garbage and causing ankel and knee pain... (I run about 12 miles a week on the treadmill, and do the elliptical a couple hours a week which has less impact).  Curious about others opinions on this.

Tennis shoes are completely inappropriate for running. You will end up injured. This is one expense that is worth it. Shop around, look for sales. Don't scrimp!!!

I used to be able to buy a cheap pair of shoes ($35 range) and run fine.  I broke my ankle badly in a horse accident, however.  A metal rod and several screws later - I have to buy the $100+ shoes.  That being said - you can probably get by with the cheaper shoes if you educate yourself a little bit on the kind of shoes you need for your foot.  I personally love Nike, but I have narrow, high-arched feet.  I need a cushioning shoe, not a stability shoe.  Someone with low arches might need stability.  I would evaluate what your needs are and do a web research on shoe types vs. brands and then hit the sales for a good $35 pair. I personally would stick to a brand name just so you can do the research to match your needs.  There is loads of info on the net about this.

Pick up the tennis shoes if you plan on playing tennis or another court sport but if you are running pick up running shoes.  You can find some good brands at discount houses, I don't know what they carry at Target but they might have something decent.  There are some sporting goods retailers that have good prices like Dick's if you have access to one of those.

I'm running in my $25 Reebok running shoes I picked up at Sam's Club.  They are comfy and have given me no real problems.

The only trick is lacing the shoes since I need some wiggle room for my toes and yet want to have them tight when tied so my heal doesn't move around.  Pozesara has a picture of the trick but basicly what you do is twist the laces where they go through the toung.  This keeps them as loose as you want on the bottom end, yet let's you tighten em up nicely at the top :)

Here's a link to the picture I'm talking about:

http://www.calorie-count.com/calories/communi ty/userpics.php?userid=329934

Look around.  I have a pair of really good New Balance running shoes that I got for like $40.  Try looking at like Rack Room Shoes.  They carry name brand running shoes and they typically have really good sales.  I'd say hit up Marshalls and TJ Maxx too - you might get lucky... but definitely don't go cheap (quality, that is) on running shoes.  I did that and nearly died (ok, so not really... but you know what I mean (lol)) from my knee, ankle, and back pains...

Good luck!

Describe your foot shape. That makes all the difference in the world. The only shoe I can wear that doesn't hurt my feet is Saucony. Mine were $75 on sale from $100 and I loooooooove them.

I have a wider foot from tip to heel and a lower arch.

Non-chain sporting goods stores are usually a good place to find a deal too. I know the place I went gave me an extra 10% off because stock was low and it was their last pair in my size.

Look for sales. I got a pair of $140 Running shoes on clearance (last seasons colors) for $29! They are awesome and so very comfee!

Buy Asics running shoes and buy better insoles.  I have shin splints too and these shoes are really good.  Don't buy the cheapest ones.... go for the higher priced ones.  They aren't cheap but it's worth it.  The shoes will last but you will need to replace the insoles pretty often depending on how much you run. 

Good luck.

I have to second the above post about Asics.  I had shin splints with a brand new pair of running shoes.  I went to our local running store and they observed my gait and recommended Asics.  They price ranges anywhere between $80-$120, but I have to say that my shin splints have gone away since I bought better shoes.  The salesperson also recommended both icing my shins after a run and tracing the alphabet with my feet - both really helped!

go to a running store and find what works for you.  Then go online and find something similar.  If you find something online that is not in the store you can ask the people at the specialty running store if those shoes would be right for your feet.  Maybe sure they are returnable though.  Finding the right shoes can be an art.  Last seasons Ipearl zumi, if you need a neutral shoe for wider feet can be bought at ipearl online for 65.  You first need to know what shoe you want.  Also it depends if you are running everyday, how long you run. etc.  If I dont wear good running shoes or wear the wrong running shoes I have horrible knee problems and cant walk but I run 4 miles 4-5 times a week.  I rather pay more so I have my health.  Running is very strenous on the joints but I love it :O)

Edit: if you wear Nikes your feet are probably narrow.