Running Shoes - which do you like? Which do you hate?

As a guy who is new to running after a 20 year hiatus, I have been experimenting with different shoes for different surfaces and conditions. Here are my impressions of the ones I have tried, and please share your thoughts on what works or doesn't work for you.

1) New Balance 870v3. At $109, these were the least expensive shoes I have tried. And definitely the second best of the lot, and a close second at that. Comfortable, stabile, good cushioning upon impact. One minor complaint, the flat nylon laces consistently refused to stay tied, which is both an annoyance and a hazard, so I changed those out after a couple of runs made me realize they were hopeless.

http://www.newbalance.com/New-Balance-870v3/M870-V3,default,pd.html?dwvar_M870-V3_color=White_with_Blue_and_Yellow&start=4&cgid=101000

2) Mizuno Wave EVO Cursoris - $119. I am not very familiar with this Japanese manufacturer, I know they are a major player in golf equipment. Someone recommended these shoes to me. Cushioning and support are good, and they are wider than average, good if you have a wider foot. No waterproofing at all, though, I had a bit of a wet slog after a rain left puddles and I found out the hard way. Consider going half a size down, they seem to run really big.

http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/MIZ752/?cc=ORBK&s=12&w=D&sc=CX13D418&cm_mmc=psearch-_-google-_-na-_-rrs101-MIZ752&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Psearch&utm_term=RRS101-MIZ752&origin=pla


3) Asics Gel Kayano 19. $150. I checked out the local Foot Locker, picked up these on the recommendation of the salesman. The BEST. I love these shoes, just about perfect all around, weight, fit, stability, comfort. When this pair goes, I will definitely get a pair of their successor model, the G K 20.

http://www.asicsamerica.com/Shop/Footwear/Running/Mens/GEL-Kayano®-19/p/0010146699.9091

4) Salomon XA Pro 3D ultra 2GTX. $140 at REI. A little different from the rest, these are true trail shoes for running or a really fast hike over non-paved surfaces. Definitely stiffer in the sole than others, it is just a different feel. Frankly a bit too stiff to be good on paved surfaces, IMHO, but the feel on packed gravel or a true dirt trail is fine. Big bonus points for Salomon's signature no-tie elastic lacing system, it is awesome. My ability to run on trails is pretty wide, there are several park areas very close to me with dirt or gravel. Somehow, it's still not my favorite experience, rough terrain is harder in some ways to run on. But, these also make pretty good alternative cycling shoes. So good use there.


http://www.salomon.com/us/product/xa-pro-3d-ultra-2gtxusa.html

5) Adidas Springblade. $180. The most expensive of the lot. Adidas hailed these as revolutionary when they hit the market last spring. Instead of a traditional sole, the shoes gave a series of angled flexible plastic fins underneath. Rubberized fin tips grip the surface. Two observations - 1) they run narrow and tight, the opposite of the Mizuno shoes, you may need to size up one, especially if you like wearing thicker socks or use orthotic inserts; 2) Revolutionary - meh. I don't see anything very special about them in terms of performance to merit that claim, but perhaps the really serious runners with years of experience may. NOT good for general training wear, I made that mistake and spent time extracting a wedged jump rope from the fins, and found them too unstable in grip to do step-ups comfortably. OTOH, on the smooth consistent surface of the treadmill, you can get one hell of a nice cadence going with the bounce these give you upon foot strike.

http://www.adidas.com/us/product/mens-running-springblade-m/AY699?cid=G66970&breadcrumb=1z120ixZ1z13071Z1z11zrf

Finally, these are great. Definitely add to the comfort level of my runs, or just general training. Superfeet running insoles. $39.99

http://www.superfeet.com/en-us/insoles-and-sandals/green