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There is no single brand of running shoe that will work for everyone. Depending on your arch type and gait mechanics, you may overpronate, oversupinate, or run "just right". The Shoe Dog from RoadRunner Sports can give you some idea on shoes that may be suitable based upon your answers to gender, terrain, arch type, mechanics, injuries, and other specifications. A good running store (preferably one that can do a gait analysis) may also help you select appropriate shoes. Newton Running has an excellent article on Choosing the Right Shoe Model.
After having tried just about every brand out there (Nike, Asics, Brooks, New Balance, Pearl Izumi, ECCO Biom, and Newton), the shoe I have finally settled on is from Newton Running. I currently use the Lady Isaac Guidance Trainer. I settled on the Newton brand for several reasons:
(1) It is designed for natural nunning and an optimal running form. It doesn't have a huge padded heel which may encourage heel strike. It is designed for a Land-Lever-Lift Technique which utilizes a midfoot/forefoot landing below the center of gravity.
(2) It is a flexible shoe. That is also something recommended by ChiRunning. I did not like the feeling of shoes that made me feel like I had bricks strapped to my feet.
(3) Even their trainers (as opposed to their racers) are lightweight. In fact, I race in their trainers.
(4) There aren't all kinds of overlays on the top which can irritate/chafe the foot.
(5) It has a set of actuator lugs on the bottom of the shoe that return impact energy into forward motion via Action/Reaction Technology™. Lab tests confirm up to 58% energy return.
Very Important: Because they are different than any shoe you've ever tried, unless you're already a forefoot/midfoot runner with a really efficient technique, you will need an adjustment period for these shoes. "Newton Running shoes will promote a change in running form, so your body may need time to adjust. You may have sore muscles in areas you were not utilizing before — especially your feet and lower legs."*2
I thought I knew better and went out the first time and ran 8 miles in the shoes. My calves were sore for 4 days. I then went back and followed their recomendations for the break-in period and also worked on using the natural running form they recommend. After the adjustment period, I was able to run in them without any soreness or further issues. I also noticed that I could run faster due to the returned impact energy. An additional advantage I did not expect was that I did not need to use metatarsal pads anymore. The lugs provided the same benefit in my case. Newton Running shoes are designed differently than most running shoes, including more padding in the forefoot/midfoot and less in the heel. I believe the design makes them more efficient and leads to a more natural running form. However, it is an adjustment, especially for the heel striking runner used to heavily padded heels on running shoes.
Barefoot Running: We have all heard all the current studies and information on barefoot running or minimalist running. Newton Running provides a really interesting article on Our Take on Barefoot Running. "Newton Running shoes feature a geometry and design that facilitates your natural gait and protects you from harsh running surfaces. We offer the only viable alternative to both modern running shoes and barefoot/ultra-minimalist running....Typical running shoes feature a thick, padded heel and a steep heel-forefoot ramp angle (gradient), which encourages heavy heel striingk increases shock loads and dampens afferent feedback. Newton Running shoes have a negligible gradient (between 1% and 3%) which allows your foot to land with a reduced impact and take advantage of your body's natural suspension system."*3
*1 Boston Marathon Medical Directors: Pierre d'Hemecourt, MD (Co-Medical Director), Sophia Dyer, MD (Co-Medical Director), Aaron Baggish, MD
*2 Newton Running Web Site: Adjusting to the Shoes
*3 Newton Running Web Site: Our Take on Barefoot Running
