mcavana -

I would never recommend a particular brand to anyone...everyone has a different gait and you need to go to a good running store and have them watch you walk and run. They'll be able to tell you what kind of shoe you need for your particular type of foot. This is very important!!! If you don't have properly fitted shoes, it can lead to serious knee and iliotibial band problems.

As for the money...I'd rather invest in a good pair of shoes than be sidelined by injuries and then have an inexpensive pair of sneakers I'm not even using.

JMO

Lisa