I need a good reliable idea for running shoes. My knees have been killing me and I know a lot of it is due to my lack of a good pair of shoes....

ideas?

I would also like to know! My knees have definitely been giving me pain since I took up c25k (even though they don't hurt while running).

All feet/bodies/running gait are different. What works for one person probably wont work for the next person. Find a really good athletic store, not a chain. A store with a knowledgeable staff that will really listen to you, look at your feet and figure out what will work for you. It will be a little more expensive but you'll end up getting what you need. Then after you wear out this pair you can order the same pair again online for less money.

Scarlett is right about being fitted by a professional for a proper shoe. However, if you find that you can't necessarily afford an expensive purchase right now, this guide can help. I'm using it to buy my next pair of running shoes.

Zappos Running Shoe Guide

And I've seen several pairs that help with my supination in the $40 - $60 range, which is perfect for me.

I loveeee love my Asics! I paid about 140 for them and they were worth every penny! My knees and shins were KILLING me when I first started and realized I needed a GREAT shoe.

Haven't had shin splints since I got em!

If your going to rack in some miles on your running shoes you definitely need a good pair. I have run in really good shoes and really bad shoes, and my body can tell after about a week. The best place to get fit is a non-chain running store that specializes in specifically running shoes. One of the stores where I live even has a video camera and tredmill they put you on for a few min so they can rewind and playback your run to see you gait. Some people will wear a neutral shoe, some people need stability. Your running stride will also change as you become more comfortable with running and increase your time and distance. Remember also, running shoes also need to be replaced every 500 miles or so
I currently wear an Asics stability shoe and I paid about $120 for them. It was the best $120 I spent because I use them everyday. I would rather forefit buying an extra outfit at the mall or going out to dinner a few times to have something that is going to protect my feet and legs and assist me in getting healthy.
Sorry I rambled but I hope this bit of information helped. Have fun shopping for some spiffy new running shoes!!!

Asics are great. I also really love Saucony's. Also, if you are going to really get into running, they need to be replaced every 3-4 months. Believe me, I tried to stretch mine out and my knees paid for it.

Thanks so much for your help guys!!!
I keep hearing about a store here locally that everyone uses, I need to save up and splurge

I wear brooks glycerin 8. They are what we call a "neutral" shoe, really comfortable and nice cushioning. Ill go along with what otehrs said, you ideally need to get gait analysis and decide from there, theres a website here www.amphibianking.ie that seperates the shoes out into the different categories (Sorry its based in Ireland, but just to get an idea of what shoes are for what pronation of the foot). Sometimes places even do this for free and suggest the proper shoes for the foot- but if you can you should go to a store that specialises in running and shoes - They are becoming more popular and chances are google will tell you theres one in your area!

I'm not sure if there's a Fleet Feet near you, but that's where I'm going to get measured. I hear they do a really good job.
http://www.fleetfeetsports.com/

Ditto on getting fitted by a professional. I have a really bizarre combination of foot structure and running stride and never would have known that otherwise. I've got flat feet, but I underpronate (only a small percentage of runners do this. I'm a freak.). I also strike on my forefoot when most runners hit their heel first in running shoes. My feet and knees were killing me until I found the right pair!

I love mine now and I'm going to be so sad when I have to replace them. But at the same time I'm ready to USE THEM! I'd also recommend looking into a couple of pairs of good running socks.

Tomorrow I'm going with my aunt to a running store in town to get my gait looked at, foot measured, all that fun stuff. I'll let you know how it goes!

Yes please do. I will look into places here and decide.

Thank you!!! I just looked and there is one a few towns over where I go to school. I'll, check them out asap

I just switched to barefoot running. I couldn't wear the toe shoes so I bought Merills with Vibram soles. They're amazing! I cannot say enough good about these shoes. I've never been a fan of running and always had problems with shin splints, etc. I went to a running store and got fitted for proper shoes and they helped a little but not enough to make me want to run. I went with my husband to a barefoot symposium, and to get shoes for him and I got roped into trying a pair. I decided what the heck and I absolutely love them! I actually wear them all day long they are so comfortable, I feel more barefoot than when I wear flip flops. I actually no longer own flip flops.

As far as running goes, no shin splints, ankle pain, knee pain, hip pain, nothing but fun. I also have terrible cardio endurance but when I run with these I am so much more efficient with my motions I can run triple the amount of time without stopping.

There can be a bit of a learning curve since they encourage you to run with neutral foot or on the balls of your feet instead of on your heels as most people do. I've always run on the balls of my feet even when lectured not to so I didn't have a transition period but my husband did. They encourage you to warm up to them slowly because they really exhaust your calves if you aren't used to that foot position but it didn't take him long.

One other thing I've noticed is they aren't terribly comfortable for road running since it does feel like you're barefoot. Gravel is no problem but hard road with no yield is difficult for me to do.