OK- I’ve been reading some of the other running shoe threads, and a question popped into my head that I’ve often wondered… When I first started seriously running and doing tri’s about 4 years ago I was considerably heavier (~205 lbs) and ignorant in the ways of running shoe selection and replacement. I suffered a string of running injuries including plantar fasciitis and chondromalacia. I went to see a sports doctor, who recommended that I get a good motion control shoe, get a pair of Superfeet insoles, and replace them regularly (every 300 miles for the shoes, every 600 for the Superfeet). So off I went to the local running store and I asked for a good motion control shoe. They handed me the ASICS Kayano. I walked out with these and the Superfeet, and have been running on them now for 4 years. (well OK, not the same pair 
Mind you, they didn’t watch me run or ask me any questions or anything. Just handed me these shoes.
I’m now considerably lighter (~165 lbs, 6’0") than I was back then, and I haven’t suffered another running injury since then. I guess I should be happy and leave well enough alone, but I’m starting to wonder if I really need that much shoe or whether I can get away with a lighter weight trainer. I run 25-35 miles a week and race all distances, though my “A” races are two 1/2 IM’s (and maybe a late-season IM) this year. Is there really anything to gain from going with a lighter shoe? I’m perfectly happy with the fit of the Kayano’s and they way they feel. Should I have a lighter shoe for sprints and Oly’s, and a different shoe for 1/2’s and IM’s, and a really built-up shoe for training? If so, what do people recommend in the ASICS line for each application (I really like the way the ASICS fit me). Also, given that I like the way the ASICS fit, what other brands should I look at and which ones should I stay away from?
I wore Asics for 8 years, 4 years running cross country and track in high school. Then 4 years of off and on running in college. My asics served me very well, I couldn’t wear any other brands. Went to a running speciality store (the same one that sold me my first pair of Asics). He put me into a pair of Mizuno somethings or anothers, I can’t remember the name. I couldn’t be happier. I’m not putting in anywhere near the mileage, 25-30 in HS, and 10-15 for 1/2 IM now, they definitely fit my running style well. I also spend 75% of my time running in the dirt so impact isn’t as big of deal for me. But keep in my mind I weigh considerable less than you, 140 lbs.
The thing I’ve taken away from shoe research is, if you find a shoe that works for you and your gait, leaves you injury freee, leave well enough alone and stock up. I’ve found a couple that work well for me (Mizuno Merc and Adidas '98 SN) and rotate runs between them. The guys at the running store did suggest a couple of light racers for race day, but not for everyday training.
Check out the shoe forum at runnersworld.com. They have a few “experts” (ie running store owners, people who work for shoe companies, and the “shoe guru” from RW) answering very specific shoe questions.
Light weight runner here. I wear racing sneaks on all runs. I am able to train on these with less injuries than with full comfort/cushioning sneakers. To each his own but it may take a while to find what works for you. Like a previous poster indicated stick with what works and also buy several pairs. It really sucks when your fav sneaker is discontinued.
I run in the Kayanos. I love them. I have been uninjured through 3 pair. I just got a great bargain on last year’s Gel 2080s (now the 2090s). They seem very much like the Kayanos (same medial post) but they do not have as much cushion and I understand that they will not give this 205 pounder the same durability. But they are about an ounce or two lighter. Having run 7 or 8 miles in the 2080s, I can feel the difference and will stick with the Kayanos for any runs over a 10K.
Re: the previous poster on Mizunos: I found the Mizunos narrow at the ball of my foot and caused a blister. I plan to stick with Kayanos as long as they serve me so well. And by the way, many consider the Kayano a “stability” shoe rather than a motion control shoe. The Foundation and Koji are the more specialized motion control, I think.
As far as I know, the big determinants are the degree of foot pronation and how much you in- or out-toe, and the amount of motion control A good ‘running shoe only store’ can usually help you determine this
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The thing I’ve taken away from shoe research is, if you find a shoe that works for you and your gait, leaves you injury freee, leave well enough alone and stock up.
Hear, Hear. That’s the ticket. If it ain’t broke, don’t change shoes.
After 2 great years in Mizuno Precisions, I let the specialty running shoe store guy (who happens to be a friend and neighbor and great guy) talk me into a pair of New Balance 900s. I put 300 miles in those things suffering the whole way; like running barefoot on cement, only worse. Put my Mizunos back on – aaaaaahhhhh! I LOVE these shoes.
If the shoe works, wear it and don’t keep searching for the holy grail. It might already be on your feet.