Breaking up is hard to do.

Yesterday was my 4th half marathon.  Yesterday was the third half marathon where my knees hurt.

May 2010 was my first half marathon.  I have no idea what shoes I was wearing.  I believe they were some style of Asics. I purchased them at Ross I'm sure.  Around mile 8 my right knee was killing me and I ended up walking a lot of the second half.

September 2010 I ran a half marathon in a pair of Saucony running shoes I picked up from Marshalls.  I don't know anything else about the shoes.  All I know is that my knees did not hurt during the run.  What did happen was I got horrible blisters all around my toes.  I instantly got rid of the shoes.

In October 2010 I was fitted for the first time at a running store.  I purchased a pair of Asics Gel Kayano 16's.

At $140 I thought they were the bomb diggity.  They were (and are) super comfy.  Review after review raves about this "superior stabilizing and cushioning shoe."

source

The left column above is Underpronation.  Apparently that is what I do.  I have seen it in race pictures.  I also had my gait analyzed and it showed the same thing.

You can kind of see here I land to the outside of my forward foot.

So while the toe blisters have gone away, my knee pain has returned.  I ran the Rock 'n' Roll half in March and the Heels and Hills half yesterday.  Both times my knees was hurting.  I wore patella bands to help my knees.  The day after both races the only thing sore....my knees.

I decided last night I am breaking up with my Asics.  It was a tough decision, but it has to be done. 

My self diagnosis is Runners Knee.  Wider hips can make you more prone.  Tight hamstrings can make you more prone.  Pronation issues can make you more prone.  Longer distances can make you more prone.  I also think the stability of the Asics Kayano trying to correct my gait is causing my knee to go all funky.

I'm undecided on exactly what shoe I want to try, but I have a couple of thoughts.

I definitely plan on getting these....
 

Saucony ProGri Kinvara

• Awarded Best debut in the June 2010 issue of Runner's World Magazine!
• With the whole "minimalism" movement gaining legs in today's runners, the ProGrid™ Kinvara running shoe from Saucony® is the ideal shoe where less is more!
• Features a neutral running shoe with minimal midsole construction to keep your feet closer to the ground while providing excellent protection from the pavement.
• Lightweight, breathable air mesh upper with printed, airbrush trim.
• Lightly padded collar and tongue.
• Molded, antimicrobial and breathable EVA sockliner provides superior cushioning and ride.
• Minimal laces with some internal welds to hold it over the foot for ultra-lightweight comfort.
• Pillowy-soft lining on the heel for ultra comfort.
• EVA+ blend maximizes rebound and durability while minimizing weight.
• Heel ProGrid LITE absorbs impact, dissipates shock and sets the foot up for a smooth transition.
• XT-900™ carbon rubber outsole material offers exceptional traction properties without sacrificing durability.
• Rubber triangular lugs provide traction and durability.
• Weight : 8 oz

As with any minimalist shoe, it looks like you would have to build mileage slowly.  It also sounds like this shoe would need to be replaced around every 300 miles.  I found them online from $65 - $85.

Do you have different types of shoes you train with? I have a pair of Asics I wear to run and a different style I wear for cross training.

Please give me your two cents.  What running shoes do you wear?  Why do you like them?  Do you have an pronation issues?  Knee problems?