Running Gear: Best shoes for heel cuashions that protect joints??

 " P " -- I'm going to recomend Z-Coils! You won't find a shoe with better cushioning, or a shoe that will wear as long as Z-Coils. They are pricy, but will last at least 3 times longer than other running shoes. I bought my first pair 6 years ago for $155.00, and I have ran over 800 miles in them. Plus I was wearing them to work 3 or 4 days a week, because I was on my feet all day long. I have replaced the heels once because the rubber heel pad was wearing thin, and the uppers are now starting to crack where they bend at the forefoot. But I'm sure I will get another 200 - 300 miles out of them. Z-Coil dose not sell online so you would have to try something like E-Bay, I bought my second pair there for $85.00. Check them out here: http://www.zcoil.com/index.php

Another shoe I would suggest you check out is Spira. I have 28 pairs of running shoes, and the next time I replace a pair I'm going to try them. I'm 60 years old so I'm always looking for a shoe thats going to lesson the impact on my body. Spira are in the $90 to $100+ range, they were banned at the Boston Marathon in 2007 because of the WaveSpring™ technology. Arturo Barrios is now endorsing them. He said the pounding he had endured after years of competitive running in traditional running and racing shoes had taken its toll on him and caused him to largely abandon running, which had become unenjoyable and uninspiring. He says I only wish this Company and technology were around when I was competing."
Check then out here: http://www.spirafootwear.com/faqs.php

Goog luck finding a shoe thats right for you.

Bail on selection of cushy shoes, learn to run properly. While complaining about spending X on your shoes, you're going to have to live with the problems from not correcting your technique for the rest of your life, no matter which shoe you choose. What's that worth to you?

Don't buy a shoe, buy Christopher McDougall's "Born To Run."

About a year and a half ago I really injured my heals running my first 10K in crappy shoes!  I did most of my training on an outdoor track and the race was on the road (yep beginner's stupidity!)  Recovery has been tough but things are much better now...Point, though, is that you have to have proper shoes COMBINED with proper training for it all to come together.  The shoe depends on which way your toes point naturally (in, neutral, or out)  when you take a stride. I have a neutral stride and have tried many different shoes for my heals.  The key has not been "cushion" as much as it has been heal "lift."  I love Mizuno Wave Creation.  At first they seem a little firm, but keeping the heal lifted a little takes off some of the impact. With them, the stress doesn't fall on my shins or lower knees. My feet don't get as tired in the middle of longer runs when I wear them.

Note* I am just a "hobby" runner.  I don't do races every weekend, I don't belong to a "runner's club," but I love to run long distances on beautiful days...and I don't like to do it in pain.