Question:
New Balance is one of the best for x-trainers. Go to a store with knowledgeable salespersons and let them know your foot support needs. Chances are good that NB has something for you. Now, if it were me, I’d figure out exactly what options I’d buy in the store, and then I’d check out ebay–can you say "half price"? 
I also suggest buying 2 pair now. That way you can switch out the shoes and allow them to "rest" which will help them to last longer. Shoes do better if they can go unworn for a 24 hour (or so) period. Good luck! Heidi
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – At a fitness center I visited I asked about sneakers. I was told to get cross-trainers. Any thoughts on the best brand? I know good foot support doesn’t last long (forget where I heard that), so I have no problem getting new pairs a couple times a year. Just want the best available. So… chime in, please!? Andy — "Ladies and gentlemen, The Beatles!" – Ed Sullivan (1964)
Response:
At a fitness center I visited I asked about sneakers. I was told to get cross-trainers. Any thoughts on the best brand? I know good foot support doesn’t last long (forget where I heard that), so I have no problem getting new pairs a couple times a year. Just want the best available. So… chime in, please!?
It’s a very individual thing depending on the shape of your foot, some brands fit better than others. I personally like New Balance because they have a large variety of styles & prices and are available in pretty much every size and width. My DH also likes his NB cross trainers. I like Nike but find they’re too narrow in the front on some styles, though their golf shoes fit me great. Reeboks never fit me properly at all. YMMV. Jenn
Response:
At a fitness center I visited I asked about sneakers. I was told to get cross-trainers. Any thoughts on the best brand? I know good foot support doesn’t last long (forget where I heard that), so I have no problem getting new pairs a couple times a year. Just want the best available. So… chime in, please!?
I shun atheletic shoes for Rockport walking shoes that look like sneakers. They are actually classified as walking shoes but lace high to the ankle and have a narrow sole that curves up at the toe.Rockport is now owned by Reebok which may account for the appearance of a more athletic walking shoe in their inventory. Andy
– Diva ***** The Best Man For The Job Is A Woman
Response:
At a fitness center I visited I asked about sneakers. I was told to get cross-trainers. Any thoughts on the best brand? I know good foot support doesn’t last long (forget where I heard that), so I have no problem getting new pairs a couple times a year. Just want the best available. So… chime in, please!? Andy — "Ladies and gentlemen, The Beatles!" – Ed Sullivan (1964)
Response:
At a fitness center I visited I asked about sneakers. I was told to get cross-trainers. Any thoughts on the best brand? I know good foot support doesn’t last long (forget where I heard that), so I have no problem getting new pairs a couple times a year.
Part of it depends on your feet. I can’t remember the general foot types, but there are different styles of shoes that work better with certain types. — Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com
Response:
At a fitness center I visited I asked about sneakers. I was told to get cross-trainers. Any thoughts on the best brand? I know good foot support doesn’t last long (forget where I heard that), so I have no problem getting new pairs a couple times a year.
I’m an Asics woman, because I have a wide foot and a narrow heel. NB rides up and down in the back on me. YMMV. The best shoe for you is one that fits. And the only way to know what grand is right for you is to go to a good athletic shoe store and get fitted. Barbara Hirsch, Publisher OBESITY MEDS AND RESEARCH NEWS The latest in obesity research and weight loss drug development http://www.obesity-news.com/
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I agree with NB shoes. But I have to warn against getting shoes off EBay- I thought I got a good deal off there too, except they were knock-offs, and the ad mentioned these were Nike shoes. Nike was all over the listing- but what I got was no where near the quality of real Nikes. They sure did look like them! It was the one and only time I tried buying runners off EBay, though. And I have over 100 transactions LOL coop
Go to reputable store, preferably one with clerks who know something about the sport(s) you’re interested in. Try on the shoes and buy them from that store. In this way, you can develop a rapport with the store and they will come in handy if you have questions or need advice later on. I truly believe in supporting local businesses. Myself, I love Asics and Muzuno, but I have very narrow feet with high arches. Martha
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – New Balance is one of the best for x-trainers. Go to a store with knowledgeable salespersons and let them know your foot support needs. Chances are good that NB has something for you. Now, if it were me, I’d figure out exactly what options I’d buy in the store, and then I’d check out ebay–can you say "half price"? I also suggest buying 2 pair now. That way you can switch out the shoes and allow them to "rest" which will help them to last longer. Shoes do better if they can go unworn for a 24 hour (or so) period. Good luck! Heidi
I agree with NB shoes. But I have to warn against getting shoes off EBay- I thought I got a good deal off there too, except they were knock-offs, and the ad mentioned these were Nike shoes. Nike was all over the listing- but what I got was no where near the quality of real Nikes. They sure did look like them! It was the one and only time I tried buying runners off EBay, though. And I have over 100 transactions LOL coop
Response:
choked out these words: At a fitness center I visited I asked about sneakers. I was told to get cross-trainers. Any thoughts on the best brand? I know good foot support doesn’t last long (forget where I heard that), so I have no problem getting new pairs a couple times a year. Just want the best available. So… chime in, please!?
you might check out Saucony (http://www.saucony.com/). people swear by their arch supports. some of the best, from what i hear. i can’t afford them. 
david — "Mr. Lancaster" as you call him is soooo full of donkey doo that it isn’t funny. Seeking his advice is akin to saying "lie to me". -Walter, AMOE, 01/26/2005
Response:
At a fitness center I visited I asked about sneakers. I was told to get cross-trainers. Any thoughts on the best brand? I know good foot support doesn’t last long (forget where I heard that), so I have no problem getting new pairs a couple times a year. Just want the best available. So… chime in, please!?
The "best available" would depend on your needs and your particular biomechanics. Think about what you will be using the shoes for. I would imagine the suggestion for cross-trainers would be if you decide to participate in several various activites at the fitness center including aerobics classes, racquetball, and weight lifting. A cross trainer would be acceptable (most of the time) but not ideal for all these things. But if all you are going to do is walk on the treadmill or ride the stationary cycle you can buy shoes more specifially suited for those activities. Personally I have two sets of "gym" shoes; a specific running shoe for the treadmill and a cheap canvas shoe for weightlifting. Your best bet would be to find a locally-owned athletic shoe store with knowledgable sales staff. They can fit you in a shoe that is best suited for your needs and your biomechanics. If you find such a store, I hope you will patronize it regularly as I believe they fill a need in the community as no online retailer can, 30% off or not. — Matthew 185/179/160