Are expensive gym shoes worth it?

[littlecricket2]

Hey everyone,

I wonder if there are any jogging/running enthusiasts out there who could offer me some advice. Lately I've gotten into running, and I generally run/walk about 2 miles a few mornings a week. However, the gym shoes I've been wearing (my only pair) are about 5 years old (actually, they're probably older than that--possibly much older--but I honestly cannot even remember when I got them, ).

I was just at Super Target the other day and noticed that they sell some gym shoes (cross trainers, etc.) for as little as $20-$25. On the other hand, go to Lady Foot Locker, and you can buy a new pair of Nikes for over $80. Do the expensive name brand gym shoes really provide better shock absorption, etc.? I notice that if I run more than two miles, or if I run two days in a row, my right knee starts to bother me. I hope it's the shoes and not the fact that I'm running incorrectly. Would a more expensive shoe offer better protection? Does anyone prefer a particular brand? I am trying to save money, so I'd like to know what the best quality shoe is that I can get for say, $50-$80. Thanks for any responses!