[peterldowns]

If you're not injured you're probably fine, most of the time there's not a big difference. The reason I recommend a local running store is that they can usually help people who are out of shape to get the right shoes, which sometimes requires gait analysis. And they're usually nice people who can connect you to local running clubs, races, etc. If you know what you're doing you absolutely don't have to go to a running store. I still go because I know the people at mine and they're nice.