Is it really necessary to spend hundreds of dollars on high-end running shoes when a decent pair from a discount store can do the job just as well, or are runners just trying to keep up with the latest fashion trends. I mean, whats the actual difference between a $60 pair of shoes and a $200 pair, besides the price tag. Does anyone have any real-world data to back up the claims that these expensive shoes are worth the investment, or is it just a case of you get what you pay for. And while were on the topic, whats with the obsession with brand names and logos. Do runners really care about the aesthetics of their shoes, or is it just a status symbol thing. Can someone please enlighten me on what Im missing here, because from where Im standing, it just seems like a whole lot of hype.