I started running again 2 years ago, and picked Asics Landreths at the recommendation of the shoe store.  They served me well - I was much heavier, and needed to protect my feet, ankles and hips from the jarring.  But after a couple of years, I began to have achilles and knee issues anyway, and went looking for a shoe to correct/protect my ankles and knees.  A different shoe store guy talked me into trying less shoe rather than more, suggesting that the extra heel lift and padding might actually be causing me problems.  He liked minimalist shoes, but suggested the Kinvara as a compromise between too much and too little shoe for me.

LOVE THIS SHOE!  It's light, flexible, and cool - as in keeping my feet from overheating - but with enough protection and support for serious training miles.  And they're so inexpensive compared to other shoes I've tried!  My knee and ankle problems disappeared after a few weeks, and even though I'm increasing my mileage significantly for a marathon, I've had zero new problems.  No blisters, no pains, no issues.

There was some adjustment time.  The reduced heel lift stretched my calves quite a bit more than my old Asics, so the first week or so I was a little sore.  I had to change the way I lace my shoes (and in the process discovered that I probably should have changed it up long ago!)  The Kinvaras fit well, but they fit differently from the other shoes I've owned, and take just a little getting used to.  I also find that they wear out a little more quickly - I was replacing my Asics at 4-500 miles, and replace these at 3-400.  Course, they're a lighter shoe - and at the price, I can afford to replace them!  I'd guess that I probably should have been replacing my Asics a little more quickly too.