OH! And Jogging Shoes!

Ditto the other responses about getting fitted. Particularly in light of the fact that you already have some issues with your feet. And you know you are prone to shin splints.
Regarding the shin splints specifically, there is a runner's rule called the 10% rule. Be sure to follow it, or you can very easily find yourself injured, and that will probably include shin splints. Do not increase your mileage more than 10% per week. Go slowly, especially in the beginning.
If you are only able to go a mile, then don't push further until you have been doing a mile for a week. Then only go to 1.1 miles. After another week, move up some more (not more than 10% though).

Your body needs time to adjust to the physical strain of impact when you run. Give it the time it needs and increase slowly.

Go to specialty running store. They will help find the perfect shoe. If can't afford the specialty store price, take that info & shop around on line. I live in
Saucony(?sp) but that may not be the shoe, for you.

Curved like the Skechers and Reebok kind that are supposed to lift you butt? Not for beginner running (and not in your budget).

Find a running store in your area and get fitted. They have expert staff who can analyze your gait, foot structure etc. and make a recommendation. Even if you can't buy your shoe there, you can at least get an idea of what brands and models and size would be right for you and you can get them on sale elsewhere. Running shoes should generally be 1/2 size bigger than your regular shoes.

Honestly, $25 or even $50 won't get you a decent running shoe. My current ones were $120 when I bought them last year but because they were the newest model but now that they "old" they're down to about $70. You can get good deals at outlets or on line once you know the brand and size. Although it sounds expensive, it's the biggest expense that you'll incur running. Better to save up and get the right pair (in the right size) vs. spend money, get shin splints or other injuries and then have to buy a better pair later after you're in pain. The right shoe for me took care of Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis. The first pair were nothing but misery and waste of money.

If you have a strange gait when running get the good shoes NOW. I've been exercising every day for a few years and I have an incessant recurring case of plantar fasciitis because i over pronate on my heels. I really wish I had prevented it with the right shoes.

oh hon, save up and go get fitted. i too was pretty horrified to be spending $100 for shoes but your health is worth it. my brookes are amazing, so much better than cheap shoes. i have to buy a couple of pairs a year (ouch!!!!) but i want to run for decades to come so i need my hoofs.
khairete
S.

The curved soles are dangerous for running. You need a shoe that is higher in the back than in the front so it throws your momentum forward. Other than that, you should definately get fitted. Finds a brand/style you like and then go somewhere like Famous Footwear and buy last year's color for $30 - $50.:) That is how I buy my Asics.

Kudos to you for starting a running program! Keep it up.

I buy my gym shoes second hand. I know many people will recommend against this, but I find expensive shoes such as Asics and Adidas in fantastic condition all the time, and I pay only $5-$10 a pair. I think really serious athletes replace their shoes very regularly, and only wear them in the gym, so that is why I find them second hand.