nooo you should never run in those!
Specialty running stores are a good idea if you have the time but I don't thinkt hey are neccessary. Runners all have diff ideas about what they like to run in best, and all I have talked to, myself included, found them through trial and error.
I totally agree with this. I do tons of running and I've been doing it for a very long time. Go to a running store, if you want, and listen to what they say but keep an open mind. Same with reading running shoe reviews. There is not a perfect shoe for all runners.
I'm not particularly brand loyal. I like some shoes from Brooks, Nikes, and (my favorite) Innov-8's but I've gotten shoes from each that just didn't work out.
It sounds expensive but it isn't that bad. You can get away with a less-than-perfect shoe for your C25K training. Just stick to shoes that are specifically designed for running.
And, seriously, if you're a size 8 and open to this idea, I will gladly send you a few pairs of my shoes that didn't work out for me. PM me. I have a small collection.
Kudos for doing the C25K program! I think it's a great program and I love to watch people go through it.