I like Vans. They have terrible arch-support, but you can buy good inserts for pretty cheap. They look pretty cool, and if you parkour, they actually work really good because since they're meant for skating, they have great grip. They even have seasonal Vans. I remember seeing Easter- colored Vans around Easter. They're best for just casual, though.
I prefer ASICS... I guess old habits die hard. You might not know it, but doctors aren't normally wearing dress shoes when they're in the office or in surgery. They wear running shoes like Asics, Nike, and Adidas. Dr. House isn't weird for wearing bright orange running shoes... it's actually really commonplace.
anywho... I wear them because they are really comfortable.
you might not know it... but you're supposed to change your running shoes around every 400-500 miles. That was like every month and a half (or less) for me back when i was running a lot. ...now you know something you never wanted to know
I usually don't have a personal preference, but I've been wearing a pair of Vans for the past year, and they're pretty comfortable. Even though they're pretty ratty by now.
Nike are my favorite shoe brand. Nike are the only shoes I get, right now I have these white ones with the black bottom and part of it's white with the Nike symbol in black (I had to get insoles so they would fit, the insoles are red and black and make the shoe look better).