It's when you try to imitate other people that you end up with problems. Your body has its own design and wants to do its own thing. You have to have good shoes. And you do have to go ahead and sink some money into it. What shoe is best for you depends on your weight, your gait and other factors.
Carpenter looks for a flexible, light shoe.
But that just doesn't work for everyone and, in fact, can get some people hurt. Once you get your shoes, use them only for running. Walking around on them all day long reduces their shock absorbency. It's from people having the right shoe and trying to wear it too long. A good running shoe should last about 300 miles or so, but may break down quicker, depending on the runner's weight and gait.