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@badtmy
Hippy: it just so happens that i spent 4 years of my life selling running shoes while i was at uni. you can tell when your shoes are buggered because they'll feel 'flat', the cushioning in the midsole will lose its ability to rebound properly (this is called compression set). you will possibly notice some creases forming in the midsole, too.
Getting the correct shoe type and fit is really important. You could check out Runner's Need in Holborn (above Cycle Surgery), they have treadmills to check your gait and make sure you get the right shoe, and all the staff are proper runners AFAIK. I'm sure there are many other shops in London that offer a similar service.
Basically there are three types of foot: over-pronator, neutral and under-pronator. Over-pronators (generally flat feet but not always) roll inwards too much, and need a stable shoe with plenty of support on the medial side (usually a medial "post" made of higher-density material). Under-pronators don't roll enough and need shitloads of cushioning to absorb shock, and neutral runners need something in the middle. More people over-pronate than under-pronate.
I personally find running much more aerobically challenging than cycling. maybe i'm not riding hard enough though... also I strip weight off much faster running than riding. not as good for transport, though.