Choosing the proper running shoe for you isn't quite as complicated as brain surgery, but for a beginner it can be a daunting task sorting through all the models and high-tech shoe systems.

It's important to understand that if you plan to run, you need to buy a shoe specific to running. Not a sneaker, tennis shoe, cross-trainer, aerobic, basketball or walking shoe. But a running shoe made for running and only running.

It's been said a million times: "The only really important piece of equipment you need is the right running shoe." Make that a million and one. And here's where you can read our in-depth reviews of the newest and best running shoes.

Here you'll find our reviews on two of our favorite running shoes from Adidas. In particular, Adidas Climacool II and the Cuadros. Click here for Adidas Running products.

Studies show overheating quickly leads to fatigue and significantly degrades performance. Before the advent of the Adidas ClimaCool, athletic shoes stifled one of the body's most important cooling systems - the feet. Adidas ClimaCool 2 is the first shoe designed for total breathability.

Every part of a ClimaCool shoe has been engineered to reduce the heat and moisture build-up that can make an athlete tired and cause performance to drop. Working as a complete system the ventilated upper sockliner and sole shoe creates a 360° cooling effect for the foot. The sole with its unique midfoot rib chassis and outsole air openings ventilates from below without compromising protection or performance.

An evolution of ClimaCool 1, the upper part of Adidas Climacool II shoes are made of breathable mesh, and the liner on the bottom of the climacool is vented and designed to wick moisture away from the foot. The heel an sole of Adidas climacool shoes have vents in them, too, so there's plenty of airflow.

BOTTOM LINE: We give Adidas credit for designing the perfect running shoe for those hot summer days. The global retail launch dates for ClimaCool 2 are March 14-28, 2003. $100; Click here for Adidas Running products.

Adidas Women's Cuadros is recommended for runners who want a sturdy hiking/running shoe with added traction. Great for all your outdoor hiking/running activities, this shoe features a lug sole for high-traction, a breathable, mesh upper with smooth style lines and a lace keyhole that keeps them snug. It also offers great cushioning and traction for up and downhill outdoor activities.

Just like the it's ClimaCool, this shoes also offers
adiPRENE which maximizes heel protection and stability with a shock absorbing material located under the heel, which provides extra protection.
Which its Z-TRAXION technology lugs maximize ground contact with less material (therefore reducing shoe weight), while at the same time supplying better multi-directional grip for hiking/running.

BOTTOM LINE: We applaud Adidas for making a functional hiking/running shoe rather than joining the trend of making merely fashionable shoes. $80; Click here for Adidas Running products.