well like ive said, i wouldn't go for nike or adidas if your serious about running, and it sounds like you are then go for asics. asics specialise in running, and i know nike and adidas do specialist running trainers, however ive generally found them not to be as good. if your going to take my hint then see the two links i posted from jjb.
however if you want to stick to your nikes or adidas then just get the best you can afford, the general rule is, the more you pay the better they will be, as the more design and better materials will ahve been used.
if your really serious id go to a proper running shop which will be in the yellow pages, these shops measure your feet properly and then let you run around in lots of pairs of trainers until you find the right pair, they'll be able to advise on pronation of your foot etc. that's what i do, they know much more the average jjb worker. however i know some people don't like those shops as they don't sell as much nike/adidas its more new balance and asics which are the better RUNNING trainer.