Adrenaline GTS 25

Since you mentioned having tight calves, you'll have reduced ankle dorsiflexion. The compensation is increased knee flexion angle at footstrike, which irritates the patellofemoral joint (pain behind the kneecap). A middle of the road to a slightly higher heel drop will shift the load away from the calf muscles and reduce the dorsiflexion deficit issue. I recommend checking out Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25. The 10mm drop will help your calves. The guide rails keep excess motion in check. The cushioning is protective and firm enough to support your weight. It's a durable shoe. Asics Kayano 32 is a robust option that can support a bigger guy. It's got an excellent base and a middle of the road 8mm drop. New Balance 1080 v14 is a neutral model with a wide base that's inherently stable. The Fresh Foam X gives a soft yet supportive ride.

Ideally you would stop by a running store and hop on the treadmill while the associate analyzes your running form. They'll bring out a few pairs for you to test. More often than not, they'll recommend Brooks Ghost 17 if you have a neutral stride, and Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 if you pronate. Assuming you have a neutral stride, Brooks Ghost 17 is perfect for a daily 4 mile run at 9-10 min/mile. It's not the lightest or the fastest, but it's got reliable cushioning, a stable ride, and lasts forever. The same can be said about Adrenaline. Brooks has one of the best return policies if they don't work for some reason.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24/25 is a max stability shoe that is available in narrow. Having run in this model and the Glycerin GTS for many years, Brooks has narrowed the fit over the past year or two. Brooks has a good return policy in case they aren't for you. This year I've run in New Balance 860 v14 and Vongo v6. Both are stability shoes with a narrower fit. Despite Altra's reputation for being roomy, the Altra Experience Form was actually too tight for me in the midfoot, even though I sized up. Asics GT 2000 is a staple in my rotation. I recently picked up a pair of Asics Gel Excite 11. Although it's not a stability shoe, it has wide sole flaring, a straight last, sidewall support, and a rocker. The heel is actually wider than most stability models. I was pleasantly surprised by the support, stability, and versatility. Smokes the GT.

I have experience running in all of the shoes you've listed. The best all around shoe for walking and running would be the Kayano. The upper is more plush and comfortable, and they offer good support and cushioning. Adrenalines are the firmest of the four. The Tempus is the quickest and most versatile for running, but it's not my go to for walking. I didn't get along well with the 860s personally because they felt too bottom heavy and unresponsive to me.

Nimbus is similar to Kayano but without the stability features. The wife platform and raised sidewalls help to stabilize the high stack. It's a durable shoe. Every Brooks model I've run in had great build quality except Ghost Max. The glue failed in the heel before 100 miles. The rear of the shoe actually peeled off. Ghost, Glycerin, Adrenaline, and Hyperion are super durable. You may want to check out Saucony Hurricane 25. It's a stability model like Kayano but it's lighter, smoother, more energetic, and has a lower drop. I'm loving mine and so far they're extremely durable.

Go to a running store and get a gait analysis done. It will determine if you have a neutral stride or pronate. The associate will make some recommendations and you'll get to try them on the treadmill. That's the best way to start. For beginners, Brooks Ghost (neutral) and Adrenaline GTS (pronation) are most often recommended. Once you gain some experience and figure out what works, you can branch out.

I have a nice rotation of shoes that includes everything from the bargain firm running Asics Gel Excite, Asics 'Blast line, and carbon plated shoes. No disrespect to my high end shoes, but I prefer shoes that are lower to the ground and firmer. I mean yeah the super light and bouncy shoes feel fast and all, but over long miles a firmer shoe just feels more comfortable and stable to me. There are "real" running shoes on the market that aren't two inch sponges. Brooks Ghost, Saucony Ride/Kinvara, and Mizuno Wave Rider are some examples of neutral models. Asics GT 2000/Kayano, Brooks Adrenaline, Saucony Guide, and Mizuno Wave Inspire are firm stability models.