I need new running shoes, but don't know where to start

I need new running shoes, but don't know where to start. I know I want to go minimalist, but there are so many brands and they are so expensive.

Do I go with the Merrell shoes I can get at my local mall for a really good price and get good reviews? Do I invest massive amounts of money in Newtons? They at least sell those at my closest running shoe store. Do I go for a more unusual brand like Altra? Do I go for the brand that interacts with me on Twitter like Skora, even if they aren't the most attractive shoes?

How do you pick your running shoes? Do you run in minimalist shoes? Do you want your running shoes to be "attractive"?