What are some good running shoes for cross country running?

Does anyone know of any specific running shoes that won’t cause shin splints or stress fractures due to running on different terrain? I am a cross country runner and i get shin splints easy when i run on different surfaces. Thanks you for your help (:

What features should I look for in good running shoes?

I’m planning on running a marathon next year, and wondering what features I should be looking for in a pair of running shoes to best suit the role, e.g. flexibility, materials?

I want my feet to be comfortable, even while running on hard surfaces like tarmac and concrete.

Price isn’t really a concern – I’d be willing to pay upwards of 100 euro, or 140 dollars for a decent pair of shoes.

Is it good to vary your running surfaces?

What are some good jogging tips?

Is it physically good for your body to change the surfaces you run on? Like, is running barefoot on sand or running on a dirt trail every now and then good for you? Why?