Hi Divechief,

Jay:  are racewalking shoes different then running shoes?

Well, the short answer is no and yes. No, they aren't different from SOME running shoes because most racewalkers wear running shoes. Hersey makes custom racewalking shoes, but they are very expensive. New Balance used to make racewalking shoes, but they stopped about 5-6 year or so ago.

YES, they are different from the running shoes that most runners wear. The key components of a good racewallking shoe are a low heel (because we are heel strikers), and a very flexible shoe (because we want to be able to roll the length of the shoe with each stride and have a bit of a toe-off at the end). Having a low heel also means that the difference between heel and toe height will be minimal, which is also a good thing. Keep in mind that racewalkers land with far less impact than runners, so we don't need near as much protective cushioning in our shoes. Many racewalkers wear racing flats because they meet all the criteria. The introduction and expansion of minimalist shoes has expanded the options open to racewalkers. I wear Mizuno Musha, which have been described as a "middle-distance racing flat." That means they have a scooch more cushioning than traditional flats, but still meet all the other criteria. They are 7oz, with a heel height of 22mm (about as high as I'd want to go), and toe height of 13mm. Even when new, I can roll them up so the toe almost goes to the back of the shoe. I've raced half marathons in them, and they've been great. I have a pair of lighter, totally uncushioned flats that I use for 5Ks.

Jay