A 2023 post about shoes for racewalking . - Noel Paine
One of the common questions new racewalkers ask is – what shoes should I wear?
Racewalking is not casual walking and, it's not running. How you move your legs and feet is significantly different. The similarities are that racewalkers and runners need something that cushions the impact as you hit the ground, is comfortable and holds the foot stable enough without interfering with what the foot needs to do.
Photo below of myself, early on learning to racewalk and using a pair of Blue Reshod racewalking shoes.
I am told by racewalkers who started walking before I did that some major brands made racewalk-specific shoes in the 1990s. As far as I am aware, no major athletic shoe brands make shoes for racewalkers.
I have compiled a list below of shoes from smaller companies that make racewalk-specific shoes along with shoes that many racewalkers use to train or compete in.
From my personal experience with running shoes, racewalking shoes and having worked in the Pedorthics (orthotics) and shoe-fitting/footwear field - there is no one shoe for every person or foot. The foot is the most complex boney structure in our body held together by muscles, ligaments and tendons. Everyone has a different sized foot with different characteristics. We are also all different in size, shape, weight, with different biomechanics and a different style of racewalking.
"Research, knowing your feet and needs and seeing what others use will help you find a shoe you like - but it can still be a bit of trial and error!"
WHAT I LOOK FOR IN A RACEWLAK SHOE
When I started racewalking I looked at what others were wearing, searched the internet and asked others for advice. I am not an elite and what has worked for me has changed as my technique and style changed and improved.
Comfortable!
Not too rigid a shoe, should flex and allow your foot to flex the shoe and roll from heel to toe
Enough support for your foot without being too floppy (know your foot type)
Good rocker (toe turns up a bit - help foot roll from heel to toe)
Not too high a midsole heel (not too high a heel on the running shoe or a thick midsole)
Cushioning that is not too soft but not too firm (this is sometimes called durometer)
Not too much of a drop (difference between height of the heel and the toe)
A shoe that feels like it is helping me walk with good technique and quickly
​BRAND | MODEL | WEIGHT | DROP | OF NOTE | OPINION |
NA | Zero | Firm cushioning with good rocker but less flex. | |||
NA | Zero | Pushover technology | Firm cushioning with pronounced rocker. | ||
Decathlon (NewFeel) | 7.2oz | Zero or minimal | Designed for racewalkingVery soft midsole cushion, light and very flexible | lightweight trainer or for racing. Not alot of rocker and almost feels too flat. I find the cushion at the heel too soft. | |
Decathlon | 7.10z | Zero or minimal | Designed for racewalking A bit firmer than the 500 | More and firmer cushioning than RW500 but no rocker. | |
Decathlon | 9.5oz | Zero or minimal | For putting in the training miles. | More stable and durable version of the the RW900. | |
Decathlon | NA | Zero or minimal | Race shoe | Limited Edition for Tokyo Olympics. Race version of RW900. Light and responsive. | |
Saucony | Kinvara 13 | 7.20z | 4mm | Light trainer | Neutral, soft cushioned and flexible daily trainer. Version 14 does not feel the same. |
Saucony | 6.0oz | 4mm | Light trainer or racer | Lightweight trainer or race shoe with good rocker. | |
Asics | 6.8oz | 7mm | Light weight trainer or race shoe | ​ | |
Asics | 5.6oz. | 8mm | Race shoe | Asics' carbon fibre super shoe.Good rocker, very soft heel cushion. | |
Brooks | 7.30z. | 8mm | Light-weight trainer | Well-cushioned, light trainer or temp run shoe. | |
Adidas | 7.2oz. | 8mm | Light-weight trainer or race shoe | Soft cushion, light weight and decent rocker. | |
Skechers | 6.4oz. | 4mm. | Light-weight trainer or race shoe | Very light, has built in arch support, soft cushion and good rocker. | |
Altra | 9.3oz. | Zero | Everyday trainer. | Decent cushion in a zero-drop, foot-shaped shoe, flat and no rocker. |
*Some of the shoe models may be older models and not currently available.
Skechers | 6.0oz. | 4mm | Lightweight trainer or race shoe | Light with decent rocker, soft heel cushion and carbon fiber infused polymer plate. | |
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SHOES BRANDS FOR MORE INFO
FITTING ADVICE
Should be comfortable in the store
Snug, not tight and not too loose
Good length (at least a thumbnails width of room at the toe when standing)
Good width - check to see if the model you like comes in multiple widths
Get your foot measured with a Brannock
Make sure the shoe does not rub you anywhere (ankle, Achilles, top of foot etc.)
Do not be afraid to ask questions
Short Facebook survey I did this past year.
Always a shoe guy and curious I constantly watch what others use and analyze the shoes and think about the biomechanics of racewalking.
I currently love and use the Saucony Kinvara 13 but the version 14 is firmer and does not feel as good for racewalking - so looking for other options. When I started and was learning the technique, the Reshod shoes worked for me. As my style and pace picked up I found I wanted more flex and a softer heel and tried shoes like the New Balance 1400, New Balance 1500, Altra shoes and even a few Mizuno shoes. I think that shoe selection with depend on the style and pace of racewalking of each athlete plus the other factors (age, weight, foot type etc.).
MORE INFO!
Places for more advice on racewalking and how to choose a shoe for racewalking:
My friend Carmen Jackinsky (found or Reshod shoes) who is also on Youtube!
My friend Dave McGovern at www.racewalk.org - and he also has a number of books out with advice and information.
My friend Jeff Salvage and his website and books! You can also find him on Youtube!
ARTICLES
I have written a book for racewalkers who are starting out and for those who are interested in the sport.
It has lots of information, resources and places to go for advice, help, coaching etc. - along with a mix of my own stories and experiences, plus athlete profiles and tips from elites, Olympians and Masters athletes!
It was written because of my passion for the sport and a desire to help others.
You can find the book on Amazon or just give me shout and I will try and get one out to you!
Happy walking!