If you find a training or competitive shoe you like, be sure to get several pairs as the shoe companies are apt to pull them off the market quite quickly for no particular reason.
 
SPECIFICATIONS: Running shoes that work quite well for racewalking do not have a deep mid-sole--that is they are fairly low to the ground; have a firm heel with good stability, and a flexible forefoot. The heel should be contoured--not squared off--to facilitate the heel to toe roll. The mid-sole need not be thick as the heel impact is only about one and one-half times body weight compared to running's three and one-half times body weight. Shoes should have a low vertical back tab to avoid pressure on Achilles tendon. Good firm arch support. Ventilated uppers. Again, shoe should be flexible to aid heel-to-toe rolling and pushing.
 
The most important element is fit. The comfort of the shoe is as important a specification as any. That is why it is not possible to recommend a particular shoe as feet vary in size, shape and condition. The following are suggestions. Some may not be available.
 

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SHOE COMPANIES AND SUGGESTED SHOE MODELS

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ADIDAS: Tel: 1-800-677-6638; Web site: www.adidas.com
 Advance Challenger - light weight racing flat
 Racewalk - longer distances
 Rat Racer - new

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ASICS: Tel: 1-800-678-9435; Web site: www.asicstiger.com
 Tiger Paw
 Gel-DS Racer IV - light weight performance shoe for all distances
 Gel-Lytes - can work well for training, depends on the year's model
 Magic Racer

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BROOKS: Tel: 1-800-227-6657; Web site: http://brookssports.com
 Chariot
 Hyperion Racer

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MIZUNO: Tel: 1-800-966-1234; Web site: www.mizunousa.com
 Phantom - popular, lightweight
 Sonic Racer - lightweight racing flat

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NEW BALANCE: Tel: 1-800-253-SHOE; Web site: www.newbalance.com
 100 - new and well recommended
 110 and 220 - older models
 RC210 - recommended by some for marathons

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NIKE: Tel: 1-800-344-NIKE; Web site: www.nike.com
 Air Streak Lite - very popular rating, light weight, flexible, hard to find (call Eastbay - see below)
 Air Pegasus - recommended for training and for overweight walkers

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REEBOK: Tel: 1-800-843-4444; Web site: www.reebok.com
 Racewalker - considered outstanding for training by many, may not be available

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SAUCONY: Tel: 1-800-365-7282; Web site: www.saucony.com
 Grid Jazz - for wide feet

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OTHER SPORT SHOE COMPANIES include:
 
 Avia; 800-848-8698; www.aviashoes.com
 Fila; 800-717-5757; www.fila.com
 Etonic; 800-423-9958; www.etonic.com
 Hersey; 207-778-3103; www.herseycustomshoe.com - make custom racewalking shoes
 Puma; 800-662-7862; www.puma.com
 Ryka; 800-834-7952; www.ryka.com
 Diadora; 800-423-9958; www.diadoraamerica.com
 Lynx; 800-717-5757; www.lynx.com
 Montrail; 206-621-9303; www.montrail.com
 
For additional shoe company Web sites, go to a search engine (e.g., Google), type in the name of the shoe company, (or simply type in "shoe company" without the quotes) and hit the Search button. A menu will appear offering to connect you to specific shoe company sites.
 

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CATALOG COMPANIES  
As shoes come on and off the market quickly, when you call a catalog company, ask what the popular racewalking shoes are. They will stock those in demand.

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HOY'S SPORTS:
mailing address:	1632 Haight Street, San Francisco, CA 94117
order/customer number:	1-800-837-4329
e-mail address:	hoys@ix.netcom.com>
Web address:	www.hoys.com
EASTBAY:
mailing address:	427 Third Street, Wausau, WI 54403
customer/service number:	1-800-826-2205
>e-mail address:	not available
Web address:	www.eastbay.com
ROAD RUNNER SPORTS:
mailing address:	6150 Nancy Ridge Road, San Diego, CA 92121
customer service number:	1-800-662-8896
order number:	1-800-551-5558
e-mail address:	not available
Web address:	www.roadrunnersports.com