Best Womens Racewalking Shoes
Male racewalkers have it pretty good in the shoe department. There are literally dozens of excellent shoes choices for training and racing. Of course, most of these shoes are running racing flats rather than shoes specifically made for racewalking, but the design elements are essentially the same: lightweight, flexible, low-profile shoes with big enough toe-boxes to prevent cramped toes during long workouts or races. Outlandish colors seem to be a plus.
Unlike the men, women haven’t fared quite as well. For many years racing flats were made only for men. The shoe companies did market their wares as “unisex” sized shoes appropriate for women, but they were sized in men’s sizes. Since racing flats adapt to the shape of the foot better than boxier training shoes, most women could do alright in a “unisex” shoe, but wearing a shoe that’s actually designed for your type of foot is going to be a better choice for most women.
Several companies now make women’s racing flats, and several companies offer more than just one least-common-denominator shoe. Adidas makes a range of women’s racers to fit all types of feet.
Although there are some great choices out there for women racewalkers, the downside to using any racing flat for day-to-day wear is that they’re designed for runners to wear only once every few weeks to race, so they often don’t last very long. But life-spans do vary considerably. Some flats will last 300 miles or more; some extremely lightweight flats may be shot after a mere 50 miles. Shoes designed for marathons are made with high carbon outsoles that will usually hold up for several hundred miles.
There are dozens of shoes that “foot” the bill. But who does it best?
For serious racers looking for the lightest and fastest shoes around, the Avia Avi-Bolt and the Saucony Grid Type A2 are both under six ounces and lightning fast. For marathon walkers or 50k specialists looking for more support, the Adidas adiZero RC 2, the Diadora Mythos Racer, and the Asics GEL-Bandito get the edge for lightweight stability.
Best Women's Racewalking Shoes on Sale-Compare Prices and Read Expert & User Reviews, Adidas,Saucony,Nike Air Zoom.
Best Womens Racewalking Shoes by Dave McGovern
The Best You Can Get
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Dave says:
The adiZero line recognizes that not all athletes are made alike. There are adizeros for neutral walkers, over-pronators and under-pronators. Due to natural the mechanics of the racewalking gait which requires a certain amount of pronation - the inward rolling of the foot that occurs as it rolls forward - most athletes will prefer a neutral shoe. The adiZero RC 2 is built for the neutral to under-pronator who requires enhanced cushioning and extended durability. As a neutral shoe, the lack of anti-pronation technology makes the adiZero quite flexible, allowing for a quick roll up to the toes for fast 5Ks, but the durable outsole and excellent support make them appropriate for half-marathons and marathons. US Olympic Team racewalker Joanne Dow wore her adiZeros for the 20k racewalk in Beijing. Weight: 6.9 ounces.
- Air mesh upper with synthetic lining
- Foam insole for comfort
- adiPRENE?+ in the forefoot maintains propulsion and efficiency; adiPRENE? for superior cushioning at impact
- TORSION? SYSTEM offers adaptive midfoot support
- adiWEAR? outsole offers the ultimate in high-wear durability; DSP for perfect grip, high durability, and lightweight
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Dave says:
Somewhat difficult to find in the US, the Diador Mythos Racer is worth the hunt. The Mythos is built for neutral to under-pronators looking for lightweight cushioning for any race distance.
Other features include:
Molded high-end EVA foam midsole with Elastom, which enhances the elasticity and longevity of the midsole. Double Action II inserts in the forefoot and heel area for shock absorption. New Axeler CCB Power Flow shank provides excellent breathability while ensuring midfoot rigidity, and proper forefoot flexion.
Exeler technology features a thread-like frame that is inserted into the outsole, ensuring a more natural, graduated forefoot flexion that propels the foot forward while maintaining the necessary rigidity in the midfoot and heel. Flexoft blown rubber in forefoot for cushioning, flexibility, and reduced weight. Strategically placed Duratech 5000 compound in heel to resist abrasion.
- Nylon air mesh upper with soft Supreltech overlays provides breathability
- Fixed anatomical insole in Elastom with anti-bacterial treatment
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Dave says:
The Avi-Bolt is designed for neutral walkers looking for an extremely lightweight racing shoe built on a gender-specific last. Built for a woman's foot, the Avi-Bolt features a minimalistic, snug upper fit with a responsive feel. This shoe is suitable for racing distances from 1,500 meters up to a half-marathon, or even for marathons and 50k races for lighter walkers with good mechanics.
- Weight: 5.9 ounces
- Semi-curved strobel-lasted construction
- Compression molded EVA midsole with DURA-RYD in the heel and forefoot for added cushioning
- Air mesh upper with microfiber overlays
- DURA-STRYK outsole to reduce wear
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Dave says:
The Saucony Grid Type A2 is a great choice for neutrally pronating 5k and 10k walkers looking to get to the finish line in a hurry (or, by clicking these ruby slippers’ heels three times, those hoping to get back to Kansas.) Saucony has become one of the more popular shoes among female racewalkers recently. I’m not sure if that’s due to or despite the color schemes of Saucony’s garish racers.
- Weight: 5.9 ounces
- Single-density SSL EVA midsole
- Mesh strobel semi-curved last construction
- Lightweight, open breathable mesh base, with synthetic overlays and 360-degree reflectivity
- XT-900 multi-piece pattern offers durability in a lightweight, flexible design
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Dave says:
The GEL-Bandito is one in a long line of great racing shoes from Asics. Half-marathon to marathon walkers and 50k racewalkers will love the comfort of this high-performance racer, but the responsive feel makes it a good choice for 5ks and speed training. Weight: 7.9 ounces.
- AHAR+ heel: a thinner and lighter version of Asics High Abrasion Resistance rubber is placed on the impact area of the outsole to reduce wear
- DuoMax? Medial Post ensures that the shoe maintains proper support for the foot during the transition from heel strike to toe-off
- DuraSponge? blown rubber compound in the forefoot for enhanced durability and cushioning
- Lightweight, durable Solyte? midsole
- Trusstic? System links the rear foot and forefoot and stabilizes the midfoot
You will be happy with any of these
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Dave says:
Although designed for 5k and 10k races, the Fastwitch 3 has ample support for longer distances as well.
- Weight: 6.2 ounces
- Designed for mild to moderate overpronation
- Dual-density SSL EVA midsole
- Upper features a breathable air-mesh base, synthetic overlays for a secure fit, and 360-degree reflectivity
- XT-900 carbon rubber for durability and EVA+ for weight reduction and great flexibility
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Dave says:
The adiZero Mana is built for moderate to over-pronators requiring a combination of cushioning and enhanced stability in a lightweight racer. Faster racewalkers may find the anti-pronation technology a bit stiff, and may prefer the Adidas adiZero RC2, but long-distance walkers and heavier racewalkers will appreciate the Mana’s added support. Weight: 7.0 ounces.
- Perforated textile and synthetic leather upper materials for superior breathability
- Air mesh lining for comfort and breathability
- Molded removable EVA insole for anatomical comfort
- adiPRENE? insert in heel for comfort and shock absorption, and in the forefoot for propulsion and efficiency
- adiWEAR? outsole for best durability, in high-wear areas
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Dave says:
The lightest shoe in the Zoot lineup, Ultra Race, although designed for triathletes, has all the features a racewalker is looking for in a shoe. The CarbonSpan+ shank adds a bit too much stiffness for the short-distance walker, but good arch support will be appreciated by long-distance walkers. Weight: 8.1 ounces.
- BareFit technology: Shoes are fully lined with moisture-managing, anti-microbial material and coated with Friction Free technology
- Tri-Dry system allows water to drain from shoe and away from the foot through ducts in sockliner, strobel board, and midsole
- Quick-Lace system allows the wearer to adjust the fit with a single-handed pull
- Z-VA midsole compound provides a well-cushioned and extremely light ride
- Z-CR carbon rubber provides a great feel for the road with minimal energy loss
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Dave says:
Blending an everyday trainer with a racing shoe, the Reebok Taikan IB is a great choice for marathon walkers and 50k racewalkers. Designed for neutral stride patterns, the Taikan IB has a fast, but comfortable feel for long-distance training and racing.
- Weight: 9.7 ounces
- Single-density DMX foam midsole bridge
- Semi-curved, slip lasted construction
- Open mesh upper with synthetic overlays
- Carbon rubber heel for durability and a blown rubber forefoot for light weight
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Dave says:
Although the Katana is technically a men’s shoe, the narrow heel, and overall low-volume design make it a good choice for women. In fact, if the Katana Rac3r III was specifically designed for women this would be a top-five shoe! Several elite American racewalkers, including 2004 Olympic racewalker Teresa Vaill wears the Katana. The Katana provides neutral pronators with very good cushioning and great propulsion at toe-off.
- Weight: 5.6 ounces
- Full-length molded Phylon? wedge midsole
- Zoom Air? unit in the heel
- Performance mesh upper
- BRS 1000 carbon rubber, two DSP injected panels for weight reduction and increased flexibility
