Running shoes vs walking shoes

Question
I am training for a 6 mile race that is 13 weeks away.  I am not a jogger or a runner and I will not be winning the race because people come from out of the country to win.  I have never been comfortable in any tennis shoe and always wear Birkenstock sandles. I need to purchase shoes right away so that they can be broken in before the race.  It's a "walk/run" event and I don't know the difference between running shoes and walking shoes.  I'm pretty sure I'll be picking one of the New Balance styles.  I would appreciate your help.

Answer
RENE
I OWN NEW BALANCE BUT NOW CERTAIN THEY ARE THE BEST FOR NIKE AIR IS ALSO GOOD.   SO MANY GOOD TENNIS SHOES ARE AVAILABEL THAT YOU NEED TO ASK FOR ASSISTANCE IN A GOOD SHOE STORE, FOOT LOCKER, FAMOUS FOOT WEAR, ETC.
I ALSO WEAR AND ADORE BIRKENSTOCKS ALL I CAN WEAR FOR BAD FEET OF CORNS, BUNIONS, ETC.
BUT JUST GO IN AND EXPLAIN WHAT YOUR GOING TO DO WHAT YOUR USE TO WEARING AND TO RECOMMEND THE BEST PAIR BUT NOT THE HIGHEST IN PRICE TO WEAR FOR THIS DAY.
THE BEST TO YOU

KIND REGARDS
PATT
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