Abstract: An improved downhole tool apparatus for limiting the extrusion of a packer element. The apparatus includes a packer mandrel having a packer element assembly disposed in a wellbore. Packer retaining shoes are disposed about the packer mandrel at the ends of the packer element assembly. The packer retaining shoes have an inner retainer and an outer retainer. The inner retainer has a plurality of segments having gaps therebetween that expand in width when the retaining shoe is moved from an initial position in which it is disposed about the packer mandrel to an expanded position wherein it engages the wellbore to limit the extrusion of the packer element assembly. The outer retainer is likewise made up of a plurality of segments having gaps therebetween that will expand. The outer retainer engages the wellbore to limit the extrusion of the packer element assembly.