How to Score Free Gear: Shoes

 

Distance runners often spend more money on running shoes than on food. Running shoes can cost anywhere from 100 to 200 dollars and they need to be replaced every 250 to 300 miles. If you are logging 50 or more miles per week, that can put a serious dent in your beer fund. You might even find yourself faced with the decision between paying rent and buying new shoes.

What Exactly is a Wear Tester?
Different companies call it different things (wear tester, lab rat, etc).  Basically, you test gear (running shoes, apparel, and/or other gear) and give the company your feedback and opinions about the product and in return, they will send you free gear. Sometimes the company will let you keep the product. Sometimes they make you send it back. No, you will not be paid and no you will not get to be on a poster; but if you are selected, you will get free shoes (except you might have to send them back when the test is over). All you have to do in return is give your “honest feedback.”

What’s Your Favorite Brand?
Most sporting goods companies have a program for athletes to test their gear. This is true of companies like Nike, Perl Izumi, Brooks, and New Balance. In order to find the wear test site, just type in the company’s name and “wear test.” You will have to fill out an application and in addition to testing shoes, many companies also want athletes to test their clothing lines.  Note: The term “athlete” is used loosely; if you think you are an athlete, you probably are.

Free Shoes Aren’t Just for Olympians
While the shoe companies undoubtedly want feedback from elite runners and professional athletes, they know that most of their consumers are not elite athletes. This means don’t lie on your application and say that you run a sub 6 minute mile pace for your 10k. First, if that were true, Nike would already know about you. Second, companies select applicants based on your shoe size, running medium, and weekly mileage.