Footwear testing / Prototype testing

We help brands develop better shoes.

With our footwear testing services, you can benchmark your shoes against the largest database of shoes currently on the market. We’ve tested more than 1,000 shoes, with a primary focus on running shoes (500+).

 

Types of footwear testing partnerships

Typical partnerships

The needs of product managers, engineers and designers typically fall into one of the following categories: 

  1. Ongoing/annual partnership
  2. Per-project or per-shoe basis
  3. Single tests

Other ways we can help

  • Perform quality checks on test results received from production facilities or factories.
  • Help independent labs with test methods they don’t currently offer in-house, lack the capacity to perform, or want to benchmark against our database.
  • Help develop unique testing methods in footwear, floorings or other areas where we feel we can make meaningful contributions. 

Every test we conduct can be benchmarked against our entire database or a specific segment of it, e.g. “daily running, 38 mm ± 2mm stack, road, no carbon plate, $160-200”. 

Access to the full database

A subscription which gives anyone in your organisation access to the full database of all shoes tested with all test results and categorization through:

  • A download link accessible at any time (CSV, XLSX, JSON, SQL)
  • An interface with customizable graphs, charts and tables

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Tests and test standards

All tests are conducted at 20°C/68°F ± 1°C and 55% ± 5% humidity - in both our lab and storage. Calibration happens regularly. 

ASTM / ISO / SATRA standards

While we do follow ASTM, SATRA and ISO standards (see below), our test methods have all evolved over time to better (a) represent the specificity of running shoes and other performance footwear and (b) account for the latest technological advancements in materials and geometry in athletic shoes. 

Below are the base standards that we follow, though with modifications. 

  • Energy return + shock absorption: ASTM F1976-13
  • Traction/slip resistance: SATRA TM144
  • Flexibility: ISO 20344:2021
  • Stack heights, drop and internal length: World Athletics
  • Midsole softness: Asker C
  • Thermal insulation/cold rating: SATRA TM436
  • Water vapour permeability/moisture management: SATRA TM376
  • Repeated compression: SATRA TM156, custom made with different forces (from Q4 2026)

RunRepeat standards

  • Torsional rigidity: coming with RunRepeat methodology 2.3 or 2.4 in Q1 / Q2 of 2026. 
  • Rocker geometry test: allows you to overlay your shoe with any other on the market
  • Midsole softness in cold
  • Fit/size - Width, forefoot width and toebox height: RunRepeat methodology 1.8 (gel test)
  • Heel counter stiffness: Currently assessing all shoes subjectively with a subjective 1 to 5 rating
  • Abrasion/durability of heel, forefoot/upper and outsole: RunRepeat methodology 1.8 (dremel testing) with fixed force and speed. 
  • Measurements: platform width through heel and forefoot width, outsole thickness, insole thickness, reflective elements, tongue padding and weight.

Reporting and results

You will get access to our Private Benchmarking Dashboard where you can see how your shoe compares to the market.  

  • Scatter plots, radar charts, and tables
  • Add specific shoes to compare to 
  • Create a comparison segment, e.g. "road + 38mm ± 2mm, no carbon plate, race", or create a segment based on a specific set of shoes. 
  • Save reports and download data.

In addition, we send you about 40 media files documenting our processes.

Confidentiality and NDA

  • All testing is conducted under strict confidentiality.
  • We sign one-way or two-way NDAs as required.  
  • Your test results are kept separate and are not included in our aggregate dataset.
  • All data and media is owned by you.
  • We recommend retaining samples and test data for 6 months in case re-testing is needed or new tests methods are implemented. However, we always follow your preference. 
  • Once a project is completed, we cut samples in pieces and securely dispose them. 
  • Lab visits are not possible due to confidentiality. 

Contact

Reach out to learn more about what we offer, our pricing and how we might be able to help.

Jens Jakob Andersen
CEO, RunRepeat
jens@runrepeat.com