Footwear testing / Prototype testing

We help brands develop better shoes.

With our footwear testing services, you can benchmark your shoes against the biggest database of current shoes 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 these: 

  1. Continual/yearly partnership
  2. Per project/shoe basis
  3. Single tests

Other ways we can help

  • Perform quality-check of test results you got from production/factory.
  • Help independent labs with test methods they don’t currently offer in-house, don’t have the capacity to do, or with benchmarking against our database.
  • Help develop unique testing methods in footwear, floorings or other areas where we feel we can make meaningful contributions. 

Every test conducted with us can be benchmarked against our entire database or also through a segment of the database, e.g. “daily running, 37 mm +/- 3mm 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, XLSL, 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. We perform a yearly calibration of all machines. 

ASTM / ISO / SATRA standards

While we do follow ASTM, SATRA and ISO standards (see below), our test methods have all developed 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 1976-13
  • 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 Q2 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.

Wear testing

We have more than 100 experienced runners in our wear testing pool. You decide on (1) the sample size, (2) mileage targets, and (3) you can create your own pool based on the runners’ experience, pace, terrain, strike, and more. This is currently a work in progress. Reach out to show interest. 


Reporting and results

Our standard testing includes:

  • Full test data for your prototype
  • Average test data for the category your shoe fits into
  • Custom benchmark segments
  • Test data of specific shoes for comparison
  • Media for every test 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 helpful.

Jens Jakob Andersen
CEO, RunRepeat
jens@runrepeat.com 

And kindly CC

Gonçalo Marta, PhD biomechanics
Head of Footwear Testing
goncalo@runrepeat.com