Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to receive free shoes in the mail, right?
It may sound like a marketing scheme, but people have been getting free sneakers from popular brands like Nike and Adidas for years.
This program is called product testing, which is often part of a company’s research and development process to gather feedback on a consumer’s preferences and reactions to a particular product.
so i just gave myself free shoes right after i checked in?
not quite.
the problem: how to get free shoes directly from the company’s factory
Most large companies, like Nike, have a website that allows consumers to sign up to get paid to try products.
Once you enter your information, your name becomes part of a consumer database.
Depending on the company’s current promotions and product line, the company will launch a product test campaign for an assigned number of people and a certain demographic.
for example:
- 100 men, ages 30-40, weigh more than 250 pounds
- 50 men, 50 women, all under 40, who will run a marathon in the next 3 months
- people with flat feet, of any age, can wear the shoes one hour a day for 6 months
Simply put, if you don’t fit the demographic a company requires right now, you won’t get free shoes.
If you are not chosen at this time, this does not mean that you are also disqualified for other campaigns. One sports brand in particular runs multiple product test campaigns each year, so don’t give up hope.
9 companies that give away shoes
I didn’t include nike here because I’ve written a lot about nike product testing programs in the past. if you want free nike shoes, check out how you can get a pair here.
Keep in mind that product testing isn’t unique to the sportswear industry, but since we’re talking about free shoes, here are 9 companies you should definitely sign up with:
1. adidas
fill in your personal data form to get started.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to pay a dime and it only takes a few minutes to apply as a product tester. but you have to qualify.
once adidas starts a new study and chooses from its database of potential, the company will send you an email informing you that you have been chosen to participate.
all other details will be included in that invitation.
After you confirm you want to join, adidas will send you your free shoes (or clothes) by mail.
read the instructions. here you will learn if you need to return the shoes or keep them forever. adidas typically requires you to take notes (eg, 1 hour jog, Sept 18) and take an online quiz at the end of a task.
2. running streams
brooks running offers running shoes, apparel and sports bras for runners to try out in the real world, adding to their running research data and helping them improve their existing products.
There are two types of testers available: one that can be tested at the “lab” in Seattle, Washington, and the attrition tester (which can be from anywhere in the United States).
brooks running will pay for shipping the products to/from your home, but you must agree to submit feedback and return the product when requested.
however, you will not receive any money for this.
if you apply and don’t hear from brooks running, don’t worry. You’re already in the brooks product tester database and have a chance to be invited once the right opportunity comes up for you.
3. new balance
To join the new balance program, enter your email address and create a profile so the company knows more about you.
submit the form and you will now be part of the new balance tester community database.
new balance also chooses based on demographics and interests. if they choose you, they will notify you first before sending you a new prototype by mail.
Go to your online profile, follow the assignment instructions, and submit your feedback.
sometimes, it is not necessary to return the shoes.
4. reebok
reebok boasts that the reason their shoes and apparel really meet people’s athletic needs is that they test the shoes and apparel on real athletes.
This is where you come in.
If you are physically active and would like to join the product trial program to get free shoes and clothing, please fill in details such as shoe size, location, activity level, etc.
Product trials last 3-6 weeks, but reebok will ask you to return the products after the trial.
5. red wing shoes
If you love boots and other fancy work shoes, Red Wing Shoes is looking for product testers interested in wearing their products in the “most difficult, dirty, hardest working situations”.
requirements change from time to time.
when i checked they were looking for testers in the minneapolis/st.paul mn area with specific foot sizes.
Those who are qualified can fill out the application form on the side.
The good thing about red wing shoes is that the boots are yours after trying them on.
6. cougar
In April 2019, Puma launched its beta testing program for its Fit Intelligence (Fi) auto-lacing training shoe for select countries.
beware of more tests of puma products, since fi training shoes were the first.
7. hot sauce
try on running shoes and sports gear for free. fill out an application form to become a tested product.
A word of warning though: the form is very long and delves into your history as a broker. If you’re not a runner, you’re better off skipping this program and going with another.
saucony tries to find testers who actually use the pair of running shoes (an extensive survey will be required after completing the task).
8. colombia’s global performance
columbia is actively inviting a wide range of people to try its products. the company prefers those who love the outdoors or sports.
Simply apply to become a tester, be accepted into the database, meet the eligibility requirements, and have the opportunity to try on a pair of walking boots or running shoes and submit feedback.
Columbia’s trial program is a bit unique: you’ll be given a set of tasks to complete during the trial period.
Unfortunately, you have to return the shoes for free after a couple of weeks.
Assume round-trip shipping fees.
9. under armor
To join the Under Armor testing community, simply enter your name and email address, then complete your profile.
Like other product trials on this list, you must qualify (based on your demographic and profile information) to join the current program.
It’s free to join the trial program, but it’s hard to get in.
If you are lucky enough to be chosen, you will need to follow the instructions included in the package with free shoes.
There is no cash prize here either and you will have to return the product at the end of the trial.
get other free stuff by mail
When you are chosen to be part of any of these programs, be honest with your comments.
The company needs that honesty to improve the free shoes you just tried before the official launch.
if you’re a fan of amazon, they also have the amazon product trial program you can join, and they cover a wider range of products.
Now that you know about the possibility of getting free shoes, why not explore other things you can get for free, like baby stuff samples, birthday gifts, or other types of free samples by mail?