21 Legit Ways to Get Free Shoes in 2025 (Product Testing for Nike, Adidas…)

How to Become a Shoe Product Tester

Becoming a shoe tester for footwear brands is not that hard really since most programs are open to the public.

It’s a straightforward process, but you need to know how it works before you apply.

Here’s all you need to know to become a product tester for shoe companies.

How Product Testing for Free Shoes Works

Most companies have a testing and evaluation department where they send out samples and products to a select group of consumers in order to get feedback that can be used to improve the product.

As a tester, you have to sign up to become a product tester for one of the shoe companies listed below.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Sign Up to Test

You apply to a company’s testing program and provide some info about yourself, like your shoe size, activity level, and sometimes your running habits.

Step 2: Get Selected

Once you’re approved for the test program, they’ll send you the product (in this case, a pair of shoes) along with a prepaid shipping label so you can send it back after the test period is over.

Step 3: Put Them to the Test

You then wear the shoes for a few weeks, putting them through the normal wear and tear. You’re essentially the “real-world lab” for the brand.

Step 4: Give Feedback

At the end of the testing period, you fill out surveys, answer questions, or submit a review detailing your experience. Some companies require you to send the shoes back so they can evaluate them in their lab.

Step 5: Reward

Depending on the program, you may get to keep the shoes, receive a replacement pair, or get compensated with cash or gift cards. Either way, they’ll give you this information when you’re signing up.

Who Brands Are Looking For (The Ideal Tester Profile)

Here’s what you need to know: most of these programs are run by athletic companies.

They need people who will actually put the shoes through their paces.

While you don’t usually need to be a professional athlete, they are almost always looking for people who fit an active demographic.

On your application, they’ll ask questions like:

• What types of exercise do you do? (Running, hiking, basketball, etc.)
• What surfaces do you normally run or walk on?
• How many miles do you run or walk per week?

Be honest in your answers! They are looking for all kinds of people, from casual joggers to marathon runners.

The Big Question: Do You Get to Keep the Shoes?

This is the most common question I get, so let’s be upfront about it: most of the time, you have to send the prototype shoes back. The company’s labs need to study the worn-out product to see how it held up.

However, that’s not always the end of the story. Some companies will compensate you with a different, brand-new pair of shoes as a thank you.

Others might offer a gift card or, in some cases, send the test pair back to you to keep. Every program is different, but they will always tell you the terms when you are accepted into a program.

Major Shoe Brands That Will Give You Free Shoes to Test

Below, I’ll list the companies that I was able to find that have this type of program.

You’ll notice that these are all athletic companies – fortunately, or unfortunately, athletic companies are the ones who usually have these programs. After all, it is far more important to see how a pair of running shoes holds up over time compared to fashionable pumps.

They’ll want to know if you fit an athletic demographic because these will mostly be running shoes, tennis shoes, that sort of thing.

Yeah, no free designer shoes here, sorry (But, I’ll show you a few ways to get designer and dress shoes for free as well)!

However, if you’re athletic and want to try some athletic shoes, feel free to sign up for one or all of these programs.

1. Nike Product Testing

Yes, THE Nike!

They actually have two shoe testing programs.

1. One is on-site
2. and the other remote.

If you live near a Nike testing facility, you can apply to become an on-site tester, where you will have to go in and participate in their tests.

The remote testing program is what I’d think most of you would want to do. For that, you apply online and if approved, they send you a pair of shoes you can wear for a certain amount of time, then you complete a survey and share your experience.

• Best For: A wide range of athletes and casual users.
• Apply Here: Official Nike Voice of the Athlete Page

2. Adidas Product Testing

Adidas has a few different programs, one for people in Europe and one for people in America.

Here’s how Adidas product testing program works:

If you’re selected and decide to participate, they’ll send the shoe (or any other product that’s part of the test). You get to use/test the item for the required duration (usually a few weeks).

Once the test is done, you’ll send back the item using a prepaid shipping label that the company sends you. You’ll then answer a few questions about the product.

Now, in some cases, they may send you the test product or a brand new one back so you can keep it forever.

• Best For: Anyone who is active and fits their specific testing needs.
• Apply Here: Official Adidas Testing Page

3. New Balance Wear Test Program

You’ll always have to return the equipment after testing it for these guys, so this is perhaps more like “free rental shoes.”

They won’t charge you for the shipping, though. They’ll send you a prepaid shipping label with the shoes so you can send them.

Like most companies, these people will mail more products to diligent product testers who put in their best effort.

For more details about New Balance’s Wear Test program, read my dedicated guide on How to become a New Balance product tester.

• Best For: Runners and people with specific shoe sizes or widths.
• Apply Here: Official New Balance Testing Page

4. Reebok Product Testing

Reebok is part of the same testing platform as Adidas, but with a focus on its own brand.

You can apply to be a part of their official consumer testing panel through this link.

For detailed application tips, see my full guide on the Reebok Product Testing program.

• Best For: People who exercise and are passionate about fitness.
• Apply Here: Official Reebok Testing Page

5. Under Armour’s Wear Testing

Although Under Armour is more known for their T-shirts and Shorts, they also make shoes, and as such, they also have a wear test program.

It’s a great program to join if you’re a fan of the whole brand. For more details, see my guide to the Under Armour product testing program.

• Best For: Athletes who want to test a wide range of gear, not just shoes.
• Apply Here: Official Under Armour Testing Page

6. Brooks Wear Test Program

The good thing about this program is that you get an immediate reply to your application, so no waiting around to see if you were approved or denied.

Sometimes you have to send the shoes back. Sometimes you get the shoes back after that.

From time to time, they stop taking new testers. If so, bookmark the page and keep checking back as they open the doors back up frequently.

• Best For: Dedicated runners who can provide detailed feedback.
• Apply Here: Official Brooks Wear Test Program Page

7. Saucony Product Testing

You can apply for their product testing program which consists of testing athletic and casual shoes online.

Needless to say, they are looking for people who are active so they can put their product through a good test that simulates the roughest conditions a buyer could put the product through.

• Best For: People who are active runners and can put their shoes to the test.
• Apply Here: Official Saucony Testing Page

8. Columbia Global Performance Testing

Most people, especially people who are into sports and outdoor activities, know the brand Colombia. But what most people don’t know is that the company has a product testing program that you can apply for to get the opportunity to test their products for free, including running shoes and hiking boots.

If you’re accepted into the program, they’ll send a pair of shoes or boots that you get to test for a few weeks or months. They’ll give you a set of tasks that you need to complete during the testing period.

Once the test is over, you’ll send the shoes back to them using the prepaid shipping labels they gave you.

• Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts who need rugged footwear.
• Apply Here: Official Columbia Global Performance Testing Page

9. Puma Product Testing

Like all other major shoe brands, Puma also introduces new and improved shoes from time to time.

But before they release the product to the market, they run it through tests.

At the time of writing this post, they have a beta test program for testing their new Fi training shoes.

By the way, Puma runs separate product testing programs depending on your location. Make sure you apply to the correct one!

• Best For: People interested in testing innovative new shoe technology.
• Apply for the U.S. Program Here: Official Puma USA Product Testing
• Apply for the Europe Program Here: Official Puma Europe Product Testing

10. Mizuno Wear Tester

These guys are almost exclusively focused on runners, so they’re going to ask you a bunch of running-related questions on the application.

Example questions:

• What surfaces do you run on?
• What type of running events or marathons do you participate in?
• How much do you run each day?
• How old are you?
• etc.

These questions are designed to gather data that they can then use to improve their products.

Update – May 2025: Unfortunately, they seem to have discontinued the program. I’ll update the post if and when they reintroduce it.

11. Red Wing Shoes Product Testers

According to the company, “it is seeking product testers who will wear our boots in the toughest, dirtiest and hardest-working situations, then report back to us with information about how the boots held up.”

Unfortunately, they are currently only accepting testers who live within a 60-mile radius of the Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN market.

Update – August 2025: I couldn’t find any information about the company or their website shutting down, but while updating this post I noticed their website keeps giving me an error. So for now, I will mark this as closed until I get an official response from them.

👟Shoe Testing Program Comparison: Which is Best for You?

I know that’s a lot of different programs, and each one is a little different.

To make it easier for you to decide where to apply first, I made this handy comparison table that breaks down the key features of the top programs.

Brand	Who Can Apply	Perks	Availability	What Stands Out
Nike	Athletes & everyday users	Free shoes, survey feedback	Global (remote & on-site)	Two programs: on-site + remote
Adidas	Active individuals	Free shoes, must return (sometimes keep)	U.S. & Europe	Performance-focused, strict criteria
New Balance	Runners & specific sizes	Free shoes, return required	U.S. only	“Free rental” style, selective
Reebok	Active users & fitness fans	Free shoes, feedback required	Mostly U.S.	Runs on Adidas testing platform
Under Armour	Athletes & active individuals	Free gear (shoes + apparel), return required	Limited regions	Test full range of UA gear
Brooks	Dedicated runners	Free running shoes, sometimes keep	U.S. based	Fast response to applications
Saucony	Active runners	Free shoes, return required	U.S. only	Focus on serious running tests
Columbia	Outdoor enthusiasts	Free shoes/boots, must return	Global	Includes hiking & outdoor footwear
Puma	Active testers (varies by region)	Free shoes, return required	U.S. & Europe	Focus on new shoe tech (like Puma Fi)

My advice?

Apply for more than one program.

The more panels you’re on, the better your chances of getting regular free shoes to test out.

Earning Free Shoes with Gift Cards & Cash Back

While product testing is the most direct way to get a free pair of shoes, it’s not the only way.

You can use popular rewards websites to earn points for your everyday online activities.

You can then redeem those points for a gift card to your favorite shoe store or even just get cash to spend anywhere.

12. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is the most well-known rewards site for a reason. You earn points for everything from taking surveys to watching videos.

You can redeem your points for PayPal cash or for gift cards to retailers like Foot Locker or Amazon, and then use that free cash to buy the exact pair of shoes you want.

13. InstaGC

This is a fantastic alternative that I love because it’s so fast.

You earn points for doing simple online tasks, and they have gift cards for over 360 stores.

Their best feature is instant delivery; you get the digital gift card code in your email within seconds of cashing out.

14. PrizeRebel

PrizeRebel works just like Swagbucks. You can earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards to major retailers or for shoe-specific brands like Nike and Adidas.

It’s a great way to earn a gift card you can use to get that nice pair of Air Jordan sneakers you’ve been eyeing for a while but didn’t want to pay for.

Creative Ways to Get Free Shoes

Brand shoe testing programs aren’t the only ways to score free shoes.

Here are a few other ways you can get free shoes, sneakers, even basketball shoes and/or any other kind of footwear.

16. Become a Brand Ambassador or Micro-Influencer

You don’t need a million followers to get free shoes from brands.

Many companies are looking for real, authentic people to represent their products.

If you have a clean, focused social media presence (like a running-focused Instagram), you can get on their radar by tagging the brands you already wear and engaging with their content.

• A Great Example: The Sperry Campus Crew is a program for college students where you can score free shoes and gear in exchange for posting about them on campus and social media.

17. Use Shoe Recycling & Trade-In Programs

Many eco-conscious brands have programs where you can trade in your old, worn-out shoes for store credit toward a new pair.

While it’s usually for a discount, they have been known to run special promotions where this trade-in can get you a free pair.

• A Great Example: Nike’s Move to Zero program recycles old shoes. Keep an eye on them during Earth Day and other seasonal campaigns, as they have run special events in the past that reward recycling with high-value incentives.

18. Test for Startups & Kickstarter Brands

Everyone focuses on the big names like Nike and Adidas. But what about the small, innovative startups launching new shoes on platforms like Kickstarter?

These brands are often desperate for early feedback and will send free prototypes to early supporters or people willing to write a detailed review.

To find them, search for “running shoes” or “sneakers” on Kickstarter and message the project creators directly to see if they need testers.

19. Become a Mystery Shopper for Shoe Stores

Retail stores like Foot Locker, Skechers, and Finish Line sometimes run mystery shopping programs to evaluate their customer service.

As a mystery shopper, you might be asked to go into a store, interact with staff, and make a purchase.

As part of your payment, you often get reimbursed for the shoes you bought, meaning you get to keep them for free.

The best way to find out about them is to follow these companies on social media or sign up for their free newsletter.

20. Join Field Test Programs Through Outdoor Retailers

Big outdoor retailers like REI sometimes run member-only field test programs where they send gear (hiking boots and trail running shoes) out to their most active co-op members for feedback.

The best way to get on their radar is to be an active member of their loyalty program and write detailed reviews on the gear you’ve already purchased from them.

21. Use “Giveaway Hacks” on Social Media (The Legit Way)

Forget the scammy “win free Jordans” pop-ups.

We’re talking about real, brand-run giveaways.

The secret is to follow the social media accounts of not just the massive brands, but the slightly smaller ones.

Brands like Converse and Puma regularly run contests and giveaways on their Instagram pages or through their loyalty apps.

How to Get Free Shoes from Vans

While Vans doesn’t have a product testing program (as far as I know), there is a way to get free Vans shoes and other products.

They recently started a reward program called Vans Family.

As a member of the Vans Family, “you’ll get insider information, exclusive Custom designs and members-only experiences.”

You also earn points for doing little tasks, such as telling them your shoe size, confirming your email, inviting friends, as well as shopping.

You can then redeem your points for rewards which I’d assume also include their products such as Vans shoes.

The company is also known to send surprise rewards from time to time. I have seen a few people online (on Reddit) mention they have received free Vans shoes.

• You can join the program for free by going to: https://www.vans.com/family

How to Get Free Shoes for Low-Income Families

I’m gonna include this here for those who actually can’t afford to buy shoes.

If you’ve fallen on hard times (we all do from time to time but I hope your situation gets better soon), there are a number of churches, local and national charities and organizations that can get you a pair.

All you have to do is contact them.

• Shoes For All
• Soles4Souls
• Shoes That Fit

You can find more by doing a quick Google search.

And don’t forget to contact your local Salvation Army or Goodwill. They may also have programs that can help.

Note: If you actually can afford to buy your own, please don’t use this option. Leave this for the poor and needy families who genuinely can’t afford it.

FAQs About Getting Free Shoes

Here are answers to a few common questions about shoe testing programs.

Final Thoughts

Remember that with the product testing programs mentioned above, though most of these companies focus on athletic gear, hobbyist athletes are completely welcome.

Some companies are very stringent about what type of athletes they want to test their products.

Runners have a strong advantage on all of these applications, which is great news for you runners out there!

It’s worth noting that some of these companies also offer “kids” products. So even your busy parents might be able to snag some shoes for your little ones, as long as you’re willing to fill out the product experience surveys and such.

As you can see, there are many ways to get your hands on (or your feet!) on totally free shoes. Take a minute to apply for all the product testing programs and join the rewards sites and before you know it, you’ll have your free shoes in the mail!

And if you’ve ever scored free shoes through one of these programs (or know of another legit option I missed), please comment below. I’d love to hear about it, and it’ll help other readers too.