Nike Product Testing 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Free Shoes

So if you are looking to become a Nike product tester to hopefully score free Nike shoes and other products, read on to learn where and how to apply and start testing.

What is Nike Product Testing?

Nike product testing is Nike’s official program where regular people like you and me get to test their newest products before they hit the stores.

Here’s how it works:

Nike sends you brand new shoes, clothes, or gear to wear and use in your daily life.

After testing them for a few weeks or months, you fill out surveys about your experience and sometimes send the products back for analysis. That said, in some cases, you get to keep the actual product.

Why does Nike do this?

Why do companies give away samples for free?

Exactly…they want real feedback from real people.

Nike spends millions developing new products, so they need to know if that new running shoe actually holds up during your morning jogs or if their latest workout shirt keeps you comfortable during intense training sessions.

Pretty much all major brands, including big shoe brands and Nike rivals like Under Armour and New Balance, have products testing in one form or another.

The Nike testing program has two main types:

• Remote testing: You test products at home on your own schedule
• On-site testing: You have to physically show up at one of Nike’s testing facilities. The exact location of the Nike testing facilities varies, so based on your location, you’ll be assigned tests that are done in a testing facility near you.

What can you test?

Pretty much everything Nike makes.

And if you are a fan of the brand, you know a lot of stuff, including:

• running shoes
• basketball sneakers
• workout clothes
• sports bras
• socks
• and much more.

And yes, as a Nike tester, you may get the chance to test and keep any of those things Nike makes.

How to Become a Nike Product Tester

To become a Nike product tester, you have to accept their rules first, then apply and get approved.

Here’s how to do it right now:

• Step 1: Go to Voice of the Athlete which is Nike’s official product testing site at https://voiceoftheathlete.nike.com/ and hit the “Apply” button.
• Step 2: Read the rules (Nike product testing recruitment code) and submit your application.
• Step 3: If you get the “Green” light (which is literally on the application page), you are approved.

Once you are approved, whenever there is a test, they will send you an invite. After you accept it, they will send you the test package.

Note: Voice of the Athlete is a new website. The company’s old product testing site was located at producttesting.nike.com, which no longer works.

The application form will have the usual identification questions like your location, age and so on. You’ll then answer questions about your favorite sports and sports activities, followed by questions about your clothes and footwear shopping habits, what you look for in terms of style, what sizes you wear and what preferences you have regarding sports clothing.

This is all mostly demographic information that they’re collecting to determine whether or not you are a good fit for them.

Now, please read the rest of this post before you actually lick the link and fill out the application form. Trust me, it will save you from possible wasted time and headache later on.

Requirements for Becoming a Nike Product Tester

I know you want to apply for the program ASAP, but I don’t want you to waste your time. So let me quickly give you a few important details about rules and requirements.

Age requirements

Nike used to actually have separate pages and applications for each age group but you can apply using the same form, no matter which age group you belong to.

• Adults (18+ years old): Apply on your own
• Teens (13-17 years old): For this you need parental consent
• Children (12 and under): Parents must apply for them

I think it’s pretty cool that Nike includes kids and teens. Most product testing programs are adults-only.

Your location

Ok, here’s the part that sucks.

Sadly, Nike doesn’t accept testers from every country.

When I checked their current Nike product tester requirements, they’re accepting applications from:

• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Japan
• Italy
• China

If you live outside of the United States and your country is not one of the accepted countries, you can always contact Nike directly at producttesting@nike.com and ask to receive a link to an online application.

In the subject line, enter one of the following based on your interest:

• Apparel: NPT Support (Apparel)
• Shoes: NPT Support (Footwear)

Lifestyle Requirements

Nike wants active people who actually use their products.

You don’t need to be a professional athlete, but you should:

• Have an active lifestyle (regular exercise, sports, walking, etc.)
• Be able to communicate clearly and give honest feedback
• Commit to wearing/using products regularly during test periods
• Provide correct body measurements

By the way, make sure to give them your correct measurements. Nike uses that information to send you stuff that actually fits you.

Here’s how to measure yourself correctly:

• Measure your chest all the way around, on the widest area possible. This usually means placing the tape measure across your chest muscles and measuring from there.
• FEMALE ONLY. This one is for your general bust size. To measure this, place the tape measure directly under your breasts and measure from there.
• Then the narrowest area of your waist (which should be around the navel)
• And finally, the narrowest part of your hips, which should be just past the most outward bones of your pelvis.

Once you’re done with getting all this info and entering it in the appropriate sections in the application form, submit the application and wait for the approval.

It’ll usually take a few weeks to process the application. You should be hearing back from Nike within 3 to 4 weeks after applying.

Sign the Waiver

You’ll need to sign a release form that allows Nike to use photos or videos from the test and confirms you’ll return any products.

If you are an NCAA athlete, you must agree that you’re responsible for maintaining your eligibility.

If you are applying for your kid, you have to give your contact info and sign on their behalf.

And if they are testing a prototype of a new product, you may have to sign an NDA.

Types of Testing Programs

As I mentioned earlier, Nike makes all kinds of products and they test all of them.

So as a tester, you can’t actually say, “Hey, I want to test the newest Air Jordan!”

They assign products based on your profile and their current needs.

So what can you expect to test as a Nike product tester?

Footwear

Nike wear testing for shoes includes:

• Running shoes (probably their most common tests)
• Basketball sneakers
• Cross-training shoes
• Lifestyle/casual sneakers

I’ve heard from testers (on Reddit) who got everything from basic running shoes to limited edition Jordans. It really depends on what Nike is working on at the time.

Apparel

Nike tests:

• Workout shirts and shorts
• Sports bras and athletic underwear
• Seasonal gear like winter running clothes
• New fabric technologies (moisture-wicking, compression, etc.)

Equipment and Accessories

Less common, but Nike sometimes tests:

• Socks and athletic accessories
• Fitness equipment like resistance bands
• Tech-integrated products (apps, wearables)

How Long Does Nike Product Testing Last?

It depends on the product and the tests.

But generally, this is what you can expect:

• Short-term studies: 2-4 weeks (Usually for initial impressions and comfort.)
• Long-term studies: 3-12 months (For durability and long-term performance.)

Long-term studies are obviously better for us since you get to use the products for months. I’d much rather test running shoes for 6 months than 2 weeks.

The longer studies also tend to be “keep” studies where you don’t have to return the products.

So, Do You Actually Get to Keep the Stuff? Let’s Clear That Up.

Okay, let’s talk about the big question on everyone’s mind: do you have to send the products back, or do you get to keep them?

This is where things can get a little confusing because you’ll see different answers online.

But based on my research, my answer is… it depends.

I know that’s not helpful.

Let me explain a little.

In most cases, especially for things like running shoes or workout gear that you have to test for a few months, Nike lets you keep the product.

That’s your reward for all the detailed feedback! I’ve seen tons of testers on Reddit and other forums sharing stories about the awesome free gear they got to keep.

That said, sometimes you do have to send the item back (yes, Nike will give you prepaid packages so you don’t pay for shipping).

Now, this is usually for when they send you high-profile or pre-release products or prototypes for new products, like a new Air Jordan model or experimental tech. They ask you to send them back because Nike’s engineers actually need the product back to see how it held up to wear and tear.

So while you may not always get to keep the shoe or whatever product you are testing, you get to try out brand-new Nike stuff before anyone else.

Hope this clears it up.

Tips for Getting Approved

Yews, Nike is picky. They don’t just accept every single application. I mean, product testing is popular!

Here are my Nike product tester tips to help you increase your chances of getting approved.

Answer Correctly

This isn’t the time to rush. Double-check every measurement, spell-check your responses, and be thorough with your activity descriptions.

I can’t stress this enough: accuracy matters. If Nike sends you a size 9 shoe and you actually wear size 10, that’s a waste of everyone’s time.

Give detailed answers about your activities. Instead of “I run sometimes,” write “I run 3-4 times per week, usually 3-5 miles on neighborhood trails and sidewalks.”

Optimize Your Profile

I know, it sounds weird but these days, companies like it when you have an active social media presence.

Why?

Well, because it means you’ll share things about them (“I just tested a new Nike sneakers and they are great!“). That’s free advisement for the brand.

Not only that, but as I mentioned earlier, they are looking for active people. So if your social media shows pictures and videos of different activities (running, jogging, playing, etc.), it may increase your chances of getting better and more products to test.

Again, you don’t need to be a pro athlete, but showing real involvement in fitness goes a long way.

Why Most People Get Rejected

I have actually seen people complain about not getting accepted into testing programs including Nike’s.

From what I’ve seen, these are the biggest how to get accepted Nike testing mistakes:

• Incomplete or rushed applications
• Clearly inactive lifestyle (be honest about your activity level)
• Sloppy measurements or obvious guesses
• Generic, one-word answers to activity questions

Following Up

I know we live in a world of instant results and short attention spans, but don’t start emailing Nike the day after you submit your application.

Remember, the customer service and support team are also people. Let’s be real. If you bug them too much, they may just reject your application right then and there.

So don’t contact Nike for at least 4 weeks after applying. If you haven’t heard anything after a month, you can send one polite email to producttesting@nike.com.

But here’s the reality: if they want you, they’ll contact you. If you are rejected, they won’t email you and tell you that (which is understandable given that they deal with thousands of applications.)

Other Ways to Get Free Nike Products

Testing isn’t the only way to score free Nike shoes or gear.

Nike, like most other companies, runs giveaways and promotions from time to time. These are usually done through their official social media pages or email newsletters.

You might also see contests for limited-edition shoes or free Nike gift cards. Just make sure it’s coming from a verified Nike account (look for the blue checkmark).

If you’re a student or athlete, you might qualify for Nike sponsorships or discount programs through schools or sports organizations. These aren’t always advertised publicly, so ask your coach or school rep if anything’s available.

Watch Out for Scams

Unfortunately, whenever and wherever there is free stuff involved, scammers are there to take advantage of people.

For every real Nike promotion, there are 100 scammy ones. If a site or social media page is asking for your credit card “just to verify” or promising free Nike shoes for surveys that never end… close the tab.

Nike will never ask you for your credit card info or send you to shady looking sites to do “offers”.

Stick to the actual verified Nike testing programs and sites and you will be fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

I get a lot of questions about Nike’s program. Let me answer some of the bigger ones.

How long does the application process take?

Expect 3-4 weeks to hear back. Sometimes it’s faster, sometimes slower. Nike doesn’t send rejection emails, so if you don’t hear anything after a month, you probably didn’t get in.

Can I apply if I’m not an athlete?

Absolutely. You just need to be active. I know testers who are weekend hikers, gym-goers, and people who walk their dogs daily. Nike wants real people, not just elite athletes.

Do I get to choose what products to test?

Nope. Nike assigns products based on your profile, size, and what studies they’re running. You might get running shoes when you wanted basketball sneakers.

How often do I get stuff?

There’s no set schedule. Some testers get multiple products per year, others might only get one. It depends on Nike’s research needs and how well you match their study requirements.

What if the product doesn’t fit?

Contact Nike immediately. They’ll usually send a different size or remove you from that specific study. Don’t try to make ill-fitting products work.

Can I post about products on social media?

Check your study instructions. Some allow it, others don’t. When in doubt, ask Nike directly.

Do I get paid to test Nike shoes?

Generally no! The free products are your compensation.

What happens if I move during a test?

Tell Nike right away. They might be able to update your address, or they might need to end your participation in that study.

Nike Product Testing vs. Other Shoe Testing Programs

If you are a loyal reader of MoneyPantry.com (thank you for that!), you know that I have published information about similar companies that have product testing programs too.

Other major brands like Adidas, Under Armour, New Balance, and Puma also have product testing programs.

But how does Nike testing compare to Adidas and the rest?

Here’s a comparison table that helps you compare Nike’s program vs its competitors:

👟 Shoe Testing Program Comparison

Brand	Who Can Apply	Perks	Availability	What Stands Out
Nike	Athletes & everyday users	Free shoes, feedback-based	Global	Big brand, variety, mobile-based
Adidas	Athletes only	Free shoes, must return items	U.S. & Europe	Performance-focused
Under Armour	Active individuals	Free gear, return required	Limited regions	Smaller pool, fast turnaround
New Balance	Athletes preferred	Free shoes, must return	U.S. only	Very selective
Puma	Limited testing spots	Free shoes, return required	Not always open	Hard to qualify
Reebok	Active individuals & athletes	Free shoes, testing feedback required	Mostly U.S.	Less known, smaller tester base

Overall, I think you should apply for all of them. Sure they each have their pros and cons, but at the end of the day, if you want free shoes, this is the best way to get the latest and greatest shoes from the best shoe brands in the world.

You can read more about each program in detail by following these links:

• New Balance Product Testing
• Under Armour Product Testing
• Adidas Product Testing
• Reebok Product Testing

Is Nike Product Testing Worth It?

Yes!

If you like Nike gear and don’t mind giving a little feedback, Nike product testing is 100% worth checking out.

Obviously, becoming a tester doesn’t mean you will never have to buy shoes again, but who doesn’t like getting a free sneaker here and there?

And hey, if you don’t get accepted the first time, don’t sweat it. You can always reapply later or check out other legit shoe testing programs like Adidas, New Balance, and Under Armour.

Please let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. And if you are a Nike tester, I would love to hear about your experience with Nike’s product testing program and whether you got free shoes or other products from them.