Brooks probably doesn’t need a further introduction anymore when it comes to the quality of their shoes. They have been in the footwear industry for more than a hundred years and counting.
Founded back in 1914, they continue to develop their products even today with their Brooks Product Testing program. They are truly treading that path to perfection.
Now, I’m not a particularly sporty kind of guy, but if there’s one fitness activity that I do enjoy, that would be running. Something is invigorating and calming with the footwork’s steady rhythm combined with the fresh morning breeze upon your face.
However, there is one catch: you need the right shoes to enjoy your experience fully. I’ve had my fair share of bad footwear-related injuries, and they’re not just caused by me constantly screwing up my shoe size.
Even worse, giving your preferred pair a quick try-on in-store is usually not enough to determine whether they’re actually an excellent match for you. Other factors might spring up once you’re already using the shoes.
On top of that, free running shoe samples are really hard to come by. So you can only imagine how thrilled I was when I heard about the Brooks Testing Program.
Who Offers Brooks Product Testing
This testing program got a lot of attention from the sampling world, so I’m not really going to be that surprised if you have already heard about it elsewhere.
However, there is only one place where you’ll be able to sign up for sure, and that’s straight from Brooks itself.
Their product testing program has two parts. The first step is their footwear research and development. This is where they partner up with researchers around the globe to find out more about body movement in various sports. They then collect the data and use them during their actual product development stage.
Once the product is done, they don’t just let it hit the market like other footwear companies. Instead, they want to make sure that both the theory and actual practice is sound.
This is where we samplers come in. They will send their newest footwear to qualified samplers for the final performance test.
How To Get Accepted Into the Brooks Product Testing Program
First, you need to know if you’re qualified for the Brooks Product Testing Program. Don’t worry; you don’t have to be a fitness influencer or an actual athlete in order to qualify. Here are the requirements:
- You must agree to their terms. You will need to agree to all the terms under their Product Testing Agreement, including agreeing to return your sample if requested.
- You must be of legal age. The program requires that you must be at least 18 years of age to participate. Although, they do have a clause for those 14 or older. These younger applicants may be allowed to join if they have acquired parental consent.
- A good internet connection is required. The product developers will be contacting you from time to time via email, so a personal email account and a good network connection are a must.
- You are from the United States. Their product testing program is currently limited to those who live in the country.
- You’re dedicated to footwear. Finally, they want people who are really serious about helping them improve their products.
If you’re eligible, then you may go ahead and sign-up through their online form. They will then inform you whether you are qualified or not. Best of luck!
What Can You Expect From the Program?
Of course, it’s already a given that you will be required to use the pair they send you on your regular runs. You will then be expected to provide detailed and accurate feedback on what your pair got right and where it needs improvement.
After that process, there are three possibilities. First, they will let you keep your shoes. Second, they will require you to send them back to their lab at your own expense.
And lastly, if they didn’t cut open your shoes, then you can expect them to send your pair back to you for keeps.
Other Sources of Free Running Shoes Samples
I know, signing up for a program to get a free pair of shoes only to be at risk of losing said shoes and ending up a few dollars poorer seems like a bad deal.
If you weigh it with the value of your potential gain, which is the price of an excellent pair of running shoes, then you’ll realize that the risk is actually worth it. However, I understand why you might want to check other potential free running shoe sample sources.fsamp
The best places to start are Stans guide to free samples 🙂 As well as sampling platforms like Sampler.io and Hometester Club. Here are two more that are definitely worth considering:
BzzAgent
BzzAgent is a marketing research company that works with the biggest brands, including New Balance. As such, signing up to be one of their samplers can give you a chance to get a pair of New Balance running shoes for free.
Pros:
- Wide variety of offers available from the biggest brands
- Easy sign-up process
Cons:
- Limited availability
- Eligibility for certain offers will vary
Stan’s Gigs
Finally, I simply can’t end this lineup without featuring Stan’s Gigs. After all, I receive sampling opportunities for sportswear and athletic shoes from time to time. I also guarantee my loyal patrons exclusive first dibs on the hottest offers.
I highly recommend subscribing to my newsletter to always stay up to date, especially if you want to score highly demanded products like running shoes.
Pros:
- Wide variety of offers available from the biggest brands
- Newsletter available to receive updates
Con:
- Availability for high-demand and high-value products vary
Getting a Free Pair of Running Shoes
It’s hard to keep up with your fitness goals without the right footwear. According to a study published by the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, using poor-quality footwear can lead to foot pain and various foot disorders.
Fortunately, free samples are available to determine the right pair for you without draining out your wallet and putting your feet at risk. I just hope my quick lineup was enough to point you in the right direction to get you started on your first free pair.
Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments section below!
I am a father to a beautiful baby girl, a husband and a serial gigster 🙂 I live in Toronto, Canada. My claim to fame: I made thousands of dollars from focus groups and surveys over the last 15 years. Studied Marketing in Ryerson Univerity and worked in Marketing and Marketing Research for the last 14 years+ My mission is to educate others how to be successful with side hustles. You can contact my be email or on Facebook.
