Most shoe recommendations you find online were written by someone who never put the shoe on. Ours are different, and this page explains exactly how — including what we do not know.
Who tests
Every shoe on this site is tested by Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon in practice in Michigan. Not a staff writer. Not an intern.
What we measure
On every pair we record weight in grams at a men’s 10, heel and forefoot stack height, drop, internal toe-box width at the widest point, and internal toe-box depth. Measured figures are labeled as measured. Where we cite a manufacturer’s number instead, we say so and name the manufacturer.
We also publish an Orthotic Volume Rating on every shoe — a 1-to-5 measure of whether a real custom orthotic will actually fit inside it with the stock insole removed. It is the question podiatrists get asked every day and the one nobody publishes an answer to.
What we test
Shoes are worn in real conditions — clinic days on hard floors, walks on pavement and trail, and where relevant, runs. We record mileage, surfaces, and duration, and we publish them on every review. We assess stability with three physical checks: a torsional twist, a heel-counter squeeze, and a single-leg stance.
How we score
Nine criteria, each 1 to 10: comfort, cushioning, stability, arch support, toe-box width, fit accuracy, weight, durability, and value. Measurable criteria are derived from the measurements, not from impression. The overall score is weighted — comfort counts most, at 25% — and it is not a simple average. If we override a computed score, we say why on the page.
What the seal means
A shoe earns the Podiatrist Tested seal only if it was wear tested — measured on the bench and then worn for recorded miles on recorded surfaces — and scores 8.5 or higher overall, scores at least 8 for comfort, and has no individual score below 5. Bench-tested and spec-analysis shoes are not eligible, however well they measure. The seal cannot be bought. No brand has ever been offered one, and none will be.
What we do not know
A test is not a clinical trial. We report how a shoe performed for one experienced tester over a stated distance, interpreted by someone who treats feet for a living. Durability scores under 100 miles are marked provisional. Fit is individual — our sizing notes are a starting point, not a guarantee.
Three tiers, and what each one may claim
Every page states which tier it belongs to, and the tier governs what we are willing to claim.
- Wear Tested — measured on the bench and worn for recorded miles on recorded surfaces. Scored on all nine criteria. The only tier eligible for the seal.
- Bench Tested — measured, weighed and physically assessed for stability, but not yet worn far enough to judge comfort over distance or durability. Carries measurements and an Orthotic Volume Rating; carries no comfort score, no durability score and no overall score.
- Spec analysis — not yet tested — we have not had the shoe. Every figure is the manufacturer’s and attributed to them. No score, no seal, kept separate from tested reviews.
How we get the shoes
Most are bought at retail. Some are sent by brands, which changes nothing about the score and is disclosed on every page. We do not accept sponsored tests and never have.
How we make money
Affiliate commissions when you buy through our links. This has no effect on scores or rankings, and we publish shoes we recommend against. Our editorial policy and our independence commitment are the enforceable versions of that promise.
When we are wrong
Models change. If a shoe is materially redesigned we retest it and version the review. If we got something wrong, tell us and we will correct it on the page with a dated note.