Product Testing Criteria

Running Warehouse was founded by a small group of runners in 2005 and has become a trusted resource for runners worldwide. We pride ourselves on carrying a curated selection of the best running shoes, clothing, and gear, and we love sharing our knowledge of those products with you! We're passionate about helping runners find the perfect gear to enhance their performance and enjoyment while running.

Whether you're a beginner runner looking for your first pair of running shoes or an experienced marathoner seeking the latest high-performance carbon plated shoes, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Our passion for running drives us to continually refine our testing methods, stay on top of industry trends, and share our expertise with the running community.

Our team of expert runners rigorously tests a variety of products from all major running brands to provide you with honest, unbiased product reviews. Here's how we ensure our product evaluations meet the highest standards of quality and reliability:

The expert team members at Running Warehouse aren't just casual joggers – they're dedicated runners with years of experience, have diverse running styles, and are active in the running community. Our experts include:

• Certified running and track coaches
• Former collegiate athletes, 5K runners, half and full marathoners
• Ultra-marathoners
• Trail running enthusiasts
• Running store employees with extensive shoe-fitting experience

This variety of perspectives allows us to evaluate products for runners of all levels, from beginners to elite competitors.

Initial Assessment

• Unboxing and first impressions of shoe features
• Weight measurement and comparison to manufacturer specs
• Detailed examination of materials, construction, and craftsmanship

Real-World Testing

• Shoes are worn for 30 – 50 miles or more
• Tested across various surfaces: roads, tracks, trails, treadmills
• Evaluated in different weather conditions and temperatures
• Assessed by our expert running staff during a variety of runs: easy, tempo, long, race-pace

Key Metrics We Evaluate

• Fit and comfort (including break-in period)
• Cushioning and responsiveness
• Stability and support
• Durability and wear patterns
• Traction on multiple surfaces
• Breathability and moisture management
• Overall performance and ride quality

• Wear testing during runs of various distances and intensity levels
• Evaluation of comfort, fit, style, and freedom of movement
• Assessment of moisture-wicking and temperature-regulation properties
• Durability testing through multiple wash and wear cycles
• Functionality testing of features (e.g., pockets, zippers, reflective elements, etc.)

Imagine you are planning a trip to a city you have never visited before and you have two options for advice:

1. A travel blogger earning commissions by recommending specific hotels and restaurants, who may be motivated by different levels of commission earnings for varying recommendations.
2. Or a long-time local resident who knows every nook and cranny of the city and genuinely wants you to have the best experience possible.

At Running Warehouse, we are that knowledgeable local who wants you to thrive and have the most optimal experience. Being an authorized third-party vendor for all leading running brands places us in a distinctive and reliable position. We collect and listen to customer reviews on products; we don’t just point you to different websites and ignore feedback like many media sites do.

We live and breathe running shoes and gear every day and our success depends on you having an amazing running experience with the gear we recommend. Here's why our approach sets us apart:

• We sell what we review: Unlike many review sites that simply link to other retailers and earn a commission, we actually stock and sell the products we test. This means we have a vested interest in providing accurate information – if we mislead you, you might leave a negative review, return the product, and we'd lose your trust and business.
• No brand bias: We carry all major running brands, so we don't have an incentive to push one brand over another. Our goal is to match you with the best product for your needs, regardless of the manufacturer.
• Real inventory, real experience: We handle these products daily, fulfilling orders and managing returns. This gives us invaluable insights into long-term quality and customer satisfaction that other sites simply can't match.

Our success depends on your satisfaction. Our staff and customer service team take note of customer feedback received in product reviews, on our YouTube channel, on social posts, and in direct conversations with customers. As a retailer, our business thrives when you're happy with your purchase and come back for more. This aligns our interests with yours – we want you to find the perfect gear that helps you enjoy your running experience and maximize your performance!

We believe in full disclosure:

• We make it clear that we are a retailer, not just a review site.
• Our revenue comes from product sales, not from affiliate commissions.
• When we do receive free samples from manufacturers, it doesn't influence our reviews – our reputation with you is far more valuable than any free gear.
• Each shoe reviewed can be viewed on our site with customer reviews, meaning you don’t just need to take our word on shoe quality.

By choosing Running Warehouse for your running gear needs, you're getting advice from a team that has a direct stake in your satisfaction and success as a runner. We're not just pointing you to products on other websites – we're standing behind them with our inventory, our reputation, and our commitment to the running community.

Our goal is simple: we want you to find the right gear, love your runs, and come back to us when it's time for your next pair of shoes or running outfit!

We value your feedback and experiences. If you have questions about our testing process or want to share your thoughts on a product you've purchased based on our recommendations, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our contact page to learn more or connect with us on social media (Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok). Thank you for trusting Running Warehouse as your go-to source for running gear expertise. Let's lace up and get running!