Our Barefoot Shoes Testing Methodology

Last Updated: January 2025

Quick Overview

  • Minimum testing period: 4 weeks per shoe
  • Minimum distance: 50 miles (80 km) per shoe
  • Testing environments: Urban, trail, gym
  • Weather conditions: Tested in multiple weather conditions, depends on the model
  • Documentation: Daily wear logs, photos, measurements, comparisons, updates, wear&tear
  • Testing team: Katja, Tjasa, Family, Kids, Professional Athletes 

Our Testing Process

1. Initial Assessment (Day 1)

Unboxing documentation

  • Initial photos (10+ angles)
  • Barefoot characteristics check (foot shaped, flat & flexible sole) 
  • Ground Feel check
  • Fit on the feet check 
  • Influence on gait check
  • Weight measurement
  • Detailed measurements and comparison with size charts :
    • Width
    • Length
    • Insole thickness
    • Volume
    • Stack height
  • Material analysis
  • Construction quality check
  • Initial fit test
  • Adaptability to different foot shapes, width and volume check 
  • Initial water test for relevant models 

2. Initial Period (Week 1)

  • Daily wear 
  • Various walking surfaces:
    • Concrete
    • Asphalt
    • Natural terrain
    • Gym, tracks, rain, snow … if relevant
  • Temperature conditions and warmth noted
  • Initial overall performance observations logged
  • Comfort, flexibility, fit assessment
  • First signs of wear documented

3. Extended Testing (Weeks 2-4)

Daily Activities

  • Regular usage depending on the purpose of the model 
  • Standing desk work
  • Urban commuting
  • Household tasks

Specific Activity Tests

  • Running (minimum 10 km total)
  • Trail walking
  • Gym workouts
  • Yoga/flexibility exercises
  • Climbing
  • Dog walking
  • City strolls
  • Gardening, Farm Work

Weather Testing

  • Dry conditions
  • Wet conditions
  • Hot weather (when possible)
  • Cold weather (when possible)
  • Snow (when possible) 

4. Durability Assessment

  • Weekly photo documentation
  • Wear pattern analysis
  • Sole durability tracking
  • Upper material stress points
  • Stitching integrity
  • Cleaning response
  • Water resistance

Measurement Standards

Physical Measurements

All measurements taken with calibrated tools:

– Digital scale (weight)

– plus12 (length)

– measuring tape (width)

Performance Metrics

We grade each shoe on:

  1. Ground Feel (1-10 scale)
  2. Flexibility (1-10 scale)
  3. Toe Box Freedom (1-10 scale)
  4. Build Quality (1-10 scale)
  5. Durability (1-10 scale)

Documentation Protocol

Photo Documentation

  • Minimum 20 initial photos
  • Weekly wear updates
  • Specific wear point close-ups
  • Action shots during use
  • Comparison shots with other models
  • Before/after cleaning
  • Measurement process photos
  • Fit photos on different feet 

Testing Log Requirements

  • Daily wear duration
  • Activity type
  • Surface conditions
  • Weather conditions
  • Comfort and fit notes
  • Performance observations
  • User feedback

Review Update Policy

Short-term Updates

  • 30-day initial review
  • 90-day durability update
  • User feedback integration
  • Price and availability checks

Long-term Updates

  • 6-month durability check
  • Seasonal re-assessment
  • Comparative analysis updates
  • Model updates/changes

Comparison Standards

Direct Comparisons

  • Same size comparisons only
  • Similar use-case models
  • Price range consideration
  • Target audience alignment

Scoring System

Detailed 100-point system across categories:

  • Comfort (25 points)
  • Durability (20 points)
  • Versatility (15 points)
  • Build Quality (15 points)
  • Value (15 points)
  • Innovation (10 points)

Affiliate Transparency

Our Purchase Process

  • Manufacturer review samples or purchased independently

Review Independence

  • No manufacturer input
  • Unbiased testing criteria
  • Critical feedback included
  • Real user scenarios prioritized

Testing Team

Lead Reviewer: Katja & Tjaša

  • Experience in barefoot shoes: 12 years 
  • Number of models tested: over 1000
  • Testing specialties: Barefoot fit, Everyday shoes, Gym shoes 

Quality Assurance

  • Peer review process
  • Measurement verification
  • Photo documentation standards
  • Testing log verification

Contact & Feedback

Review Updates

  • How we handle new information
  • User feedback integration
  • Continuous testing notes
  • Long-term wear updates

User Input

  • How readers can contribute
  • Experience sharing process
  • Update requests
  • Question submission process

FAQ: Our Barefoot Shoes Testing Methodology

Who is part of your testing team?

Our team includes Katja and Tjaša, experienced barefoot shoe reviewers with over 12 years of expertise. We also involve family members, kids, and professional athletes for diverse perspectives.

What environments do you test in?

We test shoes in a variety of settings, including urban streets, natural trails, gyms, and even during household activities or gardening when relevant to the model.

Are your reviews influenced by manufacturers?

No, our reviews are completely independent. While we may receive review samples, our testing criteria remain unbiased, and we include critical feedback based on real-world use.

Do you test shoes in all weather conditions?

Yes, we test in various conditions, including rain, snow, heat, and cold, depending on the shoe’s intended purpose and seasonality.

What makes your testing process different from others?

Our methodology is designed specifically for barefoot shoes, focusing on attributes like ground feel, flexibility, and natural foot function. We prioritize real-world scenarios, detailed measurements, and comprehensive wear tracking.

Do you compare shoes from different brands?

Yes, we perform direct comparisons between shoes of the same size, price range, and intended use. This helps readers understand how each model stacks up against competitors.

What happens if a shoe doesn’t meet your standards?

If a shoe doesn’t meet our standards during testing:

  • Extended Testing: If a shoe fails to perform during extended testing, we include constructive feedback in our review. We highlight its limitations and recommend where it may or may not work well, helping users make informed decisions.
  • Initial Assessment: We return the shoe to the manufacturer if it fails the initial assessment (e.g., poor barefoot characteristics, construction issues, or fit problems) and provide detailed feedback to help them improve their design.

Can I request a specific shoe to be reviewed?

We’re open to suggestions! Let us know through our contact form or feedback channels, and we’ll consider adding your requested model to our testing schedule.