We design with you in mind

We’ve traveled all over the world and talked with thousands of runners to understand what runners want on the run. We call these findings “runner insights.” In our lab, we study biomechanics — the way the human body moves on the run. We call these “science insights.” These insights bring some pretty incredible gear to life.

Running shoes, sports bra, and eye googles. Runner Insight and Science Insight

First, we test the prototype in the lab

After thousands of runner interviews, we create and test shoe designs based on four principles: Fit, Feel, Ride, and Biomechanics.

Machine testing

Our full mechanical lab tests every part of the shoes. We’re testing for things like energy return with an impact tester, flexibility to see how smoothly they move with the foot from heel-strike to toe-off, and durability over the course of 1,500 miles.

Treadmill testing

When we hook runners up to our treadmills in our lab, we’re looking at everything from exact toe movements and foot strikes to changes in stride over the duration of a run. These running science data help us understand the body in motion from every angle.

After lab testing, we get the most important opinion — yours

We give all of our shoes, apparel, and bras to runners for testing in the real world. This running research helps us deliver the gear runners actually want.

Wear Testers: join our real world test community

It’s simple: we send you gear, you use it. Any time, any pace. Your feedback helps us determine fit, function, and design of our future products.

Lab Rats: join our group of on location testers

If you’re a Seattleite, we’d love your help in the lab. Studying your biomechanics is an important part of making gear that will enhance your run.

Become a tester

Wear Tester Requirements

Be at least 18 years old.
Agree to all terms of the Product Testing Agreement.
Agree to not post or share any pictures or information of product you are testing (unless with explicit consent from Brooks).
Agree to return product upon request.
Live in the Continental United States and be able to receive packages delivered by FedEx. (Due to import/export duty and trade restrictions we are unable to ship testing product outside the U.S. Due to cost and time restraints we are unable to ship testing product to Alaska, Hawaii, or other United States territories, including APO and AE addresses.)
Know your sports bra size if you are interested in testing bras. If you do not know, please visit a running specialty store to be fitted before you apply.
Be able to provide detailed, helpful and timely feedback effectively via email.
Want to help us create better Brooks gear.

Lab Rat Requirements

Be at least 18 years old.
Agree to all terms of the Product Testing Agreement.
Be a resident of Washington State.
Run a minimum of 15 miles per week.
Have had no muscular or skeletal injuries in the past six months.

FAQs

Q: Who pays for shipping?
A: Brooks will pay to ship all gear to you and send you a return shipment label when we need the gear returned.
Q: Can I post pictures on my Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / blog?
A: No. Please read the Product Testing Agreement.. When you sign up to be a Product Tester you agree to refrain from posting pictures or giving information of any kind over the internet unless to a Brooks product representative.
Q: Can I race in my testing shoes and apparel?
A: Yes. We want you to use the gear as you would any other gear you purchased.
Q: Do I need to provide my own travel to Seattle to participate in the Lab Rats program?
A: Yes. Due to this requirement, we will only invite those who live in Washington.
Q: Do I get paid for participating in the Product Testing program?
A: We do not reimburse testers monetarily.
Q: I applied to be a Wear Tester or Lab Rat and haven’t heard back. What’s up?
A: Once you apply, you are in the Brooks Product Tester database, but we may not have the right opportunity for you right away. We will email you if we find an opportunity that matches your information.