Heeluxe’s Better Shoes Blog
Why is impact testing one of the most commonly requested tests by shoe brands? Let’s hear from Heeluxe Researcher Andrew Hahn on why footwear brands are requesting Impact (ASTM 1976F) to complement human based shoe testing. He’ll also share the one thing he doesn’t like about this test… Next month Andrew continues his deep dive…
Footwear brands spend millions of dollars sponsoring elite athletes, yet they equip them with the same $150 shoes that Average Joes purchase. Will elite athletes have better performance in custom shoes? The data shared below suggests professional athletes need custom shoes. Custom shoes improve the performance, comfort, and health of a professional athlete. Data shows…
Heeluxe’s database makes it easy to identify what makes a shoe great. In this new video series, we are taking a deep dive into the data behind the best performing shoes. Today we’re looking at the Brooks Glycerin 19. Testing Details All testing on these shoes was tested at Heeluxe’s lab on shoes purchased by…
Surely, you’ve heard someone say, “This shoe has the smoothest ride” or “It transitions well,” but is there a scientific way to measure this? This blog post explores the science of Ride and how you can use this information to make better shoes. Until recently, footwear designers, developers, or marketers simply stated a shoe has…
Now more than ever, customers want more high heel comfort with the best cushioning. Many fashion brands are missing the easiest opportunities to provide better cushioning and comfort to their customers. This article covers the simple science behind the best cushioning in high heels. Changing out your foam type can instantly improve cushioning more than…
Customers expect that different styles of shoes will have different comfort. This video empowers footwear brands with data on the shoe comfort scores from different product categories in Heeluxe’s database. Use this information to set realistic comfort goals for your customers and your internal fit/wear testing. Also included is a HUGE announcement on how women’s…
Footwear brands are asking Heeluxe how they can win Most Comfortable Shoe after reading the “Best of 2022” post. This article provides a blueprint on how to exceed your customer’s comfort expectations and perform better than every other shoe we test. 1. Fit is the New Foam Fit is the #1 indicator of comfort. While…
Nike changed the footwear world when it released the first production shoes with “strobel-less” construction—so why did they change it for the new Zoom X Invincible 3? The Zoom X Invincible created a massive buzz when it launched in 2021. The thick Peba/Pebax sole provided the bounce of a marathon super shoe without the stiffness…
Is your brand measuring how comfortable your fit is compared to top competitors? In this blog we’ll tell you how to measure your Brand’s Average Fit and Fit Consistency so that you can keep your customers happy and gain an advantage over your competitors. What is Brand Average Fit and Fit Consistency? The Brand Average…
Heeluxe Wrapped 2022 is our opportunity to share the shoes that set high performance benchmarks in our lab this year. Our hope is that this encourages brands to test against the best shoes, regardless of what type of shoe they make. This blog will share the winners from each category and provide more details on…
In the past decade running shoes have been getting taller, providing new amounts of cushioning and performance for runners and non-runners. With the men’s winner of Ironman Hawaii wearing an unreleased shoe with impressive height, brands are asking Heeluxe, “What is the optimum stack height for a running shoe?” Here we’ll go into the Pros…
Entering into the cold winter months means that feet are going to need insulation to stay comfortable and warm. Since 2015 Heeluxe has tested how boots keep feet warm in freezing environments, and we’ve learned a few tips and tricks to design the best insulation in footwear. There are two main ways that feet get…
Heel fit is often overlooked in many shoes tested at Heeluxe. Bad heel fit reduces comfort, increases the likelihood of blisters, and causes early breakdown of a shoe. Our lab data on shoe fit reveals a few simple solutions for improving heel fit. Many brands don’t put much attention to it until they get complaints…
Not every shoe is going to perform well in the marketplace. At Heeluxe we’ve tested 1000s of prototype shoes. Here’s a list of the biggest failures to come out of our lab and what you can do to avoid a similar fate. Shoe Failure #1: This is the Most Popular Last This failure has happened…
Insoles are often overlooked and underappreciated in footwear. But they’re also an easy way to improve the comfort and durability of your shoes. Let’s cover the best ways to find the most comfortable insoles for any shoe you’re working on. Success Strategy #1: Determine the “Good/Better/Best” insoles for each shoe category. One insole won’t work…