Want to be the first to test Nike’s newest releases as a Nike product tester?
It’s easy! Nike runs a product testing program where individuals like you get to try and evaluate their prototypes.
These products are the latest, not yet available to the public, and some may never even reach the shelves.
If this program piques your interest, I’m here to guide you. I’ll show you how to become a Nike product tester in easy steps.
Let’s begin.
How To Become a Nike Product Tester
1. See If You Qualify.
Ensure you qualify for the program by meeting these requirements:
- You must be a US resident.
- You must not be an NCAA athlete (NCAA athletes can’t apply).
- You must train in your selected field regularly.
- Sample sizes are usually whole sizes, meaning you must select a whole size when applying.
2. Check If Nike Is Accepting Applications.
Nike looks for participants in three groups:
- Applications from parents applying for their children aged 12 years or younger
- Minors aged 13 to 17 years old
- Adults aged 18 years and older
At times, all three categories may not be open for applications simultaneously.
3. Get Your Measurements.
There aren’t any requirements, although you’ll have to provide your body measurements and shoe sizes.
Important: Nike doesn’t require your credit card details or social security number.
To measure your body, use a measuring tape and follow these steps:
- Wear lightweight clothing so as not to affect the accuracy of your body measurements.
- Stand upright with feet slightly apart and arms naturally at your sides.
- Measure your chest by wrapping the tape around the fullest part.
- Measure your waist at the narrowest point.
- Measure the hips at the widest part.
- For inseams, measure from crotch to ankle.
- Measure your height against a wall from head to heel.
4. Sign Up on the Website.
Go to the Nike product testing website and take the following steps to apply for the Nike review program.
Note: Parents must create a parent profile if they apply for their child.
- List your country or region, birth date, and email address.
- Determine the products you wish to test, whether apparel, footwear, or both.
- Indicate if you are a Nike employee.
- Indicate if you are an NCAA athlete or expect to become one soon.
- Provide your full name and email address, and create a password.
- Indicate your preferred method of communication (email or SMS messaging).
- Sign a release and waiver agreement to proceed.
- Enter your recruitment code (if you have one).
- Enter your shipping address and indicate your gender.
- Choose the types of products you wish to test and your preferred categories. You can choose from various sports activities, whether you run, lift weights, or play basketball and tennis.
- Provide your body measurements and your shirt, jacket, pants, shorts, and shoe sizes.
Be as accurate as possible when filling out the application form. Nike uses these details to determine the best individuals to test their new products effectively.
Remember that completing the application form doesn’t guarantee getting into the program.
5. Wait for the Acceptance Notification.
The Nike product tester application process can take one to four weeks.
If accepted, you’ll receive an email invitation. Nike will also periodically send invitations for future product tests you qualify for.
Nike approves applications depending on their current need. They may be looking for a specific athlete or shoe size.
If you didn’t receive an invite, consider reapplying at a later date, ideally after six months.
How the Nike Testing Program Works
Nike, formerly Blue Ribbon Sports, has a rich history of working with top athletes in various sports.
Like many major sports brands, Nike relies on product testers to refine their offerings.
Product testers play a critical role in research and development, and one of the exciting programs they offer is the Nike 30-day wear test.
As a part of the Nike Voice of the Athlete USA program, you have the green light to play tennis or engage in other sports for a few weeks while wearing the item, allowing you to evaluate new products thoroughly.
This initiative not only benefits the company but also provides valuable insights to meet the demands of consumers in the market.
Nike’s product testing program collects feedback to enhance existing shoes and develop better ones.
Once you’ve tested the product, the company asks you to return it and provide detailed feedback on its performance during your Nike clothing testing period.
While Nike requires product testers to be US residents, they may also accept product testers from Mexico, Japan, Italy, Canada, and China.
What Do You Do as a Product Tester for Nike?
As a Nike product tester, you’ll receive a prototype or pre-release version of a product, such as shoes, apparel, or equipment. You must use the product as usual in regular athletic activities and within the company’s instructions.
Here are the typical steps involved in Nike product testing:
1. Accept the Invitation.
If Nike accepts your application, the company invites you to a testing project that matches your qualifications.
When you accept the invitation, Nike will send you the product by mail.
2. Test the Product.
Read the instructions carefully and wear the product for the test period, usually lasting one to two months.
Note the deadline, as well.
Nike may have specific deadlines for completing your testing and submitting feedback. Set a reminder on your calendar to ensure you remain a product tester for the brand.
3. Provide Feedback.
Throughout the testing period, you must note the product’s performance, comfort, durability, and any issues you encounter.
Nike wants honest and detailed feedback, so submit your thoughts and experiences uninhibitedly.
Note: You must keep all information about the product and the testing process confidential until Nike officially releases the product.
4. Return the Product
Once the test period ends, you must return the test product to Nike for evaluation.
Like other sports apparel brands’ product testing programs, there may be rare instances when you can keep the product after testing.
Perform Well
At the end of every year, Nike reviews your profile to check your performance as a tester.
Based on your profile, the brand can cancel or renew their partnership with you for the following year.
You’ll likely stay in Nike’s product testing program if you follow their instructions correctly and provide comprehensive feedback on their test shoes.
Is the Nike Product Testing Program Worth It?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exclusive first look | Body measurements are mandatory |
| Wear quality products for a limited time | No guarantee of acceptance into the program |
| Wear unreleased Nike products | Returning the free stuff you test is mandatory |
| Product return shipping is free | No earning potential |
| Influence the design of future Nike items | Can’t pick specific products to test |
| Can’t share information related to your product testing to anyone |
Pros
- Exclusive first look – You’re among the first to wear pre-release Nike products.
- Influence on product development – Nike can use your feedback on future product designs.
- Free, stylish gear (for a limited time) – Wear free shoes, apparel, or other products for the test period.
- Free product return shipping – Nike provides a prepaid shipping label so you can mail back the test product free of charge.
Cons
- No payment – Nike doesn’t pay you to participate and test products.
- Must return the products – After the Nike wear test period, you must return the product.
- No picking products – You can’t choose a specific product to test.
- Can’t share information – You can’t disclose information related to the test product on vlogs, blogs, or social media messaging.
Other Footwear Brands Looking For Product Testers
Other footwear companies like Adidas and New Balance also have testing programs that work similarly to the Voice of the Athlete Nike program.
If you’re passionate about testing and providing feedback on new footwear or apparel, here are some options to explore:
| Brand | Requirements | Sign Up |
|---|---|---|
| Adidas | At least 18 years oldShould not be testing other competitor productsWith minimum weekly activity requirements | Become an Adidas Product Tester |
| New Balance | Open to adults and children | Become a New Balance Product Tester |
| Saucony | At least 18 years old | Become a Saucony Product Tester |
| Puma | Must be a player of one of their specified sports | Become a Puma Product Tester |
| Under Armour | At least 18 years old | Become an Under Armour Product Tester |
Note: Most, if not all, of these product testing programs are looking for US residents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Nike Product Testing Legit?
Yes. The Nike beta testing program is a legitimate way to test the brand’s yet-to-be-released products. As a Nike shoe tester, you can wear pre-release models or prototypes before anyone else.
Can I Get Paid To Wear Nike?
No. Nike offers no monetary compensation for Nike product tester jobs. You can get free stuff for the testing period, but you must return them at the end.
How Much Do Nike Product Testers Get Paid?
There’s no Nike testing incentive as a Nike product reviewer. Thus, there’s no such thing as Nike product tester pay.
Why Should I Sign Up for the Nike Product Testing Programs?
You can wear and try the latest Nike sneakers before they even hit the shelves.
Also, your feedback can influence the design of future Nike brand products.
The Bottom Line
If you love Nike products, being one of their product testers is like a dream come true.
Even if you don’t keep free Nike shoes or apparel, you can wear their pre-release products before they even hit the market.
With this helpful guide, I hope you now have a clearer picture of how the ins and outs of Nike product testing work. If you’re interested, visit the Nike product testing sign-in page now.
You can also check out the Adidas product testing program to explore your options.
