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Do you want first access to some of Nike’s freshest drops?
It’s easy! All you have to do is participate in the Nike product testing program, where Nike recruits people to test out and evaluate prototypes of their products.
The products in the program aren’t publicly available yet, and some might not end up hitting the store shelves.
If you’re interested in this program, I can help you.
I wrote this guide to teach you how to become a Nike Product tester.
How To Become a Nike Product Tester
Here’s how to become a Voice of the Athlete Nike product tester.
1. See If You Qualify.
Before applying, make sure to check if you qualify for the program.
Here is a list of the 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
However, there are times when not all three will be open for applications simultaneously.
3. Prepare the Requirements.
Nike will ask you to provide various personal details during the application.
The application form will ask for your name, gender, country/region, date of birth, and email address.
You’ll have to choose the types of products you wish to test and your preferred categories.
For example, if you play tennis and receive an invite to the program, you will most likely receive tennis-related Nike products to test.
You must also provide your body measurements and shirt, jacket, pants, shorts, and shoe sizes.
How To Get Your Measurements
Prepare a measuring tape, and wear lightweight clothing that won’t affect the accuracy of your body measurements.
Stand upright with your feet slightly apart. Let your arms hang naturally by your sides.
To take chest measurements, wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, ensuring the tape is parallel to the ground.
Wrap the tape around the narrowest part of your torso to take waist measurements.
For your hips, position the tape around the widest part of your hips and buttocks.
For the inseams, stand your feet apart at shoulder width and measure from the crotch down to your ankle.
Measure your height by standing against a wall with your back straight. Measure from the top of your head down to your heels.
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.
Parents must create a parent profile if they’re applying for their child.
List your country or region, birth date, and email address.
Determine the types of products you wish to test.
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.
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.
5. Wait for the Acceptance Notification.
The Nike product tester application process can take one to four weeks.
If you get the green light from the company, you will receive a response through email within a few weeks.
Nike can also send invitations for future brand product tests you qualify for.
Remember, Nike doesn’t invite everyone who applies. Sometimes, Nike will look for a particular type of athlete or shoe size.
6. Reapply.
If Nike doesn’t invite you, you can reapply later (preferably after six months) for a spot.
How the Nike Testing Program Works
Through the years, Nike (formerly Blue Ribbon Sports) has signed the best athletes in basketball, tennis, golf, baseball, and more.
Like every major sports gear brand, Nike stays on top by conducting a product testing program.
Product testers are key to most big-name companies’ research and development process.
Nike’s Product Testing program gathers consumer feedback to improve existing shoes and make better ones moving forward.
After testing the product, the company requires you to return it and provide detailed feedback about 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?
Accept the Invitation.
If Nike accepts your application, the company invites you to participate as a Nike shoe tester.
After you accept the invitation, Nike will send you the footwear by mail.
Test the Product.
Follow the instructions and wear the product for the test period, usually lasting one to two months.
Provide Feedback.
After keeping detailed product performance logs, submit your feedback to the Nike testing program website.
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 are among the first to wear pre-release Nike products.
Influence on product development – Nike can use your feedback on future product designs.
Wear free shoes and stylish Gear (for a limited time) – Wear free Nike 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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Nike product testing legit?
Yes. The Nike beta testing program is a legitimate way to get unreleased Nike shoes or apparel.
Can I Get Paid To Wear Nike?
No. Nike offers no monetary compensation for Nike product tester jobs.
How Much Do Nike Product Testers Get Paid?
As a Nike product reviewer, you don’t receive a salary for being part of the Nike Voice of the Athlete USA product testing program. 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 stuff, you get the rare opportunity to wear their pre-release products before they even get sold to the public.
I hope that with this helpful guide, you now have a clearer picture of how the ins and outs of Nike Product Testing work.
You can also sign up for the Adidas product testing program if you’re interested in similar brands.
