How we review

We do not test shoes in person. QC Shoes is a research and comparison site: we read the specifications, standards and fine print across brands, and explain what the differences actually mean for your feet. Every article says plainly which products were examined on paper rather than worn.

Plenty of sites imply testing they never did. We would rather tell you what we are and let you judge the work on whether it is useful.

What we actually do

• Compare across brands, not within one. Most product pages and many review sites cover a single brand's range. The useful comparison is usually between brands built on different design philosophies.
• Check standards, not marketing. "Slip-resistant" is unregulated; ASTM F3445 is not. "Waterproof" covers both Gore-Tex and proprietary membranes with very different lifespans. We tell you which claims have something behind them.
• Catch mislabelled products. Lifestyle sneakers sold in running results, neutral shoes sold as stability, women's boots that are scaled-down men's lasts. These cost people money and are visible from the specifications.
• Lead with fit. Width, last shape and heel hold cause more foot pain than cushioning does, and get a fraction of the coverage.
• Say when we don't know. Where a listing doesn't state a model version or a certification, we say so rather than guessing.

What we don't do

• We don't wear-test products or report mileage we haven't run.
• We don't publish scores or star ratings for products we haven't used.
• We don't accept free samples, sponsored placements or paid inclusion.
• We don't make medical claims. Where a topic touches health, we say so and point you to a professional.

Prices

We show price ranges rather than exact figures, because prices change constantly and a stale number is worse than none. Always check the retailer for the current price.

How we make money

We earn a commission when readers buy through links on this site, at no additional cost to the reader. Commission rates vary by retailer and we do not rank by payout. Where the best option in a category has no affiliate program, we still name it.

Corrections

Specifications change between model years and we will get things wrong. If you spot an error, tell us and we will fix it and note the change. Every article carries a last-reviewed date so you can see how current it is.