LushDollar.com
"Hello Friends..." (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Instant Vantage

15+ Ways to Get Free Shoes (including Nike)

Some of the links may be from a sponsor. Advertising Disclosure

Looking at the title of this post, I already know you’re laughing at it, and it’s okay… I’m kind of laughing as well.

But if you have been to this website before, you know I don’t spit out nonsense that really isn’t “free.”

I don’t work like that since I created this blog to actually share good information, not just the same old marketing links that so many bloggers just push to pad their pocketbooks.

And yes, I know I push some of these offers, but it’s for good reason.

Honestly, some of these offers are actually of value if you use them right, I promise!

Now, onto the topic.

In today’s post, I wanted to share with you some tips that you can take advantage of if you want to get some free shoes delivered to your doorstep.  Yes, 100% FREE.

But before you start reading this, it isn’t as easy as inputting your name and address and waiting for the shoes to arrive.

It doesn’t work that way, sorry, as it will take a pinch of work.

Regardless, I will tell you what you need to do in order to increase your chances of landing a new pair of kicks.

And yes, it’s open to all as long as you live in the United States.

Let’s begin!

How to Get Free Shoes

As I mentioned in the intro, almost all of the methods I mention will require some work in some way or another, and while you don’t have to spend a dime, you do need to be prepared to offer your feedback.

Known as a product tester, popular shoe companies often seek out the average consumer, like you and I, and are willing to offer us free shoes in exchange for our feedback.

Generally, you will be shipped a pair of shoes based on your website profile (I will get into this later on), and then, after wearing the shoes for a few weeks, you be asked to fill out a short-form questionnaire, letting the company know what you thought about the shoes.

All companies vary in what they are looking for in terms of a demographic, but it doesn’t hurt to add your name to their database as it’s 100% free and only takes a few seconds of your time.

If you are selected, then the company will reach out and you will snag a FREE pair of shoes in exchange for your opinion.

Here are some of the companies I highly recommend adding your name to their database:

ADIDAS

If you want to test the products of the future, then ADIDAS wants to hear from you.

To get started, the company first asks that you apply on their official website.  It’s 100% free and only takes a few minutes of your time.

Then, if you do qualify for an upcoming study, generally based on your demographic, the company will send out an invite with all of the details, asking you if you would like to commit to the project.

If you do decide to participate in the project, then ADIDAS will send you the test product and ask you to wear it for about two to four weeks.

At this time, do make sure you follow the instructions as the company will ask that you wear your test shoes for a certain amount of time to qualify for the study.  Usually, ADIDAS will ask you to keep daily logs when you’re wearing your shoes to let them know what you did during the duration of the project.

Once the project completes, send your shoes back and answer a very simple online questionnaire to stay active in the system.

And again, if the company likes your feedback, your chances of future projects are quite great!



Brooks

As part of the Brooks product testing program, Brooks will send you the gear, let you use it for a certain amount of time and then ask you to send it back along with your feedback so that they can improve their products, just like the Adidas program I just mentioned.

Joining the program is 100% free and if you’re interested, you see if you qualify by following this link.

Like a lot of the companies I do list here, you will have to fill out a few simple pages of information to enter your name into their database, but it doesn’t take long, trust me.

Once you submit your application, the company will send out future invites if you do qualify for a future test along with information as to what they need from you.

Be sure to watch your e-mails, particularly your spam folder, to make sure you don’t miss out on an offer.

Columbia Global Performance Testing

While Columbia is known for their coats and active outdoor wear, they do provide a variety of shoe choices, all of which you can test for free via the company’s Global Performance Testing program.

To apply, Columbia strongly encourages you to do so if you’re a “serious” fan of the outdoors and are a U.S. resident.

During the application process, Columbia will ask you a series of question, mainly geared toward your demographic and lifestyle.

Once completed, the company will send you an invite via email if they determine you’re a fit.

To sign up, you can follow this link.  It’s 100% free, I promise!

New Balance

The New Balance athletic shoes, some of the most popular shoes on the market, is also on the lookout for qualified product testers.

And in order to qualify, the company simply asks that you submit your email address, where you will be sent a profile in which you will fill out to let the company know more about you.

Once completed, you’re automatically entered into the New Balance Tester Community database.

Now, if your profile is what the company is looking for, they will then notify you of a new prototype test, and if you choose to take part in the test, the New Balance prototypes will be sent directly to your doorstep for FREE.

Once you receive them, try them out and be sure to log into your account to ensure you’re following the directions as each study will vary.

In your account, New Balance will let you know exactly what they are looking for as well as how you can submit your feedback to help them make improvements.  Follow these directions to ensure you keep receiving offers in the future.

Signing up is 100% free and there’s no guarantee, but again, as I mentioned, be sure to sign up for as many of these research companies as possible to increase your chances at landing a new pair of kicks!

Nike

Yes, the largest shoe company in the world, Nike, is always looking for product testers, but in order to qualify, the company asks that you email one of the e-mail addresses listed here for more information.

And if they do respond, you will be asked to fill out an online application to help them understand your demographic and habits.

Just be sure to fill this out in its entirety to improve your chances at getting selected!

If you are selected, then the shoe testing usually happens on-site at a nearby store location or in some cases, you may be able to test out a pair of new shoes for several months.  They will provide you with details before you commit to the project, though.

In most cases, however, you will not be able to keep the shoes since they will want to examine the shoe for wear and tear, but the company may continue to send you more if they like your feedback.  Always send in your feedback and the shoes back if requested as failing to do so will get you booted from the program.

As it is Nike, keep in mind that A LOT of people want to be apart of the program, so do know that the competition is fierce.  So if you don’t hear back for quite some time, this is often why.

I did write about the program, so if you are interested, I highly recommend you check it out to see how this program works.

Red Wing Shoes

Right now, the Red Wing Shoes company is looking for qualified product testers who are interested in testing out new boots in some of the toughest and dirtiest working situations.

If you think you qualify and meet the requirements, then the company wants to hear from you, all of which you can fill out an application here.

When I looked at the page, it appeared they were specifically looking for certain sizes, but this is subject to change as time goes on.  You can see the requirements as of right now if you click on the link above.

If interested, joining is 100% free, and again, like all of these websites, just make sure you fill out the profile in detail to increase your chances at landing a future opportunity.

Reebok

Yet another behemoth in the shoe space, Reebok, is also recruiting product testers.  And yes, it’s free to join.

To apply, follow the product testing link (you may get a security warning, but it does go to the official website) and click on the “apply now” button toward the bottom.  Before you do, you can glance at the requirements to see what they are looking for in a product tester.

In doing so, Reebok will then ask a series of questions, ranging from your demographic, your lifestyle and contact information, much like the other product testing panels noted here.  Be sure to complete it and fill it out in detail to ensure you get future invites.

Then, based on your demographic, such as your shoe size, demographic profile, geographical location, etc, you may be selected, in which you will be sent an email inviting you.

If you decide to participate, Reebok will mail you the test product with instructions, asking you to use the product for a certain amount of time, usually up to six weeks.

Like most of these panels, you will need to keep detailed logs and answer a simple questionnaire at the end of the test.



Saucony

The shoe company, Saucony, is always on the lookout for new product testers, and if you’re interested, all they ask is that you fill out this application.

And if you’re unfamiliar with the company, Saucony focuses primarily on running shoes and athletic gear and not much else.  You can see a variety of their inventory on their official website.

Joining the program is 100% free, and if you meet their demographic for an upcoming project, they will contact you with more information.

From what I did read, Saucony product testers get sent shoes and/or clothing fresh off the design table and are asked to test the products out for a limited amount of time.

Under Armour

Yet another massive shoe and apparel company, Under Armour is always seeking qualified product testers.

And while their signup page is pretty basic, you can apply here and then fill out your profile to add your name to the database.

When I signed up, it appeared that if you did qualify, the company would send you the product for free, along with some information.  Like most of these websites, you will be asked to send the product back at the end of your test.

Joining the Under Armour panel is free and only takes a few minutes to do.  Be sure to check out my detailed review if interested in joining.

Asics

I’m going to include Asics here, but toward the end of the post, because it’s only opened to New Zealand residents only, sorry!

So if you live here, then I do recommend you check out their program, known as Roadtester, in which you will fill out a profile and wait for an invite if you qualify.

Much like all of these product testing opportunities, Asics will send you an email with all of the details, where you can either accept or deny the opportunities as they come your way.

Then, in return for the free shoes, Asics will just ask for your feedback to share with the development team.

Again, the Asics Roadtester is only opened to New Zealanders, so if you reside there, you’re in luck!

  • Website: Roadtester

Vans

Vans doesn’t have a beta testing program like many of the bigger names mentioned above, but they do have a program known as the Vans Family.

This program is more like a rewards program that many retailers offer, where you can earn points for your purchases and even answering simple questions.  You can also earn special experiences/discounts, sometimes even free shoes, according to people online.

While it isn’t a guarantee, it doesn’t hurt to at least join the program if you’re a fan of the shoes.  Be sure to follow the link below for more information.

Other Ways to Earn Free Shoes

Don’t like the idea of signing up as a product tester?

That’s fine as there are a few other ways you can get free shoes, but it’s going to take a pinch of work on your own.

No money is necessary, truly making this a free shoe offer, but you do need to set aside some time to earn them.

Here are some other strategies you may want to try:

Swagbucks

If you’re not part of Swagbucks or even unsure of how it works, let me explain how Swagbucks can earn you free shoes.

In short, Swagbucks pays you to answer surveys, watch TV, answer questions, surf the web and so much more.

For me, I do the best with surveys as I can earn HUNDREDS of “Swagbucks,” which is the website’s currency, in which you can then cash out for gift cards once you earn enough.

For example, check out my survey dashboard as I’m writing this…

As you can see, the list goes on, with one survey offering 4,500 SB, enough for a $45 gift card if you qualify!

Now, the great thing about Swagbucks is that you can take these points and then redeem them for a variety of retailers that sell shoes, such as Nike, Amazon, eBay, TJ Maxx, Burlington or you can just take the cash.

For 5,000 SB, you can get a $50 Nike gift card, for instance:

Honestly, if you wanted $100 for a pair of shoes, this is the way to go as it won’t take you long.

In fact, if you started today, you could easily build your balance in a few weeks, all depending on how active you are.  The points do add up fast.

Signing up is free, so at least create an account and check out the rewards you can qualify for to see if it’s worth your time.

And if you’re lucky, they may be offering a $5 or $10 bonus, making it that much easier to get your free shoes.

PrizeRebel

PrizeRebel, working just like Swagbucks, offers a variety of gift card options as well, including Nike, Adidas, Amazon and so many more.

I’ve been quite the fan of PrizeRebel for a while now, a reason why I included them here, and I highly encourage you to sign up with as many of these companies as you can to increase your reward stash.

To read more about this company in depth, refer to my personal PrizeRebel review as well as check out the 83+ survey companies you should join right now if you don’t mind working a few hours to earn some rewards and cash.

PrizeRebel is 100% free to join and there’s no reason you shouldn’t have $50 or even more in your account in the next few weeks if you continue to complete your tasks.  Add in more of those survey companies and you can earn even more!

Check out the Free Classified Sections

Sometimes, if I’m bored, I will check out the Craigslist “free” section to see what’s out there, and a lot of the times, I’m quite surprised at what I could get my hands on.

And yes, if you’re wondering, I often find people listing their older shoes for free, but of course, it’s on a first come, first serve basis and will depend on where you live.

For example, when I was writing this, I did see the following listings:

NOW, these shoes won’t be new and won’t be in the best shape, but if you’re in desperate need of shoes right now, it could be an option to consider.

As with all freebies, you may have to check hourly as the good stuff goes FAST.

Charities

Touching on my last point mentioned above, if you’re in desperate need of shoes because of financial constraints, let it be known that there are HUNDREDS of charities out there that are willing to help.

And to find these charities, you can do a few things.

For one, a quick search, such as “free shoe charities + your city” can yield a bunch of results.  Since there are so many great charities out there, it would be next to impossible for me to list all of them, sorry!

Secondly, consider contacting a local church, your Salvation Army or Goodwill as they will have representatives on staff that can point you in the right direction as well.

Remember, they will only give free shoes for needy families, so if you don’t meet the income/asset requirement, you will more than likely be denied.

Become a Social Media Influencer and/or Blogger

This is a stretch, I know, but if you’re a HUGE fan of shoes, consider starting a blog and/or social media profile that revolves around shoes.

Think of Instagram and all of the influencers today who not only make a living doing it, but they receive a lot of freebies as well.

As your audience grows, it could potentially lead to free shoes being sent to your home in exchange for a review and/or picture on one of your social media platforms.   In some cases, the shoe companies may reach out to you while you may have to reach out to them, it will greatly depend on who you want to work with.

Now, this is a LOT easier said than done, I know, but I just wanted to include it as this can be possible if you work hard at it and learn the ropes.  If you don’t know where to start, I highly recommend you check out Udemy for low-cost courses to teach you the ropes.

And while this success won’t come overnight, it could pay off huge dividends for years to come.

Free Shoes Giveaway

As in many of my freebie guides, this one isn’t guaranteed, but it’s worth a shot, I suppose.

Whether you search hashtags on Instagram or you use one of your favorite giveaway sites, I can assure you that there’s always someone giving away a pair of shoes.  You can even use the most recent results search on Google to see which free shoe contests are active at the moment.

Yes, you do need to enter, and yes, you do need to win, but hey, if it’s free, why not spend a minute of your time trying to win?

 

 

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there a variety of ways to legitimately get free shoes.

If you want to keep the shoes for life, it’s going to be pretty hard to find a good pair unless you find a hidden free gem on Craigslist.

While you can join panels such as Swagbucks and PrizeRebel, it will take a few hours of work on your end to earn them.  It sucks, but it’s so hard to find a lot of great things for free, right?

But if you want to wear the latest and greatest and sometimes the shoes that aren’t even released to the public yet, then I highly recommend you join the testing panels.   Yes, while you do have to send them back eventually, it gives you a free pair of shoes for the next four to six weeks and requires very little work on your part.

Remember, it’s free, it’s a great way to test out new shoes and who knows?

If you’re good at it, the shoe companies may continue to send you free shoes throughout the year.

Do let me know what kind of luck you had with these companies and/or if you have any other free shoe strategies you would like to share in the comments below!

As for these techniques, test them out and see what kind of shoes land on your doorstep!

Want $5 free?



Try out Swagbucks, the most popular reward program I make the most money with. Simply answer survey questions and get paid!

Join Now to Get $5!

Tom Nathaniel

Hi! My name is Tom Nathaniel, and I created LushDollar to help share my honest thoughts on everything money. You won't find gimmicks here. It's the Internet's most honest money site after all. I graduated from Arizona State University, and I have worked in the finance industry since 2006, consulting with multiple Fortune 5000 companies.

Add comment