This is a translation provided for convenience. In case of discrepancy, the French version prevails.
Comment fonctionnent les tests et les classements
Finish Line Media · 220BPM (220bpm.com)
Version in force since 17 October 2026
1. Who tests the shoes
The tests published on 220BPM come from three sources, indicated on each test:
- Community tests: carried out by runners registered on the website, with their own shoes.
- Expert tests: carried out by regular testers and by the editorial teams of the media published by Finish Line Media (marathons.com, mytrails.com, triathlons.com, stadion.com).
- Test Camp tests: carried out by a group of selected testers, following a common protocol and, where applicable, blind, without knowing the brand or the model.
2. How tests are verified
Each submitted test is checked before publication:
- the author must have an account or provide a valid e-mail address;
- for community tests, proof is mandatory: a Strava activity screenshot showing a run with the shoe, or a proof of purchase. This file is only seen by the moderation team;
- an artificial intelligence tool pre-analyses the test to detect duplicates, inconsistencies and suspicious content;
- a member of the team then decides whether to publish it.
Verified community tests bear the label "Verified test". Tests published before this proof requirement was introduced bear the label "Published before test verification". Expert tests and Test Camp tests are monitored directly by the Finish Line Media team.
A test is never refused or removed because it is negative. It may be if it is false, does not relate to the right product, is unlawful or breaches the publication rules. The date of each test is displayed.
3. How the score is calculated
Each tester rates the shoe on ten criteria: step-in comfort, long-distance comfort, cushioning, responsiveness, stability, grip, breathability, durability, perceived lightness and value for money.
Weighting of criteria. A shoe's overall score combines these criteria according to a weighting specific to its category and terrain. For example, grip counts more for a trail shoe than for a road shoe.
Weighting of tests. Not all tests carry the same weight in the score, depending on their level of reliability:
| Type of test | Base weight | Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Community test | 1 | +30% if the tester is at confirmed or elite level, +20% if the shoe has been tested over at least 200 km |
| Expert test | 3 | None |
| Test Camp test | 4 | +30% if the test was carried out blind |
A shoe's score is the average of its tests, each counted according to its weight.
4. Rankings
Shoes are ranked according to their overall score, within their category and terrain. No brand can pay to improve a shoe's score or position, or to have a test removed.
5. Shoes provided to testers
Some expert tests and all Test Camp tests are carried out with shoes lent or given by the brand or by Finish Line Media. These tests bear the label "Shoe provided" on their page. Testers remain entirely free in their opinion, and the brand approves neither the content nor the rating of a test.
6. Commercial relationships
"Buy" links lead to merchant websites, in particular i-Run, and some are affiliate links: Finish Line Media may receive a commission on purchases. These links have no effect on scores or rankings.
Finish Line Media also sells sponsored content and advertising to brands on its media. These partnerships have no effect on 220BPM's tests, scores or rankings.
7. Reporting a test
If you believe a test is false, breaches the rules or infringes your rights, you can report it to contact@220bpm.com. The team examines each report and informs you of the action taken.