Each year, SELF spends months putting together our annual Sneaker Awards. We start by brainstorming around the best new releases. We reach out to top brands to submit styles for consideration; we test shoes obsessively, nitpicking every detail; and then, of course, we declare the winners and bring the project to life with a photoshoot and editorial spread (a.k.a. what you’re reading right now).
It can be a painstaking process, but it’s truly a labor of love. How could it not be? Sneakers are a common denominator for anyone that moves, whether you’re running a marathon or sprinting to catch the subway. As editors, we get to try an endless stream of wellness, fitness, beauty, and health products all year long—but everyone agrees: testing for Sneaker Awards is the most fun. A great pair feels just as good on your feet as they do in your soul. (Yes, there’s a pun in there somewhere, but I’ll spare you.)
With all that in mind, we wanted to dive a little deeper this year: Because sneakers aren’t just something you wear—they’re a culture in and of themselves. And that culture is growing—particularly among women, who are not only buying more than ever before but increasingly shaping what brands do next.
So in addition to our list of the best sneakers for every type of workout, we’re introducing a new category: Editor’s Picks—a curated list of the biggest, best, and most trend-defining styles of the year. We’re also sharing a special collaboration with StockX: a joint report on the state of women’s sneaker culture today.
You can check out all of our winners here—and keep reading below for a closer look at our testing process.
How We Tested for the 2025 SELF Sneaker Awards
After publishing submission guidelines on self.com, we invited all brands that released styles in the past year to submit their best. Our special projects team reviewed 198 sneakers from 57 brands—a wide-ranging batch that reflected just how big (and buzzy) the sneaker space has become. Nearly 50 testers, including SELF and Allure staffers, alongside a panel of fitness experts—think running coaches, strength trainers, and more—spent two months putting these sneakers to the test. We wore them on the track, in the gym, on hikes, commutes, and daily walks, evaluating everything from fit and feel to shape and style. The result? A carefully edited list of 34 standout technical winners and 22 Editor’s Picks.
Here’s how we asked testers to evaluate their shoes—it’s also a good guide for whenever you’re considering a new pair yourself!
Fit (think length)
- All shoes should have about half an inch of space between your toe and the top of the shoe. Do you feel any pressure points?
- Does the size of the shoe fit as expected?
- For running or walking shoes: Do your toes have plenty of space to wiggle? Is your heel secure, or does your heel slip out when you run?
Shape (think width)
- What is your foot shape? How well did the shoe map to the shape of your foot?
- Does the shoe have a narrow or wide toe box?
Feel (think overall comfort)
- Is the shoe cushioned, or more firm?
- Does the arch of the shoe feel supportive, or obtrusive?
- Is the shoe comfortable?
- Does it feel heavy or light?
- Did you develop any blisters, hot spots, or bruised toes during or after wear? Did you experience any other pains, like shin splints or knee pain?
Style
- Would you wear this shoe after a workout? Is it stylish?
- If your shoe is a leisure or athleisure style, is it stylish enough to wear to dinner/brunch/shopping? How do you feel about the color? Does it feel trendy? Is it trying too hard? Is it extremely ugly? Is it ugly in a cool way? Is it…just right?
Photography by Myles Loftin. See all the winners from the 2025 SELF Sneaker Awards here.
