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Test Bench 0.15  
Changelog

 0
By David Kroeker-MausUpdated Jul 16, 2026 at 10:09 am

See the previous changelog.

Because there's no single way for a shoe to feel responsive, our Running Shoe Test Bench 0.15 splits Responsiveness into three performance usages: Bounciness, Snappiness, and Roll. We believe these additions will help users better understand how a shoe feels underfoot and choose the type of responsiveness they prefer. To support these new scores, we also added two new measurements to our reviews: Heel Compression Depth and Forefoot Compression Depth.

What's Changed?

Two new boxes, Heel Compression Depth and Forefoot Compression Depth, were added to the review. They measure how much the midsole compresses underfoot while running. Greater compression depth generally results in a softer feel. These measurements are used in our new Bounciness score because we believe that deep compression, when paired with high energy return, is what makes a shoe feel bouncy.

Test Group Description
Performance | Heel Compression Depth
  • How much the midsole compresses at low (550N), moderate (1100N), and high (1900) loads.
  • These results are extracted from the same compression test as energy return, cushioning, and firmness.
Performance | Forefoot Compression Depth
  • How much the midsole compresses at low (800N), moderate (1300N), and high (2050) loads.
  • These results are extracted from the same compression test as energy return, cushioning, and firmness.

Verdicts And Usages

The main goal of this Test Bench was to replace the single Responsiveness performance usage with three distinct types of responsiveness: Bounciness, Snappiness, and Roll. During the development of the Responsiveness usage score, we combined several different characteristics that runners often perceive differently. For example, some runners prefer a bouncy ride, while others prefer a snappier, more propulsive feel, even though both contribute to a responsive shoe. By separating Responsiveness into these three performance usages, we aim to better describe how a shoe feels underfoot and help users find the type of responsiveness they enjoy most.

Performance Usages Description
Bounciness
  • How much the shoe midsole rebounds underfoot, providing a more dynamic, trampoline-like ride.
  • We believe that a bouncy ride comes from the combination of deep midsole compression and high energy return. Therefore, this score is based on four metrics: Heel Compression Depth, Forefoot Compression Depth, Heel Compression Energy Return, and Forefoot Compression Energy Return.
  • This score is intended for runners who enjoy a lively, bouncy ride for any type of run.
Snappiness
  • How quick and propulsive the shoe feels during toe-off.
  • We believe this sensation is driven by a combination of Forefoot Bending Energy Return, Forefoot Bending Stiffness, Forefoot Firmness, and Forefoot Rocker Angle, which work together to provide a more propulsive push-off at the end of the gait cycle.
  • This score is intended for runners seeking a quick, dynamic toe-off, especially during faster efforts like speed workouts and races.
Roll
  • How smoothly the shoe rolls from landing to toe-off.
  • A smooth rolling ride depends on the shoe's geometry and its ability to maintain that geometry under load. This score is based on Rocker Stiffness, Forefoot Bending Stiffness, Heel and Forefoot Rocker Geometry, and Forefoot Stack Height.
  • This score is intended for runners who prefer a smooth, effortless transition through their stride. It's especially relevant for speed workouts, races, and long runs.

Let Us Know What You Think!

Overall, this update's main focus was to provide new performance usages describing how a shoe will feel underfoot to help you find the best running shoe for your needs. If you have suggestions or ideas to help us improve our reviews, feel free to comment on any page or reach out at feedback@rtings.com. Your input has been essential in shaping our tests, and we're grateful for it!

23 Running Shoes Updated So Far

We are retesting popular models first. So far, the test results for the following models have been converted to the new testing methodology. However, the text might be inconsistent with the new results.

174 Running Shoes Planned To Be Updated

We are also planning to retest the following products over the course of the next few weeks:

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