Scoring Methodology
Every walking shoe on CoolWalking gets a DP Score between 0 and 10. This page explains exactly how that number is calculated, so you can decide for yourself whether the score matches what you care about.
The Core Principle
A score is only useful if you can reproduce it. Every dimension below has a specific test method and a specific weight. If you disagree with a score, come back to this page, check which dimension drove it, and decide whether your own weighting would be different.
The 10 Dimensions
| # | Dimension | Weight | What It Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Comfort / Fit | 15% | Heel lock, forefoot room, no pressure points at kilometer 500. |
| 2 | Support | 15% | How well the shoe absorbs shock on uneven pavement. |
| 3 | Durability | 15% | Outsole wear, midsole compression, upper integrity after 500km. |
| 4 | Weight | 10% | Actual measured weight, in grams, per shoe. |
| 5 | Value | 15% | Performance per dollar at the retail price. |
| 6 | Innovation | 5% | Unique technology or design choices that actually matter. |
| 7 | Appearance | 5% | Design and color options — yes, it counts, but not much. |
| 8 | Adjustability | 5% | Lacing, velcro, insoles removable — can you adapt the shoe? |
| 9 | Breathability | 5% | Heat build-up over long distances. |
| 10 | Overall Feel | 10% | Subjective — the "would I buy this again?" test. |
The Scale
- 9.0 - 10.0 — Exceptional. Would recommend to almost anyone.
- 8.0 - 8.9 — Excellent. Recommended with specific caveats.
- 7.0 - 7.9 — Good. Worth buying if you match the shoe's profile.
- 6.0 - 6.9 — Average. Fine, but not outstanding.
- Below 6.0 — Not recommended.
Testing Conditions
All scores reflect real-world walking, not lab testing. Shoes are walked in for at least 500 kilometers, split roughly as follows:
- 60% city pavement
- 25% park and soft trail
- 15% mixed (gravel, hillside, cobblestone)
Weather conditions vary — including rain, heat, and cold. The same tester walks each shoe, so cross-shoe comparisons are meaningful.
Test Conditions Declaration
- Environment: mid-sized US city, mixed climate.
- Duration: minimum 500km per shoe, typically over 4-8 months.
- Tester background: 5km/day walker, standard D-width foot, no clinical conditions.
Scoring Update Policy
Scores can change over time. If a shoe is updated by the manufacturer, the score is re-evaluated. If a long-term issue emerges (e.g., the sole separates at 800km), the score is revised down. If a shoe is discontinued, the review stays up but is marked as historical.
Conflict of Interest
CoolWalking earns commissions through affiliate links. Commissions never affect the score. A shoe that scores below 6.0 is still linked (if it's sold on Amazon) but the review clearly says not to buy it. The website's business model is compatible with honest scoring because the site's long-term value depends entirely on trust.
— Crystal Yifei Liu, Editor-in-Chief