About ShoeExpert.net — where data meets real-world wear testing
We’re a two-person team based in Vietnam:
- Mike Anderson — Founder & Lead Analyst. Builds testing protocols and runs large-sample review analysis (Amazon and other retailers).
- Sarah Nguyen — Senior Wear-Test Editor. Leads hands-on testing (fit/comfort/durability/grip) and verifies size/foot-type notes. Sarah also audits user-reported defects vs. our own findings.
What we actually do (no fluff):
- Hands-On Tested (when available): We buy/receive pairs and test them in real conditions. Articles with hands-on testing are labeled “Hands-On Tested” with testing window (weeks/miles), conditions (surface/weather), and tester foot profile. Original photos included.
- Data Synthesis (always disclosed): We analyze verified-buyer reviews at scale (primarily Amazon), categorize patterns, and separate systemic issues from outliers. Articles primarily based on community data are labeled “Data Synthesis” with sample size and time window.
Why both? A single pair can be “lucky/unlucky.” Combining wear tests with mass feedback shows whether our experience matches what hundreds of buyers report — and which issues are systemic vs one-offs.
Editorial independence: Samples/affiliate programs don’t affect verdicts. We disclose samples and use the exact Amazon line: “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.” See our full Methodology and Disclosure.