You heard it here first—it’s time to hit the ground running for the 2025 SELF Sneaker Awards. Year after year, SELF’s Sneaker Awards crown the best new pairs across every category, from lifestyle staples to gym rat favorites to pickleball trainers and everything in between. All sneakers are rigorously tested and vetted by SELF editors and expert judges (athletes, trainers, and pros) so we can confidently tell our readers which kicks are the most comfortable, effective, and, well, cool.
Here’s where you come in—brands and publicists, if you have sneakers you’d like us to consider, here’s how to submit them.
Eligibility requirements
- We’ll only be considering styles that have launched (or plan to launch) between August 1, 2024, and August 1, 2025. Previous styles that have been re-released in new colorways, upgraded, or have had otherwise significant makeovers during the eligibility period are qualified.
- We ask that each brand submit five styles maximum. If you’re really stuck on what to submit, aim for your top releases, anticipated fan favorites, or styles completely unique to you. We want to know: Which pairs went viral on TikTok? Which are WNBA players loving off the court? Which are shaping style at large in 2025?
How to submit
- To submit a shoe for consideration, fill out this form. Please fill out one form per style—so if you’re submitting four different pairs, you’ll fill out four different forms.
- There is no fee to submit.
- Submissions must be in by April 7, 2025.
- Don’t worry about shipping anything for testing quite yet. After we review all submissions (which could take a couple weeks!), we’ll reach out about any items we’d like to call in.
- Please note that products we call in for testing cannot be returned. If submitting products may be a hardship for your brand, send us an email—we’d be happy to work with you to figure out a solution.
Eligible categories
- Racing
- Road running
- Trail running
- Hiking boots
- Hiking sneakers
- Water/waterproof shoes and sandals
- Walking sneakers
- Supportive sneakers (for people on their feet all day)
- Best for work/office friendly sneakers
- Everyday lifestyle/athleisure
- Basketball sneakers
- Tennis and pickleball sneakers
- HIIT and cross-training sneakers
- Weightlifting sneakers
Not sure if your sneaker fits into one of the above categories? Please email Hannah Pasternak, SELF special projects director, at [email protected] and cc Paige Levinson, special projects coordinator, at [email protected].
Thanks, and good luck!