Nike Voice of the Athlete: How to Join the Product Testing Program

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Have you ever wanted to test Nike products before they hit the shelves? Maybe you’re a devoted collector of Nike sneakers or have a closet full of Nike workout gear.

If this sounds like you, you’ll be the perfect candidate for Nike’s ‘Voice of the Athlete’ product testing program.

We’re deep-diving into how you can receive Nike products for free as part of its testing program. You can apply directly through Nike’s ‘Voice of the Athlete’ program on Nike’s website or be invited to join through one of Nike’s partners.

What is Nike’s ‘Voice of the Athlete’ program?

‘Voice of the Athlete’ is your chance to play a role in shaping the future of Nike’s product range. While Nike works with athletes and influencers, its product testing program allows the public to become part of its development.

You’ll get to test products before they hit the shelves and give your feedback directly to Nike.

Nike enthusiasts have a chance to become Nike's product tester through its ‘Voice of the Athlete’ programNike enthusiasts have a chance to become Nike’s product tester through its ‘Voice of the Athlete’ program (Credit: Nike)

If you’re successful with your application, you’ll receive an offer to choose from several products, including prototypes. It’s possible that you may get to test Nike products that never hit public stores.

You’ll feel right at home with the ‘Voice of the Athlete’ program if you’re a long-term fan of Nike and regularly wear their products when working out or as part of your everyday closet.

Successful applicants will be given several weeks to test their products before completing a survey that covers questions about the useability, experience, and comfort of the product.

The feedback you provide will feed into Nike’s product development and shape the future of its product lines.

Successful product tester applicants will be given several weeks to test their products and provide feedback before returning the productsSuccessful product tester applicants will be given several weeks to test their products and provide feedback before returning the products

You’ll be asked to return your products to Nike at the end of your testing period. Returning your products means you’ll be eligible for future product testing offers from Nike.

How Can You Sign Up to Be a Nike Product Tester?

While Nike’s ‘Voice of the Athlete’ product testing program appears to be currently closed, its sign-up instructions are still viewable on the website, suggesting that it may re-open for new applications soon.

Nike offers three tiers to its ‘Voice of the Athlete’ program:

  • Adult testing (18+ years old)
  • Minor (13-17 years old)
  • Child (12 years or younger)

Nike divides its product testing program into three age categories: adult, minor, and childNike divides its product testing program into three age categories: adult, minor, and child (Credit: Nike)

Not all three programs will be open at once for applications. Spaces for new applications depend on sizes and availability and Nike’s product development.

Applicants have provided feedback so that responses can be received within a few days. Children aged 12 years or younger will need a parent to create and manage their product testing account on their behalf.

Nike conducts annual reviews of its product testers, allowing it to keep its list up-to-date and provide opportunities for new reviewers to join the program. The feedback online suggests that you can become a long-term product reviewer with Nike if you follow their guidelines and provide detailed feedback.

Applying to Become a Nike Product Tester

You’ll be asked to provide some basic information as part of your application for the ‘Voice of the Athlete’ program. Nike breaks its product testing program down into three segments by age category.

While Nike’s product testing is conducted primarily in the United States, you can send an inquiry about becoming an international product tester.

Voice of the Athlete is also available for product testers in Canada, China, Mexico, Italy, and Japan, with its geographical range expanding.

You can apply to become a Nike product tester through Nike's Voice of the Athlete websiteYou can apply to become a Nike product tester through Nike’s Voice of the Athlete website (Credit: Nike)

Nike will request your body measurements to ensure that you receive products that are the correct size.

As Nike is a fitness brand used by professional and amateur athletes, you’ll be asked to provide information about your exercise routine and activities. It’s best to provide accurate information as Nike may request you to test its products out during these specific activities.

How to Get Free Nike Test Products

If your application is given the green light, you’ll receive a test invitation from Nike. A test packet will be on its way to you within a few weeks with details of how to test your items.

You’ll submit your feedback via the website provided by Nike and return your products to receive future Nike items for testing.

Nike will send a test packet to successful candidates; this packet must be returned after testing and providing feedbackNike will send a test packet to successful candidates; this packet must be returned after testing and providing feedback (Credit: Nike)

User feedback from previous participants in the Nike program has said they receive emails allowing them to select the products they receive.

Most product testers receive their products within three weeks of receiving a confirmation email that their products are on route.

How Long Can You Be a Nike Product Tester For?

Nike provides limited information about its ‘Voice of the Athlete’ program. Most of the information you’ll find about it online comes from those who have been successful with the program.

One Reddit user provided feedback that “about 10 people currently in my sneaker group…(have been) doing it as long as 6 years.”

As per a Reddit user, about 10 people in their sneaker group have been testing products for Nike for six yearsAs per a Reddit user, about 10 people in their sneaker group have been testing products for Nike for six years (Credit: Nike)

You can remain a part of the Nike product testing program long-term if you return your products in a timely manner and provide useful feedback. Nike conducts annual reviews of its product testers, allowing them to remove any inactive users or those who have not returned their products or provided adequate feedback.

What Products Can I Test for Free from Nike?

Nike does not disclose what items you may receive as part of its product testing program. Previous product testers on Reddit have shared that they received products valued at $275 retail.

Reddit users claim they received multiple items from Nike's Jordan range as part of the product tester programReddit users claim they received multiple items from Nike’s Jordan range as part of the product tester program (Credit: Nike)

There is limited information available online about products you can receive through this program as Nike requests that participants do not post on social media about their experience.

Users on Reddit have shared that they received multiple items from Nike’s ‘Jordan’ range as part of the product tester program.

Can I Be Paid to Test Nike Products?

It’s worth noting that you won’t receive financial compensation for being part of Nike’s ‘Voice of the Athlete’ program.

However, Nike does offer paid product tester positions. Current positions within the product testing department include working within sub-categories of global football and global sports apparel.

Nike also offers an internal product testing program for its employees. You can contact Nike directly with any product testing questions at [email protected].