The Method
How the Exam Score Works
Every score blends lab and hands-on testing from WearTesters, RunRepeat, and The Hoops Geek with the harder-grading critic panel of Nightwing2303, Duke4005, and Sole Collector. Scores are graded on a strict curve: a B is a genuinely good shoe, and an A is rare.
How the Exam Score Works
Every shoe gets a score out of 10 in four categories, based on the hands-on testing cited in each review. Each category counts for exactly 25%, so the Exam Score is the plain average of the four:
Exam Score = (Traction + Cushion + Support / Lockdown + Fit) ÷ 4
Traction25%
Bite on hard cuts and stops, consistency across the outsole, and how well it holds up on dusty floors.
Cushion25%
Impact protection on landings, energy return, and how much court feel you keep.
Support / Lockdown25%
Heel lock, containment on lateral moves, a stable base, and torsional rigidity.
Fit25%
True-to-size sizing, comfort out of the box, and how well the shape suits a range of foot widths.
A+ 9.5+ · A 9.0+ · B+ 8.5+ · B 8.0+ · C+ 7.5+ · C 7.0+ · D+ 6.5+ · D 6.0+