This method applies to documented casual sneaker batches bought through shopping agents. It is not a method for athletic-performance testing, authentication or other product categories. A described step is a completed result only when it was performed and logged.
1. Order and timing log: record order, payment, QC photo request, acceptance or rejection, shipping payment, and each timestamp. Four numbers may be published: order to QC photos, QC approval to warehouse dispatch, dispatch to first tracking scan, and door-to-door total; destination and receiving method must be stated in the log.
2. QC photo check: compare the agent's QC set with reference photos for the same model, noting coverage and gaps such as heel shape, outsole tooling, and insole print. Gaps should be disclosed so readers understand what can be judged before shipping.
3. Delivery inspection: on arrival, record parcel weight, outer box, inner wrap, accessories, crush damage, moisture, customs handling marks, original box, and lacing state.
4. Bench inspection: where feasible, inspect at 2x magnification for stitching density on toe cap and heel, midsole paint line, glue visibility, tongue tag placement and font, insole print or stamping, and outsole tooling. Measure insole length in millimetres against a retained retail baseline.
5. Fit and wear: record tester's usual size in the model, size tested, heel slip, toe box pressure, arch contact, and whether a half-size adjustment is needed against the retail baseline. First wear is a laced walk of at least 20 minutes; if passed, a four-hour wear block and a second session on a different day.
6. Comparison tables: tables may compare the tested pair with the retail baseline and a similar-price alternative batch, with rows for insole length, weight, stitching counts at three checkpoints, midsole alignment, materials, and door-to-door days.
7. Scoring and retests: use a five-point scale where 5 is the maximum; scores may range from 1 to 5 in half-point steps under the approved scoring version, with a separate recommendation threshold. A pair failing the bench check should be described in full and may be re-ordered once before any score is set. Retest core picks every six months; other scored pairs at least every 12 months, or sooner if batch code, factory, agent process, or route changes.
A result report identifies the applicable category, the parameters actually used and the supporting evidence.