How We Score: The 8-Axis Mechanical Radar
Scoring Version 1.0.0 · Deterministic Integer Weight Engine
SoleVersus does not use vague subjective star ratings. Every shoe in our catalog is evaluated across eight standardized mechanical axes and synthesized into a calibrated 0–100 Meta-Score specifically tailored to its designated category cohort.
The 8 Telemetry Axes
1. CushioningLab Durometer & Stack
Measures impact absorption and underfoot stack depth. Calibrated using foam durometer (Asker C) and heel/forefoot total stack height.
2. Energy ReturnResilience & Pop
Evaluates mechanical propulsion, rocker geometry efficiency, and supercritical foam rebound (PEBA, Peba-blend, infused TPU vs standard EVA).
3. Weight EfficiencyGram-to-Stack Ratio
Digital gram weight in reference US Men's 9.0 relative to total stack height volume. Rewards ultra-light constructions that don't sacrifice foam.
4. StabilityTorsional & Base Width
Chassis resistance to excessive torsional twisting, heel counter rigidity, and midfoot/forefoot sole flare width preventing ankle inversion.
5. TractionCompound & Lug Depth
Coefficient of friction on wet asphalt, dry road, and trail dirt. Assesses rubber formulation (e.g., Vibram Megagrip, Continental, ASICSGRIP) and lug layout.
6. Upper ComfortLockdown & Fit Anatomy
Collar padding, tongue gusseting, heel blister prevention, and midfoot lockdown security over prolonged 15+ mile outings.
7. BreathabilityUpper Airflow & Drainage
Engineered mesh ventilation porosity, moisture wicking, and thermal dissipation during high-output warm-weather testing.
8. DurabilityMulti-Hundred-Mile Wear
Resistance to midsole packing out, outsole abrasive wear, and upper seam fraying verified across 250–500 mile wear-tester logs.
Cohort-Relative Calibration
A lightweight racing shoe built for a 2-hour marathon attempt cannot and should not be judged by the same criteria as a 500-mile workhorse daily trainer or a technical alpine trail shoe.
Our scoring engine applies strict cohort weightings (summing to exactly 100%) so each shoe is scored against the true requirements of its runner persona:
| Cohort | Primary Weight Driver | Secondary Driver | De-prioritized Axis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Trainer | Cushioning (17.5%) | Upper Comfort (15.0%) | Durability / Traction (10.0%) |
| Race Super Shoe | Energy Return (24.0%) | Weight Efficiency (17.0%) | Durability (6.0%) |
| Max Cushion | Cushioning (24.0%) | Stability & Comfort (14.0%) | Weight Efficiency (8.0%) |
| Trail | Traction (23.0%) | Stability (18.0%) | Energy Return (8.0%) |
| Budget | Durability & Cushion (15.0%) | Stability & Comfort (14.0%) | Energy Return (8.0%) |
Deterministic Mathematical Integer Engine
To eliminate floating-point drift across browser engines and build environments, all axis calculations are computed in fixed integer domains. The resulting Meta-Score is an honest, repeatable 0–100 integer calibrated strictly to the global running shoe market.