Where do you get the in-depth info on shoes?

Sometimes found on the company website of desired shoe with a little work. For example, if you go to the Inov8 website homepage and click on the drop down titled Technical you can see all the information about the different models concerning: last, midsole, rubber compounds, uppers, materials, lacing, etc. Here is the Inov8 Traction page showing all the different outsole options.

Some other shoe companies offer the same information, but not as extensively as Inov8. Many shoe companies seem to just provide their proprietary name for “XYZ” compound, material, shank, etc. they use in their shoe with little explanation or detail.

Hi Piper

We hear you …

But you will find that the 'technical' data on the web sites is very often 90% marketing spin. The names they dream up for the materials …

Cheers

Have you checked out http://www.zappos.com? They have some of the best info I've seen.

Absolute marketing spin in many cases, followed by a cleverly designed logo, and technical illustrations conjured up by web designers depicting nothing of any importance or clarification really.

Check the blogosphere/personal websites as well if you care, many insiders, reviewers, and gear testers are privy to information that regular consumers don't readily have access to. I occasionally find testing results, reviews, specs, and feedback on current and upcoming designs from shoe companies through the network of ultrarunners and trailrunners in the States.

I can recommend RunningWarehouse.com

They 'profile' most of the shoes they offer, including volume and a shoe-to-shoe comparison for fit.

And free 2nd day shipping, and free return. They are not the cheapest, but they offer a lot for the small premium they charge.

howdy, just wondering why you're looking for shoe info? they don't fit right, hurt your feet?
Personally I'd agree that all the info is pretty much marketing and useless, best bet is to try them on.
hiking shoes/boots are too narrow and rigid for me to be comfortable in, so I don't wear them, but a website, or even my podiatrist couldn't tell me, I had to experiment and find out for myself.

Good luck with your search.