New York Post Announces Winners of Inaugural 'Made It Here' Awards

The New York Post has unveiled the winners of its first-ever Made It Here Awards, an initiative designed to identify products that can endure the demanding conditions of New York City. Over a four-month testing period, Post reporters evaluated a range of items, subjecting them to rigorous trials that mimicked the challenges of urban living.

The testing methodology included putting shoes to the test with a 5.5-mile walk, assessing headphones in noisy city locations with decibel meters, and having an expert barista evaluate coffee makers. Luggage was tested by being thrown down stairs multiple times, while other products underwent real-world use by New Yorkers.

Award Categories and Highlights

• Best Commuter Shoes: Fifteen pairs of shoes were tested on a 5.5-mile walk from Columbus Circle to Battery Park on a hot summer day to determine their durability and comfort for daily commutes.

• Best Headphones: Winners were selected based on their ability to block out subway noise, provide clear phone calls in busy areas like Times Square, and allow users to remain aware of their surroundings.

  

• Best Luggage: Suitcases were evaluated across three categories—First Class, Direct-to-Consumer Aesthetics, and Overpackers Anonymous—with durability tested by dropping them down stairs five times.

• Best Coffee Makers: Premium coffee machines, with prices ranging from $369 to $4,499, were put to the test to determine which could produce coffee good enough to rival that of local shops.

  

• Best Hair Dryers: Five hair dryers and air stylers were tested by individuals with diverse hair types and styling needs, focusing on ease of use, drying and styling effectiveness, finish quality, and value for price.

  

• Best Vacuums: Contenders were divided into cordless stick vacuums, wet/dry floor cleaners, and robot vacuum-and-mop combos, with evaluations focused on cleaning performance and suitability for city living.

• Best Power Banks: Eight power banks were tested to see which could reliably keep a New Yorker's phone charged throughout the day, recognizing the critical role smartphones play in the city for everything from MetroCards to navigation.

  

• Best Sheets: Sheet sets were evaluated on their ability to provide comfort and durability, avoiding issues like heat trapping or pilling after washing, to determine which best suit the demands of New York City living.

  

• Best Air Conditioners: Top-tier air conditioning units were distributed to nine New Yorkers across Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan to test their effectiveness and suitability in diverse, real-life urban environments.

  

The New York Post stated that its product recommendations are based on thorough reporting, testing, and expert consultation, with a commitment to transparency regarding partnerships and affiliate links.