Reduced stopping is one of the misunderstood and misused claims in the brake pad business. Stopping distance claims are almost never followed up by “compared to what?” They could be comparing their brake pad to no brake pads at all. If so, Technically their claim is valid. If they can’t back-up the claim with real data, move on.

Some aftermarket pad sets are better than the OE pads. Formulators of some aftermarket friction materials will use better materials than the OEM due to less restrictive pricing on raw materials. But, chances are a $20 set of brake pads will not make you vehicle stop dramatically shorter than the OE brake pad. If you want to really put the brakes on it might require a complete brake upgrade package (rotor, calipers and pads) from Brembo, StopTech or Performance Friction.