To evaluate bead durability accurately in a short test time.

A method for evaluating bead durability of a heavy load tire includes the steps of: allowing a test tire to travel on a drum; and evaluating as bead durability a traveling distance or a traveling time until a beat portion is damaged. At the step of traveling, internal pressure P is 160% to 260% of normal internal pressure P₀, a load F is 350% to 450% of a regular load F₀, a running velocity V is 15 km/h to 40 km/h, and a tire cross section height H of the test tire in a pressed state is 87.5% or more of a tire cross section height H₀ in a normal internal pressure and regular load state. At the step of evaluating, the bead durability is not evaluated when an expansion rate of a curve length of an exposed surface of chafer rubber between before and after the traveling exceeds 115%.