In this work, fracture of elastomers is analyzed using global and local approaches, combining experiments, analytical developments, and finite element calculations. The J-integral is chosen as a global parameter characterizing crack initiation in such materials. Particular attention is paid to single specimen methods for measuring the fracture surface energy. More precisely, models developed in the literature are summarized and, because of the lack of accuracy of these models, an original pertinent expression of J is proposed by analogy with linear elastic fracture mechanics frameworks. However, the J-integral is not able to predict the kinetic or the propagation direction of a crack. Thus, some local parameters are examined: principal strains, principal stresses, and the strain energy density (SED) factor. Results revealed that all these parameters represent reasonable indicators of the crack propagation direction in elastomers. Moreover, unlike maximal principal stress and SED factor, maximal principal strain seems to govern the crack initiation in this kind of materials. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 49:1076-1088, 2009. (C) 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers