Overview
CEN ISO/TS 20358:2026 specifies the performance requirements for footwear accessories-including laces, eyelets, metal components, touch and close fasteners, zippers, and trims. Developed jointly by CEN and ISO, this technical specification ensures that such components meet defined benchmarks for durability, safety, and suitability for use across a wide range of footwear. The document also details test methods for verifying compliance, offering a consistent and globally recognized approach for the footwear industry.
This standard is applicable to accessories for all types of footwear, as outlined in its classification table, and is suited for use by manufacturers and suppliers as a quality and performance reference.
Key Topics
- Accessory Types: The standard addresses laces and eyelets, metal parts, touch and close fasteners (such as hook-and-loop closures), zippers, and decorative or functional trims.
- Performance Requirements: Specific benchmarks are established for:
- Abrasion and fatigue resistance of laces and eyelets
- Corrosion resistance for metal components
- Shear and peel strength for touch and close fasteners
- Puller attachment, lateral load, and cycle fatigue for zippers
- Attachment strength for trims
- Test Methods: The specification references internationally recognized test methods (e.g., ISO 10734, ISO 22774, ISO 22775, ISO 24263, EN 16732) for objective and reproducible assessment of performance.
- Classification of Footwear: Four classes based on exposure and end-use:
- Slight (e.g., infant shoes, slippers, fashion shoes)
- Medium (casual and school shoes)
- High (sports shoes)
- Heavy (work, trekking, hiking footwear)
- Marking & Labelling: Guidance for marking accessories in compliance with the standard, including manufacturer details and footwear class, when applicable.
Applications
CEN ISO/TS 20358:2026 delivers significant practical value across the footwear supply chain:
- Manufacturers and Suppliers: Use the standard to select, test, and certify components to ensure their footwear products consistently meet quality, durability, and end-use suitability benchmarks, reducing returns and claims.
- Product Development: Engineers and designers reference the requirements during material selection and prototyping to guarantee compliance before mass production begins.
- Procurement and Sourcing: Procurement teams utilize the standard as a requirement in tender documents and supplier agreements to confirm accessory quality and performance.
- Quality Control: Testing laboratories and quality assurance teams rely on the specified test methods to validate incoming components and finished footwear for regulatory or brand compliance.
- Market Access and Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to the standard can support technical documentation for market entry and demonstrates conformity to recognized international best practices in the footwear industry.
Related Standards
Organizations referencing CEN ISO/TS 20358:2026 may also find these standards relevant for a comprehensive approach to footwear quality:
- ISO 10734: Test methods for slide fasteners-strength of pullers
- ISO 10764: Test methods for slide fasteners-lateral strength
- ISO 17709: Methods for sample preparation and conditioning
- ISO 22774: Abrasion resistance for shoe laces
- ISO 22775: Corrosion resistance for metallic accessories
- ISO 22776 & ISO 22777: Performance testing for touch and close fasteners
- ISO 24263: Attachment strength testing for straps, trims, and accessories
- EN 16732: Slide fastener (zip) specifications
By referencing and implementing CEN ISO/TS 20358:2026, footwear sector professionals can improve product reliability, promote user safety, and facilitate international trade through harmonized performance requirements for footwear accessories.
