Overview
CEN ISO/TS 20939:2026 establishes comprehensive performance requirements for outsole components used in all types of footwear. Developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and mirroring the ISO/TS 20939:2024 international specification, this standard helps manufacturers and suppliers assess outsole suitability for various end uses. It also specifies standardized test methods for evaluating compliance, thus supporting consistency, durability, and safety in the production of footwear outsoles.
Key Topics
- Scope and Classification: Applies to outsoles for all categories of footwear, from infant and indoor shoes to heavy-duty trekking and work shoes. The classification is based on exposure and end-use, ensuring requirements are fit for purpose across different footwear classes.
- Performance Requirements: Distinguishes between essential and additional requirements. Essential requirements must be universally fulfilled, while additional ones can be specified by agreement between suppliers and manufacturers.
- Test Methods: Mandates the use of ISO-specified test methods for evaluating properties such as flex resistance, abrasion, tear strength, dimensional stability, slip resistance, and more.
- Marking and Labelling: Provides optional guidelines for marking and labelling compliant outsoles, including details about manufacturer identity, intended class, and reference to the standard.
Applications
The implementation of CEN ISO/TS 20939:2026 is valuable across the footwear supply chain:
- Footwear Manufacturers: Ensures that outsole components consistently meet rigorous international performance standards, supporting product quality, reliability, and consumer confidence.
- Component Suppliers: Provides clear technical criteria for developing and testing outsole materials, facilitating alignment with client specifications and efficient supply management.
- Quality Assurance: Enables objective evaluation and verification of outsole performance characteristics, promoting standardization in production and testing processes.
- Product Development: Assists R&D teams in the selection and testing of outsole materials and designs for targeted footwear segments, from fashion to outdoor and safety footwear.
- Market Compliance: Supports access to global markets by aligning with widely recognized ISO and CEN standards, and by providing documentary evidence of compliance where statutory or contractual standards apply.
By defining test methods for key properties like flex resistance, abrasion resistance, tensile strength, elongation, delamination, and slip resistance, this standard enables the robust evaluation of outsoles according to their intended end-use.
Related Standards
CEN ISO/TS 20939:2026 references several related ISO testing and vocabulary documents essential for footwear outsoles, including:
Practical Value
Implementing this standard delivers significant practical benefits, such as:
- Improved product quality and durability
- Reduced technical disputes between suppliers and manufacturers
- Increased transparency in outsole specifications and procurement
- Enhanced safety and comfort for end users
- Streamlined global sourcing and compliance processes
By adopting CEN ISO/TS 20939:2026, organizations in the footwear industry can ensure their products meet recognized performance benchmarks, increasing both market trust and competitiveness.
