Overview
ISO 16187:2025 - Footwear and footwear components - Test method to assess antibacterial activity specifies quantitative laboratory methods to evaluate the antibacterial performance of footwear and footwear components that use non-diffusing antibacterial treatments. The standard describes how to inoculate test and control specimens with selected bacterial strains (one Gram‑positive and one Gram‑negative), recover viable cells, and calculate an antibacterial activity ratio to express efficacy. It replaces the 2013 edition and includes technical updates (for example, the addition of a defined neutralizer and updated culture media options).
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and applicability: Applicable to all types of footwear and footwear components using non-diffusing antibacterial treatments.
- Test principle: Quantitative challenge tests under static or dynamic conditions; results based on viable cell counts and antibacterial activity ratios.
- Three test methods (normative annexes):
- Annex A - Static challenge test
- Annex B - Film contact method
- Annex C - Dynamic challenge test
- Microorganisms and inoculum: Use of specified Gram‑positive and Gram‑negative test strains; storage and preparation guidance provided.
- Culture media and reagents: Details and preparation for Nutrient Broth/Agar (NB/NA), Tryptic Soy Broth/Agar (TSB/TSA) as alternatives, SCDLP neutralizing medium, and physiological saline.
- Apparatus and environmental controls: Recommendations include biological safety cabinet, incubator (37 ± 2 °C), autoclave, humidity chamber (37 ± 2 °C, 85 ± 5 % RH), UV lamp (light intensity specified), film cover (0.05–0.10 mm), shakers and vortex mixers.
- Safety and containment: Tests involve handling live bacteria and must be carried out in appropriate containment facilities by trained personnel.
- Result expression: Procedures for calculating viable counts, judging effectiveness, and deriving antibacterial activity ratios are specified.
Applications and users
ISO 16187:2025 is intended for:
- Footwear manufacturers and component suppliers validating antibacterial finishes and treatments
- Independent testing laboratories conducting performance and quality control testing
- R&D teams developing antimicrobial materials for insoles, linings, and components
- Regulatory and certification bodies assessing product claims of antibacterial efficacy
Practical benefits include standardized, reproducible evaluation methods for marketing claims, product development decisions, and quality assurance of antibacterial footwear solutions.
Related standards
- ISO 7218 - Microbiology of the food chain: general laboratory requirements (normative reference in ISO 16187)
- ISO 19952 - Footwear vocabulary (terms and definitions)
- Additional guidance referenced: ISO 11133 (microbial culture preparation) and ISO 3696 (water quality for laboratory use)
Keywords: ISO 16187:2025, footwear antibacterial test, antibacterial activity ratio, non-diffusing antibacterial treatments, static challenge test, dynamic challenge test, film contact method, microbiological testing.
