Overview
ISO 17699:2003 - Footwear: Test methods for uppers and lining - Water vapour permeability and absorption specifies two laboratory test methods to evaluate breathability-related properties of footwear uppers and linings. The standard applies to uppers or complete upper assemblies, irrespective of material, and is intended to assess suitability for end use by measuring:
- Water vapour permeability (amount of water vapour transmitted through the material), and
- Water vapour absorption (amount of water vapour absorbed in a specified time).
This ISO standard was adopted from CEN/EN 13515:2001 and provides detailed apparatus, sampling, conditioning and test procedures so results are reproducible and comparable.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Two defined test methods
- Permeability test: a desiccant-filled test pot sealed with a circular specimen; air of specified humidity is blown over the specimen while the pot is rotated and agitated. The mass gain of the desiccant measures transmitted water vapour.
- Absorption test: a circular specimen clamped over a chamber of water (with an impermeable membrane on the opposite side); the specimen’s mass change after a set time gives water vapour absorption.
- Apparatus & materials: specifications include test pots, clamping rings, silica gel desiccant, a turntable and paddle fan for the permeability test, and metal disks/impenetrable membranes and distilled/deionised water for the absorption test.
- Sampling & conditioning
- Permeability: typically three specimens (70 mm × 45 mm) from representative positions; avoid seams or perforations.
- Absorption: typically two circular specimens (≈45 mm diameter) or assemblies for composite materials.
- Store and condition specimens in standard atmospheres per EN 12222 for at least 24 hours; pre-conditioning includes mechanical cycling (20 000 cycles per EN 13512).
- Measurement & reporting: balances with 1 mg resolution are specified; the standard defines how to express results and what to include in the test report for traceability.
Applications and users
ISO 17699:2003 is used by:
- Footwear manufacturers and material suppliers for product development, quality control, and material selection (breathability assessment).
- Independent testing laboratories performing standardized laboratory testing for claims verification.
- R&D teams assessing comfort-related properties (moisture management, perspiration transport) of uppers, linings, laminates and membranes.
- Compliance testing where breathability metrics are specified in procurement or safety footwear requirements.
Keywords: ISO 17699:2003, footwear test methods, water vapour permeability, water vapour absorption, uppers, lining, breathability, shoe materials, laboratory testing.
Related standards
- EN 13515:2001 (origin of the methods)
- EN 12222 (standard atmospheres for conditioning/testing)
- EN ISO 3696 (water for laboratory use)
- EN 13512 (flex resistance / pre-conditioning cycles)
- ISO/TC 216 - Technical committee for footwear standards
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