Overview
ISO 17709:2004 - Footwear - Sampling location, preparation and duration of conditioning of samples and test pieces - defines how to take, prepare and condition test specimens from footwear and footwear components to carry out laboratory test methods. The standard establishes a common reference system (X and Y axes) and specifies sampling locations, specimen shapes, dimensions and conditioning times for uppers, outsoles, insoles, insocks, linings and rigid components (shanks, toe puffs, stiffeners). ISO 17709:2004 provides the general conditions to ensure reproducible, comparable results across footwear testing and quality control.
Key topics and requirements
- Reference system (X/Y axes): A locating axis X (toe-to-heel) and Y (parallel to sole edge) are defined so sampling positions are consistent across products and laboratories. The intersection of X and Y is the zero point for location.
- Sampling locations: Detailed rules for where to take specimens from uppers, outsoles, insoles, insocks and linings; shanks and stiffeners are tested as whole components.
- Specimen preparation: Shapes and dimensions for test pieces (circular, rectangular, T-shape, dumb-bell, etc.) are specified and vary by test method and material.
- Conditioning duration: Conditioning times (typically specified in hours) are given so samples reach standard atmospheres before testing - these are general unless a test method states otherwise.
- Tables of requirements: The standard includes tables listing property-specific specimen size, number of specimens, sampling position and conditioning time for common tests (e.g., flex resistance, abrasion, tear strength, water resistance, thermal insulation).
- Normative references: ISO 17709 integrates with footwear test standards (examples include EN 12222 for standard atmospheres, EN 13511 lastability, EN 13512 flex resistance, EN 12770 outsole abrasion, EN 1392 adhesive bond tests).
Applications and who uses it
ISO 17709 is used by:
- Footwear manufacturers for product development, in-house testing and supplier control.
- Independent testing laboratories to prepare specimens consistently for accredited testing.
- Quality assurance teams to implement standardized sampling procedures for compliance and performance verification.
- Regulatory bodies and certification schemes that require reproducible test results for safety and performance claims.
Practical applications include routine quality control, failure analysis, material benchmarking, pre-compliance testing and R&D.
Related standards
- EN 12222 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing of footwear
- EN 13511 - Uppers - Lastability
- EN 13512 - Uppers and lining - Flex resistance
- EN 12770 - Outsoles - Abrasion resistance
- ISO 2418 / EN 344 (bibliography) - laboratory sample location and footwear requirements
Keywords: ISO 17709:2004, footwear sampling, conditioning of samples, sampling location, test specimens, footwear testing, quality control, test specimen preparation.
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