Overview
ISO 19954:2003 - "Footwear - Test methods for whole shoe - Washability in a domestic washing machine" specifies a standardized laboratory method to evaluate how complete footwear items behave when subjected to domestic washing. The standard defines the test principle (comparison of characteristics before and after washing), the complete washing cycle adapted to all footwear types, and how to record and report changes in adhesion, colour, dimensions and other damage.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test principle: Compare one shoe stored in standard atmosphere with a counterpart subjected to the complete washing cycle (3 wash + 3 dry cycles).
- Washing machine and cycle: Machine type A1 (per EN ISO 6330) with specified parameters:
- wash water volume 18 ± 1 L, temperature 30–35 °C, wash time 30 ± 2 min, drum rotation 5.4 rad/s ± 0.5, detergent 4 g/L (reference ECE).
- rinsing: 15 ± 1 L, rinsing time 4 ± 1 min; defined initial and final wringing/emptying speeds and durations.
- Textile component: Ten white 100% monofibre cotton rectangles (specified as (50 – 2) cm × (50 – 2) cm, 125 g/m² – 5 g/m²) included to simulate normal washing abrasion and load.
- Measurements and assessments:
- Upper-to-sole adhesion measured before/after per EN ISO 17708 (record N/mm).
- Colour change and staining assessed using ISO 105-A02 / ISO 105-A03 grey scales.
- Dimensional change: internal length (L) and width (B) measured before/after; changes R = L1 − L2 and R = B1 − B2 calculated.
- Toe spring measured with a toe spring gauge; note miscellaneous damage (tearing, loss of eyelets, leaching).
- Sample conditioning and sample size: Minimum two pairs; condition 24 h per EN 12222 prior to testing.
- Test report: Must reference ISO 19954, describe samples, list observed damage, toe-spring and adhesion values, dimensional changes, deviations and test date.
Applications and users
- Footwear manufacturers and designers assessing product washability and durability for machine-washable claims.
- Quality control and laboratory testing services validating production batches and handling consumer complaints.
- R&D teams comparing materials, adhesives and constructions for launderability and colour fastness.
- Certification bodies and retailers requiring reproducible, standardized evidence before market claims.
Related standards (normative references)
- EN ISO 6330 - Domestic washing procedures for textile testing
- EN ISO 17708 - Footwear whole shoe - Upper/sole adhesion
- EN 12222 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning/testing footwear
- ISO 105‑A02 / ISO 105‑A03 - Grey scales for colour change and staining
Keywords: ISO 19954, footwear test methods, washability test, domestic washing machine, colour fastness, upper-to-sole adhesion, toe spring, dimensional change.
Open preview (PDF)Footwear — Test methods for whole shoe — Washability in a domestic washing machine