Overview
ISO 22649:2016 - Footwear - Test methods for insoles and insocks - Water absorption and desorption defines standardized laboratory procedures to measure how much water insoles and insocks absorb and release. The standard specifies two complementary test methods: Method A (static) for immersion-based water absorption/desorption, and Method B (dynamic) for absorption/desorption under repeated flexing that simulates walking. These methods apply irrespective of insole or insock material and are used for product development, quality control and conformity assessment.
Key technical topics and requirements
- Two test methods
- Method A (Static): Cut square specimens (50 × 50 mm), condition per ISO 18454, immerse in distilled water for 6 h at (20 ± 2) °C, then weigh to determine water uptake and recondition for desorption measurement.
- Method B (Dynamic): Use a flexing device with a brass roller (≈120 mm diameter) and wet platform; test strips (110 × 40 mm) are cyclically flexed (≈20 cycles/min) under a specified force (80 ± 5 N) while water is supplied (≈7.5 ml/min). Measure mass gain after set intervals and recondition for desorption.
- Apparatus & precision
- Laboratory balances: Method A to 0.01 g; Method B to 0.001 g.
- Cutting tools, calipers, filter paper, distilled water, and specific fixtures (rollers, clamps, water supply) are specified.
- Sampling & conditioning
- Sampling locations and conditioning follow ISO 17709 and ISO 18454 (standard atmospheres and sample preparation). Minimum specimen counts and conditioning times are specified (e.g., 24–48 h).
- Results expression
- Water absorption: reported in g/m² (mass gain per unit area).
- Water desorption: reported as percent of absorbed mass.
- Test reports must reference ISO 22649, identify samples, describe procedure, and note any deviations.
Practical applications and users
- Footwear manufacturers - evaluate insole/insock materials for moisture management, comfort and durability.
- Test laboratories & QA teams - perform routine acceptance testing and comparative material assessments.
- R&D and materials engineers - compare hydrophilic/hydrophobic behaviors, optimize constructions, and validate prototypes.
- Procurement & compliance officers - specify objective performance criteria for suppliers and regulatory dossiers.
Related standards
- ISO 18454 - standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing footwear
- ISO 17709 - sampling location, preparation and conditioning of samples
- EN ISO 20344 - test methods for footwear (relevant test context)
Keywords: ISO 22649, footwear testing, insoles, insocks, water absorption, water desorption, Method A static, Method B dynamic, test methods, moisture testing.
