Overview
ISO 24267:2020 - Footwear - Determination of coefficient of friction for footwear and sole components - Test method provides a standardized laboratory procedure to measure the dynamic coefficient of friction (CoF) between footwear (and sole components) and flooring under conditions that simulate the phases of a walking step when slips are most likely. The method applies to most everyday footwear, outsole units, heel top pieces and sheet soling materials, excluding PPE footwear and special-purpose footwear with spikes or metal studs.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test principle: apply a specified vertical force for a short static contact, then move footwear and floor horizontally at constant speed; measure horizontal frictional force and calculate dynamic CoF.
- Scope of materials: full shoes, unit soles, removable top pieces and sheet soling materials; excludes PPE and spiked footwear.
- Apparatus & reference methods: uses equipment and materials referenced in ISO 13287:2019 (mechanical foot/last, contamination solutions, etc.).
- Sampling & conditioning:
- Typically two samples (right and left) or two test pieces for top/sheet materials.
- Condition at 23 °C ±2 °C and 50 % ±5 % RH for at least 24 hours.
- Test modes:
- Flat, heel and forepart modes depending on shoe design.
- Special procedures for high heels: flattening or machining of heel areas when necessary (different handling for heel seat heights below and above 80 mm).
- Preparation aids: use of 2 mm cellulosic insole sheet for unit sole testing, mechanical attachment methods (adhesives, tapes, fixtures), and sample machining tools.
- Contaminants: tests under dry conditions and common contaminants such as water, glycerol solution and detergent solution (as per ISO 13287).
- Reporting: test results and any sample modifications (e.g., ageing, machining, last size used) must be recorded in the test report.
Applications and who uses it
- Footwear manufacturers and R&D: evaluate outsole materials, tread designs and sole compounds for slip performance during design and quality control.
- Independent testing laboratories and certification bodies: provide standardized CoF measurements for product claims, compliance and safety labeling.
- Procurement, safety managers and occupational health teams: assess slip risk of shoes used in workplaces, retail and public environments (note: excludes PPE-certified footwear).
- Component suppliers and material formulators: test top lifts, sheet soling and outsole units to demonstrate performance to footwear brands.
Related standards
- ISO 13287:2019 - referenced for apparatus, slip-resistance testing details and contaminant definitions (used in conjunction with ISO 24267:2020).
- Developed in collaboration with CEN/TC 309 (Footwear) under the ISO–CEN Vienna Agreement.
Keywords: ISO 24267:2020, coefficient of friction, footwear testing, slip resistance, outsole testing, heel top pieces, test method.
Open preview (PDF)Footwear — Determination of coefficient of friction for footwear and sole components — Test method
