Overview
ISO/TS 20939:2024 - Footwear - Performance requirements for components for footwear - Outsoles is a technical specification published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This standard defines the performance requirements and corresponding test methods for outsole components used in all types of footwear. By establishing minimum criteria for characteristics such as durability, slip resistance, and flexibility, ISO/TS 20939:2024 assists footwear manufacturers and suppliers in ensuring consistency, quality, and suitability for various footwear applications.
Key Topics
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Scope of Application
- Applies to all kinds of footwear outsoles, including fashion shoes, casual shoes, sports shoes, work shoes (not classified as personal protective equipment), and specialized trekking or hiking footwear.
- Outsoles are classified based on exposure and shoe type for targeted performance requirements.
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Performance Requirements
- Essential criteria cover cut growth, flexing resistance, abrasion resistance, dimensional stability, tear strength, tensile strength, slip resistance, and elongation at break.
- Additional requirements may be specified by agreement between manufacturer and component supplier, ensuring flexibility in commercial arrangements.
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Test Methods
- References internationally recognized ISO test methods for evaluation, ensuring comparability and reliability of test results across the industry.
- Test methods cover flex resistance, delamination resistance, abrasion resistance, tear strength, and more.
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Marking and Labelling
- Sets guidelines for optional marking to denote compliance. Only outsoles that meet all essential requirements may be marked in accordance with this standard.
- Critical information such as manufacturer identity, outsole class, and reference to this standard should be present, supporting traceability and quality assurance.
Applications
ISO/TS 20939:2024 is a valuable reference for:
Related Standards
ISO/TS 20939:2024 references several related ISO standards, which further specify test methods and definitions for footwear components:
- ISO 17707 - Test methods for outsoles: Flex resistance
- ISO 17708 - Test methods for whole shoe: Upper sole adhesion
- ISO 20871 - Test methods for outsoles: Abrasion resistance
- ISO 20872 - Test methods for outsoles: Tear strength
- ISO 20873 - Test methods for outsoles: Dimensional stability
- ISO 20874 - Test methods for outsoles: Needle tear strength
- ISO 20875 - Test methods for outsoles: Split tear strength and delamination resistance
- ISO 22654 - Test methods for outsoles: Tensile strength and elongation
- ISO 24267 - Determination of coefficient of friction for footwear and sole components
- ISO 19952 - Footwear vocabulary
For companies in the footwear sector, adherence to ISO/TS 20939:2024 and its related standards ensures that products are manufactured in line with internationally recognized safety, durability, and performance benchmarks, supporting quality, innovation, and global marketability.
