Overview
ISO/TS 20955:2024 is an essential technical specification established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that defines the performance requirements for insole components used in all kinds of footwear. This standard aims to assess the suitability and fitness for purpose of insoles to ensure quality, durability, and functionality for various footwear applications. Additionally, it specifies the test methods necessary to evaluate insoles' compliance with these requirements.
Intended as a reliable reference for footwear manufacturers and suppliers, ISO/TS 20955:2024 helps standardize insole performance criteria, supporting consistency in product quality and consumer satisfaction across the footwear industry.
Key Topics
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Scope and Classification
The standard applies to insoles for all footwear types, classified into four exposure classes based on intended use:
- Class A: Infant shoes, slippers, indoor, fashion shoes
- Class B: Casual shoes including children’s, school shoes, adult work shoes (non-PPE)
- Class C: General sports shoes, heavy work shoes, trekking and hiking footwear
- Class D: Purpose-specific heavy-duty sports shoes
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Performance Requirements
ISO/TS 20955 outlines essential and additional requirements for insoles, including:
- Delamination resistance to ensure structural integrity of different insole layers under dry and wet conditions
- Resistance to stitch tear for sewn insoles to prevent mechanical failure
- Abrasion resistance mainly for rigid insole components like shank boards, tested to withstand wear cycles
- Heel pin holding strength crucial for stability and attachment of heel components, with thresholds tied to heel height
- Dimensional stability, limiting shrinkage and size increase to within 2% during use
- Water absorption and desorption as an additional criterion evaluating moisture management
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Test Methods
The specification references ISO-standardized test methods such as ISO 20866 (delamination), ISO 20867 (heel pin holding strength), ISO 20868 (abrasion), ISO 20876 (stitch tear), and ISO 22651 (dimensional stability), ensuring uniform evaluation practices.
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Marking and Labelling
Products meeting all essential requirements can be optionally marked with the manufacturer’s identification, intended footwear class, and reference to ISO/TS 20955:2024 - enabling traceability and consumer confidence while maintaining discretion in finished footwear.
Applications
ISO/TS 20955:2024 is vital for a broad range of stakeholders in the footwear industry, including:
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Footwear Manufacturers
Use this standard to verify insole components meet performance and durability criteria, improving product reliability and reducing returns or warranty claims.
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Component Suppliers
Adopting ISO/TS 20955 allows suppliers to align product specifications with industry best practices, facilitating smoother collaboration with footwear brands and enhancing market competitiveness.
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Quality Assurance and Testing Labs
Provides a validated framework for consistent testing and certification of insoles, ensuring compliance with international benchmarks and facilitating global trade.
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Design and Engineering Teams
Guides material selection and design decisions based on performance thresholds for different footwear categories, optimizing comfort, safety, and longevity.
This standard supports the development of footwear optimized for specific activities, environments, or user requirements by ensuring the insole performs as intended under expected conditions.
Related Standards
ISO/TS 20955:2024 complements several other ISO standards related to footwear components and testing, including:
- ISO 17709 - Sampling location and preparation of samples, ensuring uniformity in test specimen selection
- ISO 19952 - Footwear vocabulary, providing consistent terminology
- ISO 20866 to ISO 20868 - Various test methods for insoles covering delamination, heel pin strength, abrasion, and stitch tear
- ISO 22649 and ISO 22651 - Water absorption and dimensional stability testing for insoles and insocks
- ISO 80000-1 - Quantities and units, standardizing measurement and rounding procedures
Compliance with ISO/TS 20955:2024 alongside these standards helps manufacturers maintain comprehensive quality and performance adherence throughout the footwear production process.
By following ISO/TS 20955:2024, footwear industry professionals ensure insole components meet rigorous performance benchmarks, enhancing product quality and consumer satisfaction while supporting international market access through standardized testing and documentation.
