Overview
EN ISO 17703:2018 (identical to ISO 17703:2003) specifies a standardized laboratory test method for assessing the high temperature behaviour of footwear uppers and complete upper assemblies. The standard measures the effect of heat exposure on tensile properties-principally breaking force and elongation at break-to judge suitability for end use (particularly relevant to moulding-on rubber and vulcanised footwear).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Applies to uppers or complete upper assemblies irrespective of material; evaluates resistance to elevated temperatures by measuring changes in tensile strength.
- Test principle: Specimens are pressed between hot rigid platens for a defined time, then tested for tensile properties.
- Apparatus:
- Rapid-acting platen press able to apply 1 000 kPa ± 50 kPa over an area of 160 mm × 25 mm.
- Smooth metal upper and lower platens with controlled surface temperatures.
- Thermometer (surface-reading, ±1 °C).
- Typical platen temperatures and pressing times (from Table 1):
- Simulating unheated lasts: upper platen 105 ± 5 °C, lower platen 85 ± 5 °C, 12.0 ± 0.5 min.
- Simulating heated lasts: upper platen 180 ± 5 °C, lower platen 110 ± 5 °C, 8.0 ± 0.5 min.
- Sampling & conditioning: Test pieces prepared per prEN 13522; after heat treatment, store in a standard controlled atmosphere (EN 12222) for at least 72 h before tensile testing.
- Results & reporting:
- Report mean breaking force (N/mm) and mean elongation at break (%) before and after treatment.
- Calculate percentage change: ((after − before) / before) × 100.
- Test report must include platen temperatures, pressing time, material description, linings/reinforcements, method reference, date, and deviations.
Applications and users
EN ISO 17703 is used by:
- Footwear manufacturers for product development and validating upper materials for moulding and vulcanisation processes.
- Quality control and materials testing laboratories assessing thermal durability and dimensional integrity of uppers.
- Suppliers of leathers, textiles, coated fabrics and laminates to demonstrate performance under elevated temperatures.
- Compliance teams referencing standardized test data for technical specifications, supplier contracts, or regulatory dossiers.
Practical benefits include objective comparison of materials, identifying heat-sensitive components (adhesives, interlinings), and reducing production defects during hot-forming processes.
Related standards
- EN 12222 - standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing (required for specimen conditioning).
- prEN 13522 - tensile strength and elongation test method referenced for specimen preparation and tensile testing.
- EN 13400 - sampling location and conditioning guidance.
Keywords: EN ISO 17703, ISO 17703, footwear test method, high temperature behaviour, uppers, tensile strength, platen press, thermal ageing, moulding-on.
