Overview
EN ISO 22649:2016 (ISO 22649:2016) specifies standardized test methods to determine the water absorption and desorption behaviour of footwear insoles and insocks, regardless of material. Published by CEN/ISO in 2016 (second edition), it defines two complementary procedures: Method A (static) and Method B (dynamic). The standard supports reproducible laboratory testing for product development, quality control and comparative material assessment.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and definitions
- Defines water absorption (mass gain per unit area) and water desorption (percentage loss of absorbed water).
- Two test methods
- Method A - Static: immersion-based assessment for equilibrium absorption and subsequent desorption. Test pieces: square (50 ± 1) mm; conditioning per ISO 18454; balance accuracy 0.001 g. Example step: immersion in distilled water for 6 h (as specified).
- Method B - Dynamic: simulates repeated wetting/mechanical action with a moving roller. Test strips: (110 ± 1) mm × (40 ± 1) mm; brass roller diameter (120 ± 1) mm, width (50 ± 1) mm; roller movement amplitude (50 ± 2) mm at (20 ± 1) cycles/min; pressing force (80 ± 5) N. Edges are sealed (silicone grease) to prevent side ingress.
- Apparatus and materials
- Laboratory balance (0.001 g), square knife / press knife, filter paper, distilled water, vernier calipers (0.2 mm), clock, platform with water supply and draining, clamps and springs as specified.
- Sampling and conditioning
- Sampling locations and conditioning follow ISO 17709 and ISO 18454. Minimum two test pieces per method.
- Results and reporting
- Expressed as absorption per area and desorption percentage; standard details required test report elements for traceability.
Applications
- Material selection and R&D for insole/insock design (comfort, hygiene, drying behaviour).
- Quality control and batch verification in footwear manufacturing.
- Comparative testing of cushioning foams, textiles, leathers and composite insoles for moisture management.
- Regulatory or procurement specifications where moisture behaviour influences product performance.
Who should use this standard
- Footwear manufacturers and component suppliers
- Materials laboratories and testing service providers
- Product development teams (R&D, comfort engineering)
- Quality assurance and compliance engineers
Related standards
- ISO 17709 - sampling location and conditioning of footwear samples
- ISO 18454 - standard atmospheres for conditioning/testing footwear
- Note: EN ISO 22649:2016 supersedes EN 12746:2000
Keywords: EN ISO 22649:2016, ISO 22649, footwear testing, insoles, insocks, water absorption, water desorption, Method A static, Method B dynamic, test methods, conditioning, materials testing.
