Footwear Analyses

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is footwear analysis?

  Footwear analysis tests the physical, chemical, and performance properties of shoes in a lab. It evaluates durability, flexibility, slip resistance, and material quality, crucial for quality control and legal compliance.

• Why are footwear tests conducted?

  Tests ensure product safety, compliance with standards, and consumer health. They enhance product lifespan, brand trust, and support export documentation requirements.

• What laboratory tests are done on shoes?

  Tests include sole abrasion, slip resistance, flexibility, waterproofing, lace strength, chemical content, and harmful substance analysis, providing a complete performance evaluation.

• How is slip resistance tested?

  Slip resistance measures shoe traction on various surfaces under wet and dry conditions, especially important for safety footwear compliance.

• What is sole abrasion testing?

  Sole abrasion tests determine the resistance of shoe soles to friction, indicating expected lifespan and quality.

• How is waterproofing tested?

  Waterproofing tests expose shoes to water under controlled pressure and time, essential for outdoor and sports footwear performance.

• Which standards guide footwear analysis?

  ISO and EN standards are generally applied, with CE compliance for safety shoes. These ensure national and international market acceptance.

• Why are chemical tests important in shoes?

  Chemical tests detect harmful substances like heavy metals, phthalates, and azo dyes, protecting consumer health and regulatory compliance.

• What is footwear flexibility testing?

  Flexibility tests measure shoe resistance to bending during use, indicating durability against deformation over time.

• How long does footwear analysis take?

  Duration varies by test type. Physical tests may take a few days; chemical analyses take longer, influenced by sample quantity and lab capacity.

• What determines the cost of footwear analysis?

  Costs depend on test scope, sample quantity, and analysis type. Accredited lab tests may be more expensive but reduce returns and legal risks.

• Are footwear tests mandatory for export?

  Many countries require quality and safety test reports for imported shoes, making testing often mandatory.

• Which tests are done for safety shoes?

  Safety shoes undergo impact resistance, slip resistance, puncture resistance, and electrical insulation tests to ensure compliance.

• How does the quality control process work for shoes?

  The process includes raw material inspection, production monitoring, and final product testing, supported by laboratory analyses to ensure standards compliance.

• What is an accredited footwear laboratory?

  An accredited lab can test according to international standards, providing officially recognized reports, critical for export and global market access.