ISO 17699-2003 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 17699:2003 — Footwear — Test methods for uppers and lining — Water vapour permeability and absorption. This International Standard specifies laboratory test procedures to measure the breathability-related properties of footwear uppers and linings: water vapour permeability and water vapour absorption of uppers or complete upper assemblies, irrespective of the material.

Abstract

ISO 17699:2003 defines two complementary test methods for assessing (1) water vapour permeability and (2) water vapour absorption of footwear uppers and linings. The methods provide repeatable procedures for preparing specimens, conditioning, test apparatus and execution, and reporting results so manufacturers, test laboratories and specifiers can evaluate the suitability of upper materials and assemblies for end use with respect to moisture transport and comfort.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard — confirmed in periodic review).
• Publication date: October 2003 (Edition 1 — 29 October 2003).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 61.060 (Footwear).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2003).
• Number of pages: 9 pages.

Scope

This standard covers two laboratory test methods for footwear uppers and lining materials or complete upper assemblies: a method to determine water vapour permeability (a measure of how readily water vapour passes through the material) and a method to determine water vapour absorption (the capacity of the material to absorb water vapour). ISO 17699:2003 applies irrespective of material type (leather, textile, synthetic membranes, composites) and is intended to help assess material suitability for intended end use and wearer comfort under defined conditions. It specifies specimen preparation, conditioning, apparatus, test conditions and reporting requirements.

Key topics and requirements

• Defined laboratory procedures for measuring water vapour permeability of uppers and linings.
• Method for determining water vapour absorption by uppers or lining assemblies.
• Specimen preparation and conditioning conditions to ensure repeatability.
• Requirements for test apparatus, measurement accuracy and calibration.
• Reporting formats, units and presentation of results to allow comparison across materials.
• Recommendations for interpreting results with respect to footwear comfort and intended end use.

Typical use and users

ISO 17699:2003 is used by footwear manufacturers, upper-material suppliers, independent testing laboratories, quality assurance teams and product designers to: characterize breathability and moisture-handling performance of uppers and linings; support material selection and R&D; verify supplier claims; and include objective data in product specifications or conformity assessments where comfort and moisture transport are relevant.

Related standards

Commonly referenced standards in footwear testing and specification work include ISO 20344 (Personal protective equipment — Test methods for footwear), ISO 20345 (Safety footwear), ISO 20346 (Protective footwear) and ISO 20347 (Occupational footwear). ISO 17699 is part of the broader set of ISO/TC 216 footwear test and performance documents.

Keywords

footwear, uppers, lining, water vapour permeability, vapour absorption, breathability, test method, ISO 17699, material testing, comfort

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 17699:2003 is an International Standard that specifies two laboratory test methods to measure water vapour permeability and water vapour absorption of footwear uppers and linings.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation, conditioning, apparatus and step-by-step procedures for the two tests, plus reporting requirements so results are repeatable and comparable for assessing material suitability and wearer comfort.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Footwear manufacturers, material suppliers, independent test laboratories, product designers and quality managers use the standard for material selection, R&D, quality control and specification of footwear comfort-related performance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 17699 was published in October 2003 (Edition 1). It is maintained as a published ISO standard and is subject to ISO's periodic review cycle; users should check with their national standards body or ISO for the most recent confirmation or revision status before relying on the text for regulatory or contractual work.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: ISO 17699 sits within the footwear testing/documentation framework maintained by ISO technical committees (notably ISO/TC 216) and is commonly used alongside other footwear standards such as ISO 20344 (test methods for footwear) and ISO 20345/20346/20347 (performance requirements for different types of protective and occupational footwear).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Footwear, uppers, lining, breathability, water vapour permeability, vapour absorption, test method, comfort.