Overview
ISO 24265:2020 specifies a standardized method for testing the resistance to rubbing of shoe upper materials-both leather and synthetic-using a rubber strip. This international standard is essential for assessing the durability and quality of footwear uppers subjected to severe stresses, such as hiking boots or children's shoes, where repeated rubbing occurs between the shoe upper and the sole.
The method simulates practical wearing conditions by applying controlled rubbing cycles under defined pressure with a rubber element, closely replicating the friction experienced during real-world use. Applicable to all types of materials intended for shoe uppers, the standard helps manufacturers ensure their products meet durability and performance expectations.
Key Topics
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Test Methodology:
ISO 24265 outlines a procedure involving a carriage-mounted apparatus that moves a weighted "finger" equipped with a rubber strip back and forth on a stretched test piece. Tests are conducted under dry and wet conditions to evaluate rubbing resistance.
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Test Apparatus Requirements:
The apparatus includes a horizontal metal platform, material holder, movement device for the carriage, and a rubber strip mounted on a semi-cylindrical wooden or metallic base. The rubber strip must have specific dimensions, Shore A hardness, and friction coefficient.
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Test Piece Preparation:
Test pieces must be free from seams, decorations, or fasteners, typically measuring 120 mm by 70 mm. For wet tests, pieces undergo soaking with vacuum treatment to ensure uniform wetting.
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Procedure Details:
Dry tests involve 10, 20, and 30 rubbing cycles in designated areas, while wet tests apply 5, 10, and 20 cycles. The test piece is stretched by approximately 10% during testing to prevent creasing.
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Result Assessment:
Changes in color and surface quality of uppers are evaluated using a grey scale according to ISO 105-A02. Observations include loss of finish, flattening, polish development, or destruction of surface features. Wet samples must be dried before assessment.
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Test Reporting:
Test reports provide comprehensive information including a reference to ISO 24265:2020, sample descriptions, detailed results, any procedural deviations, and test dates, ensuring traceability and reproducibility.
Applications
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Footwear Quality Control:
Manufacturers use ISO 24265 to evaluate the abrasion resistance of uppers, ensuring footwear durability meets customer expectations and lasts through intense wear conditions.
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Product Development:
Material scientists and designers apply this standard to select or improve leather and synthetic materials for uppers by comparing their rubbing resistance in simulated real-use scenarios.
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Compliance and Certification:
Brands seeking certification or conformity with international footwear standards incorporate these test methods to demonstrate compliance to suppliers, retailers, and regulatory bodies.
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Performance Benchmarking:
Testing footwear uppers with ISO 24265 helps benchmark products against industry standards or competitor items, fostering innovation in material treatments and construction techniques.
Related Standards
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ISO 105-A02:
This standard provides the grey scale method for assessing color changes used to evaluate rubbing effects in ISO 24265 tests.
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ISO 18454:
Specifies standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing footwear components, ensuring consistent environmental conditions for testing in accordance with ISO 24265.
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ISO 11640:
Details color fastness tests for leather using to-and-fro rubbing cycles, with similar apparatus, referenced for test apparatus design and rubber strip preparation.
By following ISO 24265:2020, footwear manufacturers and testing laboratories can reliably determine the rubbing resistance of shoe uppers, contributing to improved product durability, customer satisfaction, and adherence to global quality benchmarks.