DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD  
  DUS 1688 
First  Edition 
2017 -mm-dd 
 
 
 Reference number 
DUS 1688: 2017  
© UNBS 2017  
  
Footwear — Sports shoes: Specification  
 DUS 1688 : 2017  
ii © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved 
 Compliance with this standard does not; of itself c onfer immunity from legal obligations 
A Uganda Standard does not purport to include all ne cessary provisions of a contract. Users are 
responsible for its correct application  
© UNBS 2017 
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilised in any 
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permission from UNBS. 
Requests for permission to reproduce this document should be addressed to 
The Executive Director 
Uganda National Bureau of Standards 
P.O. Box 6329 
Kampala 
Uganda 
Tel: +256 417 333 2 50/1/2 
Fax: +256 414 286 123 
E-mail: info@unbs.go.ug  
Web: www.unbs.go.ug  DUS 1688: 2017 
© UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  iii 
 Contents Page 
Foreword ............................................................................................................................................................  vi 
1 Scope ......................................................................................................................................................  7 
2 Normative references ............................................................................................................................  7 
3 Terms and definitions ...........................................................................................................................  8 
4 Requirements .........................................................................................................................................  8 
4.1 Sampling and conditioning ..................................................................................................................  8 
4.2 Design .....................................................................................................................................................  8 
4.3 Whole footwe ar ......................................................................................................................................  8 
4.3.1  Construction ..........................................................................................................................................  8 
4.3.2   Marking ..................................................................................................................................................  8 
4.3.3  Individual packing ................................................................................................................................ . 9 
4.3.4  Upper to midsole bond performance ...................................................................................................  9 
4.3.5  Sole to Mid Sole Bond Performance ..................................................................................................  10 
4.4 Upper ....................................................................................................................................................  10 
4.5 Midsole .................................................................................................................................................  12 
4.6 Outsole .................................................................................................................................................  12 
4.7 Insole ....................................................................................................................................................  12 
4.8 Sock liner .............................................................................................................................................  12 
4.9 Laces .....................................................................................................................................................  15 
4.10  Counters ...............................................................................................................................................  15 
4.11  Metallic Trims and Components ........................................................................................................  15 
Annex A (normative)  Compression set (static) ............................................................................................  18 
A.1  DESCRIPTION .....................................................................................................................................  18 
A.2  MATERIALS .........................................................................................................................................  18 
A.3  EQUIPMENT ........................................................................................................................................  18 
A.4  SAMPLE PREPARATION ...................................................................................................................  18 
A.6  TEST PROCEDURE ............................................................................................................................  18 
A.7  CALCULATION ....................................................................................................................................  19 
A.8  REPORT ...............................................................................................................................................  19 
Annex B (normative)  Hydrolysis ....................................................................................................................  20 
B.1  PREPARATION AND CONDITIONING OF TEST PIECES FOR HYDROLYSIS ...............................  20 
B.1.1   PREPARATION OF TEST PIECES ..................................................................................................  20 
B.1.2   Procedure for Conditioning of Test Specimens ..............................................................................  20 
Annex C (normative)  Heat resistance, Shrinkage linear .............................................................................  21 
C.1  DESCRIPTION .....................................................................................................................................  21 
C.2  EQUIPMENT ........................................................................................................................................  21 
C.3  SAMPLE PREPARATION ...................................................................................................................  21 
C.4  TEST PROCEDURE ............................................................................................................................  21 
C.4.1   For Foam Based Material Only ..........................................................................................................  21 
C.4.2   For All Midsoles or Insoles ................................................................................................................  21 
C.4.3   For Sockliners .....................................................................................................................................  22 
C.5  CALCULATION ....................................................................................................................................  22 
C.6  REPORT ...............................................................................................................................................  22 
Annex D (normative)  Trouser tear strength ..................................................................................................  23 
D.1  APPARATUS .......................................................................................................................................  23 
D.1.1   Dies ......................................................................................................................................................  23 
D.1.2   Testing Machine ................................................................................................................................ . 23 
D.1.3   Thickness Gauge ................................................................................................................................  23 DUS 1688 : 2017  
iv © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved 
 D.1.4   Grips ....................................................................................................................................................  23 
D.2  TEST PIECE ........................................................................................................................................  23 
D.3  PROCEDURE ......................................................................................................................................  23 
D.4  EXPRESSION OF RESULTS ..............................................................................................................  23 
Annex E (normative)  Gripping strength of tags ..........................................................................................  25 
E.1  APPARATUS .......................................................................................................................................  25 
E.1.2   Slotted Plate .......................................................................................................................................  25 
E.2  PROCEDURE ......................................................................................................................................  25 
Annex F (normative)  Colour migration/Colour fastness .............................................................................  26 
F.1  TEST PIECE ........................................................................................................................................  26 
F.2  PROCEDURE ......................................................................................................................................  26 
Annex G (normative)  Corrosion ....................................................................................................................  27 
G.1  CHEMICAL ..........................................................................................................................................  27 
G.2  TEST PIECE ........................................................................................................................................  27 
G.3  APPARATUS .......................................................................................................................................  27 
G.4  PREPARATION OF SAMPLES ..........................................................................................................  27 
G.5  PROCEDURE ......................................................................................................................................  27 
G.6  EVALUATION ......................................................................................................................................  27 
Annex H (normative)  Crush load ...................................................................................................................  28 
H.1  DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................................................................  28 
H.2  EQUIPMENT ........................................................................................................................................  28 
H.2.1   Tensile Testing Machine ...................................................................................................................  28 
H.3  SAMPLE PREPARATION ...................................................................................................................  28 
H.4  TEST PROCEDURE ............................................................................................................................  28 
H.5  REPO RT ..............................................................................................................................................  29 
Annex J (normative)  Collapsing load and shape retention ........................................................................  30 
J.1  DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................................................................  30 
J.2  EQUIPMENT AND APPARATUS .......................................................................................................  30 
J.3  SAMPLE PREPARATION ...................................................................................................................  32 
J.4  TEST PROCEDURE ............................................................................................................................  34 
J.4.1   Dry Tests .............................................................................................................................................  34 
J.4.2   Wet Tests ............................................................................................................................................  35 
J.5  CALCULATIONS ................................................................................................................................ . 35 
J.6  REPORT ..............................................................................................................................................  35 
Annex K (normative)  Lace-Lace abrasion resistance .................................................................................  36 
K.1  APPARATUS .......................................................................................................................................  36 
K.2  METHOD .............................................................................................................................................  36 
K.3  REPORT ..............................................................................................................................................  36 
Annex L (normative)  Flexing index ...............................................................................................................  37 
L.1  PRINCIPLE ..........................................................................................................................................  37 
L.2  APPARATUS AND MATERIALS ........................................................................................................  37 
L.3 PREPARATION OF TEST SPECIMENS ....................................................................................................  37 
L.4 PROCEDURE ..............................................................................................................................................  37 
L.5 TEST REPORT ............................................................................................................................................  38 
Annex M (normative)  Tensile properties of Insole materials .....................................................................  39 
M.1  PRINCIPLE ..........................................................................................................................................  39 
M.1.1   Method 1 — Tensile Strength (Semi-rigid Materials) .....................................................................  39 
M.1.2   Method 2 — Breaking Strength, Extension at Break, and Modulus (Flexible Materials) ............  39 
M.2  APPARATUS .......................................................................................................................................  39 
M.3  PREPARATION OF TEST SPECIMEN ...............................................................................................  39 
M.4  PROCEDURE ......................................................................................................................................  40 
M.4.1   Method 1 — Tensile Strength (Semi-rigid Materials) .....................................................................  40 
M.4.2   Method 2 — Breaking Strength, Extension at Break, and Modulus (Flexibles) ..........................  41 
M.5  TEST REPORT ....................................................................................................................................  42 
M.6  ADDITIONAL NOTES .........................................................................................................................  43 
M.6.1   Calculating Percentage Extension at Break ...................................................................................  43 DUS 1688: 2017 
© UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  v 
 M.6.2   Selecting Jaw Type and Clamping Forces .......................................................................................  43 
M.6.3   Dumb-Bell Shaped Test Specimens ................................................................................................ . 43 
Bibliography ......................................................................................................................................................  44 
 DUS 1688 : 2017  
vi © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved 
 Foreword 
Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a parastatal under the Ministry  of Trade, Industry and 
Cooperatives established under Cap 327, of the Laws of Uganda, as amended.  UNBS is mandated to co-
ordinate the elaboration of standards and is  
(a) a member of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and  
(b) a contact point for the WHO/FAO Codex Alimentarius Commission on Food Standards, and  
(c) the National Enquiry Point on TBT Agreement of the World Trade Organisation (W TO). 
The work of preparing Uganda Standards is carried out through Technical Committees. A T echnical 
Committee is established to deliberate on standards in a given field or area and consi sts of key stakeholders 
including government, academia, consumer groups, private sector and other interested parties.  
Draft Uganda Standards adopted by the Technical Committee are widely circulated to stakeholders and the 
general public for comments. The committee reviews the comments before recom mending the draft standards 
for approval and declaration as Uganda Standards by the National Standards Council. 
The committee responsible for this document is Technical Committee UNBS/TC 7 , [Textile, Leather, Paper 
and related products] , Subcommittee SC 2 , [Leather and related products] . 
 DUS  1688: 2 017 
vii  
 Footwear — Sports shoes: Specification  
1 Scope 
This draft Uganda standard prescribes the performance , requirements, sampling and test methods of sports 
footwear. 
2 Normative references 
The following referenced documents referred to in the text in such a way that s ome or all of their content 
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition c ited applies. For undated 
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies. 
DUS 1787, Standard test method for tear strength of conventional vulcanized rubber and thermoplastic 
elastomers 
DUS 1788, Standard test method for measuring rubber detoriation-Cut growth using Ross flexing apparatus 
ISO 3379, Leather — Determination of distention and strength of surface (Ball burst method) 
US 696 , Abrasion resistance of footwear materials (Martindale) 
US 721 , Footwear materials — Determination of absorption and desorption of water 
US ISO 105-B02, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part B02: Colour fastness to artificial light: Xenon 
arc fading lamp test 
US ISO 105-X12, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part X12: Colour fastness to rubbing 
US ISO 3376, Leather — Physical and mechanical tests — Determination of tensile strength and percentage 
elongation 
US ISO 9407, Shoes sizes-Mondopoint system of sizing and marking 
US ISO 17696, Footwear — Test methods for uppers, linings and insocks — Tear strength 
US ISO 17707, Footwear — Test methods for outsoles — Flex resistance 
US ISO 17708, Footwear — Test methods for whole shoe — Upper sole adhesion 
US ISO 18454, Footwear — Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing of footwear and components 
for footwear 
US ISO 19952, Footwear — Vocabulary 
US ISO 20875, Footwear — Test me thods  for outsoles — Determination of split tear strength and 
delamination resistance  
viii © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved 
 3 Terms and definitions 
No terms and definitions are listed in this document 
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addres ses:  
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp  
4 Requirements 
4.1 Sampling and conditioning 
Wherever, possible test pieces shall be taken from the whole footwear unless otherwis e stated. If it is not 
possible to obtain test pieces from footwear large enough to comply with test requirements, then samples may be 
taken from the material from which the component has been manufactured. How ever, this should be noted in the 
test report. All test pieces shall be conditioned at as per US ISO 18454 
4.2 Design 
4.2.1  Footwear incorporating features to suit and enhance the performance of sports person of various 
streams for which the footwear is designed and are categorized as low performance (casuals),medium 
performance and high performance 
4.2.2  Mass of the footwear up to ankle back height shall not exceed 800g per pair and for ankle height shall 
not exceed 900g per pair maximum (for size 8 as per US ISO 9407) 
4.2.3 Sports footwear shall be such that it would bend easily from heel to toe and shall retain its original 
shape immediately after release of force 
4.2.4  It will be reinforced suitably at counter with reinforcement such that it will neither collapse nor lose 
shape retention property and shall be flexible 
4.3 Whole footwear 
4.3.1  Construction 
Unless the footwear has a rigid sole, an insole shall be present in such a way that it cannot be removed without 
damaging the footwear. 
4.3.2   Marking  
4.3.2.1 Footwear  
a) At the waist of the sole, the size and fitting number of footwear shall be legibly and indelibly marked. 
b)  On the sock the following shall be legibly and indelibly marked: 
i) manufacturer ’s name and/or registered trade mark 
ii) size and fitting number of footwear 
iii) country of manufacture/origin; and 
iv) type of material (Upper and bottom). 
  
© UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  ix 
 c) On the quarters or the tongue, the following shall be legibly and indelibly marked: 
i) manufacturer ’s name and/or registered trade mark 
ii) batch number 
iii) size and fitting number of footwear; and 
iv) type of material (Upper and bottom). 
d) On either side of the waist of the sole, the sock or the quarter, the manufacturer ’s name or registered 
trade mark and type of material (upper and bottom) shall be legibly and indelibly marked . 
Note:  The type of material can be marked on one or on all of the four areas indicated above. 
4.3.2.2 Carton 
Each box shall bear the following information legibly and indelibly marked: 
i) size of footwear; and 
ii) manufacturer ’s name or registered trade mark. 
4.3.2.3 B ale 
Each bale shall bear the following information legibly and indelibly marked 
i) name of product 
ii) quantity 
iii) name of manufacturer or local supplier ’s name and/or registered trade mark ; and  
iv) country of manufacture/origin. 
4.3.3  Individual packing 
Each pair of footwear shall be wrapped in a suitable polythene bag or any other suitable material and packed 
in a suitable box that will protect it from damage during normal transportation and storage 
4.3.4 Upper to midsole bond performance 
When footwear, other than with a rigid sole is tested in accordance with the method as prescribed in US ISO 
1770 8, the bond strength between upper to midsole shall be as in Table 1 
Table 1 Adhesion test on full shoe (upper-mid sole) 
Material Requirement Method of test 
 Casuals Medium 
performance High performance  
Leather upper, sole adhesion 
along the edge over 16 
points, kg/cm, Min 3.2 3.5 3.5 US ISO 17708 
Fabric upper, sole adhesion 
along the edge over 16 3.2 3.5 3.5 US ISO 17708  
x © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved 
 points, kg/cm, Min 
Synthetic upper, sole 
adhesion along the edge over 
16 points, kg/cm, Min 3.0 3.2 3.2 US ISO 17708 
4.3.5 Sole to Mid Sole Bond Performance 
When footwear, other than with a rigid sole is tested in accordance with the method as prescribed in US ISO 
17708, the bond strength between sole to mid sole shall be as given in Table 2. 
Table 2 Adhesion Test on Full Shoe (Sole- Midsole) 
Characteristic Requirement Method of test 
 Casuals Medium 
performance High performance  
Sole adhesion along the edge 
over 16 points in, kg/cm, Min 2.8 3.0 3.0 US ISO 17708 
 
4.4 Upper 
The upper material used in the sports footwear shall conform to various requi rements given in Tables 3, 4 and 
5 depending on the type of material. Thickness of the upper shall be as a greed to between the purchaser and 
the supplier 
Table 3 Upper Material — Leather 
Characteristic Conditions, 
if Any Requirement Method of test 
  Casuals Medium 
performance High 
performance  
Flexing endurance, no 
damage to film or 
leather till prescribed 
cycles, Min Dry 
Wet 
Hydrolysis 1) 50,000 
20,000 
60,000 50,000 
20,000 
60,000 75,000 
30,000 
75,000 US ISO 17707 
Adhesive strength, 
adhesion to 
sole/midsole, kg/cm, 
Min - 3.2 3.5 3.5 US ISO 17708 
Tensile strength, kg 
f/cm2,Min Split Leather 
Full grain 140 
200 150 
210 160 
250 US ISO 3376 
Elongation at break, 
percent, Min - 40 40 40 US ISO 3376 
Lastometer test, mm, 
Min2) Crack 3) 
Burst 7 
10 7 
10 7 
10 ISO 3379 
Tear strength, kgf, Min - 7.0 7.0 7.0 US ISO 17696 
Colour fastness, 
crocking, rating, Min Dry 
Wet Fair 
Good Fair 
Good Fair 
Good US ISO 105-X12 
Fastness to artificial 
light (Xenon lamp), 
grey scale rating, Min - Between 3 and 4 Between 3 and 4 Between 3 and 4 US ISO 105-B02  
© UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  xi 
 (Applicable for 
coloured leathers only) 
NOTE — Results to be given in kgf and not in kgf/cm thickness 
1) Hydrolysis to be conducted as per Annex B. 
2) Load to be specified. 
3) Not applicable for split leathers and nubuck leathers. Only diste nsion at burst to be determined for these leathers 
 
Table 4 Upper Material — Synthetic 
(Clause 4 .4) 
Characteristic Conditions, if 
Any Requirement Method of test 
  Casuals Medium 
performance High 
performance  
Flexing endurance, no 
damage to film or upper 
material till prescribed 
cycles, Min Dry 
Hydrolysis 1) 50,000 
60,000 50,000 
60,000 75,000 
75,000 US ISO 17707 
Adhesive strength, 
adhesion to sole/ 
midsole, kg/cm, Min - 3.2 3.5 3.5 US ISO 17708 
Breaking strength, kg/50 
mm, Min - 40 50 60 US ISO 3376 
Elongation at break, 
percent, Min - 15 15 15 US ISO 3376 
Tear strength, kg, Min - 3.0 3.5 4.0 US ISO 17696 
Colour fastness, 
crocking, rating, Min Dry 
Wet Fair 
Fair Good 
Good Good 
Good US ISO 105-X12 
Fastness to artificial light 
(Xenon lamp), grey scale 
rating, Min - Between 3 and 
4 Between 3 and 4 Between 3 and 4 US ISO 105-B02 
1) Hydrolysis to be conducted as per Annex B. 
 
Table 5 Upper Material — Textile Fabrics 
(Clause  4.4) 
Characteristic Conditions, if 
Any Requirement Method of test 
  Casuals Medium 
performance High 
performance  
Flexing endurance, no 
damage to 
coating/lamination/upper 
material till prescribed 
cycles, Min Coated and 
laminated 
materials only 50,000 
 50,000 
 75,000 
 US ISO 17707 
Adhesive strength, 
Adhesion to sole/ - 3.2 3.5 3.5 US ISO 17708  
xii © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved 
 midsole, kg/cm, Min 
Breaking strength, kg/ 50 
mm, Min - 40 50 60 US ISO 3376 
Elongation, percent, Min Cotton canvas 
Others 10 
15 10 
15 10 
15 US ISO 3376 
Tear strength, tongue 
tear, kgf, Min - 3.0 3.5 4.0 US ISO 17696 
Colour fastness to 
rubbing, grey, Dry scale 
rating, Min Dry 
Wet 3 
3 3-4 
3-4 3-4 
3-4 US ISO 105-X12 
Fastness to artificial light 
(Xenon lamp), grey scale 
rating, Min - 3-4 3-4 3-4 US ISO 105-B02 
 
4.5 Midsole 
The midsole material used in the sports footwear shall conform to various requ irements prescribed in Tables 6 
and 7 depending on the type of material. Specific gravity and hardness s hall be as agreed to between the 
purchaser and the supplier. 
4.6 Outsole 
The outsole material used in the sports footwear shall conform to various requir ements prescribed in Tables 8 
and 9 depending on the type of material. Specific gravity and hardness shall be as agreed to between the 
purchaser and supplier. 
4.7 Insole 
The insole material used in the sports footwear shall conform to various r equirements prescribed in Tables 10 
and 11 depending on the type of material. 
4.8 Sock liner 
The sock liner material used in the sports footwear shall conform to various requirements prescribed in Tables 
12 and 13 depending on the type of material. Specific gravity and hardnes s shall be as agreed to between the 
purchaser and the supplier. 
Table 6 Midsole Material — Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA) 
(Clause  4.5) 
Characteristic Requirement Method of test 
 Casuals Medium 
performance High 
performance  
Tensile strength, kg/cm, Min 14.0 16.0 18.0 US ISO 3376 
Elongation at break, percent, 
Min 230 230 230 US ISO 3376 
Split tear strength, kg/25 
mm, Min 2.8 3.0 3.0 US ISO 20875  
© UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  xiii 
 Tear strength, kg/cm, Min 7.0 8.0 9.0 US ISO 17696 
Compression set, percent, 
Max 60 55 50 Annex A 
Adhesion to sole, kg/cm, Min 2.0 3.0 3.0 US ISO 17708 
Heat resistance, shrinkage 
linear, percent, Max 2.0 2.0 2.0 Annex C 
 
Table 7 Midsole Materials — Polyurethane 
(Clause  4.5) 
Characteristic Conditions, 
if Any Requirement Method of test 
  Casuals Medium 
performance High 
performance  
Tensile strength kg/cm, 
Min Dry 
 18.0 
 20.0 22.0 US ISO 3376 
Hydrolysis 1) Shall retain 90 percent of the initial tensile strength 
Elongation at break, 
percent, Min  300 300 300 US ISO 3376 
Split tear strength, kg/25 
mm, Min Dry 
 2.6 2.8 2.8 US ISO 20875 
Hydrolysis 1) Shall retain 90 percent of the initial tensile strength 
Die-C tear strength, 
kg/cm, Min  13 14 15 DUS 1787 
Compression set, percent, 
Max  6 5 4 Annex A 
Adhesion to sole, kg/cm, 
Min  2.8 3.0 3.0 US ISO 17708 
Heat resistance, shrinkage 
linear, percent, Max  2.0 2.0 2.0 Annex C 
1) Hydrolysis to be conducted as per Annex B. 
 
Table 8 Outsole Materials — Rubber 
(Clause 4 .6) 
Characteristic Conditions, 
if Any Requirement Method of test 
  Casuals Medium 
performance High 
performance  
Trouser tear strength, 
kg/cm, Min  12 12 15 Annex D 
Die-C tear strength, 
kg/cm, Min  30.0 35.0 40.0 DUS 1787  
xiv © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved 
 Abrasion resistance, mm3, 
Max  150 130 110 US 696 
Adhesion to midsole, 
kg/cm, Min  2.8 3.0 3.0 US ISO 17708 
Ross flexing, cycles, Min: At 27 ± 2°C 
 50,000 50,000 75,000 DUS 1788 
Cut growth shall not exceed 300 percent 
At – 5°C 50 000 50 000 75 000 
Cut growth shall not exceed 300 percent 
 
Table 9 Outsole Material: Thermo Plastic Urethane (TPU) 
(Clause 4 .6) 
Characteristic Conditions, 
if Any Requirement Method of test 
  Casuals Medium 
performance High 
performance  
Tensile strength Dry >20 MPa >20 MPa >20 MPa US ISO 3376 
Hydrolysis 1) Shall retain 80 percent of the initial tensile strength 
Die-C tear strength, 
kg/cm, Min Dry - 75.0 90.0 DUS 1787 
Hydrolysis 1) Shall retain 80 percent of the initial split tear strength 
Abrasion resistance, mm3, 
Max - - 95 70 US 696 
Adhesion to midsole, 
kg/cm, Min - - 3.0 3.0 US ISO 17708 
Ross flexing, cycles, Min At 27 ± 2°C - 50,000 75,000 DUS 1788 
Cut growth shall not exceed 300 percent 
At – 5°C - 50 000 75 000 
Cut growth shall not exceed 300 percent 
Hydrolysis 1) - 50,000 75,000 
Cut growth shall not exceed 300 percent 
1) Hydrolysis to be conducted as per Annex B. 
 
Table 10 Insole Material: Cellulose Board 
(Clause 4 .7) 
Characteristic Condition/require
ment Requirement Method of 
test 
  Casuals Medium 
performance High 
performance  
Tensile strength, 
kg/cm2, Min Wet 90 55 40 US ISO 3376  
© UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  xv 
 Water absorption and 
loss, percent, Min Water uptake 35 35 35 US 721 
Water loss 40 40 40 
Abrasion resistance, 
cycles, Min - 400 400 300 US 696 
Flexing index, Min - 2.7 3.2 3.7 Annex L 
 
Table 11 Insole Material: Stoble Non-woven 
(Clause 4.7) 
Characteristic Condition/require
ment Requirement Method of 
test 
  Casuals Medium 
performance High 
performance  
Trouser tear strength 1), 
kg, Min - - 6.0 10.0 Annex D 
Abrasion resistance, 
cycles, Min Dry 25 600 25 600 25 600 US 696 
Wet 12 800 12 800 12 800 
Ross flexing, cycles, Min - 50,000 50,000 75,000 DUS 1788 
Heat resistance, 
shrinkage, 
percent, Max At 70°C for 1 hr 2.0 2.0 2.0 Annex C 
1) Using a rectangular piece 50 mm × 25 mm with a cut 20 mm  long placed centrally and parallel with the longer sides to form a trouser tear test 
piece. Carry out the test at constant rate of traverse of 100 mm/min 
 
4.9 Laces  
The lace material used in the sports footwear shall conform to various requirements prescribe d in Table 14. 
4.10 Counters 
The counter material used in the sports footwear shall conform to various requirem ents prescribed in Table 
15. 
4.11 Metallic Trims and Components 
The metallic trims and component material used in sports footwear shall conf orm to various requirements 
prescribed in Table 16. 
Table 12 Sockliner Material: Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA) 
(Clause 4.8) 
Characteristic Requirement Method of test 
 Casuals Medium 
performan
ce High 
performance   
xvi © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved 
 Tensile strength kg/cm2, Min 5.0 5.0 5.0 US ISO 3376 
Elongation, percent, Min 75 75 75 US ISO 3376 
Die-C tear strength kg/cm, Min 3.0 3.0 3.0 DUS 1787 
Compression set, percent, Max 65 65 65 Annex A 
Heat resistance, shrinkage linear, 
percent, Max 2.0 2.0 2.0 Annex C 
 
Table 13 Sockliner Material: Polyurethane 
(Clause  4.8) 
Characteristic Conditions, 
if Any Requirement Method of test 
  Casuals Medium 
performance High 
performance  
Tensile strength, kg/cm2, 
Min Dry 8.0 8.0 8.0 US ISO 3376 
Hydrolysis 1) Shall retain 80 percent of the initial tensile strength 
Die-C tear strength, 
kg/cm, Min Dry 3.5 3.5 3.5 DUS 1787 
Hydrolysis 1) Shall retain 80 percent of the initial split tear strength 
Elongation, percent, Min - 250 250 250 US ISO 3376 
Compression set, percent, 
Max - 10 10 10 Annex A 
Heat resistance shrinkage 
linear, percent, Max - 1.0 1.0 1.0 Annex C 
1) Hydrolysis to be conducted as per Annex B. 
 
Table 14 Lace Material 
(Clause 4 .9) 
Characteristic Requirement Method of test 
 Casuals Medium 
performance High 
performance  
Breaking strength, kg, Min 35.0 40.0 45.0 US ISO 3376 
Colour migration/colour fastness, 
grey scale rating, Min 3-4 3-4 3-4 Annex F 
Gripping strength of tags, kg, Min 10 12 14 Annex E 
Abrasion resistance, lace-lace 
abrasion, cycles, Min 4 000 5 000 6 000 Annex K 
 
  
© UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  xvii 
 Table 15 Counter Material: Thermoplastic, Solvent Activated and Heat Activated Sheets 
(Clause 4.10)  
Characteristic Condition/require
ment Requirement Method of 
test 
  Casuals Medium 
performance High 
performance  
Crush load, kg, Min - 200.0 250.0 300.0 Annex H 
Collapsing load, kg, Min Dry, initial 12.0 16.0 20.0 Annex J 
Dry, after 10th 
collapse 6.0 8.0 10.0 
Wet, initial 10.0 14.0 17.0 
Shape retention, percent, 
Min Dry, initial 80 80 80 Annex J 
Dry, after 10th 
collapse 60 60 60 
Ross flexing resistance 
cycles 
(without crack), Min  25 000 30 000 35 000 DUS 1 788 
 
Table 16 Metallic Trims and Components 
(Clause 4 .11) 
Characteristic Requirement Method of test 
 Casuals Medium 
performance High 
performance  
Corrosion resistance No corrosion No corrosion No corrosion Annex G 
 
  
xviii © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved 
 Annex A 
(normative)  
 
Compression set (static) 
A.1  DESCRIPTION 
This method is used to measure the ability of a foam material to return to its original thicknes s after being 
compressed or deflected between two parallel plates at a specified temperature and duration. 
A.2  MATERIALS 
Midsole or Sockliner Made of Foam Material 
A.3  EQUIPMENT 
a) Compression Apparatus; 
b) Spacers , of thickness 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5 and 6.0 mm; 
c) Thickness Gauge; and 
d) Air-Circulating Oven, capable of maintaining 45.0 ± 1.0°C. 
A.4  SAMPLE PREPARATION 
Die cut four test samples having a diameter of 25.4 mm and a thickness of 10.0 ±  2.0 mm. The sample must 
be prepared with parallel top and bottom surfaces, and sides, which are perpendicul ar to the top and bottom 
surfaces. If a test sample is less than 8.0 mm, multiple layers of the test mate rial must be stacked, without the 
use of adhesive, until a thickness of 10.0 ± 2.0 mm is obtained. Test four samples per m aterial. 
A.6  TEST PROCEDURE 
Measure the thickness of the samples. Place the appropriate spacers on the compression pl aten, su ch that 50 
per cent compression will be obtained, as follows: 
Sample thickness 
(mm) Spacer thickness 
(mm) 
8.0-8.5 4.0 
8.5-9.5 4.5 
9.5-10.5 5.0 
10.5-11.5 5.5 
11.5-12.0 6.0 
 
Place the test specimen onto the bottom platen and position the top platen onto the test specimen. T ighten the 
nuts on the test equipment until the top platen firmly contacts each of the spacers. Within 15 mi n after  
© UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  xix 
 compressing the samples, place the compression set equipment with test samples into their appropri ate 
environment as described below: 
a) EVA, Latex, Polyethylene = 45 ± 2°C for 6 h; and 
b) Polyurethane = 23 ± 2°C for 22 h. 
At completion of the exposure, immediately remove the test sample from the compress ion set equipment. 
Allow the materials to recover at 27 ± 2°C as described below: 
a) EVA, Latex, Polyethylene = 30 ± 2 min; and 
b) Polyurethane = 60 ± 2 min. 
Immediately following the completion of the recovery period, measure the thi ckness of the samples in the 
same manner described above. If the sample has set unevenly, record the minimum thickness.  
A.7  CALCULATION 
Compression set = x100
thickness) (spacer thickness) (originalthickness) (final thickness) (original
 
A.8  REPORT 
The average of the four test samples to the nearest 0.1 percent.  
xx © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved 
 Annex B 
(normative)  
 
Hydrolysis 
B.1  PREPARATION AND CONDITIONING OF TEST PIECES FOR HYDROLYSIS 
Polyurethane elastomers are susceptible to hydrolytic attack by moisture, causing embi tterment and cracking 
of the surface. By subjecting parts of the product to the treatment described in this  annex and then completing 
tests as required in the standard, this can be evaluated. 
B.1.1  PREPARATION OF TEST PIECES  
Remove any lining from the test pieces. The thickness of the soling shall be r educed to 7 mm by buffing or 
other suitable means, avoiding temperature increase. The test pieces shall be strips of 25 mm width and 
approximately 150 mm length. Three test pieces shall be cut in the along direction . These test pieces shall 
normally be prepared not less than 7 days after moulding or more than 2 months after. 
B.1.2  Procedure for Conditioning of Test Specimens 
Place the test specimens in a desiccator, above water for 7 days at 70 ± 1°C so that during this period they 
will be in a saturated water vapour atmosphere. At the end of this treatment, condition  the test specimens for 
24 h at 27 ± 2 º C and 65 ± 5 percent relative humidity No metal shall be present inside the desi ccator.  
© UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  xxi 
 Annex C 
(normative)  
 
Heat resistance, Shrinkage linear 
C.1  DESCRIPTION 
This method measures the amount of shrinkage, which a midsole/insole/sockliner material undergoes as a 
result of exposure to heat for a specified time period. 
C.2  EQUIPMENT 
a) Air-circulating oven, capable of maintaining a temperature of 70.0 ± 1.0°C. Calibrate to ensure 
temperature being maintained at 70.0 ± 1.0°C; and 
b) Steel scale, capable of measuring to 0.5 mm. 
C.3  SAMPLE PREPARATION 
Wherever possible, use a whole midsole, insole or sockliner unit. If unable to use a com plete unit, die or hand 
cut samples which are at least 100 mm long, and having a width of 25.4 mm. 
NOTE:  Midsole test samples should be 10.0 ± 1.0 mm in thickness, unless compression-molded mids ole foam 
is being evaluated. For compression-molded midsole foams, the entire thick ness of the midsole should be 
used, preferably from an area of the midsole, which is nearest to 10 mm in thickness. 
For whole midsole, insole or sockliner units, draw a line along the entire length of the sample. For die cut test 
samples, draw a line along each of the samples as shown in fig 4 Test two samples per materi al. 
C.4  TEST PROCEDURE 
C.4.1  For Foam Based Material Only 
Using a vernier caliper, measure the length of line L to the nearest 0.1 mm ( L1) Place the test sample in an 
oven at 70.0 ± 1.0°C for 60 ± 3 min. Remove the test sample from the oven, and al low it to cool for 30 ± 2 min 
at 27.0 ± 2.0°C. Re-measure the length of line L to the nearest 0.1 mm ( L2). 
C.4.2  For All Midsoles or Insoles 
Use a steel scale which is stiff enough that it will not bend when taki ng a length measurement. Place the 
bottom edge of the steel scale on the midsole or insole such that the steel scale contacts the foam at both 
point E and point F of line L as shown in Fig. 5. The length ( L1) is measured from the inside edge of lines AB 
and CD as shown in Fig. 5. Measure to the nearest 0.5 mm. Place the test sample in an ov en at 70.0 ± 1.0°C 
for 60 ± 1 min. Remove the test sample from the oven, and allow it to cool for at least 30 min at 27.0 ± 2.0°C. 
Using a steel scale, re-measure the length ( L2) to the nearest 0.5 mm. 
NOTE:  Length measurements must be taken using the bottom edge of  the steel scale (to prevent it from bending).  
xxii © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved 
 C.4.3  For Sockliners 
Using a vernier caliper, measure the length of line L to the nearest 0.1 mm ( L1) Place the test sample in an 
oven at 70.0 ± 1.0°C for 60 ± 1 min. Remove the test sample from the oven, and allow it to cool for at least 30 
min at 27.0 ± 2.0°C. Using a vernier caliper, re-measure the length of line L to the nearest 0.1 mm ( L2) 
C.5  CALCULATION 
Shrinkage in length direction = X100
L1L2L1 
C.6  REPORT 
The higher of the two measurements to the nearest 0.1 percent 
All dimensions in millimeters 
FIG. 4 SAMPLE FOR SHRINKAGE DUE TO HEAT 
 
FIG. 5 L INEAR SHRINKAGE  
© UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  xxiii 
 Annex D 
(normative)  
 
Trouser tear strength 
D.1  APPARATUS 
D.1.1  Dies 
The die used for cutting trouser test pieces shall have the outline dimensions as shown in Fig. 6. 
D.1.2  Testing Machine 
It shall be capable of registering the applied forces within 2 percent during the test while maintaining the 
specified constant rate of separation of the jaws of 100 ± 10 mm/min for the trouser test piece. A low inertia 
machine having autographic recording of force is essential when using the trouser test piec e. 
D.1.3  Thickness Gauge 
D.1.4  Grips 
The machine shall be provided with a type of grip which tightens automatically a s the tension increases and 
exerts a uniform pressure across the widened end of the test piece. Each grip shall i ncorporate a means for 
positioning so that the test pieces are inserted symmetrically and in axial alignmen t with the direction of the 
pull. The depth of insertion shall be such that the test piece is adequately gripped, within the parallel portion, 
when testing angle and crescent test pieces. Trouser test pieces shall be inserted in the grips in accordance 
with Fig. 6. 
D.2  TEST PIECE 
Test pieces shall be cut from sheet of uniform thickness. Preferably the sheet  shall have a thickness of 2.0 ± 
0.2 mm; however, it is recognized that when sheets are prepared from certain products, this thi ckness may 
not be achievable. Sheets may be moulded, or prepared from products by cutting and/or buffing. 
D.3  PROCEDURE 
Measure the thickness of the test piece in the region in which tearing is expected to occur No reading in any 
one test piece shall deviate by more than 2 percent from the value to be used. If  groups of test pieces are 
being compared, the median thickness of each group shall be within 1.5 percen t of the grand median 
thickness of all groups. After conditioning the test piece at 27 ± 2°C for a t least 24 h, immediately mount the 
test piece in the testing machine. Apply a steadily increasing traction force at a r ate of separation of the grips 
of 100 ± 10 mm/min until the test piece breaks. Make an autographic recording of  the force throughout the 
tearing process. 
D.4  EXPRESSION OF RESULTS 
The trouser tear strength expressed, in kg/cm of thickness, is given by the following formula:  
xxiv © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved 
 Trouser tear strength = 
dF 
Where 
F = median force, in kg; and 
d = thickness, of the test piece, in cm. 
Determine the median and the standard deviation of the values for each directio n. Express the results to the 
nearest kg/cm. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
All dimensions in millimeter s. 
FIG. 6 TROUSER TEST PIECE 
 
© UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  xxv 
 Annex E 
(normative)  
 
Gripping strength of tags 
E.1  APPARATUS 
E.1.1   Tensile strength testing machine, power-driven with a rate of traverse of 115 ± 12 mm/m in 
E.1.2  Slotted Plate 
A rigid metal plate of suitable dimensions with a vertical edge tapered slot al ong the length of the plate In 
conjunction with the slopped plate, use the upper jaw of the testing machine to k eep the slot at right angle to 
the direction of application of load during the test. 
E.2  PROCEDURE 
Move the conditioned test specimen with one of its tags uppermost horizontall y along the slot until both sides 
of the base of the tag rest on the top of the slotted plate. Centre the plate so that lon gitudinal axis of the test 
specimen is along the axis of the application of the load. Apply by ha nd an initial tension sufficient to 
strengthen the lace. Clamp the free end of the straightened specimen in the pulling  jaw so that the free 
distance between the upper grip and the pulling jaw is 100 mm at the start of  the test. Operate the machine 
and record the highest load, in kg, registered before the tag is pulled from the lace. Di scard the result and test 
another specimen if, 
a) the tag comes through the slot without being removed from the fabric lace; and/or 
b) the tag buckles at the base or the tag is scrapped without being removed from the l ace before the 
specified minimum gripping strength is reached. 
FIG. 7 SLOTTED PLATE  
xxvi © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved 
 Annex F 
(normative)  
 
Colour migration/Colour fastness  
F.1  TEST PIECE 
Sample at least 2 pieces from the lot. The test piece shall be approximately 70 mm long and 10-15 m m wide. 
F.2  PROCEDURE 
a) two pieces of washed, white cotton strips (80 mm × 25 mm) are placed side b y side, onto a glass or 
plexi-glass slide (100 mm × 60 mm); 
b) the cotton is moistened with distilled water and the test pieces are laid on and centralized;  
c) a second strip of cotton is then placed over the test pieces and moistened with distilled water ; 
d) the test pieces are covered with another glass slide, loaded with a weight of 500 g and left for 1 h; 
e) the test pieces with the cotton strips are removed and stapled together on one end; and 
f) they are allowed to dry at room temperature and then judged with the grey scale for colour loss  
© UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  xxvii 
 Annex G 
(normative)  
 
Corrosion 
G.1  CHEMICAL 
Sodium chloride test solution, one percent solution 
G.2  TEST PIECE 
Three test pieces from the lot. 
G.3  APPARATUS 
a) dessicator; and 
b) air Circulating Oven. 
G.4  PREPARATION OF SAMPLES 
a) soak a large piece of washed, bleached cotton fabric in the sodium chloride test solution; 
b) allow the fabric to dry; 
c) cut the fabric up into small strips, approximately  6 cm × 3 cm; and 
d) wrap the metallic trims/components in the fabric and bind them with a thread to ensure contact. 
G.5  PROCEDURE 
a) lay the dry test pieces in a dish; 
b) place the dish in a desiccator with a little distilled water, and store for 3 days at 35°C. 
G.6  EVALUATION 
Visually examine the metallic trims/components for signs of corrosion and report.  
xxviii © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved 
 Annex H 
(normative)  
 
Crush load 
H.1  DESCRIPTION 
This method measures the ability of a material to resist collapsing as a  result of being compressed between 
two flat horizontal plates. 
H.2  EQUIPMENT 
H.2.1  Tensile Testing Machine 
H.2.2  Compression plates, top plate has smooth surface; bottom plate has a circular groove cut c entrally in 
it, as follows: 
a) 1.0 ± 0.2 mm deep; 
b) 1.5 ± 0.2 mm wide; 
c) 49.0 ± 0.2 mm outside diameter of the circular groove; and 
d) 44.0 ± 0.2 mm, inside diameter of the circular groove. 
H.3  SAMPLE PREPARATION 
Die cut the sample to a width of 25.4 ± 1 mm and a length of 150 ± 1 mm. Samples shoul d always be cut such 
that the width direction corresponds to the height of the counter, and such that the sample is taken from near 
the base of the counter. 
NOTE:  To obtain a more uniformly shaped counter, place the test sample i n an oven at 60°C for about 5 min, and reshape 
prior to die cutting.  
Test three samples per material. 
H.4  TEST PROCEDURE 
a) measure the thickness at three points along the length of the sample (near the centre l ine) and record 
the average to the nearest 0.01 mm; 
b) equip the tensile testing machine with the compression plates. Zero and calibrate the tensile testing 
machine. Set the crosshead speed to 25 mm/min; 
c) position the test sample in the groove. If the test sample is too long, trim the length until the ends of 
the test sample butt when inserted in the groove; 
NOTE:  If the sample is over-trimmed, it must be discarded. It is  not acceptable to have any gap between the ends of the 
test sample. Also, tape is not to 3400 (Part 1) be used to hold the tw o ends of the test sample together;  
© UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  xxix 
 d) lower the top compression plate onto the test sample and continue to compress it until the sample 
collapses; and 
e) record the maximum load to the nearest 0.1 kg. 
H.5  REPORT 
Report the average of the three samples to the nearest 0.1 kg. 
NOTE:  The thickness of the test sample is not factored into the  crush strength measurement. However, it is important to 
measure the thickness of the test sample to verify the thickness for reference purposes.  
xxx © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved 
 Annex J 
(normative)  
 
Collapsing load and shape retention 
J.1  DESCRIPTION 
This method measures the load required to collapse counters, as well as their  ability to maintain their formed 
shape. This method is not for use with injection molded counters. 
J.2  EQUIPMENT AND APPARATUS 
J.2.1 .Dome Forming Tool — Dome forming tool comprises of a rigid heat and solvent resistant metal 
consisting of a dome capped piston of diameter 47.5 ± 0.5 mm dome of curvature radius 35.0 ± 0.5 mm. This 
will produce a dome height of 9.3 ± 0.2 mm. 
a) a metal cylinder with an internal diameter less than 48 mm but large enough to allow the piston to 
move freely within it; 
b) a length of at least 25 mm clamping ring flange on one end to ta ke the clamping ring as specified; 
c) a means of holding the piston to the cylinder in a position such that the edg e of the domed cap is 
aligned with the outer surface of the clamping ring flange; 
d) a clamping ring with an internal diameter of less than 48 mm but large enough t o allow the piston to 
move freely within it; 
e) an external diameter and design of any surface pattern that should ensure that the test specimen 
does not slip during the test, and should neither stretch nor compress the central area of the test 
specimen when it is clamped; 
f) a method of tightening the clamping ring to the clamping flange on the end of the cylinder; an d 
g) a schematic diagram of the dome forming tool is given in Fig. 8; 
J.2.2  A device, such as a press, for forcing the piston into the metal cylinder 
J.2.3  Device for cutting, such as a press knife for cutting the following: 
a) cutting circular test specimens of diameter 57 ± 1 mm to fit the dome forming tool; 
b) cutting polyethylene rings of suitable diameter for the dome forming tool wi th external diameter 57 ± 1 
mm and internal diameter 38 ± 1 mm; and 
c) cutting circular test specimens of diameter to fit into the mould of the apparatus  indicated at J.2.10 of 
diameter 63.5 ± 2 mm.  
© UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  xxxi 
   
FIG.8 DOME FORMINGTOOL 
J.2.4  Thin Polyethylene Sheet Material 
J.2.5  An Electric Fan 
J.2.6  Fan Assisted Oven, capable of maintaining a temperature of 95 ± 5°C. 
J.2.7  Heat Resistant Gloves 
J.2.8  Acetone or Other Solvent, recommended by the counter manufacturer 
J.2.9  Silicone based release agent in the form of a spray. 
J.2.10  A two part metal mould with a lower block having a spherical recess of diameter 47.5 ± 0.5 mm, 
depth 9.3 ± 0.2 mm and radius of curvature 35.0 ± 0.5 mm and an upper block having  a downward facing 
spherical dome of the same dimensions as the spherical recess in the lower block, such that the dome will fit 
into the recess. A schematic mechanism for holding together the two halves of the mould is s hown in Fig. 9. 
J.2.11  A hydraulic press capable of applying a force of up to 120 ± 10 kN to the mould. 
J.2.12  A source of steam, such as an electric kettle where water can be kept at boiling point 
J.2.13  Tongs or similar apparatus for holding test specimens in a jet of steam. 
J.2.14  A height gauge consisting of a flat plate with a clamping ring meeting the r equirements and fitted on 
its lower surface. 
J.2.15  Thickness gauge which, 
a) has a spindle with a spherical lower surface of radius 1.5 ± 0.2 mm; 
b) applies a force of 0.55 ± 0.10 N to the spindle; 
c) is capable of measuring to the nearest 0.05 mm; and 
d) is mounted so that the spindle passes vertically through the hole in the flat plate.  A schematic diagram 
of the height gauge is given in Fig. 10. 
TEST  
xxxii © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved 
 J.2.16  A tensile testing machine with, 
a) a jaw separation rate of 50 ± 5 mm/min; a nd 
b) a force range appropriate to the test specimen material. This will usually be l ess than 500 N for 
stiffener materials. 
J.2.17  A compression cage, for use with the tensile testing machine with, 
a) a vertically mounted plunger, the end face of which is circular and has a diameter of 20.00 ± 0.25 mm; 
b) a platform upon which the domed test specimen can be mounted centrally under the plunger; and 
c) a minimum clearance of 20 mm between the plunger and the platform. 
FIG. 10 HEIGHT GAUGE 
J.2.18  A device for manually compressing the domed test specimens with, 
a) a vertically mounted plunger, the end face of which is circular and has a diameter of 20.00 ± 0.25 mm; 
b) a rigid base plate upon which the domed test specimen can be mounted centrally unde r the plunger; 
and 
c) a minimum clearance of 20 mm between the base plate and the plunger. 
J.3  SAMPLE PREPARATION 
J.3.1   Die or hand cut samples 57.0 ± 1.0 mm in diameter. 
NOTE:  To minimize material differences between the dry and wet tests, cut two samples directly next to each other. Label 
the first D1 (Dry sample 1), and the second W1 (Wet sample 1). In a similar manner, cut samples D2 and W2 and D3 and W3 
from different locations of the material. 
J.3.2   To further minimize material differences, sample D1 and W1 should be formed in the same dome 
former, as should D2 and W2 and D3 and W3. Place the test sample on the base of the dome former with the  
© UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  xxxiii 
 plunger retracted from the test sample to its lowest point (do not loosen the thum b screw so much that the 
plunger can be removed from the cylinder/base). 
NOTE:  If the sample is adhesive coated, a thin sheet of polye thylene (greater than 57 mm in diameter) should be placed 
on the adhesive-coated side(s). 
J.3.3   With the thumb screw at the lowest point in the cylinder, tighten the thumb screw. Place the clamping 
ring on top of the dome former base, and close using the two toggle clips. Pla ce the dome former in an air 
circulating oven at 95.0 ± 2.0°C for 8 min. Remove the dome former from the ov en, and immediately place on 
the toggle press with its platen raised. Loosen thumb screw on the dome former, an d lower the toggle press 
until clamp. Tighten the thumb screw to hold the plunger in the highest possible locati on in the cylinder. 
NOTE:  To ensure that the dome is properly formed, it is very impo rtant that the above step is undertaken very quickly to 
minimize cooling, and also such that the outer cylinder of th e dome former contacts the toggle press base. 
J.3.4   Remove the dome former from the toggle press, and allow to cool at 27.0 ±  2.0°C for 90 min. 
Remove the test sample from the dome former, and condition for an additional 24 h at 27.0 ± 2.0°C before 
performing any testing. Test three dry samples and three wet samples per material. 
FIG. 11 COMPRESSION CAGE 
 
  
xxxiv © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved 
  
 FIG. 12 MANUAL COMPRESSION DEVICE 
J.4  TEST PROCEDURE 
J.4.1  Dry Tests 
a) using the height measuring device, measure the thickness of the base plate of  the holding jig directly 
adjacent to the hole, and record to the nearest 0.01 mm ( H1); 
b) place the dome centrally in the holding jig such that the base of the dome is  in firm contact with the 
underside of the holding jig base plate; 
c) place the holding jig under the plunger of the height measuring device; 
d) zero the height measuring device on the top of the holding jig, directly adjace nt to the hole in the base 
plate; 
e) insert the plunger through the hole in the holding jig until it contacts the centre  (lowest point) of the 
dome. Record the maximum height ( H2) to the nearest 0.01 mm; 
f) position the compression cage in the tensile testing machine; 
g) zero and calibrate the tensile testing machine. Set the crosshead speed to 50 mm/min; 
h) insert the dome centrally under the compression plunger; 
i) compress the dome until it collapses and a maximum load reading is obtained. (This will typically 
occur within 5 mm after the plunger first contacts the dome.) Record the maximum load to the nearest 
0.1 kg. As the initial dry collapsing load ( L1); 
j) reverse the crosshead direction of the tensile testing machine, and remove the dome once the 
plunger is no longer in contact with it. Push out any deformation of the dome; 
Plunger  
Test specimen  
Base   
© UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  xxxv 
 k) place the dome centrally under the plunger of the repeated collapsing device. Man ually collapse the 
dome 8 times such that the dome instantaneously contacts the base of the repeated c ollapsing 
device. In between each collapse, push out any deformation of the dome; 
l) once again, insert the dome centrally under the compression plunger, and repeat S tep g). Record the 
maximum load to the nearest 0.1 kg, as the tenth dry collapsing load ( L2). Reverse the crosshead 
direction of the tensile testing machine, and remove the dome once the plunger is not longer in 
contact with it. Push out any deformation of the dome; and 
m) repeat steps (b) to (e) to obtain the height after 10th collapse ( H3). 
J.4.2  Wet Tests 
a) soak the test samples in distilled water at 23.0 ± 2.0°C for 1h; and 
b) immediately after removal from the water, repeat steps (b) to (m) to obtain the sam e measurements, 
utilizing a wet test sample. 
J.5  CALCULATIONS 
Initial area shape retention, dry percent = X1002(9.33*)2)1 2( H H
 
Shape retention after 10th collapse, dry percent = X1002(9.33*)2)1 3( H H
 
Initial area shape retention, wet percent = X1002(9.33*)2)1( H H†
 
* The height of each dome former plunger mold should be measured. If different from 9.3 3, the appropriate 
height should be substituted. 
† H2 in this case is for the wet sample. 
J.6  REPORT 
Report the average of the three samples. Shape retention, percent resilience, and percent moi sture resistance 
are to be reported to the nearest 0.1 percent. Collapsing load is to be reported to the nearest 0 .1 kg.  
xxxvi © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved 
 Annex K 
(normative)  
 
Lace-Lace abrasion resistance 
K.1  APPARATUS 
PFI/Bennewart Shoe Lace Tester 
K.2  METHOD 
a) cut long laces in half. One lace is clamped in the front moving clamp in such a manner that a loop is 
formed in the middle of the lace; 
b) the second lace is clamped on one end in the opposing fixed clamp on the guide wheel side;  and 
c) the free end is then passed through the loop, over the guide wheel, and loaded with a 250 g w eight. 
K.3  REPORT 
Report the average number of cycles, maximum, or till failure.  
© UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  xxxvii 
 Annex L 
(normative)  
 
Flexing index 
L.1  PRINCIPLE 
A specimen is held in tension and repeatedly flexed through 180° until failure occurs. The base 10 logarithm 
of the number of flexing cycles to failure is calculated to give the flexing index of the  material. 
L.2  APPARATUS AND MATERIALS 
a) a flexing machine with at least six pairs of jaws ( see Fig. 13) that each have one jaw with a taper 
angle of 76 ± 4° and an internal tip radius of 0.8 ± 0.1 mm; 
b) a means of rotating the jaw cyclically under simple harmonic motion, abo ut an axis which is projected 
from the jaw tips ( see Fig. 11), between two points 90 ± 2º each side of the vertical at a rate of 60 ± 10 
cycles/min; 
c) a second jaw with a means of maintaining a standard tensional force on the test s pecimen of 19.6 ± 
0.1. A weight attached to the jaw so that a total mass of 2 000 ± 10 g is suspende d from the test 
specimen is a convenient method of achieving this; 
d) a method of counting the number of oscillations of the rotating jaw up to failure of the speci men; and 
e) a means, such as a tongue wrench, of controlling the clamping force of the rotating jaw. 
L.3 PREPARATION OF TEST SPECIMENS 
a) place the uncut sheet material into a standard controlled environment of 27 ± 2°C and 65 ± 2 percent 
RH for at least 48 h; and 
b) cut six rectangular test specimens, 70 ± 10 mm × 10.0 ± 0.1 mm three with their length parallel to the 
principal or along direction of the material and three at 90° to this in the across direction. 
L.4 PROCEDURE 
a) ensure that the atmosphere surrounding the test machine is at a temperature of 27 ± 2° C and a 
relative humidity of 65 ± 2 percent; 
b) place each test specimen between a pair of jaws and on the flexing machine  so that the longer edges 
of the specimen are perpendicular to the clamping edge of both jaws. 
c) tighten each rotating jaw until it exerts a clamping force of 2.4 ± 0.4 kN on the test specimen; 
d) for each non-rotating jaw, apply a tensioning force of 19.6 ± 0.1 N to the jaw; 
e) tighten the jaw onto a test specimen until it exerts a clamping force, which is  sufficient to prevent it 
slipping. The clamping force should not be unnecessarily high as this may damage the test spe cimen;  
xxxviii © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved 
 f) operate the flexing machine and record the total number of flexing cycles as  each specimen fails. 
When all the test specimens have failed stop the flexing machine; 
g) for each test specimen, calculate the base 10 logarithm of the total number of fl exing cycles to failure; 
and 
h) calculate the arithmetic mean of the logarithms for each of the principal directions of  the material. 
These two values are termed the flexing indices. 
L.5 TEST REPORT 
a) the logarithm of the number of flexing cycles to failure for each test specimen, as calculated in L.4.g); 
b) the flexing index for each principal direction as calculated in L.4.h); and 
c) any deviations from this standard test method. 
 
  
© UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  xxxix 
 Annex M 
(normative)  
 
Tensile properties of Insole materials 
M.1  PRINCIPLE 
M.1.1  Method 1 — Tensile Strength (Semi-rigid Materials) 
A dumb-bell shaped test specimen is gradually stretched, by a tensile testin g machine, until it fails. The tensile 
strength of the specimen is determined. The test can be carried out with either dry or wet specim ens. 
M.1.2  Method 2 — Breaking Strength, Extension at Break, and Modulus (Flexible Materials) 
A rectangular test specimen is gradually stretched, by a tensile testing machin e, until it fails. The breaking 
strength, the extension at break and the modulus of elasticity at 5 percent extension of the specimen are all 
determin ed. 
M.2  APPARATUS 
M.2.1  A tensile testing machine with, 
a) a jaw separation rate of 100 ± 10 mm/min; 
b) a force range appropriate to the specimen under test. This will usually be less than: 
1) 2 kN for footwear insole materials; and 
2) 2 kN for flexible materials used for sewnin sock construction; and 
c) the capability of measuring the force shall be of accuracy of at least 2 percent. 
M.2.2  A press knife or other means of cutting dumbbell shaped test specimens, see Fig. 14. 
M.2.3  A dial thickness gauge which applies a pressure of 49 ± 5 kPa over a circul ar area of diameter 10 ± 1 
mm. 
M.2.4  Distilled or De-ionized Water 
M.2.5  A device such as a vernier caliper for measuring distance up to 25 mm to the nearest 0.1 mm 
M.3  PREPARATION OF TEST SPECIMEN 
a) store the uncut sheet material in a standard controlled environment of 27 ± 2°C and 65 ± 2 percent 
RH for at least 48 h before cutting out the test specimens and carry out the test in this environment; 
b) cut six test specimens with the dimensions specified in Fig.12, three with the ir longer edges parallel to 
the perpendicular direction of the material and three at 90° to this with their longe r edges parallel to 
the horizontal direction; and 
c) examine the test specimens, reject any that show signs of damage and cuts.  
xl © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved 
 M.4  PROCEDU RE 
M.4.1  Method 1 — Tensile Strength (Semi-rigid Materials) 
M.4.1.1   Use the thickness gauge to measure the thickness of each test specimen, to the neares t 0.01 
mm, at the centre of the narrow portion and at two points on the longitudinal axi s approximate ly 25 mm on 
either side of the centre, see Fig. 14. 
M.4.1.2   Use the device to measure the width of each test specimen, to an accuracy of 0.1 mm, ac ross 
the centre of the narrow portion and through points approximately 25 mm on either si de of the centre, s ee 
Fig.14. 
M.4.1.3   Adjust the tensile testing machine so that the jaws are approximately 150 mm apart. 
 
All dimensions in millimetres. 
FIG.14 DUMB BELL SPECIMEN FOR METHOD1 
M.4.1.4  Insert one end of a test specimen in each of the jaws of the tensile testing machi ne (see M.3.1) 
and clamp it, so that a similar area of the test specimen is clamped in each jaw. 
M.4.1.5  Mark a line on the test specimen along the clamping edge of each jaw. 
M.4.1.6  Operate the tensile testing machine so that the jaws separate at a speed of 100 ± 10 mm/min. 
M.4.1.7  Stop the machine when the test specimen fails and examine the type of failure and the alignment 
of the lines (see  M.4.1.1 ) with the clamping edges of the jaws. Reject the results and repeat the test for 
specimens which, 
a) slip asymmetrically in the jaws by more than 2mm; and 
b) do not fail within the narrow portion of the test specimen. 
M.4.1.8   Record from the graph of force versus extension the breaking force in newtons, as ( F), to the 
nearest 5 N. 
M.4.1.9   Repeat the procedure in M.4.1.3 to M.4.1.8  a further five times for the remaining test specimens. 
M.4.1.10   For each test specimen calculate: 
[T] The arithmetic mean of the three thickness measurements (see  M.4.1.1 ). 
[W] The arithmetic mean of the three width measurements (see  M.4.1.2 ) 
[A] The cross-sectional area in mm 2 using the formula: [ A] + [T] × [W]. 
[S] The tensile strength in MPa using the formula: [S] = [F]/[A]. 
M.4.1.11   Calculate the arithmetic mean tensile strength of the three test specimens cut in ea ch principal 
direction. 
M.4.1.12   If the tensile strength of wet test specimens is required then, 
24MIN 24MIN 
24±4 24±4  
© UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  xli 
 a) repeat the procedure in M.4.1.1 to M.4.1.2  with six new test specimens;  
b) store the six test specimens for 6.0 ± 0.2 h in the distilled or de-ionized water (see  M.2.2), so that they 
are fully immersed but not lying in contact with the vessel or other specimens; 
c) for each test specimen remove it from the water and gently press a soft absorbent cloth or paper 
tissue over its surfaces to blot aw ay any excess water. Repeat the procedure in M.4.1.3 to M.4.1.8 ; 
and 
d) repeat the procedure in M.4.1.10 to M.4.1.11 . 
M.4.2  Method 2 — Breaking Strength, Extension at Break, and Modulus (Flexibles) 
M.4.2.1   On each test specimen mark two lines which are: 
a) a similar distance from the centre of the test specimen; 
b) at 90° to the longer edges of the test specimen; and 
c) 100 ± 1 mm apart. 
M.4.2.2   Adjust the tensile testing machine so that th e jaws are 100 ± 1 mm apart. 
M.4.2.3   Insert one end of a test specimen in each of the jaws of the tensile testing mac hine (see  M.4.1.4 ) 
and clamp it, so that, 
a) the lines are aligned with the clamping edges of the jaws; 
b) the test specimen is neither taut nor slack; and 
c) a similar are of the test specimen is clamped in each jaw. 
 
All dimensions in millimetres. 
FIG. 15 RECTANGULAR SPECIMEN FOR METHOD 2 
M.4.2.4   Operate the tensile testing machine so that the jaws separate at a speed of 100 ± 10 mm/min.  
M.4.2.5   Stop the machine when the test specimen fails and examine the type of fail ure and the alignment 
of the lines (see  M.4.1.1 ) with the clamping edges of the jaws. Reject the results and repeat the test for 
specimens which: 
LINES DRAWN AS (M.4.2.1)   
xlii © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved 
 a) slip asymmetrically in the jaws by more than 2 mm; and 
b) fail within 5 mm of either jaw, but only if less than three of the si x test specimens show this type of 
failure. 
M.4.2.6   Record from the graph of force versus  extension,  
a) breaking force in newtons to the nearest 5 N; 
b) extension at break in millimeters to the nearest 1 mm; 
c) the force on the specimen when it has been extended by 5 percent equivalent to  a jaw separation of 
105 mm, as F, to the nearest 1 N. 
M.4.2.7   Repeat the procedure in M.4.2.2 to M.4.2.6 a further two times for the other two specimens cut in 
the same principal direction. 
M.4.2.8   For each test specimen divide the breaking force (see  M.4.2.6 ) by the width of the test specimen 
in mm to give a breaking strength in N/mm to the nearest 0.1 N/mm. 
M.4.2.9   For each test specimen calculate the modulus of elasticity at 5 percent extension, in terms of 
tensile stress in N/mm using the formula: 
Modulus of elasticity = Width of test specimen, in mm  F 
M.4.2.10   Calculate the arithmetic mean, 
a) breaking strength in N/mm; 
b) percentage extension at break (see  M.6.1); and 
c) modulus of elasticity in N/mm. 
M.4.2.11   Repeat the procedure in M.4.2.2 to M.4.2.10  for the three test specimens cut in the other 
principal  direction.  
M.5  TEST REPORT 
Test report include s: 
a) reference to this test method; 
b) the version of the test conducted, Method 1 or Method 2; 
c) a description of the material, including mass per unit area or thickness, if known; 
d) in case done by Method 1; 
1) whether the specimens were tested wet or dry 
2) the mean tensile strength for each principal direction (see  M.4.1.11 ). 
e) in case done by Method 2; 
1) the mean breaking force for each principal direction (see  M.4.2.10 ). 
2) the mean extension at break for each principal direction (see  M.4.2.11 )  
© UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  xliii 
 3) the mean modulus of elasticity at 5 percent extension for each principal direction (see M.4.2.11 ). 
f) any deviations from this standard test method. 
M.6  ADDITIONAL NOTES 
M.6.1  Calculating Percentage Extension at Break 
The percentage extension at break is numerically equal to the extension at brea k in mm for an initial jaw 
separation of 100 mm. 
M.6.2  Selecting Jaw Type and Clamping Forces 
To minimize the chances of the test specimen slipping in the jaw or the  specimen failing at the clamped edge 
during testing it is important that the clamping force and type of jaw used are s uitable for the specimen under 
test. 
M.6.3  Dumb-Bell Shaped Test Specimens 
Dumb-bell shaped test specimens are used to reduce the chances of the jaw slip page when testing materials, 
which have a high modulus of elasticity. The dumb-bell shape increases the area of  the specimen held in the 
clamps and reduces and force required to break the test specimen.  
xliv © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved 
 Bibliography 
[1] IS 15844:2010 , Sports footwear — Specification  
© UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  xlv 
 Certification marking 
Products that conform to Uganda standards may be marked with Uganda National Bureau of S tandards 
(UNBS) Certification Mark shown in the figure below.  
The use of the UNBS Certification Mark is governed by the Standards Act, and the  Regulations made 
thereunder. This mark can be used only by those licensed under the certificatio n mark scheme operated by 
the Uganda National Bureau of Standards and in conjunction with the relevant Ugan da Standard. The 
presence of this mark on a product or in relation to a product is an assurance that the goods compl y with the 
requirements of that standard under a system of supervision, control and testing i n accordance with the 
certification mark scheme of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards. UNBS marked products are 
continually checked by UNBS for conformity to that standard.  
Further particulars of the terms and conditions of licensing may be obtained fro m the Director, Uganda 
National Bureau of Standards.  
 
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