EN 12771:1999

Overview

EN 12771:1999 is a CEN standard that specifies a laboratory method for determining the tear strength of footwear outsoles. The method is material‑agnostic - it applies to outsoles made from rubber, thermoplastics, polyurethane and other materials - and uses trouser test pieces as the specimen geometry to assess resistance to tearing. EN 12771 is used across European national standards bodies and has been adopted in member countries (e.g., national identical adoption documents).

Key Topics

• Scope and applicability: Test method for outsole tear strength irrespective of material; intended for use on finished outsoles or outsole materials prepared as specified.
• Specimen type: Use of trouser test pieces (a standard specimen geometry) to produce reproducible tear measurements.
• Test intent: Quantitative measurement of tear resistance under controlled laboratory conditions to allow material comparison and quality control.
• Reproducibility and comparability: Standardized specimen preparation and test approach to enable consistent results between laboratories and manufacturers.
• Test reporting: Guidance for recording test conditions and results so outcomes can be compared and used for design, manufacturing, and compliance decisions.

(Exact procedural parameters, machine settings, and specimen dimensions are defined in the full standard document and are not reproduced here.)

Applications

EN 12771 is practical for:

• Footwear manufacturers assessing outsole materials during design, supplier selection, and incoming quality control.
• Materials suppliers validating formulations and comparing tear resistance across compounds.
• Independent test laboratories performing standardized tear testing for customers and certification bodies.
• R&D teams evaluating new outsole constructions or blends where tear resistance contributes to product durability and safety.
• Procurement and compliance teams requiring documented test results for contracts, specifications, or regulatory dossiers.

Benefits include more reliable material selection, improved product durability assessment, and consistent test data for product claims and supplier comparisons.

Related standards

• Other footwear testing standards cover properties such as abrasion resistance, flexing endurance, and slip resistance. EN 12771 complements these by focusing specifically on tear strength of outsoles. For implementation, testing labs typically use EN 12771 in combination with other footwear and material test methods relevant to product requirements.

Keywords: EN 12771, outsole tear strength, footwear test methods, trouser test piece, CEN standard, shoe outsole testing, footwear manufacturers, laboratory testing.