FprCEN ISO/TS 20939
(Main)Footwear - Performance requirements for components for footwear - Outsoles (ISO/TS 20939:2024)
Footwear - Performance requirements for components for footwear - Outsoles (ISO/TS 20939:2024)
This document establishes the performance requirements for outsole components for footwear, in order to assess the suitability for the end use. It also establishes the test methods to be used to evaluate the compliance with the requirements.
This document applies to outsoles for all kinds of footwear as defined in Table 1.
This document can be used as a reference by the footwear manufacturer and the supplier
Schuhe - Anforderungen an das Gebrauchsverhalten von Schuhkomponenten - Laufsohlen (ISO/TS 20939:2024)
Chaussures - Exigences de performance pour les composants des chaussures - Semelles d'usure (ISO/TS 20939:2024)
Obutev - Zahtevane lastnosti za sestavne dele obutve - Zunanji podplati (ISO/TS 20939:2024)
General Information
- Status
- Not Published
- Publication Date
- 16-Apr-2026
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 309 - Footwear
- Current Stage
- 5060 - Closure of Vote - Formal Approval
- Start Date
- 19-Feb-2026
- Due Date
- 10-Feb-2027
- Completion Date
- 19-Feb-2026
Overview
FprCEN ISO/TS 20939:2024 is a technical specification developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) that defines performance requirements for footwear outsole components. This standard establishes clear criteria and test methods to evaluate outsole durability, safety, and suitability according to the intended end use. It applies to outsoles used in all types of footwear, including infant shoes, casual shoes, sports shoes, and heavy work footwear.
The document serves as an essential reference tool for footwear manufacturers and outsole suppliers aiming to ensure product quality, compliance, and enhanced consumer safety in the competitive footwear market.
Key Topics
Performance Requirements
The standard outlines essential and additional performance requirements for outsole components. These include testing for:- Flex Resistance to prevent cracks under bending stress
- Delamination and Split Tear Resistance ensuring outsole integrity
- Abrasion Resistance for durability against wear
- Dimensional Stability maintaining shape after exposure to conditions
- Needle Tear Strength and Tear Strength for resistance to ripping
- Tensile Strength and Elongation at Break to assess elasticity and strength
- Slip Resistance measured by coefficient of friction on ceramic tiles
- Compression Energy and Bondability for stability and outsole adhesion
Classification of Footwear Outsoles
The document classifies outsoles according to exposure and shoe type:- Class A: Infant shoes, indoor shoes, fashion shoes (low exposure)
- Class B: Casual and school shoes (medium exposure)
- Class C: Sport shoes, trekking, heavy work shoes (high exposure)
- Class D: Heavy sports shoes (heavy exposure)
Test Methods
Test methods conform to established ISO standards for outsole evaluation, such as ISO 17707 for flex resistance and ISO 20871 for abrasion resistance, ensuring internationally recognized testing procedures.Marking and Labelling
While optional, outsoles that comply with all essential requirements may be marked with manufacturer details, class designation, and the reference to this standard. Marking ensures traceability and consumer assurance without compromising the finished footwear’s aesthetics.
Applications
Footwear Manufacturers
Using FprCEN ISO/TS 20939:2024 helps manufacturers select or develop outsole materials that meet specific performance needs for different footwear categories, aiding product development, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.Outsole and Component Suppliers
Suppliers can reference this standard to align product specifications with industry requirements, facilitating clear communication with footwear producers and improving product acceptance in global markets.Quality Control and Testing Laboratories
The described standardized test methods provide objective procedures to verify outsole components meet required performance thresholds, supporting certification and product validation processes.Consumers and Retailers
Enhanced assurance of outsole durability, slip resistance, and comfort contributes to improved footwear safety and customer satisfaction, especially in specialized uses like sports and occupational footwear.
Related Standards
- ISO 17707 – Test methods for outsole flex resistance
- ISO 20871 – Test methods for outsole abrasion resistance
- ISO 24267 – Determination of coefficient of friction (slip resistance) for footwear and sole components
- ISO 19952 – Footwear vocabulary and definitions
- ISO 20872 to ISO 20875 – Various test methods covering tear strength, dimensional stability, and delamination resistance
These standards complement ISO/TS 20939 and form a comprehensive framework for the evaluation and specification of footwear components, promoting consistency and quality across the footwear industry.
Adhering to FprCEN ISO/TS 20939:2024 ensures that footwear outsoles meet stringent performance criteria, improving product reliability and consumer confidence while supporting manufacturers and suppliers in aligning with recognized international best practices for footwear component performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
FprCEN ISO/TS 20939 is a draft published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Footwear - Performance requirements for components for footwear - Outsoles (ISO/TS 20939:2024)". This standard covers: This document establishes the performance requirements for outsole components for footwear, in order to assess the suitability for the end use. It also establishes the test methods to be used to evaluate the compliance with the requirements. This document applies to outsoles for all kinds of footwear as defined in Table 1. This document can be used as a reference by the footwear manufacturer and the supplier
This document establishes the performance requirements for outsole components for footwear, in order to assess the suitability for the end use. It also establishes the test methods to be used to evaluate the compliance with the requirements. This document applies to outsoles for all kinds of footwear as defined in Table 1. This document can be used as a reference by the footwear manufacturer and the supplier
FprCEN ISO/TS 20939 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 61.060 - Footwear. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
FprCEN ISO/TS 20939 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-februar-2026
Obutev - Zahtevane lastnosti za sestavne dele obutve - Zunanji podplati (ISO/TS
20939:2024)
Footwear - Performance requirements for components for footwear - Outsoles (ISO/TS
20939:2024)
Schuhe - Anforderungen an das Gebrauchsverhalten von Schuhkomponenten -
Laufsohlen (ISO/TS 20939:2024)
Chaussures - Exigences de performance pour les composants des chaussures -
Semelles d'usure (ISO/TS 20939:2024)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: FprCEN ISO/TS 20939
ICS:
61.060 Obuvala Footwear
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
Technical
Specification
ISO/TS 20939
First edition
Footwear — Performance
2024-11
requirements for components for
footwear — Outsoles
Chaussures — Exigences de performance pour les composants des
chaussures — Semelles d'usure
Reference number
ISO/TS 20939:2024(en) © ISO 2024
ISO/TS 20939:2024(en)
© ISO 2024
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
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ISO copyright office
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Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
ISO/TS 20939:2024(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Classification . 2
5 Requirements . 2
5.1 General .2
5.2 Performance requirements for outsoles for footwear .2
6 Marking and labelling . 3
iii
ISO/TS 20939:2024(en)
Foreword
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This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 216, Footwear.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
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© ISO
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