FprCEN ISO/TS 20358

Overview

The FprCEN ISO/TS 20358:2024 standard, titled Footwear - Performance requirements for components for footwear - Accessories, is a vital technical specification developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) in collaboration with ISO. This standard establishes detailed performance requirements and test methods for key footwear accessories, including laces and eyelets, metal components, touch and close fasteners, zippers, and trims.

Its primary purpose is to assess the suitability and durability of these components for their intended end use across various types of footwear. The specification applies universally to accessories used in infant shoes, casual footwear, sports shoes, work shoes, and specialized outdoor or trekking shoes, ensuring consistent quality and functional reliability. Manufacturers and suppliers can utilize this document as a technical reference to maintain product standards and meet consumer expectations.

Key Topics

• Performance Requirements: The standard defines quantitative requirements for essential footwear accessories to ensure durability and functional performance in different use cases. These include:

  • Abrasion resistance for laces and eyelets, with cycle counts varying by shoe class (from 1,000 to 20,000 cycles).
  • Corrosion resistance for metal parts, assessed per ISO 22775.
  • Shear strength and peel strength for touch and close fasteners before and after repeated use.
  • Attachment strength and fatigue resistance for zippers and trims, with load thresholds based on footwear classification.

• Footwear Classification: Accessories are tested based on the classification of footwear into four exposure categories:

  • Class A: Infant shoes, slippers, indoor, and fashion shoes (slight exposure).
  • Class B: Casual and school shoes, adult work shoes (medium exposure).
  • Class C: Sport shoes and heavy work shoes (high exposure).
  • Class D: Heavy-duty sports and trekking footwear (heavy exposure).

• Testing Methods: The standard references multiple ISO test methods such as:

  • ISO 22774 for lace abrasion,
  • ISO 22775 for metal corrosion,
  • ISO 22776 and ISO 22777 for strength testing of fastening systems,
  • ISO 10734 and ISO 10764 for zipper strength and load,
  • EN 16732 for zipper fatigue testing,
  • ISO 24263 for trims attachment strength.

• Marking and Labeling: While optional, accessories meeting all requirements can bear labeling information including manufacturer or trademark name, footwear class suitability, and reference to ISO/TS 20358, ensuring traceability and consumer confidence.

Applications

The ISO/TS 20358:2024 standard serves multiple practical applications in the footwear industry such as:

• Product Development: Designers and engineers use the standard to specify component performance levels during new footwear development, ensuring longevity and user satisfaction.
• Quality Control: Manufacturers apply the defined test methods to regularly assess component batches, guaranteeing compliance with quality expectations.
• Supplier Evaluation: Procurement teams can reference this standard to verify accessory suppliers meet performance criteria before integration.
• Market Compliance: Footwear brands leverage adherence to this document as a quality assurance tool, helping strengthen market position and consumer trust.
• End-Use Suitability: Classification-based requirements help customize components to suit specific footwear types and the associated physical demands.

By meeting these performance standards, footwear accessories can deliver enhanced durability, safety, and aesthetic value under diverse wearing conditions.

Related Standards

FprCEN ISO/TS 20358:2024 builds upon and references several key international standards, facilitating harmonized quality control across the footwear sector:

• ISO 10734 - Footwear slide fasteners – Strength of pullers.
• ISO 10764 - Footwear slide fasteners – Lateral strength.
• ISO 17709 - Footwear sampling location and preparation methods.
• ISO 19952 - Footwear vocabulary for standardized terminology.
• ISO 22774 - Test methods for shoe lace abrasion resistance.
• ISO 22775 - Corrosion resistance testing of metallic accessories.
• ISO 22776 and ISO 22777 - Performance testing of touch and close fasteners.
• ISO 24263 - Attachment strength for trims and accessories.
• EN 16732 - Specification for slide fasteners (zippers).

Together, these standards create a comprehensive framework governing the quality and performance of footwear components critical for the industry.

Keywords: Footwear accessories standard, ISO/TS 20358, laces durability, zipper strength test, metal component corrosion resistance, touch and close fasteners, footwear classification, footwear quality control, CEN footwear standard, footwear component testing, shoe accessory performance.