CEN ISO/TS 23889:2026

Overview

The FprCEN ISO/TS 23889:2024 standard specifies performance requirements for heel and top piece components used in footwear. Applicable to all types of footwear components regardless of material, this document is essential for manufacturers and suppliers aiming to ensure their products meet fitness for purpose and suitability standards. Unlike standards for finished footwear, ISO/TS 23889 focuses exclusively on these specific components and defines precise testing methods to evaluate compliance.

This technical specification serves as a reliable reference framework to help industry professionals assess durability, safety, and functional performance of heels and top pieces, contributing to enhanced footwear quality and consumer satisfaction.

Key Topics

• Scope and Classification:
  The standard applies to heel and top pieces for all kinds of footwear classified by exposure and use ranging from slight to heavy (classes A to D). Examples include infant shoes (Class A), casual and work shoes (Class B), sport and trekking shoes (Class C), and high-performance sports footwear (Class D).

• Performance Requirements:
  The document sets two types of requirements - essential (mandatory) and additional (optional, agreed between supplier and manufacturer). Key performance tests include:

  • Resistance to lateral impact (≥ 5 J for heels over 5 cm high)
  • Fatigue resistance (≥ 14,000 impacts on heels)
  • Heel pin holding strength (≥ 80 N/mm)
  • Abrasion resistance for top pieces varies by class (Class A ≤ 300 mm, Class B ≤ 200 mm, Class C ≤ 150 mm)
  • Top piece retention strength (≥ 100 N)

• Test Methods Referenced:
  The standard incorporates several ISO test methods, including:

  • ISO 19953 for lateral impact resistance
  • ISO 19956 for fatigue resistance
  • ISO 19957 for heel pin holding strength
  • ISO 20871 for abrasion resistance
  • ISO 24264 for top piece attachment strength
  • ISO 24267 for slip resistance (optional, especially for finished footwear)

• Marking and Labelling:
  Compliance marking is optional but must include manufacturer identification, intended footwear class, and reference to ISO/TS 23889. Marking must be discreet and not visible on finished footwear.

Applications

• Footwear Industry:
  Manufacturers of footwear components use this standard to ensure heels and top pieces meet quality and durability requirements suited to different footwear applications - from children's shoes to heavy-duty work boots and athletic footwear.

• Component Suppliers:
  Suppliers leverage this specification to offer validated parts that comply with universal performance benchmarks, facilitating trust and compatibility with footwear producers.

• Quality Assurance:
  Testing laboratories and certification bodies utilize the defined methods to assess component fitness, contributing to safer and longer-lasting footwear products.

• Product Development:
  Research and development teams integrate these requirements early in design cycles to optimize heel and top piece materials and construction.

Related Standards

For a thorough approach to footwear component quality and safety, ISO/TS 23889 is often used alongside these standards:

• ISO 19952 - Footwear vocabulary, ensuring consistent terminology across specifications
• ISO 20871 - Test methods for outsole abrasion resistance, important for assessing wear properties related to top pieces
• ISO 19953 to ISO 19957 - Specific test methods for various performance aspects of heels
• ISO 24264 - Attachment strength tests for heels and top pieces
• ISO 24267 - Test method to determine slip resistance, relevant for assessing safety in finished footwear

By adhering to FprCEN ISO/TS 23889:2024, manufacturers and suppliers can confidently deliver high-quality heel and top piece components that meet international performance criteria, improving footwear durability and user safety across global markets.