Methods of test for footwear and footwear materials. Solings. The preparation of test pieces from soling materials for physical testing

This specification outlines the requirements for preparing test specimens used in physical testing of footwear materials, specifically focusing on sole components. It defines the procedures for cutting, molding, and conditioning samples to ensure consistency across different laboratories and manufacturers. The document details the necessary dimensions, tolerances, and surface finishes required for valid evaluation of properties such as hardness, flexibility, and abrasion resistance. Adherence to these preparation protocols is essential for obtaining reliable and comparable test results in the assessment of footwear durability and performance. The guidelines cover various material types commonly employed in sole construction, addressing specific challenges associated with their handling and preparation. By establishing a standardized approach, this reference supports quality control processes and facilitates fair comparisons between different products and production batches within the industry. It serves as a foundational technical guide for ensuring that all physical tests on shoe soles are conducted using specimens that meet uniform criteria, thereby minimizing variability caused by differences in sample preparation techniques.