ISO 17705:2003

Overview

ISO 17705:2003 - Footwear: Test methods for uppers, lining and insocks - Thermal insulation specifies a laboratory test method for measuring the thermal conductivity of materials used in footwear uppers, linings and insocks. The standard defines how to prepare specimens, the required Lees’ disc apparatus and measurement procedure to calculate thermal conductivity (K) and derived thermal resistance (R). The method assesses material suitability for end use, particularly for cold-weather or thermal comfort applications.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope: Applies to uppers, lining and insocks irrespective of material; intended to assess thermal insulation properties for end-use suitability.
• Apparatus: Uses a Lees’ disc assembly with four cylindrical brass blocks (B1–B4), a circular electrical heater and thermocouples to record temperatures. The standard specifies block dimensions and instrumentation accuracy.
• Specimen preparation & conditioning: Materials must be stored and conditioned in a standard atmosphere (see EN 12222) for at least 48 hours prior to cutting two circular specimens matching the block diameter.
• Test principle: A constant heat source is sandwiched between brass blocks with the specimen placed on the upper block; temperatures are recorded until steady state is reached (three successive readings within ±0.2 °C).
• Measurements & calculations: Thickness is measured under defined pressure; power input (voltage × current) and steady-state block temperatures are used to calculate thermal conductivity (K) and the average thermal resistance (R = S / K). Results are reported as the arithmetic mean of two specimens to three significant figures.
• Reporting: Test report must include K and R values, material descriptions, lining/reinforcements, test conditions, specimen pressure and any deviations from the method.

Practical applications

• Product development: Compare materials and constructions (uppers, linings, insocks) for thermal performance in cold-weather or insulated footwear designs.
• Quality control: Routine verification of incoming materials and manufactured components to ensure consistent thermal insulation properties.
• Supplier specification: Establish performance requirements for material procurement and supplier evaluation.
• Regulatory and conformity testing: Provide objective thermal property data for claims or compliance with customer specifications.

Who should use this standard

• Footwear manufacturers and designers
• Materials suppliers and compounders (textiles, foams, membranes)
• Independent testing laboratories and R&D centers
• Quality assurance and compliance teams assessing thermal comfort or protective footwear

Related standards

• EN 13521:2001 - European standard on the same test method (ISO 17705 was prepared by CEN as EN 13521)
• EN 12222 / ISO 18454:2001 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing of footwear and components

Keywords: ISO 17705:2003, footwear thermal insulation, thermal conductivity test, uppers lining insocks, Lees’ disc, thermal resistance, footwear testing, EN 13521, material specification.