ISO 17706:2003

Overview

ISO 17706:2003 is an internationally recognized standard specifying test methods for footwear uppers, focusing on tensile strength and elongation. This standard provides a reliable procedure to measure the force required to break test specimens from the upper materials, irrespective of their composition. The goal is to assess the durability and suitability of footwear uppers for their intended end use, ensuring product quality in the footwear industry.

Developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 216 on Footwear and based on European Standard EN 13522:2001, ISO 17706 outlines practical test protocols to evaluate the mechanical properties of upper materials, including leather, textiles, and composites.

Key Topics

• Scope & Purpose
  Defines testing methods for tensile strength and elongation of footwear upper materials to determine breaking force and elongation during use.

• Test Specimen Preparation
  Criteria for cutting and conditioning test samples from footwear uppers, emphasizing no seams or perforations in specimens. Dimensions and preparation for frayable (textiles) and non-frayable (leather) materials are specified.

• Testing Apparatus
  Use of calibrated tensile testing machines capable of applying force up to 5 kN with jaw separation speed of 100 mm/min for stretching the specimens. Precision equipment like vernier calipers for measurement is recommended.

• Test Methodology
  Step-by-step procedure includes clamping specimens correctly in testing jaws, applying tensile load until failure, and recording breaking force and elongation at break. Guidelines for handling specimen slippage and failure modes are provided.

• Calculation and Reporting
  Formulas to compute breaking strength (N/mm) and tensile elongation percentage (%) are outlined. Reports must document average results per direction, material details, footwear style, testing conditions, and any deviations.

• Material Directions for Testing
  Ensures samples are tested along the 'along' or longitudinal axis and across the transverse direction, capturing anisotropic material behavior.

Applications

• Footwear Quality Control
  Manufacturers use ISO 17706 testing to verify mechanical integrity of uppers, ensuring resistance to tearing during wear.

• Material Selection and Development
  R&D teams assess new upper materials or composites under standardized conditions for optimized durability.

• Supplier Evaluation
  Footwear companies evaluate raw materials from suppliers by tensile testing to maintain consistent product performance.

• Compliance and Certification
  Meeting ISO 17706 requirements supports compliance with international footwear quality standards, facilitating global market access.

• Research and Testing Labs
  Provides a benchmark method for labs specializing in footwear materials testing to produce reproducible and comparable results.

Related Standards

• EN 12222 / ISO 18454 – Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing of footwear and components
• EN ISO 7500-1 – Calibration of tension and compression testing machines, ensuring accurate force measurements
• EN 13400 / ISO 17709 – Sampling location and preparation for footwear test pieces
• prEN 12987 / ISO 2418 – Leather sampling methods for chemical, physical, and mechanical tests

These complementary standards support proper test environment control, sample handling, and machine calibration, enhancing the reliability of ISO 17706 test results.

ISO 17706:2003 provides a thorough, standardized framework to assess the mechanical performance of footwear uppers. By implementing this test method, the footwear industry can ensure products meet quality expectations for strength and resilience, thus improving consumer satisfaction and product longevity.