ISO 24264:2020

Overview

ISO 24264:2020 specifies a standardized laboratory method to determine the attachment pull-out strength of heel top pieces for both hollow and compact heels. The method is applicable to all kinds of heels fitted with top pieces and defines apparatus, sample conditioning, specimen preparation, test procedure, result expression and reporting requirements for consistent, reproducible measurement of top-piece attachment strength.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope: Test method for heel top-piece attachment pull-out strength (applies to all heel types with top pieces).
• Sampling and conditioning: Test at least three heels/shoes; condition samples 24 h at (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 5) % RH in accordance with ISO 18454.
• Apparatus:
  • Tensile testing machine with jaw separation rate (100 ± 10) mm/min.
  • Force-measuring system with 2% accuracy (Class 2) as specified in ISO 7500-1; typical force range 0–1000 N.
  • Clamping device/jaws designed to prevent slipping without cutting test-piece.
  • Drill, cutting tool (knife), and a steel cord ≈1 mm diameter with a stop > 2 mm diameter.
• Specimen preparation: Trim heel edge beneath the top piece, drill a hole through the overhanging part at least 2 mm from the edge, pass the steel cord through and clamp so the top piece lies horizontal and cannot move.
• Procedure: Pull until the top piece separates, record the maximum force. For top pieces with multiple pivots, record the first maximum force observed. If tearing occurs, repeat with a different hole distance.
• Results & reporting: Express results in newtons (N) as the average force. Test report must include specimen identification (photo recommended), reference to ISO 24264:2020, result in N, test date and any deviations.

Applications and practical value

• Ensures consistent quality assessment of heel top-piece fixation across design iterations and production batches.
• Used in quality control, durability testing, material selection, and failure analysis for footwear manufacturers and component suppliers.
• Supports compliance testing requested by retailers, certification bodies and third‑party testing laboratories.
• Useful in R&D when evaluating new top‑piece materials, attachment methods, adhesives or heel constructions.

Who should use this standard

• Footwear manufacturers and component suppliers
• Independent testing and certification laboratories
• Quality assurance teams and product designers
• Retail compliance officers and procurement teams

Related standards

• ISO 7500-1 - Calibration and verification of static uniaxial testing machines (force‑measuring system requirements).
• ISO 18454 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing of footwear and components.

Keywords: ISO 24264:2020, footwear test methods, heel top piece attachment strength, pull-out strength, tensile testing, top piece pull-out, ISO 7500-1, ISO 18454.