EN ISO 24266:2020 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 24266:2020 - Footwear - Test methods for whole shoe - Flexing durability specifies two laboratory test methods for determining the flexing durability of whole shoes. The standard defines how to repeatedly flex a complete shoe about its normal flexing line, how to prepare and condition samples, and how to record and report results. The two methods (Method A and Method B) are intentionally different and might not give comparable results; selection of a method should be agreed between parties or dictated by a product standard.

Keywords: EN ISO 24266:2020, flexing durability, footwear test methods, whole shoe flex testing, flexing cycles.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope limits
  • Not applicable to whole shoes with heel height > 50 mm.
  • Not applicable if thickness of the sole flexing area > 25 mm.
  • Not applicable where flexing angle is less than 45° (per ISO 17707:2005, Clause 6).
• Principle
  • Repeated flexing about the shoe’s flexing line; subjective inspection for damage after a set time or number of flexes.
• Method A (fixed parameters)
  • Flexing speed: (140 ± 10) cycles per minute.
  • Typical test run: 50 000 flexing cycles (other totals allowed by agreement).
  • Flexing angle set to (30 ± 1)° for simulation of normal walking.
  • Requires marking the flexing line (metatarsophalangeal joint position table provided).
• Method B (adjustable machine)
  • Flexing angle adjustable from 0° to 55°; flexing frequency adjustable from 100 to 300 cycles/min.
  • Uses a flexing last, adjustable sample holder, automatic stop after specified cycles, and an air blast to prevent overheating.
  • Flexing last must allow flexing at the joint position; maximum flexible angle ≥ 50°.
• Apparatus and measurement
  • Vernier calipers to accuracy better than 0.02 mm.
  • Cutting tool and fixtures for Method B.
• Sampling & conditioning
  • At least one pair per test; condition samples in standard atmosphere per ISO 18454 for ≥ 4 hours before and during testing.
• Results & reporting
  • Record number of cycles or test duration and subjective assessment of damage; follow reporting requirements in the standard.

Applications and who uses it

• Footwear manufacturers for product development, durability verification and quality control.
• Independent test laboratories performing whole-shoe durability testing.
• Procurement teams and specification writers requiring validated durability data.
• R&D teams comparing materials, construction methods or sole units under controlled flexing.
• Regulatory/standards committees and certification bodies referencing whole-shoe flex performance.

Related standards

• ISO 18454 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing of footwear (referenced for sample conditioning).
• ISO 17707:2005 - Referenced for flexing angle constraints (metatarsophalangeal joint position).

EN ISO 24266:2020 is a practical standard for standardized whole-shoe flex testing; choose Method A or B by agreement, and document test parameters clearly to ensure meaningful, comparable results.