Footwear Certification

ISO/TC 216 - Footwear

KGS offers footwear testing, inspection, auditing, advisory, training and quality assurance services, enabling retailers, manufacturers and importers to evaluate the essential mechanical and physical properties of their footwear products across the supply chain.

KGS's extensive footwear testing capabilities enable our customers to proactively evaluate their footwear at all stages of development and production. Testing the materials and components that make up the finished product, as well as evaluation of the complete shoe, helps reduce returns, improve quality and enhance customer loyalty and satisfaction. Our accredited footwear testing labs are strategically located in key footwear manufacturing regions, offering global reach with local solutions.

Our testing capabilities extend to all types of footwear, from athletic and children’s shoes to safety/PPE footwear and high-end designer shoes. KGS is accredited to perform physical, mechanical and chemical tests, including testing for:

Scope:

Standardization of test methods, terminology and performance requirements for components for footwear; test methods and terminology for whole shoe.

leather products (including methods of test for leather products) is undertaken by ISO / TC 120. Standards development for leather footwear is the field of work of ISO / TC 216, whereas protective clothing and equipment that utilize leather components is the field of work of ISO / TC 94.

• Slip and flex cracking resistance
• Sole bond adhesion, seam, heel attachment strength
• Colorfastness
• Components – zips, touch, close fasteners, and others
• Waterproof properties
• Whole shoe appraisal
• Fit assessment
• Labeling

Key benefits of product certification:

• Receive premium prices for their products
• Access local, regional, and international markets
• Protect natural resources
• Support local economies
• Access additional funding and technical assistance programs