Analysis of water penetration phenomena for whole shoe waterproofness test
Previously, we analyzed various phenomena and causes related to whole shoe waterproof performance. Now, PFI’s experts will provide a comparative explanation of different testing standards for whole shoe waterproofing.
Whole shoe waterproof testing is generally categorized into three methods: dynamic, inflation, and water tank methods. Among these, the dynamic method is the most widely used and applicable to various types of footwear.
Testing Principle
The shoe is mounted on a dynamic waterproof testing machine, where a water tank is filled to a specified depth to simulate contact with water. The machine flexes the shoe’s forefoot at a set angle and frequency to replicate walking motion, assessing water penetration.
Whole Shoe Waterproof Testing equirement
Key Testing Standards
- DIN SPEC 53264
- GB/T 16641
- SATRA TM77
- ISO 20344 (Section 5.19)
Among them, ISO 20344 is used for the waterproof test of personal protective equipment – shoes. The remaining methods are applicable to various types of shoes, except for those that are difficult to bend when worn normally.
The key parameters of the aforementioned standards are shown in the following table:
|
Parameter
|
DIN SPEC 53264
|
GB/T 16641
|
SATRA TM77
|
ISO 20344 (Section 5.19)
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Flex Angle
|
30°
|
45°±1°
|
Normal walking angle
|
22°±5°
|
|
Flex Frequency
|
(35±2) cycles/min
|
(60-65) cycles/min
|
(140±10) cycles/min
|
(60±6) cycles/min
|
|
Water Level Height
|
Determined by waterproof grade or as specified
|
a) 1/2 distance between sole/upper joint and tongue stitching point; b) 1/2 distance between outsole and shoe opening; c) As specified per product requirements
|
Waterproof shoes: 25mm or 5mm above feather line; Casual shoes: at feather line position
|
Class I shoes: 20mm above lowest feather line; Hybrid shoes: 10mm above lowest point of polymer/rubber components
|
|
Evaluation Method
|
Water penetration (yes/no)
|
Water penetration (yes/no)
|
Number of cycles until 300mm² penetration area OR penetration area after specified cycles
|
Water penetration (yes/no) or penetration area
|
In terms of flex angle, GB/T 16641 uses the largest angle, while SATRA TM77 offers flexibility by adjusting the angle based on shoe type. For flex frequency, DIN SPEC 53264 simulates slow walking, GB/T 16641 and ISO 20344 mimic normal walking, and SATRA TM77 replicates running. Larger flex angles and higher frequencies result in more stringent testing.
As a globally leading footwear testing institution, PFI Laboratory possesses comprehensive capabilities for the aforementioned whole shoe waterproofness testing standards, delivering precise and compliant testing services tailored to diverse market requirements. Whether it’s China’s GB/T 16641, Europe’s DIN SPEC 53264, international safety footwear standard ISO 20344, or the more flexible SATRA TM77, PFI can customize optimal testing solutions based on product applications and target markets. Moreover, PFI’s expert team has in-depth understanding of the differences in critical parameters (such as flex angles and frequency) across various standards, ensuring test results not only meet regulatory requirements but also accurately reflect the actual waterproof performance of footwear products.
