ISO 20865:2002

Footwear — Test methods for outsoles — Compression energy

ISO 20865 specifies a method for the determination of the compression energy of outsoles.

Chaussures — Méthodes d'essai applicables aux semelles — Mesure de l'énergie de compression

L'ISO 20865 spécifie une méthode de détermination de l'énergie de compression des semelles.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 03-Jul-2002
• ICS: 61.060 - Footwear
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 216 - Footwear
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 216 - Footwear
• Current Stage: 9093 - International Standard confirmed
• Start Date: 09-May-2022
• Completion Date: 12-Feb-2026

Overview

ISO 20865:2002, titled Footwear - Test methods for outsoles - Compression energy, is an international standard developed by ISO to specify a precise method for determining the compression energy of footwear outsoles. Compression energy measurement is crucial in evaluating the durability, comfort, and performance characteristics of shoe soles under mechanical stress. This standardized test method ensures consistency and reliability in assessing outsole materials, helping manufacturers maintain high-quality footwear products.

Key Topics

• Scope and Purpose
  ISO 20865:2002 defines the procedure for quantifying the energy absorbed by the outsole when subjected to a compressive force up to 5000 Newtons. The test evaluates how much energy the outsole material absorbs and dissipates under compression, which directly impacts wear resistance and cushioning.

• Test Equipment and Setup
  The standard requires a dynamometer compliant with ISO 5893, able to apply a consistent translation speed of 10 mm/min ± 2 mm/min. The testing apparatus includes a specialized polyethylene punch designed specifically for outsole shapes, with dimensions adjusted according to shoe size (Mondo Point measurements).

• Sampling and Conditioning
  Specimens are sampled based on EN 13400:1998 and conditioned in normal atmospheric conditions as per EN 12222 for a minimum of 24 hours, ensuring uniform test conditions and reliable results. A minimum of two samples per test are required.

• Test Procedure
  The outsole heel portion is positioned on a steel support with the punch pressing against its interior surface. Compression is applied steadily until the force reaches 5000 N. The force versus compression curve is recorded through an autographic device.

• Calculating Compression Energy
  The energy of compression (E), measured in joules, corresponds to the area under the force-deformation curve from zero to 5000 N. The test result is expressed as the average value across samples, providing a standardized metric of the outsole’s compression behavior.

• Reporting Results
  Test reports must include sample identification, test method reference, date of testing, and detailed results, including the energy of compression calculation. This ensures transparency and traceability for quality control and product development.

Applications

ISO 20865:2002 is essential for various stakeholders in the footwear industry:

• Manufacturers use this method to assess and select outsole materials that meet durability and comfort requirements.
• Quality control laboratories rely on the standard for consistent testing to ensure products adhere to performance specifications.
• Research and development teams apply the test results to innovate footwear designs with optimized cushioning and shock absorption.
• Regulatory compliance efforts benefit from harmonized testing methods that align with international footwear standards.
• Material suppliers utilize these tests to demonstrate the mechanical properties and reliability of elastomers and composites used in outsoles.

By adhering to ISO 20865:2002, businesses can enhance product safety, performance, and customer satisfaction.

Related Standards

ISO 20865:2002 works in conjunction with several related international and European standards:

• EN 12222 - Footwear - Normal atmospheres for conditioning and testing: Defines standard environmental conditions for specimen preparation.
• prEN 13400:1998 - Footwear - Sampling locations for footwear components: Guides on sampling outsole materials for testing.
• ISO 5893 - Rubber and plastics testing equipment: Specifies requirements for dynamometers used in compression, tensile, and flexural tests.
• EN 12743:1999 - The European equivalent of ISO 20865, detailing compression energy testing for outsoles.

These harmonized standards ensure compatibility of test methods and facilitate the global exchange of footwear quality data.

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Keywords: ISO 20865, compression energy test, footwear outsoles, outsole testing, dynamometer testing footwear, shoe sole compression, footwear standards, outsole durability, material testing footwear, international footwear test methods.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 20865
First edition
2002-07-01
Footwear — Test methods for outsoles —
Compression energy
Chaussures — Méthodes d'essai applicables aux semelles — Mesure de
l'énergie de compression
Reference number
©
ISO 2002
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ii © ISO 2002 – All rights reserved

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies (ISO
member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO technical
committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been established has
the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in
liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards adopted
by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an International
Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard ISO 20865 was prepared by CEN (as EN 12743:1999) and was adopted, under a special
“fast-track procedure”, by Technical Committee ISO/TC 216, Footwear, in parallel with its approval by the ISO
member bodies.
This International Standard incorporates Corrigendum EN 12743:1999/AC.
For the purposes of international standardization, a list of corresponding International and European Standards for
which equivalents are not given in EN 12743 has been added as annex ZZ.

Page 2
EN 12743:1999
Contents
Page
Foreword 3
................................................................................................................
1 Scope 4
..................................................................................................................
2 Normative references 4
..........................................................................................
3 Definitions 4
............................................................................................................
4 Apparatus and material 4
.......................................................................................
5 Sampling and conditioning 5
...................................................................................
6 Test method 5
.........................................................................................................
7 Expression of results 5
...........................................................................................
8 Test Report 6
..........................................................................................................
Bibliography 8
............................................................................................................
iv © ISO 2002 – All rights reserved

Page 3
EN 12743:1999
Foreword
This European Standard has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 309
"Footwear", the secretariat of which is held by AENOR.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by
publication of an identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by March 2000, and
conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by March 2000.
Ac
...

NORME ISO
INTERNATIONALE 20865
Première édition
2002-07-01
Chaussures — Méthodes d’essai
applicables aux semelles — Mesure de
l’énergie de compression
Footwear — Test methods for outsoles — Compression energy

Numéro de référence
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ISO 2002
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©  ISO 2002
Droits de reproduction réservés. Sauf prescription différente, aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite ni utilisée sous quelque
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ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax. + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail [e-mail]
Web www.iso.ch
Imprimé en Suisse
ii © ISO 2002– Tous droits réservés

Avant-propos
L'ISO (Organisation internationale de normalisation) est une fédération mondiale d'organismes nationaux de
normalisation (comités membres de l'ISO). L'élaboration des Normes internationales est en général confiée aux
comités techniques de l'ISO. Chaque comité membre intéressé par une étude a le droit de faire partie du comité
technique créé à cet effet. Les organisations internationales, gouvernementales et non gouvernementales, en
liaison avec l'ISO participent également aux travaux. L'ISO collabore étroitement avec la Commission
électrotechnique internationale (CEI) en ce qui concerne la normalisation électrotechnique.
Les Normes internationales sont rédigées conformément aux règles données dans les Directives ISO/CEI,
Partie 3.
La tâche principale des comités techniques est d'élaborer les Normes internationales. Les projets de Normes
internationales adoptés par les comités techniques sont soumis aux comités membres pour vote. Leur publication
comme Normes internationales requiert l'approbation de 75 % au moins des comités membres votants.
L'attention est appelée sur le fait que certains des éléments de la présente Norme internationale peuvent faire
l'objet de droits de propriété intellectuelle ou de droits analogues. L'ISO ne saurait être tenue pour responsable de
ne pas avoir identifié de tels droits de propriété et averti de leur existence.
L'ISO 20865 a été élaborée par le Comité européen de normalisation (en tant que EN 12743:1999) et a été
adoptée, selon une procédure spéciale par «voie express», par le comité technique ISO/TC 216, Chaussure,
parallèlement à son approbation par les comités membres de l'ISO.
La présente Norme internationale inclut le Corrigendum EN 12743:1999/AC.
Aux fins de normalisation internationale, une liste des Normes internationales et européennes correspondantes
pour lesquelles des équivalents ne sont pas donnés dans l’EN 12743 a été ajoutée en tant qu’annexe ZZ.
Page 2
EN 12743:1999
Sommaire
Avant-propos.3
1 Domaine d'application .4
2 Références normatives.4
3 Définitions.4
4 Appareillage et matériel.4
5 Echantillonnage et conditionnement.5
6 Méthode d'essai.5
7 Expression des résultats.5
8 Rapport d'essai.6
Bibliographie.9
iv © ISO 2002 – Tous droits réservés

Page 3
EN 12743:1999
Avant-propos
La présente norme européenne a été élaborée par le Comité Technique
CEN/TC 309 "Chaussure" dont le secrétariat est tenu par l'AENOR.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by
publication of an identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by mars 2000, and
conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by mars 2000.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national stan
...