Since the heel is an integral support element of the shoe, the heel-attaching strength is a significant factor in ensuring the wearer's safety, as well as the longevity and serviceability of the shoe.

This test should be performed on each new style shoe and when any changes are made in the design, material or method of shank or heel area of the shoe, or both, or in the attachment of the heel in an existing shoe.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the force required to detach the heel from footwear through the application of longitudinal tensile force at a constant displacement rate. The longitudinal test force simulates the most common heel failure mode. Heel height of 20 mm (¹³/₁₆ in.) or larger is needed to perform this test method properly. Most women's medium and high heeled footwear meets this requirement.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications

E105 Practice for Probability Sampling of Materials

E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process

E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics

European Standard

Keywords

footwear comfort; footwear construction; footwear design; footwear manufacturing; footwear performance; footwear safety; heel attaching strength; quality control; Footwear--soles/heels/related materials; Heels; Shoes;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 61.060 (Footwear)

Citing ASTM Standards

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