This editorial completes the exploration of product testing in footwear manufacturing, a topic intentionally divided into two chapters to ensure clarity, technical accuracy, and depth.
While Part 1 focused on performance, comfort, durability, and material behavior—those elements directly influencing how a shoe performs in use—Part 2 expands the analysis to include environmental resistance, safety and regulatory compliance, and structural integrity. Together, these two chapters provide a comprehensive validation framework for footwear components before entering production.
You can read Part 1 here:

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Melt Volume Rate (MVR) – Controlling Processability in Injection Molding

The Melt Volume Rate (MVR) test measures how a polymer flows when subjected to a specific temperature and load. This parameter is fundamental in injection molding, as it directly affects how the material fills the mould, replicates fine details, and maintains dimensional accuracy.
A controlled and consistent MVR ensures:

- uniform mould filling

- reduced risk of defects such as voids or incomplete parts

- improved surface quality

- predictable cycle times

For footwear components, MVR data is essential to align material behavior with tooling design and production parameters, enabling stable and repeatable manufacturing.

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Shore Hardness Measurement (ISO 7619) – Manufacturability and Consistency

Shore hardness testing evaluates a material’s resistance to indentation and is a key indicator of both functional behavior and manufacturability. Conducted according to ISO 7619, this test provides precise hardness values that help define how a material will behave during injection, demoulding, bonding, and assembly.

From a production standpoint, accurate hardness control:

- improves mould release

- supports reliable bonding with other materials

- ensures consistency across batches

- reduces variability in final product feel and performance

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Hydrolysis Resistance – Performance Under Moisture and Humidity

Hydrolysis testing simulates prolonged exposure to moisture, humidity, and wet environments through artificial aging. The test evaluates how mechanical properties, structural integrity, and color stability change over time when a material is subjected to these conditions.

This evaluation is particularly important for:

- performance footwear

- outdoor and trail applications

- footwear exposed to repeated wet–dry cycles

Materials that perform well in hydrolysis tests maintain their properties over time, ensuring durability and reliability in challenging environments.

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UV Resistance – Stability Under Sunlight Exposure

UV resistance testing assesses how materials respond to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, simulating sunlight over extended periods.

The test highlights potential degradation in:

- color

- surface finish

- elasticity

- mechanical strength

For footwear components that are exposed to outdoor conditions or long-term storage, UV stability is critical to preserving both aesthetics and performance throughout the product lifecycle.

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Oil Resistance (ISO 1817:2022) – Reliability in Industrial Environments

Oil resistance testing, performed according to ISO 1817:2022, evaluates how materials behave when exposed to oils, fuels, and hydrocarbons. The test measures changes in volume, hardness, and mechanical properties after immersion.
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This evaluation is essential for:

- safety footwear

- workwear applications

- industrial and technical environments

Strong oil resistance ensures that materials retain their functional properties even in demanding working conditions.

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Slip Safety and SATRA Testing – Ensuring Grip and Stability

Slip resistance is a critical safety requirement in many footwear categories. Two main types of evaluations are commonly performed:

- Slip safety tests aligned with EN ISO 20345, required for certified safety footwear, verifying grip under regulated conditions

- SATRA slip tests, which measure the coefficient of friction on various surfaces for general footwear applications

Together, these tests help manufacturers design soles that provide reliable traction, reduce slip-related risks, and comply with industry standards.

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Tensile Strength (DIN 53504) – Resistance Under Load

Tensile strength testing measures the maximum stress a material can withstand when stretched before breaking. Conducted according to DIN 53504, this test provides essential data on elasticity, strength, and deformation behavior.
For footwear components, tensile performance is critical in areas subjected to continuous tension or stretching, ensuring structural stability and durability during use.

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Tear Strength (UNI EN 12771:2001) – Preventing Progressive Failure

The tear strength test evaluates the force required for an existing cut or slit to propagate into a tear. According to UNI EN 12771:2001, this test assesses a material’s resistance to progressive damage.
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High tear resistance is particularly important for:

- thin or highly stressed components

- multi-material constructions

- footwear exposed to sharp objects or uneven terrain

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Bonding Test – Verifying Multi-Material Integrity

Bonding tests measure the force required to separate two bonded materials. This evaluation is crucial for footwear designs that combine different compounds, foams, films, or reinforcements.

Strong bonding performance ensures:

- long-term durability

- resistance to delamination

- reliability under repeated stress and environmental exposure

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Stud Tip Pulling Test – Safety for Cleated Footwear

The stud tip pulling test is specific to cleated footwear, such as football shoes. It evaluates whether studs can withstand applied forces without bending, breaking, or detaching from the sole.

This test is essential to:

- ensure athlete safety

- validate performance under dynamic loads

- prevent failures before production and market release

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A Complete Validation Framework

Together, the tests described in this second chapter complement the performance-focused evaluations covered in Part 1. Combined, they form a complete validation framework that supports informed decision-making, regulatory compliance, and industrial scalability.
At CO.BO., testing is integrated into the development process as a strategic tool—ensuring that innovation is always supported by data, reliability, and real-world validation. Because in footwear manufacturing, excellence is not claimed.
It is tested, proven, and engineered.

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