DIN EN ISO 16177:2013-01

This test standard specifies a test method for determining the resistance of a component or material to crack initiation and growth due to repeated flexing. The method is mainly applicable to outsoles of footwear but may also be used with certain other flexible components. During testing, a test specimen is bonded with a strong adhesive to a continuous belt, which is driven around two rollers. The spacing and radius of the rollers is such that the test specimen is repeatedly subjected to a short period of rapid flexing followed by a longer period unflexed as the belt passes around the rollers, which simulates the wear conditions of a footwear outsole. The specimen is flexed for a fixed number of cycles and the number of cracks that form and their severity is recorded. The test standard introduces a method widely known in England and is directed at footwear manufacturers, distributors and independent test laboratories. The committee responsible for this standard is NA 062-04-52 AA "Schuhe" ("Footwear") at DIN.