Keeping up to date with test methods

Outlining the range of test methods available from SATRA and explains how members can ensure that they use the latest versions.

by Jazzmeenah Marpole

SATRA has published more than 200 test methods covering physical, chemical and adhesion tests on leather, textile, polymer, footwear and related materials and products. These are available to members at a heavily discounted price compared to the price to non-members.

All methods are periodically reviewed and, where appropriate, updated to reflect changes in materials, constructions, processes and desired performance. The tables below show new methods published during the past three years and those which have been revised so far this year.

SATRA test methods: 2025 revisions

SATRA TM118:2025 – ‘Strength of sandal toe posts’

SATRA TM183:2025 – ‘Whole shoe cushion assessment test’

SATRA TM184:2025 – ‘Friction of insocks’

SATRA test methods: 2024 revisions

SATRA TM14:2024 – ‘Resistance to scuffing by mild circular abrasion’

SATRA TM134:2024 – ‘Density of materials by volume displacement’

SATRA TM137:2024 – ‘Tensile properties of plastics and rubbers’

SATRA TM140:2024 – ‘Scuff resistance – chisel method’

SATRA TM159:2024 – ‘Cushioning properties’

SATRA TM362:2024 – ‘Abrasion resistance of soles – Biomechanical method’

SATRA TM459:2024 – ‘The quantitative analysis of disperse dyes by LC-MS’

SATRA test methods: 2023 revisions

SATRA TM117:2023 – ‘Attachment strength of decorative bows and trims’

SATRA TM147:2023 – ‘Resistance to stretching and flexing’

SATRA TM304:2023 – ‘Qualitative tests for soluble colour in upper and lining materials’

SATRA TM341:2023 – ‘Oxides of nitrogen discolouration test’

SATRA TM343:2023 – ‘Contact storage test for discolouration’

SATRA TM411:2023 – ‘Peel strength of footwear sole bonds’

SATRA test methods: 2022 revisions

SATRA TM8:2022 – ‘Colour fastness to circular rubbing’

SATRA TM88:2022 – ‘Measurement of the torsional stiffness of insole backparts’

SATRA TM112:2022 – ‘Fatigue resistance of insole backparts and backpart components’

SATRA TM113:2022 – ‘Measurement of the strength of attachment of heels to footwear and the backpart rigidity of such footwear’

SATRA TM344:2022 – ‘Hydrolysis of polyurethane-based footwear materials’

Test method format

SATRA test methods are presented in a consistent easy-to-use format. Each is divided into eight sections: ‘scope’, ‘principle’, ‘references’, ‘apparatus and materials’, ‘test specimens’, ‘procedure’, ‘test report’ and ‘additional notes’.

Updating service

The SATRA TM140 ‘Scuff resistance – chisel method’ test

When a test method is updated, we contact all companies who obtained a recently-published previous version to advise of the new release. If a test method is published within six months of purchasing the previous version, you will receive a copy of the latest release free of charge. If a test method is published outside of this parameter, standard pricing will apply.

Extensive catalogue

A catalogue of SATRA test methods is available which covers a wide range of tests for materials, footwear, clothing and other consumer products. The test methods are listed in three ways:

in order of reference number, so users can check if their sets are complete
by material type, component or product, to identify test methods for a particular item
by type of test, so that alternative test methods for a particular property are listed together.

SATRA test methods available online

SATRA test methods can be purchased online. Please visit www.satra.com/test_methods to download the current catalogue and to order these documents.

How can we help?

SATRA test methods can be purchased online as detailed above, with the latest test method catalogue also available from the same section of the SATRA website. Please email testmethods@satra.com if you need help with obtaining SATRA test methods for your application.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 14 of the April 2025 issue of SATRA Bulletin.