We’re committed to making top quality kids shoes. Before reaching the shelves, we carry out over 30 tests which go above and beyond industry standards to ensure our shoes are never outworn, only outgrown.
Here are just a few of the tests that we perform…
We test the vamp (the top part of a shoe that creases when you bend your foot) for creasing or cracking to ensure long-lasting flexibility. A sample of material is folded over two V-shaped clamps, which move to simulate the creasing of a shoe when walking. After a set number of cycles, which we perform both wet and dry and at various temperatures, the sample is assessed for damage.
For testing sole flex, we attach a sole sample to a continuous belt driven around two rollers. This completes a number of cycles to simulate walking and the sample is then assessed for cracking.
Upper and sole materials are tested for durability, scuffing and general wear using an abrasion resistance test. A sample of material is placed in contact with an abrasive surface under a constant force, which is rubbed a set number of times.
We test multiple surfaces, both wet and dry, which reflect a child’s day - including carpet, tarmac and artificial grass. We then test the volume loss of the material to determine durability.
We carry out a number of tests to determine the strength of embellishments, fastenings (buckles, laces, D-rings) and stitching. For example, we use a tensile testing machine to pull a decorative bow from a shoe, to bend a buckle at 90 degrees, or to rip laces to shreds.
The force taken to bend, stretch or break these components must be above industry standards and any wear that’s possible in everyday life.
Fabrics, leathers and threads are tested both wet and dry to determine colour fastness to rubbing. A sample of the material is rubbed by a cotton cloth moving forward and backwards. After a set number of rubs (up to 51,000 times!), any staining of the cotton cloth is assessed against a grey scale.
We also test for colour fastness against perspiration. A sample is soaked in either distilled water or artificial perspiration, before being stored in a warm environment. Any changes in colour after a set time are assessed against a grey scale.
For washable styles, like our canvas collection, we test whether their colour and shape remains after being popped in the washing machine. We use a low temperature washing cycle and air dry the shoes, before examining changes to colour and condition. We do this for up to six washes, assessing colour and shape after each wash against an identical unwashed shoe.