What's Footwear top 3 quality control on-site tests for shoes
Quality control on-site tests for shoes are utilized to detect design and production defects. Inspectors perform dozens of on-site tests for footwear: some serve to simulate usage and product degradation with time, others to make comparisons. Here are the on-site tests often lead to the rejection of a shipment:
Footwear: Top 3 quality control on-site tests for shoes
Press it – Bonding
Poor bonding is a major issue for shoemakers. In many cases pressing into the bonding line can reveal poor gluing.
Rub the fabric – Color fastness
Fabric that bleeds color, either to mix into another color or to fade quickly is a major issue for buyers of branded shoes. The rub test can detect such issues on the spot.
Rub the logo – Printing
Logos are important, especially for brands and in the high-fashion industry. Simulating wear and tear using dry and wet cloths and even alcohol as well as the adhesive test (or 3M test) can detect poor printing.
Top major quality problem with shoes: Poor bonding
The “press” test during a pre-shipment inspection can detect unnoticed poor bonding. Additional tests are performed on a smaller sample size:
Performance test
Trying out the shoe to simulate its intended use: walk, run, jump, etc. to feel the shoe for comfort and usability. This test is obviously subjective but so are the final consumers.
Abuse test
Check how much the shoe can take – by tearing, squeezing, pulling… basically the QC inspector simulates an angry customer.
Other essential quality control on-site tests for shoes
Metal detection test
Broken needles, clamps and tacks are common in shoes. It is considered to be a critical defect because it may harm the user.
Bend and flex test
Shoes, especially sneakers and sports shoes, need to support the foot but stay flexible. Flexing and bending the shoe repeatedly can detect weak spots such as insufficient glue or weak threads.
Pinch it for curing test
Whether the out-sole has been cured properly can be tested by pushing a fingernail into it. If the material rebounds, it’s a good indicator for proper curing.