As part of its research and development activities, the Czech Footwear and Leather Association (CFLA) provides its members and other interested parties with specialized services in footwear and material testing, research into advanced footwear materials, and diagnostics of the musculoskeletal system, feet, and gait. These services are delivered in cooperation with accredited laboratories and research institutions and are intended primarily for footwear manufacturers, material suppliers, R&D specialists, and other entities operating in the footwear, leather goods, and related industries.
Footwear and Material Testing
Testing services are primarily used for the development of new products, verification of material properties, footwear certification, production quality control, complaint and claim resolution, and research and development projects.
The scope of testing includes, in particular, the following areas:
Mechanical Properties
- Resistance to repeated flexing of footwear and materials
- Tensile strength and tear resistance
- Abrasion resistance (e.g., Martindale method)
- Resistance to mechanical damage
- Dynamic testing of materials
Water Resistance and Moisture Management Properties
- Static water resistance
- Dynamic water resistance
- Water absorption and desorption determination
- Water vapour permeability (breathability)
- Determination of water penetration resistance
- Hydrostatic pressure (water column) testing
Electrostatic Properties
- Determination of antistatic properties
- ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) testing
Additional Tests and Supporting Activities
- Colour fastness to rubbing
- Visual assessment of materials (e.g., using a lighting box)
- Preparation of test specimens
All tests are performed in accordance with relevant technical standards and methodologies of accredited laboratories. Further information is available on the websites of BENNON Group a.s., Footwear Research Centre of Tomas Bata University in Zlín, and the Institute for Testing and Certification, a.s. Pricing is prepared individually based on customer requirements. Members of CFLA may benefit from preferential pricing conditions.
For further information regarding testing services: BENNON Group a. s. - Pavlína Horňáček (sekretariat@bennon.cz, +420 602 757 164), Footwear Research Centre, Tomas Bata University in Zlín - Jarmila Roubínková (roubinkova@utb.cz, +420 576 038 052).
Research into Advanced Footwear Materials
In cooperation with specialized research institutions, COKA supports the research and development of modern materials aimed at improving footwear quality, comfort, and sustainability. Research focuses primarily on:
- Smart materials promoting healthy and comfortable wear
- Recycled and biodegradable materials
- Energy-generating and energy-harvesting materials
- High-tech materials with advanced functional properties
- New materials emphasizing environmental sustainability
Research activities are carried out in cooperation with the Footwear Research Centre of Tomas Bata University in Zlín.
Contact person: Tomáš Sáha (tsaha@utb.cz, +420 576 038 157).
Laboratory for Musculoskeletal, Foot and Gait Diagnostics
The Laboratory for Musculoskeletal Diagnostics provides comprehensive professional services focused on the analysis of foot function and gait patterns.
Services include:
- Comprehensive musculoskeletal diagnostics
- Foot load distribution analysis
- Gait analysis
- Recommendation of appropriate footwear types
- Design of individual insoles with a stimulating effect
- Recommendation of orthopedic and prosthetic aids
Based on the diagnostic results, tailor-made solutions are proposed, including recommendations for suitable footwear and customized orthopedic devices.
SThe laboratory services are provided by the Footwear Research Centre of Tomas Bata University in Zlín.
Contact person: Radim Šojdr (sojdr@utb.cz).