A few minutes about | CE certifiied boots

The previous standard for MC boots EN13634:2010 has been updated to EN13634:2015 Boots that are certified with the previous standard can remain on the market, with the old marking, as long as no modifications are made to the boot as they were originally tested. Newly developed models, or modified previously certified boots, have to be tested and certified according to the updated standard.

MC footwear is intended to give a degree of mechanical protection to the foot and ankle in accidents without significantly reducing the ability to control the motorcycle. The particular hazards in MC accidents are abrasion, impact with the road or motorcycle, and the foot becoming trapped under the motorcycle. The standard sets out a number of basic requirements considered essential for MC footwear including a number of ergonomic requirements. The standard includes two performance levels, Level 1 & Level 2, in terms of the protection offered. Level 1 is the minimum level to provide useful protection in an accident. These products have an optimal comfort to suit most riding types. Level 2 is more suitable when the riding style or sport exposes the rider to an increased accident risk. Product may become heavier with a reduced riding comfort.

Basic requirements: Height Specified minimum height on different sizes has been changed and now specified by the back and by the front. Generally shorter boots can be certified. Seams Overlapping constructional seams can now face the front from this update. Insole construction Insole or insock shall be present in a way that it cannot be removed. Upper/outsole bond strength The bond strength shall not be less than 4,0 N/mm.

Upper parts: pH value Testing of the leather pH value. Chromium VI content Checking leather content level. Colour fastness The dye shall not migrate in contact with water. Abrasion resistance Full thickness of the upper part is tested according to EN13595-2. Lowest performance figures gives the performance level. Different requirement levels at different zones. Highest requirement 5sec/Level1, 12 sec/Level2. Impact cut resistance Test of full thickness of the upper part according to EN13595-4. A blade drops from a certain height and depth of penetration determines the result.

Linings/insole and insock: Tear strength Abrasion resistance Wearing the surface with a rotating sandpaper and shall not develop any holes before: Dry condition 25,600 cycles. Wet condition 12,800 cycles. pH value Testing of the leather pH value. Chromium VI content Checking the leather is not exceeding the specified level if determined. Dye fastness No material shall contain dye which may readily migrate when coming into contact with water.

Outer sole: Thickness and Control of sole pattern. No openings should cleat height be facing forward. Abrasion resistance Hydrolysis Testing at 15,000 flex cycles. Ergonomics The assessor shall be able to carry out all the defined movements. Transverse rigidity of Two performance levels. the whole footwear

Optional requirements (to be marked on CE label): Ankle- and shin protection Impact test performance shall meet the requirements specified for transmitted force. ”IPA” and IPS” (ankle and shin). Resistance to water penetration ”WR” Resistance to fuel and oil of outsole ”FO” Slip resistance of outsole ”SRA”, ”SRB” and ”SRC” depending on performance. Permeable uppers Permeable to water vapour ”B”. Water absorption and desorption of insole Has become optional requirement and will be marked “WAD”.

1st figure indicate the performance level for abrasion resistance. 2nd figure indicate the performance level for impact cut resistance. 3rd figure indicate the performance level for transverse rigidity of whole footwear. IPA and IPS indicate that the boots are tested and comply with the optional requirements for ankle- and shin protection.

Markings on the boots: Size. Producers name/logo. Identification number and name. Contains label. Year of manufacture and month. Number and year of the European Standard. Pictogram including protection levels.

User information and instruction: Explanation of the marking at boots. Warning of the limits of protection provided by the footwear and that misuse would seriously reduce the protection. Full address of the manufacturer or his authorised representative in the EU. Statement of the intended use of the footwear. Suggested lifetime and who to examine the footwear for damage. Explanation of the protection provided under this European Standard. Care and cleaning instructions. …everything translated in to the official language of the country of destination.

Thank you for taking the time to read about Jofama’s products and our view of the boot-standards.