PFI introduces a new label for barefoot shoes

In recent years, a new category of footwear has emerged, known as barefoot shoes. It is difficult to draw a clear distinction between them and conventional shoes, and the line between the two is blurred. A key feature of barefoot shoes is the closer contact the wearer’s feet have with the environment. On the one hand, this is desirable as it replicates the experience of walking barefoot. On the other hand, this means the shoes lose some of their protective functions against external factors such as temperature, mechanical stress, moisture, etc.

In a competitive market, it is often not enough to rely solely on the outstanding quality of your own products. Our quality marks are an excellent way to successfully communicate the benefits of your products. As an independent testing institute, we define criteria that go beyond the legal requirements and enable a robust assessment of quality and safety-related characteristics. The PFI quality mark is only awarded to products that meet these PFI requirements.

The criteria include testing specific barefoot shoe characteristics, quality tests on the outsole, the upper and lining materials, and the insoles and insole linings, as well as product-specific chemical parameters for materials expected to come into contact with the skin.

Chemical parameters for the barefoot shoe label:

Falls die Verkehrsfähigkeit der Artikel nach REACH Anhang 17 und POP VO bestätigt werden kann, werden zur Erlangung des Barfußschuh-Prüfzeichen nur einzelne Parameter stichprobenartig überprüft. Artikelabhängig werden in der Regel bei Materialien mit zu erwartendem Hautkontakt folgenden Parameter betrachtet:

• Chromium VI
• Formaldehyde
• Dyes (azo, allergenic and carcinogenic)
• Nickel in metal parts
• Phthalates

Physical parameters for the barefoot shoe label:

• Shoe characteristics
• Adhesion between outsole and upper
• Outsole fatigue resistance
• Colour fastness to rubbing
• Abrasion resistance of upper lining materials
• Waterproofing of the entire shoe (if advertised)
• Cold insulation (if advertised)

Get in touch with us to apply for the PFI quality mark for barefoot shoes and boost your customers’ confidence!