JALAS test lab, an extremely tough environment for work shoes

In the Jokipii village of Jalasjärvi, Finland, a modern laboratory — filled with mechanical and environmental test equipment — torture tests new materials for safety shoes. The shoe materials are repeatedly hit, pricked, pulled and even bent in minus 20°C. Our researchers are searching for the materials’ limits as they apply to their use in JALAS safety shoes.

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“We have ten machines and can perform 14 different tests in our Jokipii lab,” says Juho Järvinen, Product Line Director, Footwear at Ejendals. “Then we supplement the machine results with user tests. You can test anti-slip in a lab, but it's only when you're out on slippery ice that you really experience how the material works.”

A lab with many purposes

Because Ejendals makes its own JALAS safety shoes in-house, the Jokipii lab does numerous, ongoing tests to ensure production quality. But the lab also has an important role in product development, guided by Ejendals’ goals for safety, ergonomics, and sustainability.

Explore JALAS range of safety shoes and work shoes

Juho Järvinen

Product Line Director, Footwear at Ejendals

JALAS ^® TIO - inspired by the colors and textures of sports shoes

“When it comes to our latest product, JALAS ^® TIO, we developed a completely new technology that did not exist on the market,” says Juho. “Our lab needed to test and verify the offering — from idea to finished product.”

“We wanted an ergonomic, soft material with a sporty design. ,” says Juho. “We collected a large selection of materials that were then subjected to different mechanical and environmental tests. We did ambulatory tests that mimic the movements of a foot. And we did flex tests that represent the force our feet apply to the shoe’s sole when we walk. After the tests, we had a few materials left that met all of our requirements for safety, durability, and ergonomics. Then, we made prototypes of the new safety shoes which were in turn , tested by our lab.”

Safety shoes does not last for 20 years

The lab is also used for customer complaints. “It is important to understand how, in different environments, the shoes’ materials are affected and how well they function,” continues Juho. “In the lab, we can try to replicate a user’s experience and see what the data tell us.”

“We follow up every customer complaint carefully. An anecdote: a few years ago, a customer wrote about his safety shoes. Since I work here and I didn't recognize the model, I asked how old the shoes were, they were 20 years old,” Juho laughs and points out that it is important to have reasonable expectations for your work and safety shoes.

Even if a safety shoe manufacturer does life cycle tests, it is difficult to put a “Best before date” on shoes, because it depends on their application environment.

“The basic rule is: If any part of the shoe is broken, it must be replaced,” explains Juho. “The same applies if you drop something heavy on a safety shoe with toe protection. It can be compared to motorcycle helmets: once they have been hit, they should be replaced, as their functionality and protection is affected.”

“If you work in a clean environment, it is not as easy to determine when to replace your work shoes,” notes Juho. “Listen to your body: if your knees and back hurt, it could be because your shoes have become stiff. We usually recommend that you change work shoes every year. But if the shoes are exposed to wear and tear, you may need to change them after six months,” Juho concludes.

About certification of work and safety shoes

All shoes are certified according to the standard corresponding to the area of use. To be certified, the shoes need to undergo at least 40 tests. The certification is carried out by an independent institute. Sometimes standards change and the machines need to be adapted accordingly. The certifications differ between geographic markets.
Learn about EN standards for safety shoes

Example of tests performed at the JALAS lab in Jokipii:

Martindale Abrasion Tests - for testing the abrasion resistance of materials

Outsole Flexing Resistance - for testing the flexing resistance of outsoles

Slip Resistance - for testing the slip resistance of outsoles

Impact Resistance - for testing for impact resistance of toe caps

Lastometer Test - for testing the pulling strength of leather (simulates how long the shoe’s toe will last)

Tear Strength - for testing the tear strength of materials

Penetration Resistance - for testing the penetration resistance of PTC and steel midsoles

Compression Resistance - for testing the compression resistance of toe caps

Water Resistance - for testing the water resistance of complete shoes

Outsole Abrasion - for testing the abrasion resistance of outsole materials

Heat Resistance - for testing heat resistance of outsole

Conductivity - for testing the conductivity of products
Resistivity indicator 100 V ± 5
Metal plate
Metal balls 4 kg, diameter 5 mm