Overview
ISO 16187:2013 - Footwear and footwear components: Test method to assess antibacterial activity specifies quantitative laboratory methods to evaluate the antibacterial performance of footwear materials and components. The standard applies to all types of footwear and components that use non‑diffusing antibacterial treatments (i.e., treatments that do not release active agents by diffusion). Tests are designed to provide reproducible antibacterial activity ratios for quality control, product claims, R&D and regulatory purposes.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and safety: Requires microbiological facilities, trained personnel and appropriate containment (biosafety cabinet). Safety and local regulations must be observed.
- Test approach: Three normative test methods (Annex A–C):
- Method A (Annex A): Static challenge test - for absorbent single materials.
- Method B (Annex B): Film contact method - for non‑absorbent single materials.
- Method C (Annex C): Dynamic challenge (shake‑flask) - for mixed/ shaped materials and combinations.
- Specimen preparation: The standard specifies specimen sizing (standard specimen area as indicated in the document), pre‑treatment options (sterilization by autoclave or UV when necessary) and minimum replication (at least six specimens per material and per strain).
- Microbiology and media: Test organisms required are Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae (representing gram‑positive and gram‑negative bacteria). Standard media include nutrient broth/agar and SCDLP neutralizing broth; water of analytical quality (ISO 3696) is required.
- Apparatus: Typical lab equipment is listed (incubator at 37 ± 2 °C, autoclave, humidity chamber, UV lamp, vortex, shakers).
- Results expression: Antibacterial activity is reported as an antibacterial activity ratio (R) calculated from control (C) and test (T) colony counts after incubation:
- R = (C − T) / C × 100%
- If no control is available, R* = (T0 − T) / T0 × 100% (T0 = initial count)
- Reporting: Test reports must reference ISO 16187 and include specimen details, methods used, strains and viable counts, neutralizers, activity ratio and any deviations.
Practical applications and users
- Footwear manufacturers and material suppliers validating antibacterial claims for uppers, linings, insoles, outsoles or coatings.
- Independent test laboratories performing conformity testing and quality control.
- Product developers and R&D teams evaluating non‑diffusing antibacterial finishes and treatments.
- Regulators and certification bodies assessing antibacterial performance statements.
Related standards
- ISO 3696 (Water for analytical laboratory use)
- ISO 19952 (Footwear vocabulary)
- ISO/TS 11133 (microbiological culture methods)
- IEC 60068‑2‑10, ISO 7218 (safety/practice guidance)
- ASTM E1054, EN 1040 (neutralizer selection/evaluation)
- EN 12353 (strain preservation)
Keywords: ISO 16187, antibacterial activity, footwear testing, test method, footwear components, non‑diffusing antibacterial treatments, antimicrobial testing, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae.
