Research on Footwear Laces with Respect to Abrasion Resistance and Spontaneous Untying

Abstract

In this paper, two types of footwear laces research were undertaken. The first was connected with abrasion resistance and the second with the displacement force at the knot. The abrasion resistance was registered by the level of abrasion for standard eyelet. The displacement force was measured with the use of a tensile test machine, where the force and extension were registered. As a criterion of test evaluation, the maximum force was established when the knot was untied. The research was conducted for a set of different types of shoelaces (differing in shape, structure and raw materials). The evaluation criteria proposed can be used in order to determine the raw materials and optimal construction of shoelaces. From the user’s point of view, the measures identified i. e. the displacement force in the knot (Fpw) and abrasion resistance (Ks) are the most important factors.