EN 344-1 Section 5.13.1.3 and Annex C points to specific requirements and test-method clauses used in legacy European workflows for safety, protective, and occupational footwear evaluation.
In practice, these references are most often used when a buyer needs to match a test setup to a cited clause—commonly around footwear upper “breathability” (water vapour performance) and the verification approach used for penetration-resistant inserts. If you need help mapping your product and the cited clause to the right setup and reporting, talk with our team.
EN 344-1 (legacy) — Section 5.13.1.3 and Annex C
EN 344-1 is a legacy European standard that historically defined requirements and test methods for professional-use safety/protective/occupational footwear. This page focuses only on the specific internal references: Section 5.13.1.3 and Annex C, as they are sometimes cited on technical documents, purchasing specifications, and lab test requests.
Because these are internal clause references (not a standalone test method document), the exact test setup and reporting requirements depend on the cited edition of EN 344-1 and on whether the request is tied to a whole-footwear claim, a component claim, or an internal qualification plan.
Quick definition
What it is: A clause-and-annex reference inside EN 344-1 used in safety footwear verification.
What it typically influences: Lab selection of the correct apparatus, conditioning, and reporting format for water vapour testing and penetration-resistant insert assessment where these references are contractually cited.
Document type: Code / requirement / mixed reference (internal clause references within a broader standard).
What this standard reference covers
Section 5.13 in EN 344-1 addresses determination of water vapour permeability and related water vapour performance metrics used for footwear uppers and associated materials. The “5.13.1” subsection is specifically tied to water vapour permeability, and 5.13.1.3 is a subclause within that method.
Annex C in EN 344-1 is an annexed set of methods connected to penetration-resistant inserts assessment. When Annex C is cited, it typically means the requester expects a specific, referenced approach for evaluating insert performance rather than a generic “penetration check.”
Why this standard matters in testing
Older purchase specifications and technical files often cite EN 344-1 clauses even when newer standards exist. For labs and QA teams, clause-level citations matter because they affect how test pieces are prepared, how many specimens are run, what conditioning atmosphere is used, and which results are reported.
From an equipment perspective, the most common risk is selecting a setup that can generate a number but cannot demonstrate clause-level conformance (for example, missing the required conditioning controls, test cell geometry, or required force/measurement resolution).
Common materials, product types, or applications covered
These references are most commonly encountered in professional footwear programs that include one or more of the following:
- Safety or protective footwear uppers where “breathability” or moisture management is being confirmed through water vapour performance testing.
- Footwear designs that include penetration-resistant inserts (metallic or non-metallic), especially where the insert verification approach is contractually tied to EN 344-1 annex references.
Common test or verification workflow
Most clause-level requests follow a documentation-driven workflow rather than a one-size-fits-all bench test.
Typical workflow: (1) confirm the cited EN 344-1 edition and clause text; (2) identify whether the request is for upper material, lining, whole footwear, or insert component; (3) condition specimens to the required atmosphere; (4) run water vapour performance testing per the relevant clause; (5) when Annex C is cited, run the insert assessment procedure expected by that annex; (6) report results with the clause reference and any permitted deviations clearly stated.
Common buyer pitfall: requesting “EN 344-1 breathability” or “Annex C penetration insert” without specifying edition, test location on the footwear, or whether results are intended for qualification, incoming inspection, or compliance documentation.
Equipment commonly used for this standard reference
Equipment selection depends on whether the request is tied to Section 5.13 water vapour testing, Annex C insert assessment, or both.
Common equipment for water vapour permeability / water vapour performance: controlled conditioning chamber or room, analytical balance, water vapour permeability test cells/cups and sealing components, temperature/humidity measurement, and timing/control accessories needed to follow the specified procedure.
Common equipment for penetration-resistant insert assessment (Annex C): a dedicated penetration test apparatus that can apply a controlled penetration load using the required penetrator geometry, with calibrated force measurement and appropriate fixturing to support the insert test piece configuration required by the annex.
If you are matching equipment to a clause-driven purchase spec and need the correct conditioning, fixtures, and reporting-aligned accessories, you can request a detailed quote based on your cited clause and sample type.
How to read this designation or revision
“EN 344-1” refers to Part 1 of EN 344 (legacy European footwear requirements and test methods). “Section 5.13.1.3” is a subclause inside the EN 344-1 test methods section under the water vapour permeability method structure.
“Annex C” refers to the annex labeled C within the same EN 344-1 document. Because annex lettering and clause numbering can vary across revisions and national adoptions, the safest practice is to match the cited clause to the exact published edition referenced in the purchase specification or technical file.
Related standards, methods, or frameworks when useful
EN 344-1 has been superseded in many conformity pathways by later European/ISO footwear test-method standards (commonly EN ISO 20344). When a specification mixes older clause citations with newer standards, labs typically align the test plan to the customer’s cited edition and then document any justified cross-reference where permitted by the project’s compliance requirements.
Talk with our team about clause-matching setup
If your purchase spec calls out EN 344-1 Section 5.13.1.3 and/or Annex C and you need help translating that into a practical test setup (conditioning, fixtures, calibration expectations, and what to capture in the report), contact our team with your cited edition and sample description.
