When was GESTER established?

This guide explains the ISO 20346 standard for general-purpose protective footwear, differentiates it from related ISO standards, and shares core buying tips for qualified safety footwear testers. It also introduces professional multi-standard compliant testing equipment for footwear quality control and compliance verification.

EN ISO 20345 is the core international standard for general-purpose safety footwear, defining minimum performance requirements for foot protection against various workplace hazards. This article elaborates on the definition, key highlights and mainstream safety classes of the EN ISO 20345 standard, covering applicable industry scenarios. It further provides a systematic step-by-step guide for selecting qualified ISO 20345 testing equipment, involving test item confirmation, equipment performance evaluation and reliable supplier selection. Finally, it introduces professional ISO 20345-compliant testing solutions provided by GESTER for footwear manufacturers and third-party testing institutions.

The global leather and footwear industry is shifting toward prioritizing durability, material integrity, and functional excellence—driving demand for high-precision testing equipment. As a highlight of ACLE 2026 (All China Leather Exhibition), GESTER International Co., Ltd., a 25+ year footwear testing equipment factory, showcases innovative solutions tailored to this trend. Trusted by leading testing institutes like SGS, TUV, and Intertek, GESTER’s product lineup includes the Martindale Abrasion Tester (for surface durability), Tension Testing Machine (for mechanical properties), and Safety Shoe Cutting Tester—all compliant with ISO, ASTM, and EN standards. These instruments integrate automation (PLC systems) and data traceability to reduce human error, support ISO 9001 compliance, and streamline laboratory efficiency. With a global service network spanning 160+ countries, GESTER offers on-site installation, calibration, and software updates to ensure long-term usability. The article also outlines strategic procurement tips for manufacturers, emphasizing modular design, standard compatibility, and supplier track records. For leather and footwear brands seeking to enhance product reliability, avoid recalls, and stay competitive, GESTER’s ACLE 2026 innovations and end-to-end support provide a definitive quality assurance solution.

ISO 20345 and ASTM F2413 are the two most recognized safety footwear standards used worldwide to evaluate protective footwear performance. Although both standards define minimum requirements for impact resistance and compression protection, differences in test energy levels, compression loads, marking systems, and hazard classifications can affect certification results. This article explains the key differences between ISO 20345 and ASTM F2413, helping footwear manufacturers, exporters, and quality control teams select the correct testing standard and improve compliance with international safety requirements.

EN 149 is the core European standard for particle-filtering half masks and FFP respirators. This article elaborates on the definition, structure, performance classification, marking rules and core advantages of EN 149, compares it with NIOSH N95, KN95, EN 143 and medical mask standards, and lists industry application scenarios, as well as professional mask and filter testing instruments compliant with EN 149 testing requirements.

Slip resistance is one of the most critical performance indicators for modern footwear, especially safety shoes used in industrial and high-risk working environments. Slip and fall accidents frequently occur on wet or smooth surfaces, posing serious risks to workers and consumers. To prevent such accidents and improve product safety, footwear manufacturers widely use professional testing equipment such as Shoe Slip Resistance Tester and Footwear Slip Testing Machine. These devices simulate real walking conditions to measure the coefficient of friction between the shoe sole and various surfaces. This article explores the working principle, features, applications, and industry significance of shoe slip safety tester, explaining why accurate slip resistance testing is essential for footwear safety, product development, quality control, and compliance with international standards.

As global industrial safety requirements tighten, GESTER International Co., Ltd has emerged as a globally recognized top safety shoe tester exporter, serving 168 countries with over 25 years of specialized expertise. The company’s success hinges on its commitment to precision engineering, compliance with international standards (ISO, ASTM, EN, SATRA), and partnerships with renowned testing institutes like SGS, Intertek, and TUV. Its product lineup, including the Safety Glove & Shoe Upper Cutting Tester GT-KC29 and cut resistance testers, delivers reliable, repeatable data for safety footwear durability, cut resistance, and other critical performance indicators. Complemented by a comprehensive global service network (on-site installation, calibration, staff training) and OEM/ODM customization capabilities, GESTER streamlines quality control for manufacturers, facilitating market access and ensuring workplace safety. Trusted by PPE brands and laboratories worldwide, GESTER bridges technical excellence and practical usability to drive efficiency in safety shoe certification and global trade.

Pilling testing plays a vital role in textile quality control, helping manufacturers evaluate and improve the wear performance of fabrics. Through the use of advanced instruments like ICI Pilling Box Test Method (GT-C18) , Martindale Abrasion Test Method (GT-C13B) , and Random Tumble Pilling Test Method (GT-C19A) , laboratories can conduct precise and standardized assessments, ensuring that final textile products deliver superior appearance, comfort, and longevity.

Cut resistance is one of the most critical performance indicators in personal protective equipment (PPE) testing, directly affecting worker safety in high-risk industries such as metal processing, machinery manufacturing, and emergency rescue. The TDM Cut Test Machine GT-KC28 plays a vital role in accurately evaluating the cut resistance of PPE products, including gloves, protective clothing, footwear materials, composite materials, rubber, and industrial textiles.

By adopting high-precision force control systems, intelligent data processing, and stable transmission technology, the GT-KC28 TDM Cut Tester can accurately measure the critical cutting force of materials and ensure excellent repeatability and comparability of test results. Its user-friendly touch-screen operation, comprehensive data storage, USB data export, and built-in thermal printer greatly improve laboratory efficiency and data traceability.

The TDM Cut Test Machine GT-KC28 fully complies with major international and national standards such as ISO 13997, EN 388, ASTM F2992/F2992M, ANSI/ISEA 105, and GB 24541-2022, making it a reliable solution for PPE manufacturers, third-party testing laboratories, and research institutions. Through precise and standardized cut resistance testing, the GT-KC28 helps reduce industrial cutting injuries, supports PPE certification across global markets, and ensures that protective equipment delivers reliable safety performance in real-world applications.

Choosing the right PPE testing equipment manufacturer is an important decision for PPE manufacturers, testing laboratories, certification bodies, research institutions, and quality inspection organizations. The right supplier should provide more than individual testing machines—it should offer standards-compliant equipment, reliable measurement performance, calibration support, technical expertise, customization, and long-term service. This guide explains 10 essential factors to check before selecting a PPE testing equipment manufacturer.