GSO 2657 Athletic Shoes - Specifications and Testing Methods

The “GSO 2657 Sports Shoes – Specifications and Test Methods” standard, published by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), addresses the performance requirements or testing methods for sports shoes. This standard describes minimum performance criteria, material requirements, construction quality, and standardized testing methods for sports shoes. It helps manufacturers, importers, and regulators ensure that products meet consistent safety and quality standards across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, reducing technical barriers to trade while protecting consumers from substandard or unsafe footwear.

The GSO 2657 standard generally addresses the following:

Physical and mechanical properties: Such as abrasion resistance, tensile strength, sole adhesion strength, and impact resistance.
Chemical requirements: Limits on hazardous substances (e.g., restricted chemicals in materials, consistent with broader Gulf Cooperation Council regulations on restricted substances).
Dimensions and measurements: This usually refers to systems such as ISO-based dimensioning.
Performance tests: Including slip resistance, shock absorption, breathability, and durability under simulated usage conditions.
Labeling and marking: Clear information is required regarding size, material, country of origin, and care instructions.

The SASO GSO 2657 standard has been used as a reference in the SALEEM conformity assessment program for footwear and accessories. It has also become a significant reference for the import or manufacture of sports footwear in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Compliance with the GSO 2657 standard is generally required for market access in GCC countries. Products must be tested by accredited laboratories, and the results documented in technical files or test reports. Non-compliance may lead to customs refusal, market withdrawal, or penalties.

With the growing sports and fitness industry in the Gulf region and high volumes of sports footwear imports from Asia and other regions, the GSO 2657 standard helps to ensure the following:

Consumer protection against low-quality products that could cause injury.
Fair competition among producers.
Environmental and health safety through the control of hazardous materials.

Manufacturers exporting to the Gulf Cooperation Council must verify compliance with GSO 2657 and GSO 1956 standards for hazardous substances to avoid customs refusal or market withdrawal.

In short, the GSO 2657 standard defines the requirements and testing methods to ensure quality, safety, and performance for athletic footwear marketed and sold in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, specifically addressing sports shoes.

The Gulf Organization for Standardization (GSO) was established to unify technical standards across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain) with the aim of facilitating trade, protecting consumers, and promoting industrial compliance. GSO standards are widely adopted by regulators, manufacturers, and conformity assessment bodies throughout the region.

The GSO 2657 standard includes the following:

Durability, materials, construction, and safety features define the performance criteria for athletic footwear.
It specifies the test methods and procedures that manufacturers and testing laboratories must apply to verify that footwear meets performance requirements.
It helps ensure the consistency and reliability of products found in retail markets in Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Essentially, this standard includes the following sections:

Definitions and terminology related to athletic shoes.
Physical and mechanical properties that shoes must meet (e.g., abrasion resistance, sole adhesion, flexibility).
Test procedures for measuring these properties under controlled conditions.
Marking and labeling requirements to guide identification and compliance.

GSO 2657 and similar standards play a significant role in the region's textile and footwear sectors in the following areas:

To improve product quality and consumer protection.
To facilitate regulatory compliance for manufacturers and importers.
To promote fair competition among member states through uniform requirements.

The main reasons why this standard is important are:

Consumer safety: Athletic shoes are directly related to physical activity and body mechanics. Poor quality shoes can lead to slips, foot injuries, and joint stress and long-term musculoskeletal problems.
Quality assurance and durability: Without technical requirements, low-quality materials or poor bonding can lead to sole separation, excessive wear, and loss of cushioning.
Harmonization in Gulf Cooperation Council markets: This region comprises multiple countries. Without a unified standard, each country may require different tests, manufacturers may face duplicate compliance costs, and trade barriers may increase.
Fair competition in the market: Technical standards prevent unfair competition caused by substandard products.
Consumer confidence: When shoes meet recognized regional standards, consumers gain the following:
Greater confidence in product performance.
Labeling and trust in claims.
Protection from misleading quality claims

In conclusion, the GSO 2657 standard serves as a technical benchmark for athletic footwear in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. By defining specifications and test methods, it promotes product performance, safety, and consistency in athletic footwear production and market surveillance.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services compliant with the GSO 2657 standard.