Behind the Scenes: How SMID’s Lab Tests the Quality of Every Outsole

Consistent outsole quality doesn’t happen by accident. At PT Soles Multi Idea (SMID), every material goes through a series of laboratory tests before moving into mass production.

Why Material Testing Matters

An outsole that skips proper testing risks cracking easily, wearing out quickly, or being uncomfortable for long-term use. SMID’s laboratory exists to make sure every batch of material meets standard before it’s used in production.

Five Key Test Parameters

• Elongation — measures how far a material can stretch before breaking, reflecting outsole flexibility.
• Tensile Strength — measures the material’s pulling strength, important for the outsole’s resistance to stress.
• Abrasion Resistance — measures the outsole surface’s resistance to repeated friction, a key factor in sole lifespan.
• Flex Crack — tests the material’s resistance to cracking from repeated folding/bending, relevant to the outsole’s flex areas while walking.
• Density — measures the material’s compactness and weight, affecting comfort and production cost efficiency.

From Lab to Mass Production

These test results are used by SMID’s R&D team to determine the right material formulation before scaling up to mass production, including for custom color and custom mould client needs. With this data-driven approach, SMID maintains consistent quality even while producing up to 50,000 pairs of outsoles per day.