For most customers, shoes are a standard purchase, and they are an important component of any person's wardrobe. Therefore, each pair of shoes must be flawless before the footwear manufacturing process is completed. This, however, is not always the case in practice. During the production process of footwear, quality problems may arise, resulting in a faulty shoe.
Even if the shoes are still in their infancy, it is critical to ensure that they are free of flaws and not hinder performance. Even though sports shoes are built to be durable and dependable, they are susceptible to faults. So you must know how to identify quality defects in sports shoes, and this article would make you competent enough to identify these defects.
Check for the opened seam
A product's function and structural integrity can be severely compromised if a seam is left open anyplace on its surface because the incorrect thread was used or because the thread did not have enough strength to withstand the tension applied during sewing.
Stitching of the shoe
It is very significant to take care of the stitching. Broken stitches are a serious fault in any product, regardless of where they occur on the product itself, since they may undermine the physical quality of the structure.
Inadequate and weak bonding
This is a frequent occurrence in rubber soles, such as those seen in sports footwear. Poor or weak bonding may occur due to inadequate glue being utilized during bonding. Not enough pressure is applied to the outsole during gluing, resulting in issues with strength and durability.
On the other hand, the latter should not be confused with soles falling off after a year of use due to very hot climatic conditions.
An asymmetric height
When the height of the back of one shoe differs from the height of the other, this is referred to as asymmetric height. When shoe components are combined into a complete unit, all components must be aligned properly. In a normal shoe, the left and right sides are linked together by a seam that should follow a precisely straight centerline that runs the length of the shoe.
Another frequent sports shoe manufacturing fault that is also a highly noticeable aesthetic flaw is the scuffing of the sole. Certain elements of the shoe may be asymmetrical in their design. It is possible to detect asymmetry by simply placing the shoes next to each other and seeing any differences. You may also compare each shoe to a perfect sample of the same shoe type (the so-called "golden sample") as well as to its matching left and right partners.
Due to poor cutting or fitting during the production process. In addition, look for color leaking over the blocks or on the rubber bottoms of the shoes.
Yellow transition
It is the discoloration of one or both shoe soles, typically with a yellowish tint, referred to as yellow transformation. When compared to the original specification, this is considered a severe fault.
Light-colored or transparent materials, such as TPU, may become yellow as they age and oxidize when exposed to air, causing the problem. This may be an indication that outdated materials were being utilized in the manufacturing process.
Damage caused by mechanical means
Mechanical damage refers to any ripping, puncture, or scratching produced by machinery that impacts the shoe's functioning or appearance, regardless of the source. If this occurs, it is categorized as a critical fault.
Weak bonds
Two bonded or glued surfaces, typically the sole and the upper, break apart after a short usage time or are not joined before the product leaves the manufacturer, resulting in a separation fault. It may be caused by inadequate or improperly applied adhesive and the use of an inappropriate kind of glue.
Excess glue, wax, or oil should be avoided
One of the most frequent quality faults discovered in sports shoes is excessive glue, wax, or oil stains. These kinds of residue are particularly prevalent due to the following reasons:
● During the manufacturing process, most shoe manufacturing facilities use adhesives and other chemicals.
● When factory employees are pressed for time to fulfill an order, as is often the case in most companies, they are less likely to guard against or repair problems such as excess glue, wax, or oil.
Take a look inside
Examine the inside of the shoe hole to see whether the lining is clean and free of creases. Run your fingers around the collar, feeling for any lumps, bumps, or glue that may be present.
When purchasing sports shoes, check that the footbed is straight, level, and properly fitted. Choosing a footbed that is either too small or too large may result in the footbed being wrinkled or curled.
Next, look for creases and bumps on the inside of the tongue lining. From the inside, run your fingers along the vamp and toe cap to ensure they are in good condition. Look for creases around the toe and on the footbed that is likely to last. Inside, look for any scratchy stitching that may be there.
Do notice the laces
Finally, take a brief look at the laces to ensure they are secure. It is very necessary to complement your sports attire with a pair of the finest running shoelaces! You should avoid choosing laces that are either too long or too short; in fact, too long is preferable to too short.
Conclusion
Shoes may be purchased to create a fashion statement or purchased for their usefulness and comfort. In any case, the majority of shoes are constructed with a certain degree of quality in mind. In addition, as a consumer, it is beneficial to be aware of some of the typical quality flaws in shoes that may impact you.
It is essential to note that the kind of shoes worn is one of the numerous variables contributing to an injury occurring. Strength, flexibility, running form, and total training volume are all important factors to consider.
Being aware of these flaws can help to protect you from receiving substandard service. Finally, checking your shoes at the manufacturing facility before they are sent is the most effective method to guarantee to receive the quality you paid for.