Testing and identification of microfiber, PU, PVC, noc, and suede leather

1. Combustion identification: a rapid identification method

PVC leather combustion characteristics ：

The fire extinguishes on its own, the flames turn green, thick black smoke rises, accompanying it Pungent hydrochloric acid plastic smell ； After burning, the residue becomes hard, clumps, and cannot be pinched, appearing as a black, hard lump.

Ordinary PU leather has combustion characteristics ：

Continuous burning, gentle flame, slight burnt cotton/grease odor, no pungent or pungent eyes; Burning ashes Soft and crispy, crumbled into powder when pinched , No hard lumps.

Burning characteristics of microfiber leather ：

It burns closer to the smell of genuine leather fibers, has even fire, finely ashed ashes and a purer powder texture, and contains very few impurities. Among the three, it has the cleanest burning texture.

Quality inspection conclusion : As long as the product hardens, clumps, and is pungent and eyes-burning, and contains 100% PVC, foreign trade or brand orders will be immediately deemed unqualified.

2. Flexural resistance test: Determines whether the skin will crack or crack

Cracked uppers, white creases, and peeling — 90% of cases are not meeting fold resistance standards, making them the biggest after-sales pitfalls for shoe materials.

Simple self-testing method ：

Fold the material repeatedly in half and continue for 50–100 times, focusing on the crease location:

• PVC : After about 10 times, it turns white and forms fine lines, and after multiple bending, it directly cracks the surface

• Ordinary PU : 50 times with slight creases, and long-term bending causes surface delamination

• Ultra-fiber/premium nooba : After a hundred bendings, there are no white marks, no cracks, and it bounces back as before

Factory standards : Brand order requirements Resistant to bending 20,000 times without cracking Low-end currency only needs to meet basic bending requirements.

3. Abrasion Test: Determines color fading, powder shedding, and scratch resistance

Suitable for all glossy and suede materials, with a focus on color fastness and surface fastness.

Dry wipe test : Rub the surface of the material back and forth with white cotton cloth 50 times

Wet wipe test : Wring out a damp cloth and rub it 30 times

Qualified standards : Cotton fabric should not have obvious fading, no powder sticking, no fuzz on the surface, and no exposed bottom.

Frequently Asked Questions : Low-priced matte and low-quality Niuba wet wipe cause severe fading, low-priced PU dry wipes lose powder, bulk products are prone to upper patterns and scrap after washing.

Breathable water repellent penetration test: distinguishes between foot retention and waterproof levels

Drip test method : Drop clean water on the surface of the material and let it sit for 3 minutes to observe:

• PVC : Completely non-absorbent, water droplets roll in clusters, Completely non-breathable

• Ordinary PU : Water droplets slowly seep in, slightly penetrating, with average breathability

• Microfiber/Nooba/Matte : Moisture penetrates and diffuses evenly, with excellent breathability

It’s good to quickly judge: whether sneakers and casual shoes can make your feet feel stuffy, and if they’re suitable for summer shoes.

Low temperature and cold resistance test: autumn and winter shoes, must-test for northern markets

Many materials look good at room temperature, but in winter, they harden and crack.

Simple detection : Place the material in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before taking it out and bending it:

1、 PVC and recycled PU: Instantly hardens and cracks at a single bend

2、 Brand new PU, microfiber, and cow fiber: still soft and tough as ever

Order Recommendations : For northern autumn and winter singles, winter Martin boots, and snow boots, cold resistance tests are required.

Suede special testing: Dedicated for cowhide & suede leather

For suede material, there are three core inspection points: Shedding, backing, color differences, stain resistance

1、 Adhesive testing : Adhesive the surface with transparent tape, ensuring that high-quality cowhide hardly sheds its down; Low-quality scrubs shed a lot of lint once they stick to it.

2、 Difference in velvet color between forward and backward flow : Mild shade and color are normal; large areas of color difference and mottled whitening are inferior products.

3、 Press and bounce back : High-quality suede quickly rebounds after pressing without leaving creases; Pressing the pulp with the coating to leave a permanent impression.