Abstract: A system and method for testing floor coverings provides test data that not only permit meaningful comparisons of various types of floor coverings relative to each other but also permit accurate prediction of how the floor covering samples will perform in actual use. Floor covering testing is provided by repeatedly subjecting a floor covering sample to simulated footfall impacts. The simulated footfall impacts include normal and shear components that are selected based on actual physiological studies of the human gait. The floor covering testing is performed based on the expected pedestrian traffic to be encountered by the floor covering in use. In certain tests, the type of soil expected at the installation site is taken into consideration. The amount of soil retained by particular floor covering samples is measured. Additional tests measure pile retention, in the case of carpets, to predict changes in appearance through usage over time.