Abstract: A reciprocating pneumatic cylinder is mounted to drive a simulated heel at an angle of 15 to 20 degrees into a floor covering system which is mounted to move back and forth and rotate with respect to the heel impacts. The impacts are thereby varied in angle of attack over the surface of a test specimen and are simulative of human foot traffic. A carpet sample is stretched beneath the impacting heel over a cushion 56 which is unstretched. A bidirectional clamping assembly allows readings to be taken during a test to determine dimensional stability and rate of change of dimensional stability. The test specimen which results from multiple impacts has a central region which is heavily worked and an outer region which is subjected to fewer impacts, permitting a range or wear to be analyzed on a single specimen. Carpet response to soiling may also be examined on a test specimen.