ESD Safety Shoes: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

Before importing ESD safety shoes, read this guide.

It has all information that will help you choose high quality and reliable ESD safety shoes.

Keep reading to learn more.

What is ESD Safety Shoes?

Primarily, ESD safety shoes are shoes that reduce the accumulation of static discharge in the body. They direct the charges from the body to the ground safely.

They also ensure that there is no transfer of charge from the body to electrically charged objects as a result of contact.

If you work around conductive materials, the best way to reduce electrostatic discharge is to use ESD safety shoes.

ESD Safety Shoes

What are the Features of ESD Safety Shoes?

Some of the ESD safety shoes features include:

Have an electrical resistance of up to 100 Mega ohms. This is mainly because of their dissipative and conductive soles.
Feature a person to shoe to ground resistance value of at most 3.5 x 10⁷. This conforms to the requirements of EN 61340-5-1.
Have carbon inserts in the footbed or sole. Their parts, e.g., sole and uppers, are stitched with particular silver thread.
Closed heels
Common fuel oil resistance.
Basic resistance to static electricity.
Hard toe cap capable of resisting 200 joules impact.

What Material is Used in Making ESD Safety Shoes?

ESD safety shoes have many parts made from various materials. PVC or PU materials are used to make the soles of the shoes.

Thus, the safety footwear are sometimes referred to as PVC ESD safety shoes or PU ESD safety shoes, depending upon materials used.

The ESD safety shoe uppers and linings are made of different materials ranging from smooth leather, full-grain leather, or microfiber.

For extra grip, the ESD safety shoe soles are made from a combination of TR rubber and PU materials.

The insole is made from impact foam. This material has a unique shape that will adapt to your foot pressure, thus assuring maximum comfort.

Moreover, the midsole is made from woven fabric materials, such as Kevlar or steel, to make them puncture-proof.

PU ESD Safety Footwear

Are ESD Safety Shoes Comfortable to Wear?

Yes, ESD safety shoes are very comfortable to wear. This is mainly attributed to the adjustable lacing system and soft ESD insole.

The insole, usually made of materials like impact foam, can adapt to your feet’ pressure. There is a breathable mesh inside the ESD safety shoes to keep your feet cool and comfortable.

Additionally, the padded tongue and lining make the shoes even more comfortable by ensuring breathability. They will also keep your feet dry throughout the day.

They have splendid flexibility and shock absorption properties. This will eliminate shocks and stress to your spine and feet.

Where should I wear ESD Safety Shoes?

You should wear ESD safety shoes in two types of environments.

One of the environments involves handling machinery that creates significantly higher amounts of static electric fields.

The other environment involves you handling many computer parts or components.

These environments tend to have sizeable static electricity fields.

When these fields build up in your body, you might feel a shock when you touch metal with a less or neutral charge.

That said, you can wear ESD safety shoes if you work in utility plants, plastics manufacturing, or car and high-tech manufacturing environments.

If your job requires you to use electronic devices, not using ESD safety shoes puts the devices at risk of damage. Take heed and get ESD-certified safety shoes.

What are the Advantages of ESD Safety Shoes?

Some of the benefits of ESD Safety Shoes include:

They prevent a static electrical charge build-up. This is because the ESD safety shoes send static charges from the body to the ground in a controlled and safe manner.
They will keep you safe by preventing sudden electricity flow during contact.

ESD safety shoes have non-slip properties and also excellent wear resistance. This is because their soles are made from wear-resistant materials like rubber.

Moreover, the soles of the ESD safety shoes are made from elastic shock absorbers like EVA. This makes them very comfortable to wear and work with.
You can also use ESD safety shoes in environments that have higher amounts of static electricity. This is because antistatic wires are incorporated into the insole.
The ESD safety shoes are versatile and stylish.

You can wear ESD safety shoes for a very long time because of their long lifespan.

How Much do ESD Safety Shoes Cost?

The average price of ESD safety shoes ranges around 70-129 dollars. These costs are inclusive of freight charges.

The main price differences arise from the sizes and materials used. Larger sizes will be more costly than smaller sizes.

Similarly, genuine leather ESD safety shoes are more costly than synthetic leather ESD safety shoes. This is mainly because of their differences in lifespan and durability.

Are ESD Safety Shoes Durable?

Yes, ESD safety shoes are very durable, especially when you use them for their intended applications.

Their outsoles are made from very flexible materials, and so are the linings, uppers, insoles, and midsoles.

What are the Disadvantages of ESD Safety Shoes?

The disadvantages of ESD safety shoes are:

They are quite expensive in comparison to other safety shoes. Their initial cost of investment can be a big drawback. It can be expensive to equip all your employees with ESD safety shoes.
They may not be efficient if you use them with some ESD floor types.

Some ESD safety shoes may not provide enough conductivity. This means the ESD safety shoes will not comply with some system resistance specifications.

Which Factors should you Consider while Purchasing ESD Safety Shoes?

The right ESD safety shoes can make all the difference when it comes to safety and comfort for your employees. When picking the right shoes, consider:-

Workplace Requirements

First, you should research and figure out which specific requirements are to be met in your workplace.

It may be highly likely that you will suffer severe shocks when working in particular environments.

In such cases, it would be best to get EH safety shoes instead. However, if the requirements are to reduce the possibility of mild electrical shocks, ESD safety footwear would be the best.

Materials

The efficiency of your ESD safety shoes heavily relies on the working environment in which they will be applied.

This will also affect your choices of which ESD safety shoes to get because different materials work for different applications.

You can choose synthetic and breathable leather. This will keep your feet comfortable and cool while providing ESD protection.

If your main concern is durability, you can opt for ESD safety shoes made out of genuine leather material.

ESD Capability

Some manufacturers will offer safety shoes that do not meet the required standards, thus unable to dissipate static charges.

You should be on the lookout for non-generic ESD safety shoes with SD or SD incorporated into their names.

This is an assertion that they will provide the required protection in electrically sensitive application areas.

Style

There are many variants of ESD safety shoes, ranging from sneakers, formal styles, boots, high ankles, clogs, etc.

If you desire versatile ESD safety shoes that can blend seamlessly with casual or business attire, there are wide varieties.

Most informal employees in sectors such as manufacturing prefer comfort-oriented ESD safety shoes like sneakers or clogs.

ESD Safety Boots

Fit

This is the most critical factor when it comes to selecting any type of shoe. The case for ESD safety shoes is not different.

Well-sized ESD safety shoes ensure maximum utility and comfort throughout the day.

This reduces downtime and boosts productivity in the long run.

Compliance with ESD Association Standards (ESDA)

ESDA standards are exclusively written for the handling or manufacturing of electronics.

Most manufacturers overlook these standards and often reference only ASTM standards.

ESD STM97.2-2006 provides instructions for the classification of ESD safety shoes.

In addition, they qualify such shoes for application in Electrical sensitive environments.

How do you Clean and Maintain ESD Safety Shoes?

You have to clean and maintain your ESD safety shoes regularly and frequently to ensure they perform at their best.

You can do the following, at least once every week, to care for your pair:-

Scrub the outsole using a mild soap. This will keep the soles free of debris or dirt and keep them clean.
Vacuum the interior of the sole and the shoe. Keeping the insides clean will prevent infections or odor.
Use a moist or damp cloth to clean the uppers of your ESD safety shoes.

One of the preventive measures that go a long way in ESD safety footwear maintenance is avoiding scuffing.

Treading or walking around sharp edges could tear or cut the ESD safety shoes’ soles. You should be careful.

Why are ESD Safety Shoes Important?

Some working environments, such as computer plants, have conditions that allow static electricity to build up on you as an operator.

Touching metals or others will cause you to experience a shock.

ESD safety shoes can prevent this discomfort and annoyance.

Storing electronic discharge in your body is dangerous because electronic devices are usually sensitive to static electricity.

Also, electronic devices can be damaged by voltages way lower than what we experience as mild shocks.

For this reason, it is essential to wear static dissipative shoes like ESD safety shoes when working around electronic devices.

If your job requires you to use electronic devices, not using ESD safety shoes puts the devices at risk of damage.

Take heed and get ESD-certified safety shoes.

Are ESD and SD Safety Shoes the Same?

Yes, ESD safety shoes and SD safety shoes minimize electrical charges created by your body. For that reason, they are known as static dissipating footwear.

The slight difference between ESD safety shoes and SD safety shoes arises from their applications.

SD safety shoes are commonly applied in facilities that involve computer component handling.

ESD safety shoes are, on the other hand, used in manufacturing plants or processing facilities where static electricity build-up is common.

This is because they have additional features, like puncture-proof soles and steel or composite toes that can protect from other hazards.

Be careful not to confuse ESD or SD safety shoes for antistatic shoes, as most people commonly do.

How many Types of ESD Safety Shoes are there?

There are many types of ESD safety shoes. The commonly used ones are:-

ESD Ankle Shoes: These ESD safety shoes have a high shoe character and will cover your ankles when you wear them.

The advantage that comes with this feature is dry feet regardless of your working conditions.

They are also made to be slip-resistant and flexible.

ESD Boots: These ESD safety shoes are classified as unisex and are available in sizes ranging from 39-47 European standards.

They are considered to be personal protective equipment.

They have a safety cap at the toe. The cap is usually made from steel. They are also classified under the S3 safety category.

ESD Clogs: These ESD safety shoes conform to DIN EN 61340 standards. They have a heel strap that makes your in-step area adjustable.

You can fasten them using a buckle.

ESD Safety Clog

ESD Casual Shoes: These are lace-up style ESD safety shoes for both men and women. They are low cut and are usually made from low-grain leather material.

They are also called occupational ESD safety shoes.

ESD Loader Shoes: These ESD safety shoes come in a low-cut loafer design.

They are also considered to be personal protective equipment because of their composite midsole. This makes them puncture-proof in addition to being slip-resistant.

ESD Business Shoes: These ESD safety shoes are made from microfiber or leather material. They are categorized under the S2 safety category and conform to EN ISO 20345:2011 standards.

They are also considered to be business shoes and are low. They have SRA-certified slip resistance in addition to having a steel safety toe cap.

Are ESD Safety Shoes Available in Different Colors?

Yes, Our ESD safety shoes are available in multiple colors, e.g., black, white, and brown.

How do I Test for the Quality of ESD Safety Shoes?

The safety shoes already have the ESD marking to show that they have been tested and proved to conform to required standards.

However, as an individual, you can conduct the following test to know for sure if your safety shoes are ESD capable.

While wearing your ESD safety shoes, stand on a conduction test electrode.

This electrode will measure the resistance of your ESD once you touch a metal plate.

Resistance below 35 Mega ohms implies that your ESD safety shoes are of high quality and protect you from static electricity.

Are there Personalized ESD Safety Shoes?

Yes, we can do customizations such as placing brand logos since we have OEM abilities. Additionally, we can use your specified materials to manufacture parts of the ESD safety shoes.

Can ESD Safety Shoes Match with Any Outfit?

Yes, you can match your ESD occupational safety shoes with any outfit, be it work attire or casual attire.

However, not all types of ESD safety shoes are versatile enough to be used in that manner.

Some require to use only in environments with significant static electricity discharge.

In which sizes are ESD safety shoes available?

The ESD safety shoes are available in various sizes. These sizes range from size 36 to size 46 European standards and can be customized at your request.

Minor distinctions exist between sizing for women’s ESD safety shoes and men’s.

You should take that into account when buying your ESD safety shoes.

What are Antistatic Safety Shoes?

Antistatic safety shoes are shoes that have a contact resistance that is between 10⁵ ohm – 10⁹ ohm in wet and dry atmospheres.

The EN ISO 20345 posits that shoes should be classified based on their antistatic, electrical insulation, and conductivity features.

Shoes that have fulfilled the requirements for antistatic tests are considered antistatic safety shoes.

Are there ESD Safety Shoes for Women?

Yes, women have smaller feet and narrower heels than men. Thus they cannot wear similar ESD safety shoes without considering their sizes.

To get a good fit, women should buy a size and a half down from the men’s sizes.

An ESD safety shoe for women with a size of 36 would be men’s size 36.5.

What is the Difference Between ESD Safety Shoes and Antistatic Safety Shoes?

These two categories of safety boots are conductive safety shoes. However, they are designed for different hazards.

ESD safety shoes can be considered antistatic footwear.

The significant difference is that ESD safety shoes will protect the electrostatic discharge-sensitive devices while antistatic safety shoes will not.

When working with electrostatic discharge-sensitive devices, you will need ESD safety footwear.

Antistatic shoes are also static discharge safety shoes however, they have lower conductivity than ESD safety shoes.

This means that you get to accumulate more static electricity in the body.

The major difference between these two shoe ratings is their resistance range.

Standard ESD safety shoes have a resistance range of 0.1 to 100 Mega ohm. Conversely, antistatic shoes have a resistance range of 0.1 to 1000 Mega ohm.

Antistatic safety shoes will protect your body from static shock.

On the other hand, ESD safety shoes will protect the devices sensitive to electrostatic energy in sensitive environments.

If you are looking to purchase safety footwear that is static dissipative, both antistatic and ESD safety shoes will fit the bill.

ESD safety shoes are antistatic, but antistatic shoes are not ESD capable since they do not have their conductive abilities.

What are ESD Safety Shoe Specifications?

The ESD safety shoe specifications are as follows:

1.Puncture-proof, anti-impact, and offer electrical insulation. This makes them protective and flexible.
2.ESD safety shoes meet the standards specified by EU, i.e., SBP, SB, S3, S2, S1, and S1P.
3.ESD safety shoes have steel toes and steel plate midsoles as per EU specification standards.
4.The ESD safety shoes come with a six-month guarantee.
5.Lining of the ESD safety shoes is made of breathable mesh, leather, microfiber, or custom finishes as per your request.
6.ESD safety shoes have an electrical resistance that ranges between 0.1-100 Mega ohm.
7.Additionally, they conform to BS EN 61340-4-3: 2002 / (IEC 61340-4-3: 2001) standards for electrical safety footwear.

What is the Sole Type Used in ESD Safety Shoes?

There are soles in the ESD safety shoes, i.e., insole, midsole, and outsole. Each plays an essential role in making the ESD safety shoes comfortable.

Insole is made from impact foam. This material has a unique shape that will adapt to your foot pressure, thus assuring maximum comfort.
Midsole: This part of the sole is what gives puncture resistance to the ESD safety boot. The puncture resistance will vary depending on the type of material used, which can be woven fabric or steel.
Outer sole primarily gives support and withstands elements. They are usually made from rubber material due to their high traction and slip resistance properties.

Do ESD Safety Shoes have a Warranty?

Yes, we offer warranties for our ESD safety shoes to show our confidence in the product quality. You may claim a warranty if the ESD safety shoes are damaged due to the manufacturing process.

The warranty will be void if the damage is a result of your application. We may repair or replace parts of the ESD safety shoes if necessary.

Consequential damages caused by the ESD safety shoes are not covered in their warranties.

How do ESD Safety Shoes compare to Electrical Safety Shoes?

Electrical safety shoes eliminate the risk of electrocution by preventing electricity from flowing to the ground.
This is according to the specifications stipulated in ASTM F2413-05 SECTION 7.1.5.2.

Therefore, electrical safety shoes are perfect for applications that involve you working with live wires or electrical circuits.

They will keep you from getting shocked by electricity flowing through the wires by slowing down the currents.

They are not meant to be the primary source of protection against electrical hazards.

On the other hand, ESD safety shoes reduce the level of static electricity that builds up in the body.
They conduct electricity through the outsole, linings, and insole.

Yes, there are lightweight ESD safety shoes. Their weight depends on the type of material used.

The conducted electricity is directed into the ground, thus regulating the amount of static electricity in the body.

Are there Lightweight ESD Safety Shoes?

Their outsoles and midsoles are made from light materials like rubber and EVA, respectively.

Additionally, there are metal-free caps like composite toe make them even lighter.

They have a lightweight structure that comprises breathable materials and anatomic shapes.

This lightweight nature does not imply a compromise in quality.

The ESD safety shoes comply with the required standards and are extremely secure and durable.

Lightweight ESD Safety Shoe

Can you use ESD Safety Shoes as Conductive Safety Shoes?

Yes, one safety shoe can offer both ESD and conductive safety features.

In such situations, such safety shoes can protect users from spark or static shock.

They guarantee safety by directing electrical charges to the ground.

Remember, there are situations where static charges can be so problematic to an extent that they may:

Trigger Fire
Cause explotion
At Huaerxin Company, we design and manufacture specialized safety shoes for a range of working environments.

What are the Available Toe Type for ESD Safety Shoes?

Depending on your specific needs, you can choose wide toe, steel toe or composite toe.

It will depend on your specific needs and requirements.

Do You Have MOQ For ESD Safety Shoes?

Well, we offer flexible MOQ.

In most cases, our MOQ is 500 to 1000 pieces.

Do ESD Safety Shoes have Warranty?

Yes.

Thou our warranty period covers 6 months.

You can check instructions in the package to see the terms and conditions for the warranty.

Is There Difference in Electrical Properties of Safety Shoes?

You can choose electrical conductive safety shoes. Their symbol is usually C.

They are a perfect choice when you want to dissipate or reduce electrostatic charge as quickly as possible.

Alternatively, you can also opt for antistatic shoes. Their symbol is A.

You will need these shoes where you intend to dissipate or reduce electrostatic charge. This will eliminate shock due to the static charges.

Lastly, we have the electrically insulated shoes. Their symbol is usually I. You should use these shoes in situations where there is risk of electrical shock

Whether you are looking for conductive safety shoes, water resistant work boots, cut resistant safety shoes, heat resistant safety shoes, or oil resistant safety shoes, we are your perfect partner.

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