ESD safety shoes explained

ESD safety shoes protect sensitive circuits and equipment from damage caused by static discharge.

Not sure what that means? Don’t worry!

We’ll break down everything you need to know about ESD safety shoes and how to find the right ESD shoes to protect your team.

WHY ESD PROTECTION MATTERS

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the transfer of static electricity from one surface to another, often from a worker’s shoes to sensitive electronic equipment.

The right ESD safety footwear protects circuit boards, sensors, and other electrical parts from damage that can cause faults, malfunctions, or premature failure.

While ESD rarely harms people directly, it can lead to serious risks like fire, explosions, and electric shocks.

WHAT ARE ESD SAFETY SHOES?

You know when you get a shock after touching something metal? That’s electrostatic discharge.

ESD shoes stop static electricity from building up and becoming a danger in the workplace.

They prevent the damage of sensitive electronics by controlling the flow of static through conductive materials in the sole. They’re worn in workspaces with floors made from ESD-friendly materials to provide a safe grounding path.

Types of ESD foot protection include:

• Boots
• Shoes
• Trainers

Each shoe type provides varying levels of protection and support.

If you’re looking to see which ESD footwear is right for your team, take a look at our full range of safety footwear.

WHEN SHOULD YOU WEAR ESD SAFETY SHOES?

If there’s static-sensitive equipment in your workplace, then your team needs to be wearing ESD footwear.

Even a small amount of static discharge can damage electronic components.

The workplaces and industries most at risk of electrostatic discharge are:

• Labs
• Server rooms
• Electronic manufacturing
• Aerospace and navigation
• Medical device manufacturing

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ESD, ANTI-STATIC, AND CONDUCTIVE?

It’s easy to mix up ESD, anti-static, and conductive safety footwear.

They share some similarities, but they offer different levels of protection.

All ESD shoes are anti-static, but not all shoes labelled as anti-static provide ESD protection.

Let’s take a closer look:

ESD FOOTWEAR:

• Designed for use on ESD-safe floors
• Protects sensitive electronic equipment from static discharge
• Meets EN IEC 61340-5-1 and EN ISO 20345 safety standards
• Electrical resistance between 100 kiloohms and 100 megaohms
• Reduces the risk of damage to circuit boards, sensors, automated systems, and microchips

BEST FOR: Electronics manufacturing, cleanrooms, semiconductor production.

ANTI-STATIC FOOTWEAR:

• Meets EN ISO 20345 safety standard
• Not suitable for ESD-sensitive areas
• Electrical resistance between 100 kiloohms and 1 gigaohm
• Reduces static build-up to prevent sparks in hazardous environments
• Prevents fires caused by flammable vapours, dust, gases, and particles

COMMON USERS: Chemical handlers, paint sprayers, and pharmaceutical workers.

CONDUCTIVE FOOTWEAR:

• Meets EN ISO 20345 safety standard
• Does not protect against electric shocks
• Electrical resistance below 100 kiloohms
• Reduces fire risk in explosive atmospheres
• Quickly removes static electricity build-up in highly explosive environments

TYPICAL ENVIRONMENTS: Explosive manufacturing sites, fuel refineries.

Need help finding the right safety shoes for your workplace?

We can help.

FIND THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR WORKFORCE

Now you know all about ESD safety shoes, it’s time to protect your team.

Here’s what to consider:

• Does the footwear provide a secure fit?
• What style best suits the working conditions?
• Is more foot protection needed, such as toe-caps?
• Is the ESD symbol visible on the shoe, label, or packaging?

If you have women on your team, consider choosing shoes designed for a secure and comfortable fit.

Explore our full safety footwear collection today.

With 97% stock availability, finding the right fit is easy with SMI.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR UPDATING PPE?

Employers must replace PPE, including safety footwear, when damaged, defective, or expired, to comply with HSE regulations.

Not sure what to do with your used PPE? You can recycle it with SMI!

From textiles and PPE to safety shoes, we help you recycle your workwear and reduce your carbon footprint.

Simply wash it, box it, ship it.

We’ll do the rest.

Download the SMI recycling information pack to learn more.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF USING DAMAGED ESD SHOES?

Wear and tear, damage, and frequent use impact how well PPE protects your team.

Worn out ESD shoes can cause damage to electronic equipment, too, so it’s important to keep on top of it.

Replacing PPE can be time-consuming, but your workforce’s safety and your business's reputation depend on it.

NEED HELP PROTECTING YOUR TEAM?

We’re here to help you protect your workforce with high-quality safety footwear and PPE. 

Send us a message, or call 0330 441 3500 for a chat with our friendly team. 

FAQs

Why do ESD shoes fail?

Wear and tear can prevent ESD shoes from working correctly. Dry working environments can also stop this footwear from grounding static effectively. 

Always choose the right ESD shoe for the job.

How to tell if a shoe is ESD?

ESD shoes have a yellow circle with a black triangle and a hand symbol on the back or side. Check the product name for ‘ESD’ too.

Can I wear my ESD shoes outside?

No. ESD shoes are for indoor, static-sensitive areas only. 

Dirt, moisture, and outdoor surfaces can prevent ESD shoes from safely grounding a build-up of static electricity.