ESD Footwear

Work shoes are shoes specially developed for specific professions that meet the specific requirements of the respective work environment. They provide protection against hazards such as dirt, chemicals, electric current, slippery surfaces or sharp objects. Work shoes are available in various designs, for example as safety shoes, work shoes or work boots. Safety shoes are a special type of occupational footwear that provide additional protection against injury. They are equipped with a protective cap that protects the toes from bumps or bruises. The protective cap is usually made of steel or plastic. In addition, safety shoes can also have other protective functions such as puncture-resistant soles, antistatic properties or material resistant to chemicals.

There are several important factors to consider when buying ESD shoes:
 
1. ESD certification: Make sure the shoes have ESD certification. ESD stands for "Electrostatic Discharge" and means that the shoes can dissipate electrostatic charges to prevent damage to sensitive electronic devices.
 
2. Safety standards: Check that the shoes comply with the applicable safety standards. This can vary depending on the industry and work environment. Common standards are, for example, EN ISO 20345 for safety shoes or EN ISO 20347 for occupational shoes.

3. Fit and comfort: Make sure the shoes fit well and are comfortable. They should provide ample space for the toes and have good cushioning to support the foot throughout the day.
 
4. Materials: Choose high-quality materials that are durable and hard-wearing. This is especially important if you work in an environment where the shoes are subjected to heavy loads.

5. Slip resistance: Check the slip resistance of the shoes, especially if you work in an environment where slippery conditions can occur frequently.
 
6. Additional features: Depending on your specific needs, you can also look for additional features, such as water-repellent properties, puncture-resistant soles, or anti-static properties.
 
7. Care and maintenance: Find out about the proper care and maintenance of the shoes to extend their life and ensure that they retain their protective properties.

The standard specifies that ESD shoes must have an electrical resistance of 0.1 to 100 megohms to ensure the safe dissipation path for electrostatic charges. This resistance prevents electrostatic charges from building up in the shoe and potentially causing damage to sensitive electronic devices. In addition, ESD Footwear must also meet the basic requirements for safety footwear, such as protection against impact loads, slip resistance, puncture resistance and resistance to various chemicals. The EN ISO 20345:2022 standard ensures that ESD Footwear provides the necessary protection against electrostatic discharges, thus ensuring the safety of people and electronic equipment.

Find out how to configure your individual insole here.

There are a few important things to keep in mind when wearing Cleanroom shoes: 1. Cleanliness: Cleanroom shoes must be absolutely clean to avoid contamination in the Cleanroom. Before entering the Cleanroom, shoes should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. 2. Fit: The shoes should fit well and be comfortable to wear comfortably for a long time. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can cause discomfort and impair concentration. 3. Material: The shoes should be made of a suitable material that is easy to clean and disinfect. Often, Cleanroom shoes are made from special plastics or synthetic materials. 4. Soles: The soles of Cleanroom shoes should be antistatic to avoid electrostatic charges. This is important to protect the sensitive electronic devices or Products in the Cleanroom from damage. 5. Change: Cleanroom shoes should be changed regularly to minimize contamination. Depending on the Cleanroom class and requirements, this may be necessary several times a day. 6. Storage: If the Cleanroom shoes are not worn, they should be kept in a clean and protected area to avoid contamination.