Are barefoot safety shoes ESD-compliant for electrosensitive areas? - BAAK

Yes, barefoot safety shoes can be ESD-compliant, but not automatically. Whether a specific model meets the requirements for electrostatic-sensitive work areas depends solely on its certification according to the applicable standard, not on the shoe category. Anyone who works in ESD areas and also wants to enjoy the benefits of barefoot shoes should know exactly what matters. The following sections answer the most important questions on this topic.

What ESD requirements apply in electrosensitive work areas?

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In electrosensitive work areas, footwear must meet the requirements of the EN ISO 20345 standard in conjunction with the additional ESD designation. ESD stands for “Electrostatic Discharge.” ESD is not a separate protection class characteristic, but rather a feature that is specified in addition to the protection class. ESD safety shoes must have a defined electrical resistance that controlledly dissipates electrostatic charges from the body without simultaneously allowing a dangerous current flow.

Specifically, this means that, according to the standard, the resistance of an ESD shoe must be between 0.1 megaohms and 1,000 megaohms. This range has been deliberately chosen to ensure that static charge can be safely dissipated while the wearer remains protected from electric shock. Shoes that are too conductive do not provide adequate protection against electric shock. Shoes that are too insulating do not dissipate static charge and can therefore endanger sensitive components or systems.

ESD areas are typically found in the electronics industry, semiconductor manufacturing, medical technology, and anywhere else where sensitive electronic components are processed or stored. In these environments, uncontrolled electrostatic discharge can cause damage to components that is not visible to the naked eye but can impair their function over the long term.

Important: ESD is designated as a feature regardless of the protection class (S1, S1P, S3). A shoe can therefore be both S1P and ESD-compliant if it meets both requirements. Learn more about the standards and protection classes at a glance.

In terms of design, how do barefoot safety shoes differ from conventional models?

Barefoot safety shoes differ from conventional models in three key design features: a sole without a heel lift (known as a zero-drop design), an extra-wide toe box, and particularly flexible sole and upper materials. The goal of this design is to restrict the foot’s natural range of motion as little as possible—without compromising the protective function of a certified safety shoe.

In conventional safety shoes, the heel is often significantly higher than the forefoot. This alters posture and, over time, can increase strain on the knees, hips, and back. Barefoot safety shoes, on the other hand, have a uniform sole thickness from heel to toe. This can help promote an upright posture and relieve pressure on the spine by allowing it to maintain its natural position.

The wide toe box allows the foot to spread more freely in the forefoot area than would be possible in conventional shoes. This can support natural stabilization while standing and walking. At the same time, the protective function provided by a steel toe cap or composite toe cap—which is typically integrated into the toe box—is maintained without constricting the foot.

The choice of materials is particularly important for ESD compliance. Flexible soles are often made of different composite materials than stiff outsoles, and this affects their electrical properties. Whether a barefoot shoe meets ESD requirements therefore does not depend on its basic design, but rather on whether the materials used were selected in such a way as to ensure compliance with the required resistance range.

Can flexible soles and natural materials meet ESD standards?

Yes, flexible soles and natural materials can meet ESD standards, provided they have been specifically developed and tested for this purpose. The stiffness of the material alone does not indicate the electrical properties of a sole. What matters is the chemical composition of the sole material and whether conductive additives have been incorporated.

In practice, ESD-compliant soles are made from specially formulated rubber or PU compounds mixed with conductive particles. This works regardless of whether the sole is soft and flexible or rigid. It is important that the conductive properties are evenly distributed throughout the entire sole and remain stable even after prolonged use.

The situation is similar for natural materials used in the upper, such as leather: Leather can have different electrical properties depending on the tanning process and treatment. For ESD-compliant shoes, all relevant material layers—from the outsole to the insole to the upper—must be coordinated so that the shoe’s total resistance falls within the specified range.

This means that a barefoot shoe made of flexible materials can be ESD-certified. However, it is not automatically certified. The shoe may only be used in ESD areas if the manufacturer has explicitly demonstrated its ESD suitability through testing and certification.

How can you tell if a barefoot safety shoe is ESD-certified?

You can tell if a barefoot safety shoe is ESD-certified by checking the labeling on the shoe itself and in the accompanying product documentation. The ESD property is indicated on the insole or the upper of the shoe with the abbreviation “ESD,” along with the other standard and protection class designations.

The complete labeling on an ESD safety shoe typically looks like this: In addition to the CE mark and the standard (EN ISO 20345), you’ll find the protection class (for example, S1P) followed by the abbreviation ESD. This combination indicates that the shoe meets both the mechanical protection requirements and the electrostatic requirements.

In addition, every pair of safety shoes must come with a declaration of conformity and a test report. If you're unsure about a particular model, ask the manufacturer or retailer for the test documentation. Reputable suppliers will provide these documents upon request.

Also, keep in mind that ESD certification does not apply only to new shoes. The electrical properties of a shoe can change due to wear and tear, moisture, and contaminants. In safety-critical ESD areas, it is therefore recommended to regularly test the shoes using an appropriate measuring device.

When are barefoot safety shoes the right choice for ESD areas?

ESD-certified barefoot safety shoes can be a good choice if you work in electrosensitive areas and want to benefit from a more natural range of motion for your feet. They are particularly well-suited for jobs that involve a lot of walking or standing and where maintaining an ergonomically sound posture is important over the long term.

Specifically, this can be useful in the following situations:

You work in electronics manufacturing or the semiconductor industry and spend many hours on your feet.
You're already experiencing discomfort from conventional safety shoes, for example in the knee, back, or forefoot areas.
You want a shoe that feels more natural without having to sacrifice the required ESD protection.
Your company doctor or safety officer has recommended a more ergonomically sound shoe design.

However, there are situations in which barefoot safety shoes are not the best choice, even if they are ESD-compliant. If the work environment involves very rough surfaces, wet conditions, or an increased risk of puncture, stiffer soles and more robust constructions may be more appropriate. The choice of the right shoe should always take into account the specific working conditions, not just a single feature such as ESD.

The following applies to safety officers and purchasers: When purchasing, always verify that the selected model meets both the ESD requirements and the other protection class requirements for the work area. The fit also plays an important role, because a shoe that doesn’t fit properly won’t be worn consistently.

How BAAK Combines Foot Protection with ESD Compliance

For over 35 years, BAAK has been developing safety shoes that are consistently designed with the physiology of the human body in mind. The line of barefoot safety shoes combines the key features of a barefoot design with the requirements of professional occupational safety:

Zero-drop construction: Even sole thickness from heel to toe, which can help promote an upright, natural posture.
Extra-wide toe box: Ample room for your toes to spread naturally.
Flexible sole and upper material: Can support the natural rolling motion without unnecessarily restricting movement.
Patented Baak Go&Relax System: Integrated as standard in all barefoot models, it promotes the natural rolling motion of the foot.
ESD-compliant versions: Selected models meet the requirements of EN ISO 20345 and feature additional ESD labeling.

If you'd like to know which model is right for your ESD area, we'd be happy to help. Get in touch with us, and we'll advise you on the best options for your specific needs.