Proper care of ESD shoes is important, among other things, to ensure that the shoes can fulfill their intended function. In the following article, we provide a number of tips on the correct care of ESD work shoes.

General tips for ESD shoe care

A distinction is made between active and passive shoe care, including the care of ESD shoes. Passive shoe care includes, for example, using two pairs of shoes so that one pair has enough time to release the moisture it has absorbed. Active shoe care includes, for example, regularly cleaning the soles of the shoes so that they are always clean enough to be fully effective.

In the following overview, we list important tips for the care of ESD shoes, which we then explain in more detail point by point:

  • ESD shoes should fit properly
  • Putting on ESD shoes correctly
  • Use two pairs of ESD shoes
  • Clean the soles of your shoes regularly
  • Improve conductivity with water splashes
  • No-gos with ESD shoes

ESD shoes should fit properly

First of all, ESD shoes should fit the wearer correctly for a number of reasons. On the one hand, it is of course bad for the feet if the shoes do not fit properly, but this can also have a negative effect on the wearer’s gait. The ESD shoe itself also suffers if the foot does not fit properly, as the shoe may then be subjected to additional stress in the wrong places, which can result in faster wear.

Putting on ESD shoes correctly

Proper care of ESD shoes also includes the use of a shoehorn to protect the heel area of the shoe.

Use two pairs of ESD shoes

It is also advisable to purchase two different pairs of ESD shoes and to wear them alternately. This is because the moisture that a shoe absorbs while it is being worn takes up to 24 hours to be released from the shoe after it has been removed. Wearing two different pairs of ESD shoes alternately promotes the service life of each pair of shoes.

Clean the soles of your shoes regularly

In order to achieve the full effect, you must keep the soles of the ESD shoes clean, as dirt on the contact surfaces of the soles can lead to a change in electrical resistance. It is therefore advisable to clean the soles of the shoes regularly.

Improve conductivity with water splashes

ESD shoes conduct better in the summer months than in the winter months, as the ESD shoes and the wearer’s feet are often cold in the winter months. Small splashes of water on the inside of the shoe can be used to improve the conductivity of the ESD shoe.

To be on the safe side, you should regularly carry out an on-site measurement at an ESD shoe test station to check the electrical contact resistance.

No-gos with ESD shoes

You should never do the following things with your ESD shoes:

  • Do not wash ESD shoes in the washing machine, as this destroys the outer material and the safety properties.
  • Do not make any adjustments to the ESD shoe, e.g. do not use any external parts such as insoles
  • The workplace must be kept as free of dirt as possible; oils or chemical liquids can also attack the soleplate
  • Do not dry shoes on a radiator, in the sun or using any other heat source; instead, loosen the tongue and laces, remove the insoles and stuff shoes with newspaper to dry them.

For more information on ESD shoes, please also read our article “ESD shoes – what are they and when are they necessary?“.

Care of shoes made of smooth leather or leather

Shoes made of smooth leather or leather should be cared for as follows:

  • Impregnate before first use and at regular intervals thereafter
  • First remove coarse dirt before cleaning
  • When cleaning, rub leather grease or leather balm into the leather and the seams, paying attention to the following:
    • Leather grease does not dry and harden as quickly as leather balm, which is why it needs to be polished again
    • Leather balsam dries and hardens faster than leather grease, which is why it does not need to be polished again
    • Leather grease, leather balm and impregnation without silicone also suitable for shoes with membrane

Care of shoes made from Permair® leather, PU or PVC

Shoes made of Permair® leather, PU or PVC should be cared for as follows:

  • After use, clean with a soft brush or cloth and a little lukewarm water, using a little mild soap if necessary
  • Wipe off the soap residue with a damp cloth

Rubber shoe care

Shoes made of rubber should be cared for as follows:

  • Clean boots after use with warm water, a soft sponge and a mild soap solution (soap with glycerine keeps boots supple)
  • Rubbing the boots with a silicone sponge for rubber maintains suppleness

Advice on the care of ESD shoes

If you have any further questions about caring for your ESD shoes, we at the ESD specialist wholesaler abovo will be happy to help you.

Simply contact our ESD shoe experts by phone or e-mail: