Antistatic footwear is mandatory personal protective equipment in numerous industrial sectors. Its main function is to dissipate, in a controlled manner, the electrostatic charges that build up in the body during work activity, preventing discharges that can damage sensitive electronic components, impair precision machinery, or cause accidents in environments with flammable materials. An invisible risk that, with the right footwear, is neutralised with every step.
What Do the A, O1 and S2 Certifications Mean?
The European standard EN ISO 20345 classifies antistatic safety footwear according to its additional properties, and understanding what lies behind each letter makes all the difference when it comes to choosing correctly. The A certification indicates antistatic properties with an electrical resistance of between 0.1 and 1,000 MΩ, sufficient to dissipate static charges in the vast majority of industrial environments. The O1 certification adds energy absorption in the heel, a feature especially valued in jobs with hard floors where many hours are spent standing. The S2 certification also includes resistance to liquid penetration, essential in wet environments, where there is a risk of spills or frequent floor cleaning. Knowing these differences allows you to choose the model you really need for your job, rather than simply the first one that appears in a search.
Antistatic Footwear versus ESD Footwear
It is common to search for ESD antistatic footwear without being entirely clear on the difference between the two terms. ESD footwear complies with the EN 61340-5-1 standard, a specific certification for environments where highly sensitive electronic components are handled, such as circuit boards, semiconductors or precision devices, where any discharge — however small — can cause irreparable damage. Its electrical resistance range is stricter and more controlled than that of conventional antistatic footwear.
However, for the vast majority of industrial, logistics and pharmaceutical environments, antistatic safety footwear with A certification according to EN ISO 20345 offers complete and sufficient antistatic protection. The difference is not one of quality but of specificity: each standard responds to a specific context. If you do not work directly with sensitive electronic components, A-certified antistatic footwear more than covers your protection needs.
In Which Sectors Is Antistatic Footwear Mandatory?
Antistatic shoes and trainers are used across a wide variety of sectors where the build-up of static electricity represents a real risk. In the electronics and semiconductor industry, they protect high-value components from unintentional discharges. In the chemical and petrochemical industry, they prevent sparks in environments with flammable gases or liquids. In the pharmaceutical and food industry, they help maintain controlled environments free from electrostatic contamination. In logistics and warehouses with high-friction floors, they reduce the electrostatic fatigue accumulated during shifts involving many kilometres on foot.
In all these cases, occupational risk prevention regulations — both at European and national level — require the use of approved ESD footwear or antistatic footwear as part of personal protective equipment. It is not a recommendation: it is an obligation that protects both the worker and the company.
How to Maintain the Antistatic Properties of Your Footwear
One aspect that is often overlooked is that the antistatic properties of footwear can deteriorate with use if it is not properly cared for. The main enemy is dirt built up on the sole: dust, grease or insulating residues can interfere with charge dissipation and reduce the shoe’s protective effectiveness. That is why it is essential to clean the sole regularly with a damp cloth, avoid using non-antistatic insoles that interrupt the dissipation circuit, and carry out periodic checks with a resistance meter when the working environment requires it. Well-maintained antistatic footwear retains its properties throughout its service life.
Why Choose Suecos Antistatic Footwear?
Suecos has spent decades designing professional footwear for people who spend their working day on their feet. Its antistatic collection is born from that same commitment: to offer real protection without sacrificing comfort. All models are certified with the A, O1 and S2 categories according to the standard EN ISO 20345, which guarantees that they meet the most demanding European safety standards.
Its models are available for men, women and in unisex styles, with options ranging from lightweight antistatic trainers — ideal for those who prioritise mobility — to antistatic safety shoes offering greater protection for more demanding environments. Breathable materials, ergonomic soles and a design created to reduce fatigue during long shifts. Because safety and wellbeing do not have to go separately.
