ESD Heel Straps VS ESD Shoes

When it comes to personnel grounding in an Electrostatic Protected Area (EPA), the choice between ESD heel straps and ESD shoes can be important. Both options are designed to reliably contact grounded ESD flooring and provide a continuous path-to-ground, but they differ in cost, convenience, effectiveness and durability. Understanding the advantages and limitations of each can help you decide which ESD foot grounding option best suits your requirements. In this article, we will explore the key differences between ESD heel straps and ESD shoes to determine which might be the right investment for your company.

Introduction to ESD Heel Straps

ESD heel straps, or ESD foot grounders, can be used to cup the heels of a shoe. Made with a conductive material, the heel straps ensure consistent contact with grounded ESD flooring, creating a continuous path to ground that effectively eliminates electrostatic charges from individuals. They are easy to put on and can be installed on standard shoes by simply positioning the grounding ribbon inside the shoe beneath the foot (making contact with the skin).

Example of an ESD heel strap:

Introduction to ESD Shoes

ESD shoes are designed with a conductive outsole to provide full contact with the floor. ESD shoes can create an electrically conductive pathway from the operator to the floor, channelling any static charges through the socks (via the sweat layer), the insole, and finally the outer sole where it will finally meet the ground and discharge to Earth.

ESD shoes should be used in conjunction with ESD flooring materials like static-dissipative or conductive vinyl, that do not stop static generation. This is so the footwear can prevent static buildup during movement.

Example of an ESD shoe:

Differences Between ESD Heel Straps and ESD Shoes

Below is a comparison table showing a quick overview of the differences between an ESD heel strap and ESD shoe.

Cost

One disadvantage of ESD shoes is the higher initial investment cost. If you have many operators working in your EPA, it will be more expensive to provide everyone with ESD shoes. ESD heel straps, on the other hand, are inexpensive and can be used with standard footwear. They are a good option for those on a tight budget or with temporary workers who may not wish to invest in more expensive ESD footwear. It’s important to note that whilst ESD shoes are more costly initially, ESD heel straps have to be replaced regularly which adds up as well.

Floor Contact

ESD shoes maintain full, continuous contact with the ESD floor. They can protect against static even when one foot is off the ground, or the feet are partially lifted. ESD heel straps can only provide partial contact with the ESD floor (where the strap sits beneath the heel of the shoe). If the operator were to stand on their tiptoes, the path-to-ground would be broken, increasing the risk of ESD damage.

Monitoring Compliance

ESD shoes and heel straps should only be worn inside the facility – never outside. Upon entering the EPA, operators must use anti static heel straps or change into ESD shoes. Requiring operators to change shoes makes compliance easy to monitor. ESD shoes feature the ESD symbol either on the back or side of the shoe which makes them easier to identity in the workspace. As ESD shoes are bigger and bulkier, they are more noticeable than anti static heel straps.

Grounding

When grounding with an ESD heel strap, the grounding ribbon/tab must be placed inside the shoe under the foot, making contact with the sock or skin. One disadvantage of this is that the grounding tab may not stay inside the shoe. With ESD shoes, a grounding ribbon is not required to connect the operator to ground. When the shoes are put on, the operator is grounded immediately.

Installation

ESD shoes offer greater ease of use. They are easier to put on, which means there is more of a chance they will be used correctly. Plus, they can be quickly taken off when leaving an EPA. In contrast, ESD heel straps may encounter issues such as slipping, incorrect attachment, or failure to make electrical contact with the skin if the conductive band is improperly inserted.

Size

ESD heel straps are often chosen over ESD shoes as one size fits most foot sizes, thereby reducing stock holdings and streamlining operations.

So, Which Should You Choose?

Now that we’ve covered the differences between ESD heel straps and ESD shoes, you may have a better idea of which option to go for. However, if you’re still unsure, here’s our final thoughts:

Opt for ESD shoes if:

• The area you work in has consistent ESD risks
• You require all-day protection
• You prioritise comfort and reliability
• You are prepared to initially invest a larger amount of money upfront

Go for ESD heel straps if:

• The area you work in only has occasional or temporary ESD risks
• You want to reduce stock holdings
• You have a tight budget
• You would prefer to spread the costs evenly over time
• Your operators are temporary or on a flexible schedule that would not justify certain types of ESD shoes

All in all, take your time to weigh up the options, have a conversation with your employees to see what would work best for them, and use those insights to guide your next steps! Bondline Electronics Ltd supply a wide range of ESD footwear and ESD foot straps, take a look on our website to explore our complete range of foot grounding products.

Want More Advice On ESD Foot Grounders?

If you wish you discuss more about ESD foot grounders or would like some more advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. Give us a call on +44 (0)1793 511000 or send us an email to sales@bondline.co.uk where we’d be happy to help. You can also contact us using the enquiry form below.