Electricity is everywhere on modern job sites—whether you’re working with power tools, near exposed wires, or around heavy machinery. That’s why wearing the right safety gear, especially Electric Shock Resistant (ESR) footwear, is more important than ever.
In this post, we’ll break down what ESR footwear is, how it works, and when you need it. Whether you’re an electrician, a construction worker, or just someone who wants to stay safe on the job, this guide is for you.
What Is Electric Shock Resistant Footwear?
Electric Shock Resistant (ESR) footwear is specially designed to help protect workers from electric shock by creating a barrier between the ground and your feet. In the U.S.A. they call it Electric Hazard (EH) resistant footwear.
These boots and shoes are made with non-conductive materials in the sole and heel—like rubber, leather, or composite—to help prevent electrical currents from flowing through your body.
⚠️ Important Note: ESR footwear helps protect against shocks through the feet only. It won’t protect you if you touch a live wire with your hands or other body parts.
How Does ESR Footwear Work?
🧱 Insulated Soles
The sole and heel of ESR footwear are made from materials with high electrical resistance, meaning they stop or slow down the flow of electricity. At Tatra we use Vulcanized Rubber for the soles of our work boots – rubber is a natural electric insulator because the electrons in rubber are tightly bound to their atoms and cannot easily transfer between them, which is necessary for an electric current to flow.
⚡ Secondary Protection
They act as a second line of defense if you accidentally step on or touch a live wire through your foot. This doesn’t replace other safety measures but adds an extra layer of protection.
🧤 Used With Other Gear
Always wear ESR boots alongside other protective equipment—like insulated gloves or tools—especially if you’re working directly with live electricity.
Safety Standards for ESR Footwear
To make sure they actually work, ESR boots and shoes are tested and certified under safety standards like:
- ASTM F2413 EH (used in the USA)
- CSA Z195-14 (used in Canada)
Certified ESR footwear should be clearly marked. In Canada, look for the CSA Green Triangle and the orange Greek letter omega (Ω) symbol:
As summarized on workwaysafety.com ESR footwear in Canada should be tested as follow to recieve the certification from the Canadian Standards Association:
Each test specimen should withstand under dry conditions, a test potential of 18kV at 60 Hz for 1 minute without disruptive discharge to ground and the leakage current must not exceed 1 mA. (The current shall be recorded at the beginning and at the end of the test period).
When Should You Wear ESR Footwear?
If you work in construction, electrical trades, manufacturing, or any job where you’re near live electrical circuits or energized equipment, you should be wearing ESR-rated boots.
These boots are especially helpful in environments with:
- Temporary power supplies
- Wet or unpredictable conditions
- Exposed wires or energized parts
Watch Out: Limitations of ESR Footwear
Even though ESR boots are tough, they’re not invincible. They only work if they’re in good condition.
🔧 Here’s what can reduce their protection:
- Worn-out soles
- Moisture or water exposure
- Metal shavings stuck in the outsole
- Damaged uppers that expose metal parts
That’s why it’s important to check your boots regularly and replace them when they’re too worn out.
FAQs About Electric Shock Resistant Footwear
❓ What are ESR boots?
ESR (Electric Shock Resistant) boots are safety boots made with non-conductive materials that help protect you from electric shock through your feet. They’re often used by electricians and construction workers.
❓ Are ESR and EH the same thing?
Yes. EH (Electrical Hazard) is the term used in the U.S., and ESR (Electric Shock Resistant) is the Canadian equivalent. Both offer the same type of electrical insulation in footwear.
❓ Will ESR boots protect me if I touch a live wire with my hand?
No. ESR boots only protect against shocks that come through your feet. They won’t help if electricity enters your body through another point, like your hand. You still need to use insulated gloves and tools.
❓ How long do ESR boots last?
It depends on how often and where you wear them. If the soles wear down or the boots get damaged, they may lose their insulating power. Always inspect your boots for wear and tear and replace them when needed.
❓ Can I wear ESR boots around static-sensitive equipment?
No. ESR boots are designed to block electricity, not control static buildup. If you’re working around static-sensitive electronics or explosive environments, you need ESD (Electro Static Dissipative) or conductive footwear instead.
Final Thoughts
Electric Shock Resistant footwear is a simple but powerful tool to help keep you safe at work. While they shouldn’t be your only defense against electrical hazards, they’re a great second layer of protection—especially in unpredictable jobsite environments.
Remember:
- Make sure your boots are certified and in good condition
- Don’t rely on them alone—use proper electrical safety protocols
- Choose boots that fit your trade and work conditions
Looking for ESR-certified work boots in Canada? Check out our full collection at Tatra Safety Boots & Shoes.