EMMA

Seven steps to the best safety shoe
for everyone working in installation engineering

Installation engineering… it’s a collective name for rather diverse professions. So if you ask the shoe experts at EMMA Safety Footwear about the best shoe for the sector, they can’t give you a single answer. Which shoe suits you best depends entirely on your ‘job to be done’. As an example: do you work with sensitive equipment? Then it’s smart to opt for an ESD shoe. Do you often stand on ladders? Then choose a shoe with ladder grip. Do you mainly work indoors? Then a sporty safety shoe in a trainer look is an excellent choice. Do you often work outdoors? Then it is smart to choose a shoe that gives you sufficient protection and grip in wet conditions.

In this article, the shoe experts at EMMA have listed the 7 most important properties of good safety shoes for installation engineering for you. With this tip, you can easily choose a safety shoe that suits you.

1. Antistatic properties. Antistatic safety shoes are shoes that offer good protection against electric shocks. Thanks to the antistatic property, static electricity that you build up during certain activities can leave your body – via your safety shoes. The good news is that nowadays almost all safety shoes have antistatic properties.

2. ESD (Electro Static Discharge). Do you work with sensitive equipment such as microchips? Or do you frequently visit environments where explosions are more likely? Then choose ESD shoes. ESD stands for Electro Static Discharge. Shoes with ESD ensure that the charge between you and the surface becomes equal. This prevents shocks or sparks. In this way, you protect yourself and the equipment and installations you work on. You will recognise ESD shoes by their distinctive yellow logo.

3. Metal-free Especially if you want to avoid static electricity, it’s smart to choose metal-free safety shoes. It used to be quite normal for a safety shoe to have a steel toecap and a steel midsole. Nowadays, metal is often replaced by other materials such as composite: just as safe, only a lot lighter and more suitable for certain conditions.

4. Grip. Safe working starts with a good grip. Just as there are different tyre profiles for cars, there are different sole designs for safety shoes. Consider what conditions you are working in. Indoors or outdoors? On mainly smooth or on rugged surfaces? EMMA has four sole platforms, developed thanks to years of knowledge and experience. Ask your dealer for more information on which sole is best for you.

5. Ladder grip. While we’re on the subject of grip… Do you regularly work at high heights? On ladders or scaffolding, for example? Then the experts at EMMA advise you to choose a shoe with a heel. In technical terms, we call this ladder grip. Thanks to the heel, you have more grip on ladders and scaffolding.

6. Scuff Cap. Do you often work low to the ground? If you regularly sit on your knees, you know that the toecap of your shoes suffers more. A shoe with a scuff cap is no luxury then. It prevents unsightly scuff marks and keeps your shoes safe and presentable for longer.

7. Water resistance. If you regularly work outdoors, for example installing solar panels or heat pumps, it is wise to choose a shoe that resists water. So that you don’t get wet feet at the first sign of rain or a step in a puddle. Safety shoes with safety standards S3, S3S and S3P have a water-resistant upper. With these, you’ll be fine.

EMMA’s selection for installation engineering
Especially for you, EMMA has made a selection of shoes that are ideally suited for use in installation engineering: all metal-free, antistatic and with ESD.

Boston & Paris	Clay & Clyde*	CrossForce Fly low & high
Are you on your feet for long days? And do you like a sporty shoe? The Boston & Paris are designed for performance as well as looks. These S1P safety shoes are particularly light and comfortable. Thanks to the Hydro-Tec® lining, these safety shoes are also particularly breathable. Ideal for workplaces where safety and comfort are top priorities.	Do you like to wear sports shoes or trainers? Clay & Clyde are metal-free safety shoes with the look of a real trainer. With their unique heel construction and shock-absorbing soles, these S3 safety shoes protect your ankles, shins and joints from strain and injury. The DenimX laces made from recycled jeans complete the look. *Since 2023, six of EMMA’ models have been certified to the Climate Neutral Standard. One of these shoes is Clyde.	A sporty lightweight safety shoe with ultimate grip? Without compromising freedom of movement and comfort? Then the dynamic CrossForce Fly is your shoe! Durable, metal-free and ultra-comfortable. With reflecting details and a hard-wearing toe cap, you will get any job done, indoors and outdoors.

Need help?

Please contact us via T. +31 (0)181 47 50 00. Our team will be happy to tell you more!