OrthoLite® Unveils ESD Shield® an Innovative New ESD Insole Technology for Work and Service Footwear

April 14, 2022

AMHERST, Mass. (April 14, 2022) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – OrthoLite®, the 25-year industry leader of branded, high-performance and comfort footwear solutions, introduces OrthoLite ESD Shield®, the world’s first and only mechanically-bonded electrostatic discharge protection insole technology. OrthoLite ESD Shield is available in molded insoles and delivers full heel-to-toe ESD protection.

Ideal for work and service footwear, ESD Shield is a top cover system that uses OrthoLite’s patented Fiber-Fusion® technology utilizing conductive copper fibers that require no-glue and is mechanically bonded to OrthoLite X35 foam designed to deliver ESD insole protection that doesn’t degrade over time while providing the highest level of comfort and performance.

Unlike conventional ESD insole technology that depends on a single row of stitching under the toes, ESD Shield elevates electrostatic discharge effectiveness through an innovative, patent-pending process that mechanically bonds the conductive fibers permanently from heel to toe into the OrthoLite foam using thousands of elliptical needles.

“ESD Shield is the result of our pursuit to advance ESD insole technology while delivering the most comfortable, best performing insoles on the market,” explained Rob Falken, Vice President of Global Innovation for OrthoLite. “The adhesive-free solution does not detract from the breathability, moisture-wicking or eco-friendly attributes of OrthoLite foam—making ESD Shield the most comfortable, most effective ESD solution on the market.”

OrthoLite worked with third-party testing laboratory Intertek to quantify ESD Shield’s  performance. Intertek testing results validate that ESD Shield measures in at less than 0.01 milliohm (mΩ), which is a 1,000X difference in ESD performance based on the ISO Standard 20344 – 2011 – the industry standard for ESD footwear requiring electrical resistance of less than 100 mΩ. Additional third party testing was also conducted for wear, abrasion resistance, die migration and peel strength. Testing protocol and results can be reviewed here.

As a vertically-integrated U.S. company with facilities around the world, OrthoLite collaborates with its brand partners to create and produce custom insole formulations that deliver unrivaled comfort and performance. For additional information on the new OrthoLite ESD Shield insole technology, please visit ortholite.com. 

About OrthoLite®

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2022, OrthoLite is the world’s leading supplier of open cell foam technology found in more than 550 million shoes across all categories each year from brands such as Adidas, Altra, Asics, Brooks, Clarks, Cole Haan, Converse, Danner, ECCO, Fendi, HOKA, Hugo Boss, Justin, New Balance, On, Reebok, Rothy’s, Salomon, Skechers, The North Face, Timberland, Toms, Under Armour, and Vans. OrthoLite has a long-standing history of meaningful partnerships and sponsorships that demonstrate a dedicated commitment to supporting its customers, consumers, brand partners and the footwear industry. OrthoLite is the Official Insole sponsor of the New York Yankees, and strong supporter of the Two Ten Foundation. Stay up to date with company news by visiting OrthoLite.com and following OrthoLite on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. To learn more about the benefits of OrthoLite or to purchase a pair of insoles, visit www.ortholite.com.