Is it true that rubber shoes can protect against lightning?

Understanding Lightning Strikes

Lightning can strike the ground with a temperature of up to 50,000°C, hotter than the surface of the sun, and can cause massive electrical discharges. When it comes to footwear, rubber shoes are largely ineffective against lightning strikes due to their relatively low electrical resistance. For instance, rubber shoes typically have an electrical resistance of around 100-200 ohms per square centimeter, which is much higher than the 100-200 ohms per square centimeter needed for significant protection.

Safety Standards for Lightning Protection

Protective clothing or shoes that meet lightning safety standards, such as those set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), typically feature a specialized conductive material that directs electrical discharges harmlessly away from the body. These materials can include carbon fiber, metal mesh, or other conductive fabrics. According to ASTM standards, protective clothing or shoes should have a maximum electrical resistance of 100 ohms per square centimeter to be considered safe. Rubber shoes, as mentioned earlier, do not meet these standards.