Best Shoes for Laboratory Work

Laboratory work entails long hours on your feet on usually hard and slippery surfaces and working with Hazardous Chemicals and substances in some cases.

For every laboratory worker, the choice of footwear is not just about protection but also about ensuring maximum comfort and support. We understand that you often work long hours on hard and slippery surfaces and with Hazardous Chemicals and substances. Your comfort is not just a consideration; it’s our priority, as it directly impacts your productivity and well-being.



Laboratory Work Hazards

Adopting a proactive approach is crucial when selecting footwear for laboratory work. By considering the specific hazards present in your workplace, you can ensure that your footwear provides comprehensive protection, thereby enhancing your safety and comfort. This proactive approach shows that you are committed to safety and comfort.

  • Chemical Hazards – If you work with strong chemicals in your Laboratory, which can cause burns and injuries, it is advised to look for shoes with a chemical-resistant layer and a chemical-resistant sole specifically.
  • Biological Hazards – Biological hazards include microbes, recombinant organisms, and viral vectors and contain biological agents introduced into experimental animals and airborne and bloodborne pathogens. Shoes that offer water resistance and bloodborne pathogen resistance should be ideal in this case.
  • Physical Hazards – Physical hazards for which you need protective footwear are heavy falling objects. A protective toe is required, and sharp and protruding objects can cause puncture wounds, for which you need a protective shield underfoot plate.
  • Electrical Hazards – When you work with electrical equipment and tools that can cause an electrical shock, it is safe to wear shoes with Electrical Hazards Resistant materials.
  • Given that laboratory floors are often hard and slippery. They can become wet, greasy, or oily; the most important feature of a laboratory work shoe should be its slip resistance or oil and slip resistance in the outer sole. This feature directly addresses a common issue, ensuring your safety.

What Kind of Shoes are Acceptable for Laboratory Work

Considering the above laboratory environment risks and hazards, your protective features will depend on your environment and the hazards you face, such as a protective toe, electrical hazard-safe materials, slip- and oil-resistant soles, and chemical or water resistance.

When choosing the right footwear for laboratory work, it is crucial to consider features other than comfort, such as stability and cushioning for shock absorbency. These features will protect you from hazards and prevent foot fatigue from standing and walking all day. We understand the importance of this and aim to provide you with the best solutions for your comfort and safety, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to work confidently. Our recommended shoes are designed to relieve foot fatigue, ensuring you can work comfortably and confidently, knowing that we’ve got your back.


Features of a Good Shoe for Laboratory Work

  • Uppers – Comfortably fitting and durable uppers made from leather or synthetic materials with or without a waterproof or chemical-resistant lining. Mesh insets and perforation in the uppers allow for better breathability and cooling. A moisture-wicking interior lining keeps your feet dry and comfortable.
  • Comfort Features – These include a comfortable insole or footbed designed to pad and cushion, consisting of foam or memory foam, and a relaxed fit with a padded collar and tongue.
  • Slip Resistance – The outsole should offer good slip and oil resistance depending on the chemicals and materials that you work with within your laboratory.
  • Outsole – Look for a durable, thick rubber outsole with a lug tread for optimal grip and sip resistance.
  • Heel – A solid and uniform or slightly elevated heel is ideal but avoids anything with a very high heel or heel drop design.
  • Cushioning and Shock=k Absorency – Cushioning in the insole and a foam or EVA midsole offers ample shock absorbency and protection against impact.
  • An excellent, comfortable, and relaxed fit is ideal for laboratory work. Consider the width options available for your foot type, as a good fit can significantly reduce foot fatigue, allowing you to work more comfortably and confidently. This emphasis on a comfortable and relaxed fit underlines its role in reducing foot fatigue and enhancing work comfort.
  • Most laboratories have tough surfaces where you will stand and walk most of your day. Therefore, your shoe must offer ample cushioning and shock absorbency, particularly in the heel area, to protect your feet from the impact of these hard surfaces.

Reviews: The Best Shoes for laboratory Work

Below are some of the best types and brands of shoes for working in a Laboratory;
We hope you love the work shoes we recommend!
We may receive a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This does not affect our recommendations; we only suggest products that benefit our readers.


1

Shoes for Laboratory Work

The Timberland PRO powertrain is a top shoe brand that is tough, durable, protective for all laboratory work, and extremely comfortable.
  • The uppers are made of rip-stop durable Nylon, and the interiors have mesh linings to keep feet dry and comfortable.
  • Both feature a lightweight and protective Alloy tote for safety and have electrical hazard-safe materials.
  • A low-profile, comfortable athletic design shoe with anti-fatigue technology designed to keep you on your feet all day.
  • Both models are available in various color options, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your style and work environment. This variety ensures you feel considered and catered to, enhancing your overall experience. We understand that personal style and comfort are important to you, and our range of color options is designed to cater to your individual preferences, making you feel valued and respected.

2

Laboratory Shoe

The Dansko Emma and Wyatt are Oxford-style work shoes that you can use for most Laboratory work.
  • The upper consists of durable leather available in a few neutral color selections.
  • Inside is a cushioned, comfortable, anti-microbial treated moisture-wicking sock liner to prevent odors and foot fatigue.
  • The PU midsole has additional cushioning and shock absorbency, and the low-profile shape is much more lightweight.
  • The rubber outsole is designed to be no-slip on various surfaces and is durable and long-lasting.
  • This shoe also has a removable comfort insole.

3

Shoe for Laboratories

The Eldred and Felton from the Skechers for Work range are likewise perfect for laboratory work.
  • Both shoes are available in different black and white leather options with a breathable upper design made from genuine leather,
  • It offers a more relaxed and comfortable fit with a roomy toe design. We understand that a comfortable fit is crucial for your work, and our shoes are designed to provide just that, ensuring you can work with ease and comfort. Your comfort is our priority, and we strive to give you the best fit for your needs.
  • The tongue in the collar is padded for comfort, and the insole is memory foam-padded with a soft shock-absorbing midsole.
  • The durable rubber outsole ensures excellent slip resistance, and the nitrile design outsole makes this shoe OSHA compliant.

4

Training Shoe for Laboratory Work

Another superb two addition from Timberland Pro in work shoes with safety features for Laboratory work.
  • Leather upper with insets for improved breathability and a low-profile lightweight design.
  • There is an Open-Cell PU footbed and a shock-absorbing Compression-molded EVA midsole.
  • The rubber outsole is Oil and slip-resistant as well as abrasion-resistant.
  • Inside is an anti-bacterial lining for protection against infection and bacteria.
  • There is also a TITAN safety toe for toe and forefoot protection.

5

Laboratory Work Clog Shoe

From Crocs, we have these two excellent additions to Laboratory safe work shoes.
  • Tough and comfortable work clogs with solid leather and synthetic upper for optimal protection.
  • There is a roomy toe box, and it offers a slip-on design and availability in wider-width options.
  • The sole is designed for optimal slip resistance, and the footbed offers all-day comfort on your feet.
  • The mean model is available in black-and-white, while the ladies have more color and pattern options.
  • Both are Certified and tested safety work shoes for this work environment.

6

Shoe for Work in a Laboratory

The Sure Track and Track Scloric from Skechers is another excellent choice for laboratory work shoes for both men and women.
  • The uppers are durable leather, and the inside is lined for optimal moisture management.
  • There is an easy pull-on loop and stretchable top panel for easy on and off.
  • Inside are a padded footbed and cushioned midsole for shock absorbency.
  • The outsole is designed with athletic durability, cushioning, and a slip-resistant tread.

7

Laboratory Work Shoe

  • The Bogs Sauvie is perfect for laboratory work.
  • They are comfortable and cushioned.
  • The shoes are waterproof and slip-resistant.
  • There is comfortable rebound cushioning.

8

Laboratory Work Boot

  • The Workshift from Fila is an ideal laboratory work shoe.
  • They are leather with a slip-resistant outsole.
  • Athletic in style and comfort features.
  • There is a white and black model available.

9

Lab Work Boot

  • The Muyck Boot is perfect for laboratory work as it is waterproof and chemical resistant.
  • The uppers are neoprene and waterproof.
  • The rubber outsole is slip and chemical resistant.
  • There is a shock-absorbing footbed.

10

Laboratory Work Shoes

  • The Bogs Farmer is a low-cut work boot.
  • They are rubber and leather with a waterproof lining.
  • Inside us is a rebound cushioning insole.
  • There are also more colors available.

Index Table: Top Rated Shoes for Laboratory Work

No.ShoeMen ♂Women ♀FeaturesBrandScore
1Timberland PRO® - Shoes for Laboratory Work Powertrain Powertrain
  • Alloy Safety Toe
  • Anti-Fatigue Technology
  • Breathable
  • Electrical Hazard Safe
  • Slip Resistant
Timberland PRO98.4
2Dansko® - Laboratory Shoe Wyatt Paisley
  • Cushioned
  • Antimicrobial Lined
  • Slip Resistant Sole
Dansko95
3Skechers for Work® - Shoe for Laboratories Felton Eldred
  • OSHA Compliant
  • Safety Nitrile Outsole
  • Memory Foam Padded
Skechers for Work97
4Timberland Pro® - Training Shoe for Laboratory Work Mudsill Titan
  • Slip and Oil Resistan
  • Safety Toe
  • Cushioned and Contoured Footbed
Timberland Pro97
5Crocs® - Laboratory Work Clog Shoe On The Clock Neria
  • Durable
  • Foam Padding
  • Reinforced Areas
  • Slip Resistant
Crocs95
6Skechers for Work® - Shoe for Work in a Laboratory Track Scloric Sure Track Trickle
  • Slip Resistant
  • Stretch Top
  • Slip On
Skechers for Work98
7Bogs® - Laboratory Work Shoe Sauvie Sauvie
  • Slip On
  • Low Cut
  • Waterproof
Bogs97.6
8Fila® - Laboratory Work Boot Workshift Workshift
  • Slip resistant
  • Durable
Fila97.5
9Muck Boot® - Lab Work Boot Chore Chore
  • Waterproof
  • Chemical Resistant
  • Slip Resistant
Muck Boot97.6
10Bogs® - Laboratory Work Shoes Urban Farmer Garden Boot
  • Slip Resistant
  • Chemical Resistant
  • Waterproof
Bogs97.6


About the Author

David Alegeta

David is a long-distance hiker, a writer and an editor whose favorite topics include backpacking and trail running. He is an adventure athlete who covered over 20,000 miles. He frequently speaks to groups about the benefits of proper footwear and has written numerous articles on this subject. He lives in Dallas, Texas with his family.