Do your feet often hurt when working at the laboratory? Well, it is time that you got good shoes to deal with that problem.
Lab work can be very tiring, considering that you have to remain standing for most of the time. A soft, comfortable pair of shoes may help reduce the fatigue on your feet, especially after you have been standing for hours on end. Besides, they protect your feet when you are doing demanding or delicate tasks.
However, if you go looking for the best lab shoes, you’ll see that there are thousands of options available on the market today. And with so many options, you might easily become confused.
But don’t you worry, for I am here to help you out. Hey there, everyone; it’s Stacy Smith here! And today, I have reviewed the top 5 shoes for lab work that you can buy.
Let’s jump in, then!
Top 5 Shoes For Lab Work
1. Crocs On The Clock
When it comes to casual and work footwear, Crocs is easily one of the best brands out there. Likewise, the On The Clock is one of the best work footwear available today, thanks to its high-quality build and affordability.
Product Highlights
The On The Clock unisex work shoes feature a simplistic slip-on design. Their soles are made from thermoplastic elastomers that are durable enough to withstand heat, dirt, or spills without getting damaged. So, they protect your feet effectively when you are doing important lab work.
On top of that, the shoes feature the brand’s proprietary Crocs Lock slip-resistant treads, which grip the ground pretty firmly. Thus, you don’t have to worry about accidentally slipping or falling on a wet, slippery surface.
The shoes also come with Croslite foam padding and deeply cushioned footbeds to ensure maximum comfort. They have relaxed fit, thanks to its 0.85” heel, tapered design, enhanced arch support, and an enclosed toe box. What’s more, these shoes are easy to clean as well, which further adds to the convenience.
What’s There To Like About It?
I bought this pair for my daughter who works in a lab, and she instantly became a fan! Thanks to the soft padding and relaxed fit of these shoes, all her complaints related to foot fatigue are now gone.
They are also incredibly easy to clean, which is a huge bonus. All you need to do is wash them with soap and warm water. And after you let them dry for a bit, your shoes will be as good as new!
What’s There Not To Like About It?
When I got them, I noticed that the mouths of the shoes were somewhat small. So, it might take a little more effort to slip your feet into them, which might get a little annoying, especially if you are in a hurry. Do not be alarmed, though, as this issue does not affect the fitting or comfort levels and can therefore be considered to be a minor inconvenience.
Pros and Cons of Crocs On The Clock
Pros
Cons
- Fit Note: Runs large—size down if between sizes for a secure, stay-put fit during long shifts
- Slip Resistant Confidence: Crocs Lock tread is designed for slick kitchen and hospital floors, helping you stay steady when spills happen
- Meets Workplace Standards: The enclosed toe and heel construction is specifically designed to align with typical workplace safety guidelines, providing appropriate coverage for environments where foot protection is required.
2. Dansko Professional Clog
For this next review, I have selected the Dansko Professional Clog. Dansko is a brand that is known for making high-quality, premium footwear, and you won’t be disappointed with this option either. They are classy-looking work shoes that come with a leather finish.
Product Highlights
Despite having an upper made from leather, the shoes use synthetic polyurethane soles and inner frames. This increases their stability on smooth or slippery surfaces while also offering enhanced durability.
The shoes are sufficiently long when measured from the shaft to the arch, which implies that wearing them is a breeze. Their platforms are 0.75” thick and are sufficiently padded for optimal comfort. On top of that, the heels measure around 2”, which ensures that there is adequate cushioning regardless of your body weight.
What’s more, the instep collars are padded too, which protects your feet from abrasions while walking or standing. The arches of these shoes are designed to provide excellent support for your feet at all times. And there is sufficient wiggle room for your toes, so your feet will not feel stiff while wearing these shoes, either.
What’s There To Like About It?
I have to admit that the leather finish definitely makes it one of the most stylish work shoes that I have come across. And the fact that there are numerous colors and designs available for this pair of shoes further enhances that aspect.
Apart from style, the shoes have got substance as well. Because of its padding, my daughter finds it incredibly comfortable to wear, especially when she has long shifts at the lab. Plus, it is fairly straightforward to clean and maintain them.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Indeed, this pair is a pretty worthy choice for lab shoes, thanks to its specifications. But it comes with a hefty price tag, so it might be out of reach if you are on a budget. In that case, I would recommend the Crocs option, which I have previously reviewed since it is way more affordable than this one.
Pros and Cons of Dansko Professional Clog
Pros
Cons
- Leather and or fabric uppers
- Padded instep collar for comfort when walking
- Roomy reinforced toe box for protection with plenty of "wiggle room" for your toes
3. Skechers After Burn
If you are familiar with the footwear market, then you might have heard about the Skechers brand and its affordable, high-quality footwear products. And the After Burn, which is a pair of versatile, lace-up sneakers, stays true to the brand’s reputation.
Product Highlights
The Skechers After Burn has a hybrid build, consisting of leather and synthetic upper body and rubber soles. This makes the shoes highly durable and well-suited for any type of use, including lab work.
Besides, their sporty design makes the shoes both attractive and practical to wear. The leather and synthetic mesh upper provides sufficient flexibility so that your feet can breathe. Likewise, their midsoles are made from the brand’s Articu-Lyte shock-absorbing material for safety.
On top of that, the insoles have memory foam padding, which is possibly the most interesting aspect of this pair of shoes. They adjust to the contours of your feet for additional comfort, which makes them all the more suitable for long shifts at the lab.
The heels are 1.5” thick, which provides sufficient cushioning and support for your body weight. Additionally, the flexible rubber outsoles have sufficient traction to prevent slips on smooth or wet surfaces.
What’s There To Like About It?
What I liked most about these shoes is their versatility to be used for different activities. Hence, my daughter could use them not only for her lab work but also for her morning jogs or any other outdoor activities.
Thanks to the memory foam, your feet won’t feel uncomfortable or stiff. And because of their cushioning, you will find them highly beneficial for avoiding back pains and fatigue after long lab shifts.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Since they are lace-up shoes, wearing them and taking them off requires more time and effort, which can be an inconvenience for many. This is a significant drawback compared to the Crocs and Dansko slip-on shoes I have previously reviewed. So, if you don’t want to be bothered with that, I suggest going with one of the above options.
Pros and Cons of Skechers After Burn
Pros
Cons
- Leather,synthetic,and mesh upper materials
- Padded collar and tongue for comfort
- Lace-up closure for a secure fit
4. Merrell Jungle Moc Waterproof
Merrell is another popular brand that is known for its range of heavy-duty footwear. And that is why I have included the Jungle Moc Waterproof slip-on shoes on my list. As you can guess, this is a fully waterproof pair of shoes that is extremely durable by design.
Product Highlights
The shoe uppers are made from suede leather, which is typically more durable and water-resistant than conventional leather. Moreover, they come with the innovative M Select Dry waterproof layer, which complements the suede leather material really well.
However, their soles are made from hardened rubber, designed with the brand’s M Select Grip technology. They firmly grip the surface and offer enhanced traction to prevent any accidental slips or trips.
Besides, these shoes don’t compromise on the comfort of the wearer, either. They have a molded nylon arch shank and foot frames made of compression molded EVA foam.
Not only that, but the heels also include air cushions for enhanced shock absorption and stability. Additionally, they feature the M Select Fresh technology, which eliminates any bad odors from the shoes.
What’s There To Like About It?
The durable and waterproof design of these shoes makes them ideal for use in lab work. Aside from that, they are comfortable enough for my daughter to not complain about foot fatigue or pain.
Moreover, the rubber treads on the shoes really deserve special mention because they are extremely durable and tough. So, there is absolutely no risk of tripping or accidentally slipping on smooth surfaces. And they don't wear out even after extensive usage, which is a big plus.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
The suede leather has a fuzzy texture that is susceptible to dirt and stain. Hence, it is fairly difficult to clean the stubborn stains and dirt without damaging the leather texture, which is a major inconvenience. Since the previous shoes from Crocs, Dansko, or Skechers do not suffer from this issue, I have placed this option below them.
Pros and Cons of Merrell Jungle Moc Waterproof
Pros
Cons
- Casual, waterproof slip-on featuring M Select DRY waterproof membrane and Merrell air cushion heel
- Compression-molded EVA foam footframe
- Molded nylon arch shank
5. Clarks Delana Abbey
Next up, I have reviewed the Delana Abbey clog shoes manufactured by the brand Clarks. This is another brand that is known globally for its range of casual and work shoes. Likewise, the Delana Abbey upholds that reputation by being a simplistic yet convenient work shoe.
Product Highlights
The Delana Abbey clogs have an upper that is made entirely from leather, which gives them a sleek, shiny finish. However, the soles are made from rubber to ensure that the shoes are durable and slip-resistant.
In addition, the shoes are very convenient to wear, thanks to their simplistic design. They are well-ventilated as well, so your feet will not become sweaty, even if you wear them for hours at a stretch. This is complemented by the OrthoLite footbeds, making the shoes extremely lightweight, comfortable, and moisture-resistant.
Plus, there is sufficient cushioning throughout so that your feet have adequate support. The heels measure more than 2”, meaning there is extra cushioning for added comfort. Furthermore, the toe boxes are sufficiently wide, which gives your toes enough wiggle room without becoming too loose.
What’s There To Like About It?
When I bought these shoes for my daughter, she was a bit skeptical about them, considering their design and build. But after wearing them to her lab for a while, she rarely wore anything else. And that was primarily because of how supportive and breathable these shoes are.
They are also pretty convenient to wear, even more so than a regular slip-on. Just slide your feet in, and you are good to go.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
You should keep in mind that the back of your feet remains exposed upon putting them on. This can be somewhat of a safety concern, especially if you are doing delicate lab experiments. The previous shoes by Crocs, Dansko, Skechers, and Merrell are fully covered, so they are relatively safer. That’s why this pair of shoes lie below them on my list.
Pros and Cons of Clarks Delana Abbey
Pros
Cons
- Heel Height 2.04 inches
- OrthoLite footbed
- Cushion Soft technology
Buyers Guide
And there you have it - my list of the 5 best shoes for lab work. But have you been able to zero in on the one you want?
Buying a decent pair of shoes for lab work can be difficult, which I have come to learn from my own experience. This is more so because the shoes you will be looking at will not be explicitly labeled as lab shoes. You can see that firsthand from the list I have made above.
So, if you are scratching your head in confusion, then I suggest you continue reading. Here, I have prepared a buyer’s guide that describes some of the crucial factors that make a good pair of lab shoes. And this will help you have an easier time deciding on your purchase.
1. Safety
When it comes to lab shoes, safety is of paramount importance, as the work often involves handling dangerous substances and equipment. That is why you should ensure that the shoes you are wearing meet all the safety standards.
In this regard, you will need to pay attention to the materials used for the shoes. Generally synthetic materials like polyurethane are considered to be relatively safer than fabric. And materials like leather or suede can also help ensure maximum safety.
However, in some cases, there may be an additional layer of protection on the inner shoe linings. There may also be extra cushioning to absorb the shocks of impact and prevent physical injuries.
Furthermore, you should make sure that the shoes have enough traction, as that will prevent you from accidentally slipping and falling.
Apart from that, you need to make sure that the shoes cover your feet adequately. That way, your feet will remain protected against spillage. So, you need to take all of these into account before you make the purchase.
2. Comfort
Working in a lab can be quite challenging, and I know this because my daughter complains about it all the time! If you are putting in long hours at the lab, then I’m sure that you will want to make it as comfortable as possible. And that is the reason why you should wear comfortable shoes.
The amount of padding used in the shoes typically determines how comfortable it is. So, if a pair of shoes use a good amount of padding, you will find them to be highly comfortable, and vice versa. However, too much padding is unnecessary, and it may restrict foot movement, which makes them uncomfortable.
On that note, the heels require a lot more padding than the rest of the foot because it bears the weight of the whole body. Therefore, you should make sure that the shoes have a thick enough heel so that they can provide sufficient cushioning.
The size of the toe boxes and ventilation are also important for the overall comfort of the shoes. If a pair of shoes has inadequate ventilation, your feet will become sweaty, which can be very uncomfortable. And if the toe box is small, your toes will feel stiff.
3. Durability
Durability is another important factor to consider before buying lab shoes. Since you may come across reactive chemicals and other harmful substances, your footwear must be able to withstand these substances without getting damaged. Besides, they should be able to withstand general wear and tear from extensive usage.
In that context, you need to make sure that the shoes are made of synthetic or leather materials since they are relatively durable.
4. Size
Purchasing the correct size is extremely crucial. Believe me, if you try to make do with smaller-sized or large shoes, then you will be in for a bad time!
So, before making the purchase, check the size chart for the shoes, and order the one that will fit your feet the best. If you are unsure of the fitting, you can order a pair that is one size larger or smaller, but not more than that.
You also need to keep in mind the size measurements for men and women, especially for unisex shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Work shoes are designed to be versatile so that they can be used for different activities. So, you can wear any work shoes in the lab. However, you need to ensure that they meet the relevant safety standards.
Synthetic shoes are made from materials like polyurethane, which have several characteristics to make them ideal for lab work. They are waterproof, heat-resistant, and spill-proof, so they offer proper safety for your feet.
Not only that, polyurethane shoes are also more resistant to wear and are easier to wash and maintain, which makes them perfect for regular use in labs.
Sports shoes are usually designed to be durable, and they cover the whole of your feet. In addition, they have a superior grip and enough padding for comfort. So, they can safely be worn in a lab setting. However, such shoes are usually expensive, which makes them a little impractical for lab work.
My Final Recommendation
Now, I have arrived at the end of this informative guide about the best shoes for lab work. I hope that you found reading it worth your time.
But before I sign off, I would like to mention my top picks from the list. The Crocs On The Clock has to be my absolute favorite since it is a very well-rounded pair of shoes and is highly affordable.
Other than that, the Dansko Professional clog is a close second, thanks to the enhanced level of comfort the pair offers while ensuring a premium look and feel.
With that out of the way, my work here is done for now. So, until the next time, goodbye folks!