Lab work is tough. It requires precision, patience, and the ability to get your hands dirty—literally. And if you’re doing it in a sterile environment like a lab, you also need to be aware of how much dirt and grime you can bring into the room—which is why you need a pair of shoes that will keep your feet safe while they’re on the job.
We’ve rounded up our top 5 picks for the best laboratory work shoes—whether you’re looking for something with great traction or something that’s light enough to wear all day long, we’ve got you covered!
Before we delve into the specifics of each pick, let me first summarize the shoes chosen for each category!
- Best Overall: Dansko Women’s Pro XP Waterproof
- Runner-up: Sticky Women’s Waterproof Non-Slip Nursing Shoes
- Most Comfortable: Anywear Journey Women’s Healthcare Professional Injected Medical Slip on
- Most Lightweight: Hawkwell Women’s Lightweight Comfort Slip Resistant Nursing Shoes
- Best Quality: Crocs Women’s Neria Pro II Clog | Slip Resistant Work Shoes
That said, let’s get into it!
Best Overall
Dansko Women’s Pro XP Waterproof
It’s no secret that lab work is hard on your feet. You need shoes that can stand up to all the moisture, chemicals, and constant movement, but you also need footwear that helps you feel comfortable while you’re working in them. The Dansko Women’s Pro XP Waterproof Work Shoes are the perfect solution!
This shoe is made from 100% leather, so you can rest assured that it will last through years of use, even in rough conditions. It has a polyurethane sole that provides shock absorption and durability. Plus, the platform measures approximately 0.75 inches, so it’s ideal for laboratory work.
But what really makes this shoe stand out is its padded instep: it ensures that you’ll be able to walk comfortably throughout the day, and the lightweight construction makes it easy to wear all day long without feeling fatigued or uncomfortable. The anti-fatigue rocker bottom keeps you moving all day long, while the roomy toe box allows your toes to move comfortably as well.
These shoes are great for a variety of tasks—they’re perfect for laboratory work because they have a leather upper and polyurethane sole, which makes them both waterproof and comfortable for long hours on your feet.
Runner-up
Sticky Women’s Waterproof Non-Slip Nursing Shoes
If you’re looking for comfortable, durable shoes that can stand up to the rigors of a long day at work and still look good, Sticky Women’s Waterproof Non-Slip Nursing Shoes is the perfect choice for you.
These women’s work shoes are made with a rubber sole and an upper made of polyurethane. The shoe has an anti-fatigue footbed that absorbs shock and reduces fatigue while providing support. The moisture wicking insole keeps your feet dry. The outsole is built with thermoplastic rubber (TPR), which is resistant to oil, heat and abrasion; it will not crack under normal use.
The upper is waterproof, so if you work in a wet environment or if your job involves messy substances like food or cleaning chemicals, then this shoe will protect your feet from getting wet or dirty. And because it is easy to clean—just wipe down the surface with a damp cloth—it won’t take long for these shoes to look like new again after being worn for hours on end during your shift!
Most Comfortable
Anywear Journey Women’s Healthcare Professional Injected Medical Slip on
When you’re looking for work shoes that will keep you moving all day, it’s hard to look past Anywear Journey Women’s Healthcare Professional Injected Medical Slip-on.
It has a unisex design, which makes it suitable for both men and women. It has a lightweight design and the shoes have great cushioning. The toe box is roomy, so you can easily move around in them without any discomfort. The ventilation holes on the interior side of each shoe help keep your feet cool, while the oil- and slip-resistant outsole ensures that you will not slip during your work hours.
The shoe is also easy to clean with soap and warm water, which means it will not take much time to maintain them. You can find this shoe in numerous colors and prints, making it ideal for different occasions. It is made of an injected molded EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) upper and midsole. This material makes odor-reducing removable insoles, which give you relief from bad odors that may come from your feet after wearing them all day long at work.
Most Lightweight
Hawkwell Women’s Lightweight Comfort Slip Resistant Nursing Shoes
Hawkwell Women’s Slip Resistant Nursing Shoes are designed to give you a comfortable fit and keep you stable on your feet. These shoes offer easy on/off access as well as clean lines in a chic, slip-resistant style.
The upper is made out of soft synthetic leather that’s easy to clean with soap and water if it gets dirty during your shift. It also has a neutral arch design with soft foam padding lining the inside so they’re comfortable while still providing support where it matters most.
The sole is lightweight EVA with a heel height of 1.5″, and the platform measures 0.75″ (approx). This means that these shoes are easy to wear and easy on/off—two things we know you’ll appreciate when you’re working in a lab.
Hawkwell recommends ordering a 1/2 or 1 size down from your normal US size, but if you have wide feet, we recommend going a full size down. The construction is designed to give you a secure yet comfortable fit that leaves you feeling confident and ready for anything!
Best Quality
Crocs Women’s Neria Pro II Clog | Slip Resistant Work Shoes
If you’re looking for a pair of women’s work shoes that are comfortable, stylish, and also safe to wear in laboratory conditions, look no further than Crocs Women’s Neria Pro II Clog.
The first thing we noticed about these clogs is their unique sole—it’s made from a thermoplastic elastomer that’s flexible, light, and slip-resistant. It also means that they’re easy to clean by just using soap and water (no special cleaning products needed).
The updated style includes removable, washable footbed liners that will keep your feet feeling fresh all day long. The new style also offers a relaxed fit; we recommend ordering a size down to the next largest whole size.
For added safety, thicker toe regions protect your feet from spills. These shoes also have a fully ASTM F2913-11 tested outsole, CE Certified. They meet or exceed EN ISO 20347:2012, OB/SRC requirements, so you can rest assured knowing that these clogs are safe for use in laboratories.
Factors To Consider When Buying Work Shoes for Laboratory Work
Slip Resistance
The main reason why you need to look for a pair of women’s work shoes with slip resistance is because you are going to be working in a laboratory. When you are in a laboratory, there are many different kinds of chemicals that you will be working with, including acids and solvents.
In order for these chemicals not to ruin your shoes, you need to make sure that they have slip resistance on them. This will help prevent any accidents from happening while you are working in the lab.
Comfort
You want your shoes to be comfortable and supportive so that you can walk around for long hours without feeling pain or discomfort. This means that the shoe needs to fit well, with enough support in the heel and arch to keep your feet from getting tired or sore.
Waterproof
Your shoes should be waterproof so you don’t have to worry about getting wet feet when walking through puddles or rain on your way to work. This protects your feet from bacteria and other contaminants that could cause an infection or illness.
Breathability
It’s important that women’s work shoes for laboratory work allow air circulation around your feet so they don’t get too hot and sweaty during the day. You’ll want them to have mesh panels throughout or even holes near the toe box area so that air can flow freely through them while you’re working hard all day long!
Flexibility
Women’s work shoes need to be flexible so that they can bend easily with your foot as you move around in them throughout the day. This will help ensure that you have full mobility in your feet and ankles when walking around at work or running errands after hours.
Safety
Safety should always be a priority when choosing new shoes especially if they’re meant for working around chemicals or other dangerous substances like glass shards! You don’t want anything falling into your eyes while wearing these types of footwear because it could cause serious injury.
Material
The material of the shoe will determine how comfortable it is and how long it will last before needing to be replaced. If you can afford it, get shoes made from leather instead of synthetic materials like plastic or rubber—these tend to be less painful when walking on hard floors over long periods of time!
Cost
You’ll want to find a shoe that fits your budget and allows you to be comfortable while wearing it. If you’re on a tight budget, look for a pair of shoes that are reasonably priced but still offer good quality. If you have more money to spend, then you might want to consider investing in some high-quality shoes that will last longer than cheaper options.
Ease of Cleaning
Shoes that can be easily cleaned will save you time, money, and hassle in the long run. If you have to take your shoes off every time you enter or exit a lab, then they are going to get messy quickly. If you have to clean them as soon as you get home every day, then it’s going to be a pain in the neck. Look for shoes that are easy to clean—maybe even waterproof!
Style
Your work environment is probably very clean and organized, with specific rules about how you should dress. Make sure your shoes fit into that aesthetic. If you need to wear a uniform or lab coat, make sure your shoes match.
Best Women’s Work Shoes for Laboratory Work, Final Verdict…
The best work shoes for laboratory work are those that are comfortable, durable, and affordable. They should be able to protect you from chemicals and germs that may be in the air, while also keeping your feet comfortable with the right amount of support. If you’re looking for a shoe that has both of these qualities, we highly recommend any of the following:
- Best Overall: Dansko Women’s Pro XP Waterproof
- Runner-up: Sticky Women’s Waterproof Non-Slip Nursing Shoes
- Most Comfortable: Anywear Journey Women’s Healthcare Professional Injected Medical Slip on
- Most Lightweight: Hawkwell Women’s Lightweight Comfort Slip Resistant Nursing Shoes
- Best Quality: Crocs Women’s Neria Pro II Clog | Slip Resistant Work Shoes
It’s easy to see why the five shoes on this list make our top 5 picks for lab work. They’re comfortable, stylish, and durable—so you can focus on your experiments and not worry about your feet!