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Looking for advice from seasoned pros!

I'm about to finish up my undergrad degree and (hopefully) move into the real world of lab work. The enclosed shoes requirement at my university seemed pretty lax, with canvas shoes being acceptable despite offering very little if any protection from liquid spills... I always ensured I was wearing at the very least, leather sneakers without airholes. But this looks far from professional!

So what type of shoes do you wear in labs in industry? Most of my work experience has been office based where the dress code was based on aesthetics rather than function so I'm very anxious about making a good choice!

It depends on the workplace.

At three previous companies, provided it's closed shoes (from ankle downwards), that's all that mattered. I always wore sneakers around the lab along with most of my colleagues, and mine were 'porous'. 

Where I'm at now, safety shoes are essential in most labs - those would be your typical steel-capped boots or similar. But in the office (only)...anything you like really, even thongs. 

Looking for advice from seasoned pros!

I'm about to finish up my undergrad degree and (hopefully) move into the real world of lab work. The enclosed shoes requirement at my university seemed pretty lax, with canvas shoes being acceptable despite offering very little if any protection from liquid spills... I always ensured I was wearing at the very least, leather sneakers without airholes. But this looks far from professional!

So what type of shoes do you wear in labs in industry? Most of my work experience has been office based where the dress code was based on aesthetics rather than function so I'm very anxious about making a good choice!

Hi Wil

I am concerned by your comment regarding the use of thongs in the office. Unfortunately, I cannot think of any work environment (perhaps with the exception of a lifeguard at the beach or a pool) where thongs are considered appropriate footwear, and I am sure that the various WHS/OHS regulators would take a very dime view of this sort of approach to safety. 

Cheers 

Lisa 

It depends on the workplace.

At three previous companies, provided it's closed shoes (from ankle downwards), that's all that mattered. I always wore sneakers around the lab along with most of my colleagues, and mine were 'porous'. 

Where I'm at now, safety shoes are essential in most labs - those would be your typical steel-capped boots or similar. But in the office (only)...anything you like really, even thongs. 

Looking for advice from seasoned pros!

I'm about to finish up my undergrad degree and (hopefully) move into the real world of lab work. The enclosed shoes requirement at my university seemed pretty lax, with canvas shoes being acceptable despite offering very little if any protection from liquid spills... I always ensured I was wearing at the very least, leather sneakers without airholes. But this looks far from professional!

So what type of shoes do you wear in labs in industry? Most of my work experience has been office based where the dress code was based on aesthetics rather than function so I'm very anxious about making a good choice!

Hi Lisa

While I tend to agree with you about thongs, people in offices can and do wear sandals and other non-closed shoes. It also depends on the local culture and laws. I visited a laboratory in South Korea where they provided us with thongs to wear in the lab. We were all very amused by this- the antithesis of what we would wear in an Australian laboratory. But we had to comply with their WHS policy.

Hi Wil

I am concerned by your comment regarding the use of thongs in the office. Unfortunately, I cannot think of any work environment (perhaps with the exception of a lifeguard at the beach or a pool) where thongs are considered appropriate footwear, and I am sure that the various WHS/OHS regulators would take a very dime view of this sort of approach to safety. 

Cheers 

Lisa 

It depends on the workplace.

At three previous companies, provided it's closed shoes (from ankle downwards), that's all that mattered. I always wore sneakers around the lab along with most of my colleagues, and mine were 'porous'. 

Where I'm at now, safety shoes are essential in most labs - those would be your typical steel-capped boots or similar. But in the office (only)...anything you like really, even thongs. 

Looking for advice from seasoned pros!

I'm about to finish up my undergrad degree and (hopefully) move into the real world of lab work. The enclosed shoes requirement at my university seemed pretty lax, with canvas shoes being acceptable despite offering very little if any protection from liquid spills... I always ensured I was wearing at the very least, leather sneakers without airholes. But this looks far from professional!

So what type of shoes do you wear in labs in industry? Most of my work experience has been office based where the dress code was based on aesthetics rather than function so I'm very anxious about making a good choice!

It depends on the workplace.

At three previous companies, provided it's closed shoes (from ankle downwards), that's all that mattered. I always wore sneakers around the lab along with most of my colleagues, and mine were 'porous'. 

Where I'm at now, safety shoes are essential in most labs - those would be your typical steel-capped boots or similar. But in the office (only)...anything you like really, even thongs. 

Looking for advice from seasoned pros!

I'm about to finish up my undergrad degree and (hopefully) move into the real world of lab work. The enclosed shoes requirement at my university seemed pretty lax, with canvas shoes being acceptable despite offering very little if any protection from liquid spills... I always ensured I was wearing at the very least, leather sneakers without airholes. But this looks far from professional!

So what type of shoes do you wear in labs in industry? Most of my work experience has been office based where the dress code was based on aesthetics rather than function so I'm very anxious about making a good choice!

Thanks William! I don't think I've ever had a job that allowed thongs haha. But yes, I understand there will be a big range depending on the unique environment. I hope to end up in an analytical lab, but even then the type of chemicals being used will probably dictate safety requirements

It depends on the workplace.

At three previous companies, provided it's closed shoes (from ankle downwards), that's all that mattered. I always wore sneakers around the lab along with most of my colleagues, and mine were 'porous'. 

Where I'm at now, safety shoes are essential in most labs - those would be your typical steel-capped boots or similar. But in the office (only)...anything you like really, even thongs. 

Looking for advice from seasoned pros!

I'm about to finish up my undergrad degree and (hopefully) move into the real world of lab work. The enclosed shoes requirement at my university seemed pretty lax, with canvas shoes being acceptable despite offering very little if any protection from liquid spills... I always ensured I was wearing at the very least, leather sneakers without airholes. But this looks far from professional!

So what type of shoes do you wear in labs in industry? Most of my work experience has been office based where the dress code was based on aesthetics rather than function so I'm very anxious about making a good choice!

Thanks William! I don't think I've ever had a job that allowed thongs haha. But yes, I understand there will be a big range depending on the unique environment. I hope to end up in an analytical lab, but even then the type of chemicals being used will probably dictate safety requirements

It depends on the workplace.

At three previous companies, provided it's closed shoes (from ankle downwards), that's all that mattered. I always wore sneakers around the lab along with most of my colleagues, and mine were 'porous'. 

Where I'm at now, safety shoes are essential in most labs - those would be your typical steel-capped boots or similar. But in the office (only)...anything you like really, even thongs. 

Looking for advice from seasoned pros!

I'm about to finish up my undergrad degree and (hopefully) move into the real world of lab work. The enclosed shoes requirement at my university seemed pretty lax, with canvas shoes being acceptable despite offering very little if any protection from liquid spills... I always ensured I was wearing at the very least, leather sneakers without airholes. But this looks far from professional!

So what type of shoes do you wear in labs in industry? Most of my work experience has been office based where the dress code was based on aesthetics rather than function so I'm very anxious about making a good choice!

Looking for advice from seasoned pros!

I'm about to finish up my undergrad degree and (hopefully) move into the real world of lab work. The enclosed shoes requirement at my university seemed pretty lax, with canvas shoes being acceptable despite offering very little if any protection from liquid spills... I always ensured I was wearing at the very least, leather sneakers without airholes. But this looks far from professional!

So what type of shoes do you wear in labs in industry? Most of my work experience has been office based where the dress code was based on aesthetics rather than function so I'm very anxious about making a good choice!

Hi All and Sandy,

After working 40+ years in industrial laboratories I think I can answer.  If you are in a laboratory associated with 'heavy' industry they will supply your uniform including stout 'work' boots (there is often a choice of boots and how 'light' you can choose will depend on circumstances).  In 'light' industry conditions differ.  When I worked in pharmaceutical they required fully enclosed footwear (but sports shoes were OK) and socks!  However I had a S4 clearance and to go down to manufacturing required light 'work' boots.

FYI The standard of work boots these days is geared towards comfort and convenience and wearing them all day I found to be better than many 'dress' shoes.

Looking for advice from seasoned pros!

I'm about to finish up my undergrad degree and (hopefully) move into the real world of lab work. The enclosed shoes requirement at my university seemed pretty lax, with canvas shoes being acceptable despite offering very little if any protection from liquid spills... I always ensured I was wearing at the very least, leather sneakers without airholes. But this looks far from professional!

So what type of shoes do you wear in labs in industry? Most of my work experience has been office based where the dress code was based on aesthetics rather than function so I'm very anxious about making a good choice!

Universities and TAFEs should lead the way in inculcating safe work practices in laboratories by insisting on properly designed safety glasses or goggles (for spectacle wearers) plus fully enclosed shoes with steel toes and a leak-proof tongue. Surely they can do a deal with suppliers to offer them at a good price from the campus shops. Most decent employers will kit you out in company safety uniforms and approved shoes or boots. If the shoes that are supplied aren't comfortable, then seek out a good shop that sells safety gear. It can be a bit of a hit on your pocket if your employer doesn't do the right thing, but it's your body and your life. Putting on your eye and foot gear before you enter the lab. is a great way to start the day thinking safe and working safe. Remember that there are old chemists and bold chemists, but few old bold chemists.

Hi All and Sandy,

After working 40+ years in industrial laboratories I think I can answer.  If you are in a laboratory associated with 'heavy' industry they will supply your uniform including stout 'work' boots (there is often a choice of boots and how 'light' you can choose will depend on circumstances).  In 'light' industry conditions differ.  When I worked in pharmaceutical they required fully enclosed footwear (but sports shoes were OK) and socks!  However I had a S4 clearance and to go down to manufacturing required light 'work' boots.

FYI The standard of work boots these days is geared towards comfort and convenience and wearing them all day I found to be better than many 'dress' shoes.

Looking for advice from seasoned pros!

I'm about to finish up my undergrad degree and (hopefully) move into the real world of lab work. The enclosed shoes requirement at my university seemed pretty lax, with canvas shoes being acceptable despite offering very little if any protection from liquid spills... I always ensured I was wearing at the very least, leather sneakers without airholes. But this looks far from professional!

So what type of shoes do you wear in labs in industry? Most of my work experience has been office based where the dress code was based on aesthetics rather than function so I'm very anxious about making a good choice!

Universities and TAFEs should lead the way in inculcating safe work practices in laboratories by insisting on properly designed safety glasses or goggles (for spectacle wearers) plus fully enclosed shoes with steel toes and a leak-proof tongue. Surely they can do a deal with suppliers to offer them at a good price from the campus shops. Most decent employers will kit you out in company safety uniforms and approved shoes or boots. If the shoes that are supplied aren't comfortable, then seek out a good shop that sells safety gear. It can be a bit of a hit on your pocket if your employer doesn't do the right thing, but it's your body and your life. Putting on your eye and foot gear before you enter the lab. is a great way to start the day thinking safe and working safe. Remember that there are old chemists and bold chemists, but few old bold chemists.

Hi All and Sandy,

After working 40+ years in industrial laboratories I think I can answer.  If you are in a laboratory associated with 'heavy' industry they will supply your uniform including stout 'work' boots (there is often a choice of boots and how 'light' you can choose will depend on circumstances).  In 'light' industry conditions differ.  When I worked in pharmaceutical they required fully enclosed footwear (but sports shoes were OK) and socks!  However I had a S4 clearance and to go down to manufacturing required light 'work' boots.

FYI The standard of work boots these days is geared towards comfort and convenience and wearing them all day I found to be better than many 'dress' shoes.

Looking for advice from seasoned pros!

I'm about to finish up my undergrad degree and (hopefully) move into the real world of lab work. The enclosed shoes requirement at my university seemed pretty lax, with canvas shoes being acceptable despite offering very little if any protection from liquid spills... I always ensured I was wearing at the very least, leather sneakers without airholes. But this looks far from professional!

So what type of shoes do you wear in labs in industry? Most of my work experience has been office based where the dress code was based on aesthetics rather than function so I'm very anxious about making a good choice!

Looking for advice from seasoned pros!

I'm about to finish up my undergrad degree and (hopefully) move into the real world of lab work. The enclosed shoes requirement at my university seemed pretty lax, with canvas shoes being acceptable despite offering very little if any protection from liquid spills... I always ensured I was wearing at the very least, leather sneakers without airholes. But this looks far from professional!

So what type of shoes do you wear in labs in industry? Most of my work experience has been office based where the dress code was based on aesthetics rather than function so I'm very anxious about making a good choice!

Hi Sandy 

You have asked  a very interesting and valid question.  Every laboratory and organisation have their own rules regarding what is or is not appropriate footwear.  I am sorry to hear that your university has a very lax approach to safety and footwear.  When working in a laboratory you should wear fully enclosed shoes (i.e. heels, toes and the top of the foot). Where there are chemicals in use, footwear needs to be impervious to chemicals, so I would be suggesting leather topped sports shoes are at the lower end of the scale, while leather shoes  are more appropriate. (mesh/synthetic type materials/canvas do not necessarily protect the foot from chemical hazards.   Depending the environment in which you end up working in, you need to be careful as to whether the chemical that you work with may impact the structural integrity of the shoe (some chemicals will react with synthetic materials) The shoes also have to be sturdy enough to protect the foot from other hazards within the workplace.  Depending on where you end up after graduating, some organisations require safety shoes (steel cap/toe) or boots to be worn in all areas or the organisation.  

My suggestion is that when you do embark on the next step of your career, have a chat to the OHS Manager, or Laboratory Manager, they will advise you what is required on site. Things like footwear and personal protective equipment should also be covered in your OHS/WHS induction.  As a safety professional I would often have two pairs of shoes in my office (one for general use within the office) and one pair that was suitable for wearing in the laboratory area and other high risk areas or the organisation. 

I wish you well with your degree and your future career. 

Cheers

Lisa 

Looking for advice from seasoned pros!

I'm about to finish up my undergrad degree and (hopefully) move into the real world of lab work. The enclosed shoes requirement at my university seemed pretty lax, with canvas shoes being acceptable despite offering very little if any protection from liquid spills... I always ensured I was wearing at the very least, leather sneakers without airholes. But this looks far from professional!

So what type of shoes do you wear in labs in industry? Most of my work experience has been office based where the dress code was based on aesthetics rather than function so I'm very anxious about making a good choice!

Now this is the type of discussion thread that I hope to see far more of in future.

Thanks to @Sandy Lindsay for the question and all those who contributed.

Like what others have said I wear steel capped boots.

Everyone has the responsibility to look after their health and safety at work (Section 28 Duties of Workers - Work Health and Safety Act 2012 Tasmania), but surely there would be a similar section in legislation in the other states and territories. 

Now this is the type of discussion thread that I hope to see far more of in future.

Thanks to @Sandy Lindsay for the question and all those who contributed.

Looking for advice from seasoned pros!

I'm about to finish up my undergrad degree and (hopefully) move into the real world of lab work. The enclosed shoes requirement at my university seemed pretty lax, with canvas shoes being acceptable despite offering very little if any protection from liquid spills... I always ensured I was wearing at the very least, leather sneakers without airholes. But this looks far from professional!

So what type of shoes do you wear in labs in industry? Most of my work experience has been office based where the dress code was based on aesthetics rather than function so I'm very anxious about making a good choice!