Chemical workers are renowned for struggling when it comes to finding a good pair of work boots. They are, after all, often exposed to a wide range of problems. For example, they spend most of their workday on their feet, moving on rough floors, resulting in the foot, knee, and lower back pain. Besides, chemical workers have to work with toxic chemicals that might destroy their work boots as well as cause serious health issues if they come into direct contact with their skin.
Having their toes smashed by strong instruments on a regular basis falling is another common issue lots of chemical workers often face. When walking on slick floors, they may slip and fall, potentially injuring themselves.
These issues, while tough, are not insurmountable; they simply demand time and expense to test a variety of work boots before deciding which ones are truly worthwhile.
And that is also exactly what I did, testing a variety of work boots to come up with a wonderful selection of the 10 best work boots for chemicals. Now, let’s see what those boots are.
What Are Work Boots For Chemicals?
Usually, the best work boots for chemicals come in a high-calf design to protect workers’ feet and ankles from toxic chemicals. Some might have lace-up, over-ankle designs, while others are made with a pull-on style. Regardless of the shaft height and lace design, these following boots are sure to protect you while working in hazardous chemical environments.
For the best pick, I would recommend the WOLVERINE Men’s 10 Inch Overpass Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boots for Chemicals. If you prefer knee-high boots with safety toe caps, don’t forget to give the Servus by Honeywell Waterproof Steel Toe Knee High Work Boots for Chemicals a try.
WOLVERINE Men’s Overpass 5 Inch Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boots for Chemicals
“Waterproof and breathable membrane, 5-inch lace-up design, Ortholite footbeds for maximum comfort and cushioning”
WOLVERINE Men’s 10 Inch Overpass Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boots for Chemicals
“Lightweight and long-lasting design, offer a roomier fit, unmatched comfort and arch support, 10-inch lace-up design”
Carhartt Men’s CMF6366 6 Inch Composite Safety Toe Work Boots for Chemicals
“Offer lightweight comfort, excellent traction with a rugged flex design, a steel shank for unrivaled flexibility”
Timberland PRO Men’s Powerwelt Wellington Mid Calf Work Boots for Chemicals
“Aggressive tread for ultimate grip, mid-calf pull-on design, heat-resistant leather upper, wide opening for easy on and off”
Carhartt Men’s 6″ CME6351 Waterproof Composite Toe Work Boots for Chemicals
“AX suede top cover for added slip resistance and reduced fatigue, waterproof and ventilated membrane, 6-inch lace-up design”
Carhartt Men’s 8″ CME8355 Waterproof Composite Toe Work Boots for Chemicals
“8-inch lace-up design, Insite technology footbeds for added comfort, waterproof & ventilated, good shock absorption”
Dunlop 8908608 DURAPRO Waterproof Steel Safety Toe Work Boots for Chemicals
“waterproof Polybend PVC, knee-high design with a 360 degree pull tab, all-day comfort, excellent traction and durability”
UltraSource 440018-9 PU Steel Safety Toe Work Boots for Chemicals
“Insulation against chilly weather, 3 flex points for a better fit & easy on/off, offer a good level of traction and grip, contoured footbeds”
Servus by Honeywell Waterproof Steel Toe Knee High Work Boots for Chemicals
“Injection molded PVC construction for optimum durability, a steel shank for extra stability, removable cushioned insoles”
Honeywell Ademco 16 Inch Steel Safety Toe Work Boots for Chemicals
“Waterproof plastic, flexible sole for extra support, offer a reliable grip, deliver a custom fit, terrific arch and heel support”
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Right Work Boots For Chemicals?
Working in an environment exposed to chemicals requires you to protect your toes carefully. Otherwise, they can be hurt. In addition to the chemical resistance, there are a lot more attributes you need to pay attention to when it comes to the best work boots for chemicals. And here are such crucial features to consider.
Protective or Safety Features
Abrasion-Resistant Materials
Employees who anticipate having contact with chemicals should consider work boots that meet chemical resistance standards.
Every standard ensures that any specific work boot can endure contact with a specific chemical, allowing employers to confidently suggest that work boots to their workers.
There are numerous organizations that undertake the tests that ensure chemical resistance in the best work boots for chemicals. These are examples:
- American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
- Canadian Standard Association
- OSHA
- European Committee for Standardization
High-Calf Design
Any person who is exposed to dangerous chemicals on a daily basis should wear work boots that completely cover their feet and at least part of their ankles instead of low-top work boots.
This is why purchasing high-top work boots is the best option, as these employees will have the assurance that no dangerous materials will come into contact with their bearskin.
Non-Slip Outsoles
Workers frequently complain about having to walk on slick floors in work boots that do not provide adequate traction.
As a result, purchasing work boots with anti-slip outsoles will provide them with the reassurance that regardless of where they walk, they would never slip, strip, fall, or be injured.
Safety Toe Caps
Any work boots with safety toe caps are a must-have attribute for employees with heavily loaded instruments or machines.
Nobody would want their toes squashed by a screwdriver that falls directly into their toe, right?
Safety toe caps are basically a protective reinforcement at the toe box area to prevent your toes from being injured by falling objects. There are different types of safety toe caps, with each having its own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the specific working environment, you can pick one that fits your condition most.
Waterproofing and Insulation
Insulation and insulation are the other two essential attributes for workers who come into contact with not only chemicals but also other aggressive substances or liquids, as well as those who work outside in the snow, cold, and rain.
A seamless design with a waterproof material or waterproof membrane will keep your feet completely dry. In terms of insulation, some might be made with plush linings for extra warmth, while others are equipped with Thinsulate insulation for ultimate heat retention.
Convenience and Comfort Features
Shock-Absorbing Midsoles and Cushioned Insoles
Standing on their feet for long hours on rough and solid surfaces leads to fatigue and intolerable foot pain.
Unfortunately, this is something that workers must deal with on a regular basis. That’s why it is best to get work boots with cushioned insoles and shock-absorbing midsoles that effectively absorb all of the shocks from walking on hard concrete or other rough terrains. As a result, it helps significantly decrease foot fatigue and pain.
Easy-To-Clean Materials
When in search of the best work boots for chemicals, workers always expect their boots to come in contact with chemicals (of course) and other less harmful liquids or substances. As a result, it is best if you get the boot made with easy-to-clean materials. This way, you don’t need to take much effort and time to clean and maintain your boot. Moreover, it helps the boot stay in good condition longer.
Durability Features
When it comes to durability attributes, it is important to consider the construction method and material of the boot.
The easiest approach to ensure that you won’t be disappointed when your work boots deteriorate after several months of frequent use is to opt for boots that include the following attributes:
- Great construction methods that will keep the structure of the boot secure when subjected to a tough type of use
- Dependable materials are employed in the manufacturing process of the work boots, ensuring that the new boot will withstand any type of test.
Frequently Asked Questions?
There will always be a wide collection of questions relating to the best work boots for chemicals. But here are several of the most popularly asked ones. Let’s discover them all.
Who should wear work boots for chemicals?
Chemical-Resistant Work Boots: Who Should Wear Them?
Most employees who are exposed to the below toxins should consider purchasing any of the best work boots for chemicals:
- Abrasive particles
- Corrosives
- Substances containing chemicals
- Trash, fertilizers, and pesticides are all examples of pollutants.
- Bio-hazardous and biochemical materials
- Acids, batteries, and other potentially hazardous substances
Are the best work boots for chemicals flameproof?
That depends entirely on the type of work boots you purchase.
For example, if you acquire work boots with qualities like asbestos, nitrile rubbephospate-based compounds, you will definitely be safe. This is because you will benefit from the fact that your work boots are composed of flame-resistant materials, giving you crucial time whenever you really need them.
Do chemical-resistant work boots have sealed seams?
When working in an environment coming into contact with chemicals, work boots with sealed seams are recommended because they prevent solutions or dissolved substances/chemicals from leaking into the boots, keeping your feet safe and dry as well.
Almost all work boots for chemicals should, therefore, have sealed seams.
Why do most chemical-resistant work boots have kick-off lugs?
Kick-off lugs are found on the front of most anti-chemical work boots. This is because they allow the worker to slide the front into and out of the work boots without contacting the real boot, which is especially useful if there are any hazardous chemical remains on their surfaces.
What heights are suggested for the best work boots for chemicals?
The general premise is that as you gain height, you will protect a larger portion of your feet and your ankles as well.
So, this could be useful if you operate in a workplace where chemical spills are a regular phenomenon. Choosing a work boot with an 8 to 12-inch shaft, in my view, is a terrific option if you anticipate working in these settings.
What kinds of safety toes should I use for the best work boots for chemicals?
Once more, this may be a question of personal choice. The only element that can be guaranteed here is that most anti-chemical work boots should have safety toe caps to avoid terrible toe injuries.
Here’s a basic rundown of the several types of safety toes:
- Metallic safety toe caps are a little heavier, but they provide more reliable protection. The most prevalent metallic safety toe caps are alloy and steel toes, which are advised for workplaces where heavy things (such as hammers) are laying around in a dangerous manner.
- Non-metallic safety toe caps: Usually, composite safety toe work boots for chemicals are advised for employees who seek a more lightweight boot with electrical hazard safety. This is because non-metallic materials (like composite) do not conduct heat and electricity.
Is it better to wear chemical-resistant work boots with or without laces?
That all depends on the type of fit that the employee desires.
Getting chemical-resistant lace-up work boots is a terrific choice if you want a more secure and tighter fit. The disadvantage is that these work boots are more difficult to clean. Putting on and taking off is also time-consuming.
On the flip side, if you choose work boots for chemicals that don’t have laces (such as pull-on types), you will save the headache of coping with shoelaces while also having the convenience of putting on and taking off the work boots as often as you want. Furthermore, these work boots are rather simple to wash. The only drawback is that the fit isn’t as snug as that of lace-up work boots.
My Top Picks
Ultimately, the final buying decision is yours. But don’t forget to refer to the buying guide section where you can find the most useful information about choosing the right chemical-resistant work boots.
When in doubt, you can go for the WOLVERINE Men’s 10 Inch Overpass Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boots for Chemicals. The Honeywell Ademco 16 Inch Steel Safety Toe Work Boots for Chemicals are a great pick for those who prefer high-calf boots with sturdy safety toe caps.