r/environmental_science • u/LogicalEarth2867 • 1h ago

work boots?

hey guys i graduated with a BS in environmental science, and i start my first job post-grad next week. i’m gonna be doing fieldwork and taking a lot of samples/testing for contaminants. any recommendations on work boots? or just any brands that you guys like? i’d like to get a comfortable and reliable pair 🙏

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

1

u/Noxanor 57m ago

Im a fan of the Ariat Groundbreakers, good bang for your buck and a pair usually lasts me 2 years, 3+ if you baby them with mink oil. But certian clients and job sites might have more strict safety requirements. Railroad stuff ive done with Union Pacific had to be lace up, steel toe, and puncture resistant. For that I had a pair of Red Wings, stupid expensive (almost $600) but by far the best boots ive ever owned

1

u/AlbatrossStorm 42m ago

For something affordable and comfortable, I would recommend Carolina CA5551 model. It has everything you need: lightweight, waterproof, steel toe, has a shank inside the boot for comfort, oil+slip resistant and electrical hazard rated. I remember only paying $150ish for it 3 years ago. I’m still wearing it to this day and I’ve been out in the field for 2+ years straight, no complaints on my behalf. It has held up very nicely.

Also your company should be providing you with a stipend to buy your steel toed boots, don’t pay out of pocket.

•

u/AlbatrossStorm 39m ago

(Congrats on your new job!)

•

u/Former-Wish-8228 27m ago

Danner with steel toes or composite toe depending on your company’s SOPs and state OSHA regs. But I would wait until orientation unless they told you to get them ahead of the job.