Chemical protection boots

Chemical protection boots help limit teams' exposure to splashes and contact with aggressive substances, particularly during cleaning, maintenance or production operations. This category covers boots and shoes resistant to chemicals, as well as models with properties such as anti-static protection or grip. They are essential in chemicals, food processing, waste collection and treatment, heavy industry and public services, wherever floors and processes demand reliable foot protection.

What standards apply to chemical protection boots?

Standards help select boots suited to the level of exposure, the environment and workplace safety requirements. The main references to know are:

  • EN 13832: certification of footwear resistant to chemicals, with assessment of permeability and degradation.
  • EN 13832-2: requirements for limited contact with chemicals (continuous or intermittent contact up to 1 hour).
  • EN 13832-3: requirements for extended contact (> 1 hour), with tests on at least three chemicals (class II).
  • EN ISO 20345:2022 + A1:2024: safety footwear requirements (200 J impact, slipping, anti-static, options such as WR, FO, HRO), useful according to the associated hazards.

What types of chemical protection boots are there, and for which sectors?

Depending on on-site constraints, several sub-types stand out to cover professional uses exposed to chemical substances and liquids.

  • Boots entirely in rubber or polymer (class II): suited to extended exposure, used in chemicals, waste collection and treatment, public services.
  • Leather or other-material shoes (class I): relevant when exposure is limited and walking comfort is a priority, for example in maintenance and light industry.
  • Nitrile rubber soles: sought for their resistance to temperatures and chemicals, useful in demanding environments.
  • Models combinable with other PPE: to complete protection, pair them with chemical protective gloves according to the operations.

How should chemical protection boots be maintained?

Regular maintenance preserves performance and limits premature wear of the upper, soles and flex areas. After each use, clean according to the manufacturer's instructions: rinse off dirt, remove chemical residue and mud, then leave to air dry away from any heat source. For microfibre surfaces, a suitable product such as Aseptane makes cleaning and waterproofing easier. Store the boots clean and dry, away from moisture and contamination. Frequently check the non-slip tread, the seams, the seal of membranes (Gore-Tex, Sympatex) and the integrity of the toecap and anti-puncture insert. Test ESD properties before entering sensitive areas. Replace the boots as soon as cracks, deformation, marked wear or loss of grip appear.

What specific points should be considered for chemical protection boots?

The choice depends as much on the product handled as on on-site constraints: contact duration, moisture, temperatures and slipping hazards. Sole materials are decisive: nitrile rubber stands out for its resistance to temperatures and chemicals, while PU offers more limited resistance to chemicals and heat. To strengthen the barrier against liquids, some models rely on waterproof materials or a water-resistant membrane, placed between the lining and the upper. Depending on the activity, also check useful additional properties (anti-static, ESD, metal-free) and their sensitivity to wear, dirt and moisture.