what kind of shoes to chefs wear

The footwear we rely on for days in the test kitchen and when cooking at home.

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Here’s a fact I know from wearing shoes all my life: shoe preference is highly subjective. What works great for one person, may not work for another. There’s a whole bunch of science behind this relating to things like foot dimensions, leg angles, skeletal alignment, and perceived levels of cushioning (that’s even an acronym—PLC!).

This is why, when evaluating whether or not to formally review the best kitchen shoes, we decided instead to pose the question to Serious Eats staffers, to gather subjective answers on a subjective question.

That said, there are a few things to look for in a good pair of kitchen shoes.

what kind of shoes to chefs wear

FAQs

The best way to clean kitchen shoes depends on the shoes. For example, these Dansko’s should be wiped with a clean, damp cloth and then treated with leather conditioner. These ones from Calzuro can be machine washed, disinfected with bleach, or even thrown into a dishwasher. And these Crocs can be hand-washed with soap and water or tossed in the washing machine. The bottom line: just check the manufacturer’s care instructions.

The Criteria: What to Look for in Kitchen Shoes

Because kitchens are full of very sharp things (knives!) and hot things (boiling water! scalding oil!) that can fall onto the floor and therefore your feet, kitchen shoes should offer protection. They should have a closed toe and be able to be slipped off lest something does fall or splash onto your feet. They should also be comfortable to wear: if you’re standing on your feet for hours and hours at a time (like we do in the test kitchen), you want something supportive. They should be non-slip, too.

Here are some staff-favorite kitchen shoes. (And, yes, you’ll find some conflicting answers because, again, subjectivity!)

Best Chef Shoes In 2024 – Top 10 Chef Shoe Review

FAQ

What type of shoes should a chef wear?

You can’t go wrong with sturdy boots that keep your feet protected in an environment with knives and hot oil. Great shock absorption, a really comfortable foot bed and even an ergonomic toe spring, for that spring in your step!

What do chefs wear on their feet?

But some will have noticed that chefs wear a certain type of footwear known as clogs. For those who don’t know, clogs are a type of shoe without a back and easy for the foot to slip in and out of. They have traditionally been made out of wood, but now clogs made of leather or plastic have emerged.

Which type of shoes are most appropriate for the kitchen?

Look for a work shoe that offers good ankle and arch support. Breathability: Kitchens can get hot, so choose shoes made from breathable materials to keep your feet cool and comfortable, even in a fast-paced environment. Durability: Kitchen shoes endure a lot of wear and tear.

What type of footwear would you be required to wear in kitchen?

The sole should have a good degree of slip resistance if the employee is in potential messy or wet environments, in which case the footwear should also be waterproof. Uppers should be resistant to staining from foodstuffs and cleaning materials.

What shoes do chefs wear?

Why we chose it: Funky slip-ons preferred by chefs for their value and ability to go beyond the kitchen. A favorite shoe amongst skaters, Vans make for great chef shoes for similar reasons. They are comfortable, water- and slip-resistant, and they work well in many different scenarios.

Can chefs wear shoes in the kitchen?

“With safer kitchen floor finishes these days, kitchen staff can now wear a variety of shoes in the kitchen,” says Vanessa Tilaka Kalb, co-owner of Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery in Pasadena, Calif. From clogs to sneakers to work boots, many styles can suit chefs.

Are chef shoes waterproof?

Chef shoes do not have to break the bank: enter the Sloggers Rain and Garden Shoe. These slick, waterproof shoes are incredibly versatile and able to withstand muddy gardens, messy kitchens, or everyday household tasks with maximum comfort. We wore these shoes for up to eight hours at a time with no discomfort.

What are the best shoes for restaurant kitchen workers?

(It’s a figure of speech, please don’t try to eat this post.) Snibbs was co-founded by an orthopedic surgeon and a professional chef, so it’s no surprise that their Spacecloud Work Sneaker tops our list of best shoes for restaurant kitchen workers.

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