Restaurant life is no walk in the park. From running back and forth between tables and your restaurant POS to standing in the back-of-house all day, long shifts can give your feet all the feels. Hosts and hostesses, servers, bartenders, cooks and chefs should make the best restaurant shoe choice. If not, slips, fatigue, back pain and knee problems could be the issue du jour.
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Look for shoes that are slip-resistant, comfortable, and supportive. Chefs often prefer clogs or closed-toe shoes, while servers may opt for sneakers or dress shoes with good traction.
The 19 best restaurant shoes and where to buy them
Note: we are not receiving compensation for any of these products. Recommendations are based on research and unbiased feedback from restaurant professionals.
Identify comfortable non-slip restaurant shoes
Cunha recommends buying shoes at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen. “If they feel comfortable at the end of the day, most likely they will feel comfortable throughout the day,” he explains. Make sure the toe box is wide enough to accommodate your toes with enough room to slightly wiggle.
Also, look for a comfortable footbed to support the arch with memory foam or an EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) anti-compression insole. “An outsole made of rubber will help alleviate the impact of each step far greater than a shoe with a hard sole,” he adds.
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FAQ
What is a restaurant shoe?
Are vans non slip shoes for restaurants?
Can I wear white sneakers to a fancy restaurant?