Whether you work at a hip and trendy diner or a fine dining establishment, there is a higher chance that you would be spending the better part of your day (or night) on your feet. Restaurant environments are fast-paced, and they require everyone, from the waitstaff to the cook, to be quick at all times.
As a result of this, restaurant workers need to always put on quality shoes that are both comfortable and right for the job. With all the movement and running around on slippery, wet surfaces, putting on the wrong type of shoes can be a very big and painful mistake.
To help you avoid that mistake, we have outlined some of the best restaurant work shoes on the market. Read on to see the best non-slip and most comfortable restaurant shoes.
Here Are the Best Restaurant Work Shoes:
Product | Details | ||
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1. Skechers McAllen Flex Food Service Shoe | Top Pick |
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2. Skechers Women’s Comfort Flex Professional Shoe |
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3. New Balance Fresh Foam Slip-Resistant 806 V1 Shoe |
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4. Avia Women’s Avi-Union Ii Food Service Shoe |
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5. Dansko Women’s Professional Leather Shoe |
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6. Skechers Work Sure Track –Trickel |
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7. Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Men’s Harrington II Work Shoe |
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1. Skechers McAllen Flex Food Service Shoe — Best Restaurant Worker’s Shoes
The Skechers McAllen Flex Food Service Shoe is one of the best restaurant worker shoes on the market. This shoe is good-looking and it comes with a very nice design. Skechers designed this shoe to cover all the basic needs for restaurant and kitchen workers, as it is comfortable, highly durable, and non-slip. The shoe is made with 100 percent synthetic, and the upper has a touch of fabric.
The upper of the shoe is highly breathable and it is stain and water-resistant. It is designed to keep your feet cool and dry always, regardless of how busy you are. With the water and stain-resistant feature, you can conveniently use this shoe in the kitchen without the fear of cold feet or dirty shoes.
It also comes with a synthetic outsole for improved traction on all surfaces. The outsole is slip-resistant, which means you can use it to dash in and out of the kitchen, do food prep or cleanup, and more without the fear of slipping or tripping. In addition to its high functionality, these shoes are super lightweight. The shoes will not weigh you down while walking.
They are also very comfortable on the feet, and you can wear them all day without feeling any discomfort or pain. It comes with soft fabric lining, padded collar, and a Memory Foam cushioned comfort insole to provide you with all the comfort you need.
It also has elastic fabric panels on both sides, and this makes it very easy to put on and take off the shoes. You can also get this shoe in three different colors, with sizes ranging from 7 through 16.
Specs
- Material: 100% Leather
- Gender: Male
- Sole: Synthetic sole
- Size: 6 – 12
Pros
- Highly breathable and comfortable upper
- Water-resistant, stain-resistant
- Memory foam insole for added comfort
- Extremely lightweight
Cons
- Does not provide much support
2. Skechers Women’s Comfort Flex Professional Shoe
If you are looking for a super comfortable shoe that you can use to stand and walk around the restaurant all day, we highly recommend the Skechers Women’s Comfort Flex Professional Shoe. This shoe is designed for those that spend a lot of time on their feet, as it provides them with all the support and comfort they need. The shoe comes with many great features that made it safe and comfortable.
The upper of this shoe is made with a smooth fabric, and it is stain and water-resistant. It provides great comfort and support, and it hugs the feet pretty well. It is also highly breathable, as it allows for the constant flow of fresh air and the escape of hot air, which means your feet would always be cool and fresh.
The shoe also boasts of enhanced durability, as it comes with translucent overlays at toe and heel and synthetic overlay at laces. It also comes with a synthetic outsole with great slip-resistant properties. To provide you with supreme comfort, this shoe comes with an air-cooled memory foam insole.
This restaurant worker shoe comes with a highly supportive midsole that helps to absorb shock impact. It also has superior impact cushioning protection with a dual-density design that provides great arch support.
Specs
- Material: 100% textile
- Gender: Women
- Sole: Synthetic sole
- Size: 5.5 – 10
Pros
- A variety of colors to choose from
- Highly breathable and comfortable upper
- Lightweight design
- Great shock absorbency
- Stain, water, and slip-resistant
Cons
- No larger sizes
3. New Balance Fresh Foam Slip-Resistant 806 V1 Shoe — Best Non-Slip Shoes for Restaurant Work
The New Balance Fresh Foam Slip-Resistant 806 V1 Shoe is another great pair of shoes that you can use to work in a restaurant. These shoes are super comfortable and safe for you, and you can use them to work for an extended period. This shoe comes with a no-sew synthetic upper that offers a seam-free, smooth fit. The upper is very easy to clean, and it blends with a variety of work outfits.
It also comes with a highly flexible and comfortable rubber outsole that provides great traction and grip on all surfaces. The sole is slip-resistant, which means you can use it to walk on slippery floors with confidence. This shoe also supports natural feet movement, thanks to the Hyposkin on the upper.
The New Balance Men’s 806v1 is very popular because of the plush comfort it offers, thanks to the proprietary Fresh Foam of the company. You can also walk freely on different surfaces, as it comes with data-located, non-slip lugs.
This shoe has a wider toe box, making it a great option for people with wider feet. This feature would also ensure your feet remain relaxed and spaced evenly while running up and down the restaurant. It is available in two different colors, with sizes ranging from 7 through 18.
Specs
- Material: 100% Synthetic
- Gender: Male
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 7 – 18
Pros
- Adaptive and comfortable fit
- Very easy to clean
- Fresh Foam midsole for quality cushioning
- Keeps you stable on all surfaces
Cons
- Complaints about its durability
4. Avia Women’s Avi-Union Ii Food Service Shoe — Most Comfortable Restaurant Shoes
Next on the line is the Avia Women’s Avi-Union Ii Food Service Shoe, and it is one of the most comfortable restaurant shoes out there. In addition to being highly comfortable, this is one of the most affordable restaurant shoes on the market. Many food service workers love this shoe because of its great slip-resistant properties. The shoe is made with 100 percent synthetic leather and it features a very stylish look.
The upper is flexible and super comfortable. For exceptional shock absorption and cushioning, this shoe comes with a compression-molded EVA and soft gel heel. It also provides a secure and comfortable fit, thanks to its hook and loop strap, which also makes it easy to put on and take off. The upper of the shoe is also water and stain-resistant, as it uses a Scotchguard Defender.
One of the most amazing features of this shoe is its slip-resistant outsole. It comes with a nonslip and oil-resistant rubber tread pattern for improved traction and grip on different surfaces. This shoe also comes with a corrosion-resistant and water-resistant molded EVA sock liner that is also removable. It helps to free your feet and heel from shock impact, as it absorbs the shock.
Specs
- Material: 100% Synthetic
- Gender: Women
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 6 – 11
Pros
- Stain and water-resistant upper
- Water-resistant and corrosion-resistant Memory Foam sock liner
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- Supportive and stable insole
- Lightweight and stylish design
Cons
- Not the most breathable
5. Dansko Women’s Professional Leather Shoe
Dansko is one shoe brand that is known for making comfortable and durable professional shoes, and the Dansko Women’s Professional Leather Shoe is no exception. This shoe is not non-slip, but it comes with many great features that make it one of the best restaurant work shoes. Dansko made this shoe with Cabrio leather, and the upper provides a snug and secure fit.
You can stand and walk in these shoes all day without any foot fatigue or pain. It also comes with a very durable polyurethane outsole that is not slip-resistant but still improves traction and stability. The shoe has a roomy toe box to provide you with all-day comfort. It also has a padded instep collar and shock-absorbent midsoles.
It is designed to provide stability and reduce torque, which means you can wear it all day without getting tired. The PU outsole with rocker bottom is also there to propel your foot forward. You can get this shoe in eight different colors, with sizes ranging from 4.5 through 13.
Specs
- Material: 100% Leather
- Gender: Women
- Sole: PU sole
- Size: 4.5 – 13
Pros
- Super comfortable
- Available in 8 different colors
- Easy to wear and take off
- Highly durable and very easy to clean
Cons
- Lacks slip-resistant properties
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6. Skechers Work Sure Track –Trickel
If you are looking for a budget-friendly restaurant work shoe, the Skechers Work sure Track is one of the best options to consider. This shoe comes with a pocket-friendly price tag and it also delivers great performance. Skechers made the upper of this shoe with 100 percent leather and it would serve you for a very long time.
The upper is also highly breathable and very easy to clean. There are some perforations at the side of the upper that allow for the constant flow of fresh air to keep your feet dry and cool. You can use this shoe to walk on oily and wet surfaces, thanks to its slip-resistant outsole. The rubber outsole provides exceptional stability and traction on all types of surfaces.
It also comes with a lightweight, flexible midsole that has great shock absorption capabilities. The shoe comes with a memory-foam-topped cushioned insole for superior comfort and support. It comes with a lace-up system that allows for a customized fit, and it also provides the right amount of arch support.
This shoe comes with three different colors, allowing you to pick an option that best suits your work outfit. It is true to size, and you can get it in sizes ranging from 5 through 11. All the sizes also have X-wide options for women with larger feet.
Specs
- Material: 100% Leather
- Gender: Women
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 5 – 11
Pros
- Relatively cheap
- Provides sufficient arch support
- Comfortable and durable
- Made with high-quality material despite its low price tag
Cons
- Not stain resistant
7. Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Men’s Harrington II Work Shoe
The last on our list is Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Men’s Harrington II Work Shoe, and it made it to our list because of the amazing benefits it has to offer. This is a great pair of work shoes that you can use anywhere, including the restaurant. The shoe matches pretty much any work or casual outfit, making it a highly versatile work shoe. It is great for kitchen crew members that spend a lot of time on their feet – walking and standing.
The shoe provides superior comfort, and you can walk, stand in them all day without any issues. It is highly protective and durable, and you can use it for years without worrying about replacing it. These shoes are made with 100 percent leather, with an upper that provides a secure and comfortable fit. It features a lace-up closure that allows for a customized fit.
The major selling point of this shoe is its slip-resistant, oil-resistant Lock Step outsole that meets the standards of SATRA TM63 and TM144. It comes with an anti-compression and Memory Foam Cool Fit insole. The Dri-Lex moisture-wicking lining and Aegis Microbe Shield are there to keep odor and moisture at bay.
The outsole is non-marking and it provides stability also. It comes with a padded collar for a secure, comfortable fit. The shoe is also available in two different colors – Black and Bushwacker brown. You can get it in sizes ranging from 7 through 14.
Specs
- Material: 100% Leather
- Gender: Male
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 7 – 14
Pros
- Made with genuine leather
- Slip-resistant and oil-resistant outsole
- Padded collar for a secure and comfortable fit
- Very cheap
- Vented sock for breathability
Cons
- No larger sizes for people with larger feet
Vital Factors To Consider When Shopping For Restaurant Shoes
Comfort First
Restaurant workers do a lot of standing and walking. They spend the better part of their duty time on their feet. They walk up and down the restaurant meeting the specific needs of different customers. During this process, the last thing you want is any form of discomfort, especially from your footwear. As such, you should go for a shoe that provides comfort all through the day, even at the end of your shift.
You should go for shoes that provide a snug and comfortable fit. It should have a roomy toe box so that your feet would have enough room to wiggle. You should avoid shoes that would squeeze your toes while walking, as this would leave you in total discomfort. The shoe should also support the natural arch of your foot, as this enhances comfort and prevents foot fatigue and pain.
Slip Resistant
This is one of the most important features to consider when buying a restaurant shoe. Do not compromise on the grip of the shoe. You should go for shoes that provide superior grip and traction. The kitchen is most time wet and slippery, and you do not want to walk on those floors with a shoe that is not slip-resistant.
The shoe should come with a soft rubber outsole that improves traction. It should have large enough surface contact with the trend pattern, as the more tread that touches the ground, the better. If the shoe is not slip-resistant, it should at least still provide great traction and stability.
Water-Resistant
Nothing is more uncomfortable than walking around in wet shoes. To prevent such a level of discomfort, you should go for a shoe with water-resistant features. The shoe should have water protection, as this would prevent water from entering.
Durability
The durability of the shoe is not negotiable. When buying any shoe, durability should be one of your major focuses, as you do not want to spend your hard-earned money on a product that would not last. To avoid this, you should go for a shoe that is made with high-quality materials.
Final Thoughts
With our guide, finding shoes should no longer be a daunting task. The best restaurant work shoes provide better comfort, prevent your feet, and prevent slipping and serious injuries.
All the shoes on this guide are for restaurant workers, but our top recommendation is the Skechers McAllen Flex Food Service Shoe because it provides superior comfort and protection. It is designed to keep you safe on all types of surfaces, whether wet or oily.