man looking at a leather boot

The Best Shoes for Bartenders to Help You Last Your Shift

Bartending can be more enjoyable if you’re wearing the right kind of shoes for the job. Unfortunately, there are so many brands and styles available in the market. You may find it confusing and even exasperating to pick a pair that will suit your needs. You don’t have to worry because this review will help you choose one.

You can also check the buying guide to help you understand what factors you have to prioritize when choosing the best bartending shoes.

If you don’t have time to shop around, you may want to consider Dr. Martens 1460 Original Leather Boots. It’s a unisex pair that provides optimal comfort as you go about your bartending duties. The sturdy outsole is slip-resistant, so you have confidence that you won’t slip on the job.

The Best Shoes for Bartenders Are:

ProductDetails
1. Dr. Martens 1460 Original Leather Boots

  • Boots
  • For men and women
  • 100% leather
  • Air-cushioned, synthetic sole
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2. Crocs Bistro Graphic Clog

  • Clogs type
  • For men and women
  • 100% Croslite
  • Synthetic sole
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3. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top Sneaker

  • Sneakers
  • For men and women
  • Canvas upper
  • Rubber outsole
  • Ortholite insole
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4. Skechers Ghenter Bronaugh Work Shoe

  • Rubber shoes
  • For women
  • 100% mesh upper
  • Rubber sole
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5. Skechers Work Sure Track - Trickel

  • Rubber shoes
  • For women
  • 100% leather
  • Rubber sole
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6. Skechers Cessnock Food Service Shoe

  • Rubber shoes
  • Mesh upper
  • Rubber sole
  • Bungee laces
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7. Dansko XP 2.0 Clogs

  • Work shoes
  • For women
  • 100% leather
  • Rubber sole
  • American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance
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1. Dr. Martens 1460 Original Leather Boots — Best Shoes for Bartending

Dr. Martens Womens 1460W Originals Eight-Eye Lace-Up Boot, Black, 8 M US/6 UK

Dr. Martens 1460 Original Boots is a unisex pair of shoes that has almost a plastic-like appearance. The leather is too smooth, but it’s fashionable. It molds to the feet, and even though it’s stiff, it is more comfortable to walk in with constant wear.

I like that it provides excellent ankle support, and the sole is slip-resistant. Anyone working behind the bar will understand the significance of the AirWave sole.Its downside is in its sizing because it runs bigger. Bartenders can opt for a smaller size than their actual foot measurements.

Specs

  • Sole: Rubber
  • Material: Synthetic and textile
  • Size: 7-15 (US)

Pros

  • Goodyear welt construction
  • Shock-absorbing and slip-resistant sole
  • Outstanding ankle support
  • Comfortable to wear all day long

Cons

  • Runs large
  • Requires longer break-in time
  • Extra stiff leather

If you’re searching for the best shoes for bartenders, you may opt for Dr. Martens 1460 because you’ll have a pleasant experience wearing it. The very soft, inorganic rubber sole is oil and fat resistant.

You don’t have to worry about slipping as you go about your bartending duties. The durable sole won’t give you any issue about replacing it for a long time. It’s an excellent pair for men and women alike.

Overall Rating – 4.5

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2. Crocs Bistro Graphic Clog — Comfiest Clogs

Crocs Unisex Bistro Graphic Clog Mule, Black/Multi, 7 US Men / 9 US Women

Crocs is a famous brand because every pair of shoes coming from the shoe manufacturer is versatile and durable. For the hectic and busy bar, the Crocs Bistro Graphic Clog is a perfect complement. Its slip-resistant outsole offers an excellent grip to avoid accidents that are waiting to happen.

Some people don’t like the clog’s appearance because it isn’t fashionable. However, the pair offers unquestionable comfort because of its Croslite material.

One disadvantage of the Crocs Bistro Clog is that it doesn’t have famous ventilation holes that make the brand world-renowned. Wearers may sacrifice airflow and breathability, but they have optimal protection. The enclosed toe box and thicker material protect the feet from spills and broken glasses.

Specs

  • Clogs type
  • For men and women
  • 100% Croslite
  • Synthetic sole

Pros

  • Lightweight and supportive for long shifts
  • Quick cleaning and drying
  • Slip-resistant soles
  • Protects the feet from spills
  • Contoured footbeds for optimal comfort

Cons

  • No side vents
  • Runs small

If you’re after comfort and maximum support, you can try the Crocs Bistro Graphic Clog. You’ll like its roomy fit and cushioned footbed because it cradles your feet with its unique contoured design. It’s a durable pair at an affordable price. You can depend on these clogs to provide excellent traction for a long time.

Overall Rating – 4.6

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3. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top Sneaker — Most Versatile Pair!

Converse Clothing & Apparel Chuck Taylor All Star Canvas High Top Sneaker, Optical White, 8.5 Women/6.5 Men

This iconic Converse Chuck Taylor High-Top sneaker is versatile, comfortable, and easygoing. It has a neat and clean look, and it can fit any occasion. Some people even wear them for weddings. It’s possible to insert cushioned insoles for individuals who want a cushioned pair. I like these high-top shoes because of the breathable canvas uppers. The soles offer a good deal of traction too.

One issue worth considering is that because it’s canvas, it won’t offer much protection against spills. However, it’s also quick drying because it’s fabric, so even if it gets wet, it will dry quickly. The vents on the sides allow air to flow around the shoe too.

Specs

  • Sneakers
  • For men and women
  • Canvas upper
  • Rubber outsole
  • Ortholite insole

Pros

  • Air vents
  • Lightweight and breathable
  • Affordable
  • Timeless style
  • Outstanding grip

Cons

  • Won’t protect against spills
  • Lacking in arch support

If you’re after versatility and affordability, your top choice will be the Converse Chuck Taylor High Top. You can pick several colors that you can mix and match with your outfits. If you need arch support, you can also use those cushy inserts for a more comfy feel. The rubber sole offers excellent grip and works well on any surface.

Overall Rating – 4.7

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4. Skechers Ghenter Bronaugh Work Shoe — Most Efficient in Slippery Floors!

Skechers Work Ghenter - Bronaugh Black Mesh/Water/Stain Repellent Treatment 8.5

Bartenders have to protect themselves from accidents behind the bar. The Skechers Ghenter Bronaugh work shoes offer excellent traction and grip. It’s suitable for slippery or moist surfaces, so our lady barkeep can work smart and quick. I like that these shoes make her confident and comfortable with every stride and glide.

The Skechers Ghenter Bronaugh is also the most efficient work shoes suitable for women barkeepers. If I’m to cite a flaw, it will be its insufficient arch support, but there’s a quick solution to it. They can buy insole inserts for a more comfy and snug fit.

Specs

  • Rubber shoes
  • For women
  • 100% mesh upper
  • Rubber sole

Pros

  • Slip-resistant
  • Comfortable and lightweight
  • Easy maintenance and breathable

Cons

  • Runs larger
  • May need additional gel inserts

Accidents can occur behind the bar every day, but you can prevent them by wearing Skechers Ghenter Bronaug work shoes. You have better control of your environment because of the extra grippy rubber soles.

These shoes also provide excellent traction, even on the most slippery surfaces. You can focus on concocting and service great drink mixes if you eliminate your concerns about the wet and slippery floors.

Overall Rating – 4.5

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5. Skechers Work Sure Track – Trickel

Skechers Work Sure Track - Trickel Black 7.5

The Skechers Work Sure Track Trickel offers excellent and top-notch performance. It’s a rugged pair of shoes with breathable mini perforated panels for the cooling effect needed by the most hardworking feet. I like its removable memory foam insoles because they offer optimal comfort. It also has the FlexSole midsole for shock absorption and ample cushioning.

Barmaids have confidence in serving their customers because they don’t feel any discomfort even if they have to stand for long hours. Sizes tend to be narrow, so women with wide feet may have issues with the fit. Fortunately, This pair of work shoes also offer a size that fits.

Specs

  • Rubber shoes
  • For women
  • 100% leather
  • Rubber sole

Pros

  • Memory foam insole
  • Breathable
  • Slip-resistant
  • No foot fatigue

Cons

  • Runs narrow
  • Not as long-lasting as the other models/brands

Bartending can be strenuous to feet because barkeepers have to stand a lot during their shift. They need shoes that provide maximum comfort, so they won’t have to deal with aching legs, knees, and ankles while tending to customers.

If you’re searching for the comfiest work shoes, you may find a gold mine in Skechers Work Sure Track – Trickel. You’ll like its memory foam insole because you don’t have to buy inserts for added comfort.

Overall Rating – 4.4

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6. Skechers Cessnock Food Service Shoe

Skechers Women's Cessnock Carrboro Food Service Shoe, Grey, 7

Bartenders have to think about their safety because they may experience injuries and accidents while doing their job. Skechers Cessnock is the appropriate shoe to prevent slips. It guarantees all-day comfort because of the breathable mesh uppers for improved ventilation. The bungee laces are time-saving, convenient, and can prevent tripping because there are no loose ends to tie.

I also like that it is easy to put on and take off, and its flexibility accommodates the whole feet. Another noteworthy thing is its slip-resistant outsoles that are very effective on wet or greasy floors. However, this pair isn’t without fault because it may not provide ample arch support. Fortunately, barkeeps can buy insole inserts to solve the issue.

Specs

  • Rubber shoes
  • Mesh upper
  • Rubber sole
  • Bungee laces

Pros

  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Slip-resistant
  • Ample grip
  • Breathable and stain-resistant uppers

Cons

  • Needs insole inserts

Skechers Cessnock Food Service shoes are the perfect option for bartending duties. They are for bartenders who want their footwear to be water-resistant and stain-repellent. This pair is excellent to wear during the winter because they are slip-resistant too. The relaxed fit, bungee lacing, and breathable mesh make this pair convenient and comfortable to wear.

Overall Rating – 4.5

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7. Dansko XP 2.0 Clogs

Dansko Men's XP 2.0 Mens Black Clog 9.5-10 M US

Dansko XP 2.0 is an improved version of the Dansko Professional. Its removable memory foam footbed offers excellent shock-absorption and cushioning. It also has a roomy toe box, even though it has a slim exterior. The outsole is slip-resistant, so bartenders don’t have to worry about slipping on wet surfaces.

I like that it has the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association to assure outstanding arch support. Barmaids, however, may take a longer time to break the pair in because they have to familiarize themselves with the fit. They have to buy a size bigger than their typical measurement to allow their heels to move up and down like they do when they walk with open-back clogs.

Specs

  • Work shoes
  • For women
  • 100% leather
  • Rubber sole
  • American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance

Pros

  • Padded instep for optimal comfort
  • Ultra-high shock absorption and stability
  • A lightweight midsole reduces feet fatigue
  • Removable footbed with Dansko Natural Arch technology

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Needs time for breaking in

Dansko XP 2.0 is a work-ready pair of clogs that you can wear while bartending. You’ll like the slip-resistant sole, rocker bottom, and slim silhouette. Another advantage of this footwear is that it has a removable footbed for your insole inserts. You may not even need them because this pair of shoes has a memory foam footbed for comfortable cushioning. Its TPU arch stabilizer provides outstanding arch support.

Overall Rating – 4.5

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Want To Pick The Best Shoes For Bartenders? Let This Buying Guide Help!

man looking at a leather boot

Many people choose a pair of shoes because it’s stylish, but they don’t even consider if it’s suitable for long hours of walking and standing. They fail to realize that footwear must have some qualities to protect them from unnecessary slips while bartending. This buying guide will help bartenders like you to choose the best bartending shoes.

Comfort

Searching for comfortable shoes must be your top priority because you have to stand for long hours. Your feet must not ache or feel sore during and after your shift. If your footwear doesn’t provide the necessary comfort, you’re exposing your feet and legs to pain and discomfort. Fortunately, some brands offer both style and comfort.

In picking your shoes, you have to ensure that they have adequate cushioning. EVA midsoles are very durable and highly resistant to extreme temperatures. You also have to consider breathability because you’re moving a lot for extended hours.

Breathable uppers allow the air to flow in and out of your shoes to provide better ventilation to your feet.

Slip Resistance

Your next consideration must be about your safety. Bartending is a tough job and requires professionalism. Your customers believe you’re capable, full of poise, and skilled. You have to opt for quality footwear that’s slip-resistant because you don’t want to fall flat on your back as you shuffle through orders.

Bars don’t have the driest floors, so you have to ensure that your shoes are ready for them. You can check for footwear with OB or CE safety certificates when buying your work shoes. Your chosen footwear must have a non-slip base, and it’s also essential that it’s spill-resistant.

Support

Your work shoes must offer substantial support from the uppers to the outsoles. They must have ample arch support to distribute your weight evenly. Your feet will be less prone to health issues in this way. When shopping for the best shoes for bartenders, you have to check if they offer arch support.

One way of checking if you’re getting the outstanding support needed for your job is to bend your shoes. If they deform quickly, they’re not going to meet your requirements.

Waterproofing

Ice will melt, and drinks may spill. Spilled water adds moisture on the floor, and it may seep through your shoes if they’re not waterproof. It’s discomforting if you walk around with wet feet while doing your job.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to suffer from pain and discomfort after your bartending duties because of your unsuitable footwear. You have to ensure that your chosen work shoes offer comfort and support. They must also be waterproof and slip-resistant to prevent any accidents on the job.

Many bartenders choose to wear Dr. Martens 1460 because its rubber sole is slip-resistant. Sometimes accidental drink spills and ice melts can occur, and they can make the floor moist or wet. You can slip if you’re not careful. With Dr. Martens 1460, you can go about your bartending duties without worrying about accidents and injuries, while still looking cool.