Standing for long periods of time is difficult for anyone. Add to that the heat from the cookware, the oven, or even the deep fryers in a restaurant kitchen, and it gets even worse. 8 to 13 hours of hard work can take a toll on the body, and it all starts with the feet. The Best Shoes For Kitchen Workers will not only save you from pain and suffering, but they will also protect you from the elements in the kitchen.
Before we get to the Best Shoes For Kitchen Workers if most of your work is on your feet, we need to identify what you should look for in kitchen shoes. Of course, depending on your work environment, the shoes should be comfortable, durable, made of high-quality materials, and have a non-slip grip. The options for kitchen shoes are seemingly endless, with a variety of styles to choose from. The key factors are comfort, protection, and quality. You will be spending a lot of time in these shoes, and they should be something that will last a long time.
If you have shoulder and back pain from standing in the kitchen for long periods of time, you will need shoes that are comfortable. They need to be comfortable when walking or standing for long periods of time, non-slip so you don’t slip on the floor, and heavy enough to protect you if you drop something hot or sharp on your feet.
Choosing the Best Shoes For Kitchen Workers can be difficult because every foot is different. This means that a shoe that fits one chef may not be the best for another. On this page, you will find tips on choosing Best Shoes For Kitchen Workers and a buying guide.
Also Read: Best Shoes For Gardening
Best Shoes For Kitchen Workers
Best Shoes For Kitchen Workers | Comparison Table 2022
Image | Title | Buy | |
---|---|---|---|
Dansko Women's, XP 2.0 Clog Black 36 M | Dansko | Check Price | |
Birkenstock Unisex Clogs Super-Birki - Black - Woman 8-8.5 / Men 6-6.5 | Birkenstock | Check Price | |
Crocs unisex adult Specialist Ii Clog, Black, 8 Women 6 Men US | Crocs | Check Price | |
Skechers for Work Men's Balder Clog, Black, 9 M US | Skechers | Check Price | |
Emeril Lagasse Men's Cooper Pro EVA Shoe, Black, 9 D US | Emeril Lagasse | Check Price | |
Dansko Men's Wynn Black Casual Shoes 11.5-12 M US | Dansko | Check Price | |
KEEN Utility Men's PTC Slip On 2 Low Height No Lace Chef Food Service Shoe, Black/Black, 11 Medium US | KEEN Utility | Check Price | |
Fila Men's Memory Layers Slip Resistant Work Shoe Food Service, Black, 9.5 | Fila | Check Price | |
Lugz Women's Stagger Lo Slip-Resistant Work Shoe Food Service, Black, 11 | Lugz | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Shoes For Kitchen Workers | Reviews 2022
1. Dansko Women’s, XP 2.0 Clog
- High quality leather uppers
- Slip on style for an easy on and off with a padded instep collar for added comfort
- Roomy toe box provides toe protection and allows plenty of room for toes to move comfortably
- Removable, dual density footbed includes Dansko Natural Arch technology, TPU arch stabilizer
- Lightweight midsole helps reduce fatigue for everyday wear and provides stability and high shock absorption
- Take workday comfort to the next level with this lightweight
- Protective heel counter provides easy movement and lateral stability
- Black 36 M
2. Birkenstock Unisex Clogs
- This compact shoe made from water-resistant and dirt-repellent polyurethane is also oil- and grease-resistant
- This extremely resilient material is washable at
- The Super-Birki from Birkis® is a great alternative clog for work or play
- The Birkenstock Super Birki Clog is an easy-care clog that can be worn for just about anything. Gardening to professional work and even in your free time
- The wide array of colors that the Super Birki is available in makes it highly
- Tillys Is Your Destination For The Latest Drops From Birkenstock
- and fashion to become an essential shoe in every man and womans spring/summer wardrobe
- Super-Birki - Black - Woman 8-8.5 / Men 6-6.5
3. Crocs unisex adult Specialist Ii Clog
- THE PERFECT WORK CROCS: Do your shoes live up to your career specialty? The Specialist II Clogs are the Crocs work shoes men and women need because they are perfect for long days and nights
- EASY TO CLEAN: Crocs Specialist II clogs are easy to clean by just using soap and water and allowing for a quick dry
- WHAT SIZE SHOULD I BUY?: These Crocs for work offer a roomy fit and we recommend ordering a size down to the next largest whole size
- THICK CONSTRUCTION FOR TOE PROTECTION: The Crocs At Work collection was designed with nurses, chefs and handworkers in mind. The thicker toe and metatarsal regions protect feet from spills
- MASSAGE-LIKE EXPERIENCE: The contoured footbeds increase arch support while nubbed foam footbeds offer a massage-like experience. These work Crocs for women and men are a must for feet that work long hours
- Black, 8 Women 6 Men US
4. Skechers for Work Men’s Balder Clog
- Work clog featuring shock-absorbing padded footbed, padded collar, and OSHA-compliant slip-resistant outsole
- Ventilating ports at medial side
- 1 inch heel height
- Removable PU comfort insole
- Shaft measures approximately low-top from arch
- Work clog featuring shock-absorbing padded footbed, padded collar
- Legendary comfort in the SKECHERS Work Oswald-Balder clog
- Removable insole with arch support and perforations for breathability
- Black, 9 M US
5. Emeril Lagasse Men’s Cooper Pro EVA Shoe
- Oil & Slip Resistant: outsole provides superior traction on wet and greasy surfaces
- B.A.M. (Balance Active Movement) Memory Foam Insole: provides 24 hour comfort
- Comfort Midsole: molded EVA midsole provides maximum support
- Water & Stain Resistant: NeverWet system repels liquids and food
- Odor Resistant Lining: Agion treated breathable linings reduce odor, keeping the product fresh for an extended time
- molded EVA midsole provides maximum support
- This slip on shoe with stretch gore features full heel coverage for stability and support and a pull tab for easy on. These slip resistant work shoes feature
- Black, 9 D US
6. Dansko Men’s Wynn
- Slip-resistant outsole meets the highest standards of slipresistance
- All leather for easy wipe clean outter, additional cushioning and superiorshock-absorption built into the midsole
- Dansko Arch support built in for all day support and comfort perfect for someone on their feet
- Riveted shank construction provides stability,control and additional support
- Removable triple-density EVA molded footbed
- Subscribe for Discounts & Coupons Visit www.valentinosshoes
- boots and sandals from the worlds best brands
- Slip-resistant outsole meets the highest standards of slipresistance
- Black Casual Shoes 11.5-12 M US
7. KEEN Utility Men’s PTC
- SAFETY FIRST: Features a soft toe built to work in tough conditions and KEEN Patented Toe Protection, where the shoe outsoles wrap up and over the toes for ultimate protection
- COMFORTABLE: The PTC Slip On 2 features a combination of recycled PU (polyurethane), cork, and memory foam that contours to your feet and adjusts for the perfect cushioning throughout the day
- STABLE FOOTING: The oil- and slip-resistant non-marking outsoles keep your shoes on the ground so you can work with confidence; meets ASTM F1667-96 Mark II non-slip standards
- WORK ALL DAY: With features like a stability shank, elastic panel, and compression moulded midsole, you can work all day without breaking a sweat
- EXTRAS: Features a water- and stain-resistant leather upper, removable footbed, and leather lining
- Slip On 2 Low Height No Lace Chef Food Service Shoe, Black/Black, 11 Medium US
8. Fila Men’s Memory Layers
- SOLID PERFORMANCE: Durable textile and synthetic overlays to meet your occupational needs
- SUPERIOR TRACTION: Solid rubber slip resistant outsole - though designed to help prevent slips, you should always exercise caution on slick surfaces
- ALL DAY COMFORT: Made with our specialized COOLMAX fiber that keeps things cool, comfortable, and dry - this memory foam sockliner and midsole work in unison with the cushioned heel insert for additional comfort in every step
- RELAXED STYLING: Perforations for breathability and a lace up front closure for relaxed fit
- The soft memory foam cushioning and a slip-resistant rubber sole will help you stay comfortable throughout your shift. Features & Specs
- Feel comfortable without sacrificing performance and protection in your work day with the Fila Memory Layers slip resistant safety shoe
- Slip Resistant Work Shoe Food Service, Black, 9.5
9. Lugz Women’s Stagger
- Cushioned insole for added comfort
- Leather Upper
- Slip resistant rubber outsole, vulcanized
- Lace-up closure for an adjustable, secure fit
- Breathable lining
- Lugz Womens Slip Resistant Stagger Lo, a classic retro low profile work sneaker thats casual and cool. These lightweight and durable
- Padded collar with lace up closure
- Smooth lining with cushioned insole
- Lo Slip-Resistant Work Shoe Food Service, Black, 11
How To Choose The Best Shoes For Kitchen Workers | Unrivaled Guide 2022
Let’s take a closer look at each of these criteria to see the specifications considered when selecting the best chef shoes.
Practicality
Practicality includes a variety of sub-factors such as ergonomics, comfort, and design. With regard to ergonomics, choosing a chef’s shoe with ideal ergonomic qualities is very important for reasons other than comfort and safety. Choosing the right shoes can provide ergonomic support according to the unique needs of the user and the biological characteristics of the foot.
Also Read: Best Shoes For Disney World (Disneyland)
Ergonomics
- If chef shoes are ergonomic, they can meet many needs, including
- High-quality materials.
- Arch support for chefs with flat feet.
- Allow the feet and legs to move naturally.
- Shoes that are too narrow or do not provide the arch support needed can be detrimental to long-term health and cause significant long-term problems. Proper shoes can help prevent ligament damage in cooks and chefs and alleviate common, short-term problems such as calluses.
Wearing improper shoes may not be a problem in the short term, but in the long term it can cause significant damage to the lower extremities and lower back. Ergonomic shoes can improve circulation in the legs and hips and reduce the strain on the body. This applies to the bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments of the legs as well.
Also Read: Best Shoes For Security Guards
Comfort
Comfort is incredibly important to the practicality of work shoes. Chefs spend anywhere from 8 to 12, or even 14 or more hours a day in the workplace, unless their working hours are short. Most of this time is spent standing or moving. In uncomfortable shoes, chefs can become distracted and make mistakes. Mistakes in the kitchen environment never bode well.
Orthopedic shoes, however, may be an exception to this rule. The fit is often poor. However, this discomfort also has the purpose of improving non-deforming problems such as poor posture. Shoes that are properly sized and made of high-quality materials are generally more comfortable. But even here there are exceptions. If possible, leaders should try on shoes before buying them, or at least buy them from a place like Amazon where they can be returned.
Design
Whether chefs buy slip-on shoes (like all the options we tested and suggested as best) or lace-up work shoes, it is essential to choose shoes that are appropriate for the work environment they will be wearing. If it tends to get hot in the back of the kitchen on a regular basis, breathable shoes are the best choice. Our own research and testing has shown that slip-ons are generally superior for chefs. However, some chefs simply prefer the comfort and support of lace-up shoes.
Another important aspect of the design is the weight of the shoe. The shoe must be comfortable and flexible above all else. Ideally, they should not be too heavy and cumbersome. Heavy shoes tend to wear out faster. Chef shoes should allow for quick and easy movement in a busy kitchen.
Also Read: Best Shoes For Heel Pain
Functionality
Functionality includes several other sub-factors such as material, breathability, water resistance, grip, and cleanability.
Moisture needs to evaporate. When moisture does not evaporate easily, shoes quickly become uncomfortable. More worrisome than discomfort is that damp environments, such as sweaty socks and the inside of shoes, can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
Material
Shoes made of high-quality breathable materials eliminate this problem by allowing the feet to breathe. Improved breathability also allows moisture and perspiration to drain out of the shoe while protecting the feet. Breathability is an incredibly underrated aspect of high-quality chef shoes and something that should be considered heavily when performing due diligence and finding the best chef shoes.
Water Resistance
It is important to wear water-resistant (and in some cases, waterproof) shoes in the kitchen. For safety reasons, at a minimum, the upper sole of the shoe should be able to withstand significant moisture. In a busy kitchen, the chef is constantly near hot oil and boiling water. Therefore, the risk of catastrophic spillage is always present.
Such accidents must be avoided at all costs. However, even the most skilled chef will sooner or later run into a situation where the possibility of a spill is inevitable. The environment is very fast and unpredictable. In poor-quality shoes, hot cooling oil, melted animal fats, and boiling water can enter the shoe and cause serious damage to the foot. Purchasing waterproof and water-repellent shoes can reduce this risk.
Also Read: Best Shoes For Dancing
Grips
One of the most common kitchen mishaps is a slip-and-fall accident. While such accidents are sometimes unavoidable (see above, Spills are inevitable in such a fast-paced environment), they are often the result of ignoring safety rules or being poorly defined.
Leaders should always wear grippy, non-slip shoes. That way, if a spill does occur, they will be able to keep their feet on the ground and respond appropriately. That’s why all of the chef shoes we offer have a strong grip.
Ease of maintenance
Our top-quality chef shoes for the kitchen are quick and easy to clean. With constant use, dirt can quickly accumulate on shoes in the busy kitchen environment. It doesn’t matter if the chef starts with a new pair of shoes. By the end of a long day’s work, they are soiled with stains and spills.
Most chef shoes require daily care: putting them in the dishwasher, rinsing them with a hose, and wiping them with a cloth. That’s why they need to be quick and easy to clean.
Also Read: How To Choose The Right Shoes
FAQs
How should I care for my chef’s shoes?
To clean the shoe uppers, remove dirt and spills with a light brush and a damp cloth. To clean the outsole, spray with a garden hose and allow the shoes to dry thoroughly. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for thorough cleaning of chef shoes. Some leather shoes cannot be soaked in water, but clogs can be simply thrown in the washing machine to clean.
Are hard-toed shoes important to chefs?
Chefs are not required to wear open-toed shoes. This is usually a personal preference and can sometimes depend on the design and comfort of the shoes. For some leaders, depending on the nature of the job, steel-toed shoes may provide better protection. For example, someone who uses large knives all day long in meat processing or who cooks large quantities of food using large, heavy utensils may benefit from the protection provided by steel-toed shoes.
Should other kitchen staff wear chef shoes?
Chef shoes were developed to make working in the kitchen safer. Anyone who needs to work in the kitchen on a regular basis should wear chef’s shoes for their own and others’ safety.
Also Read: Best Shoes For Elderly Women
Conclusion
Proper kitchen footwear is essential, whether or not workplace rules require it. Professional chefs can avoid accidents and focus on their skills and the quality of their work with proper footwear.
Best Shoes For Kitchen Workers should be durable, slip-resistant, and made of breathable materials. If the shoes have all of these elements, they are the perfect solution to the daily challenges of the demanding profession of the chef.

Hi, I am Brian, Lives in Mooresville, North Carolina, and Went to The University of Texas at Austin, I am a shoe lover & know the inside out of shoes. I am well aware of the qualities of top-quality boots. That’s what I’m sharing with the reader of About Shoes/boots/footwear. Read More Here
Leave a Reply