Restaurants can get busy any time of the day for hosts, chefs, servers and bartenders, so having the right shoes is necessary to walk and stand for a long time. From taking orders to prepping meals, restaurant workers are moving in every direction.
Service workers require comfort and support when it comes to moving plates, seating customers and cleaning tables, as their feet can become swollen after a long shift.
Three chefs gave Shop TODAY their expertise on what type of footwear is essential to provide great hospitality and keep your feet from swelling by the end of the day.
From grippy outsoles for stability to the importance of shoe color, this is what they said about choosing the right service footwear.
What shoes are best for servers? | Materials and features to look for | Best shoes for servers | Editor-approved shoes | How we chose | Meet the experts
What shoes are best for servers?
Restaurants are full of hustle and bustle, and the right footwear is crucial to help avoid any type of accidents or falls. According to CEO of renowned Slutty Vegan, Pinky Cole, non-slip shoes are the best for people running a business, including servers, hosts and chefs.
"I always look for shoes with non-slip [out]soles because our kitchens can get slippery. Comfort is another big deal — we’re on our feet all day! So, cushioned insoles and supportive design are must-haves. And don’t forget durability; these shoes must withstand the daily grind," says Cole.
What features should restaurant workers look for in footwear?
Restaurant employees spend long hours on their feet (just like nurses), so comfort is key. According to the executive chef at CordeValle, Nicola Cavicchini, workers should prioritize "shoes with slip-resistant [out]soles, cushioned support and water/stain resistance to ensure safety, comfort and hygiene in the fast-paced restaurant environment."
"As a chef, for the back of the house, we always look for three things in footwear — comfort, safety and durability," adds the executive chef and vice president of food and beverage at Serenbe, Nicolas Bour.
Color wise, Cavicchini tells us, "While it is not a strict requirement, black shoes are often preferred for their versatility and ability to hide stains."
Besides, black shoes contribute to a polished look throughout the workday. Cavicchini adds, "This choice aligns with the resort’s commitment to providing guests with a sophisticated dining experience, reflecting the attention to detail and high standards upheld by CordeValle’s team members."
Best shoes for servers, according to experts
Podiatrist-approved: Brooks Addiction Walker 2
- Comfortable for walking
- Very roomy
- They squeak a bit
Size: 5-12 (medium, wide, narrow and extra wide) | Colors: 2 | Material: Rubber outsole
Many podiatrists and foot surgeons recommend Brooks for their outstanding performance. In a recent article from Shop TODAY, Dr. Priya Parthasarathy said that Brooks holds "one of the highest numbers of acceptances in their shoes" when it comes to a Seal of Acceptance by the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Whether you run, work at a restaurant or need extra support, Brooks is meant to assist your work hours.
Safety first: Birkenstock Kay SL
- Great support
- Open back
Size: Women 4-12.5 and Men 6-13.5 (Medium and narrow) | Colors: 2 | Material: EVA, leather and rubber
Birkenstocks are praised for their comfort and supportive features. Even Cavicchini wears this pair and he says these "are the best in my opinion and very reliable."
"It has a bit more cushion than the regular Birkenstock Tokio Super Grip, but the Kay SL has a more comfortable backstrap that helps keep the shoe steady while moving quickly in the kitchen," adds Cavicchini.
Protect the tootsies: Sika Footwear
- Sturdy construction
- Breathable
- Size inclusive
- High price point
Size: Women 5-13.5 and Men 6-15.5 | Colors: 1 | Material: Birchwood insole
"I have been wearing traditional chef clogs with wooden insoles, my favorite brand is Sika. I own three pairs that generally last three years," says Bour.
This pair is slip-resistant, breathable, comfortable and overall, restaurant-ready. The brand caters to chefs who are standing for long hours and this one is fit for someone who need wiggle room are around the toes.
Ready for any kitchen mess: Blundstone All-Terrain Clog Black Premium
- Slip-resistant
- Unisex
- High price point
Size: 4-14 | Colors: 2 | Material: Leather upper, Vibram outsole
While Cavicchini doesn't own this pair, he says this is the next one on his footwear repertoire. The brand is known for its sturdy construction and reliable outsole. This style is waterproof and has a grippy outsole that can be worn in snowy terrain, slippery kitchens or sticky indoor environments. Plus, they're specifically engineered to be worn in the hospitality industry.
Editor-approved shoes for restaurants
Ready to serve: Timberland Burbank Slip-On Soft Toe Work Shoe
- Very grippy
- Easy to put on
- Toe box is a bit too roomy
Size: 3.5-15 | Colors: 1 | Material: Canvas upper, rubber outsole
Commerce editor Amanda Fama loves this pair from Timberland for its grippy and stain-repellent feature.
"I spent a few years during and after college in the service industry as a waitress, and I wish these shoes were invented at the time! I recently tried these out and can confirm they’re ideal for restaurant workers. Since there are no laces, they’re easy to slip on in a hurry, and the outsoles are super grippy. They’re also black, which every restaurant I worked at required amongst staff," adds Fama.
Cozy the entire shift: UGG Tasman x Slipper
- Secure-feeling style
- Removable insert
- May run small
Size: 5-12 | Colors: 2 | Material: EVA, plush insole
“I got these in black for Christmas before I started working at a restaurant and now that I do, they are the only ones I wear to work! I can wear them for eight hours long and I feel secure in them as I run all over the restaurant," says Shop TODAY photo editor Vivian Le.
These are comfortable, cozy and feature a removable sock for extra cushion.
Perfect for long hours: Vionic Miles II Sneaker
- Very supportive
- Last a long time
- Can be narrow for some
Size: 5-13 | Colors: 7 | Material: Durable rubber outsole
I own the white iteration of this pair and it's one of the best sneakers I've worn. The style offers the necessary features such as arch support, breathable fabric and a rubber outsole to withstand falls. While some reviewers shared that they work out with them, I use these specifically for long walks.
As a journalist, I have to run around New York City and to different events. And while I don’t work in the service industry, I spend hours moving around, commuting on the train and walking to meetings. These shoes have withstood any foot pain and are very reliable for all-day comfort.
Support at every step: Hoka Kawana 2
- Offer great support
- Ideal for all-day wearing
- Feel big
Size: 5-11 | Colors: 4 | Material: Gum rubber outsole
While I am not a fan of the color, I strictly work out in these shoes. Besides their trendy reputation, Hokas provide comfort, support and shock absorption, which makes them ideal for food service workers.
Podiatrist Dr. Miguel Cunha once told Shop TODAY that Hokas are best for people with wide feet, and that they feel "surprisingly lightweight."
Reliable and ready to rumble: Klaw 528: Kuiper Black
- Great arch support
- Very comfortable
- Ideal for long walks
- Can crease easily after wear
Size: 6-11 | Colors: 7 | Material: Leather upper, outsole not specified
With a completely black design, these shoes are great if you want to disguise any dirt. I own this pair in blue and white, and they're my favorite pairs to wear at the office, park, travel and beyond.
Klaw sneakers are designed with their Biomechanic System which benefits foot and back health. They have superior arch support and I've worn them for over eight hours in a day. They've helped me with initial foot pain and they're my all-time favorites.
How we chose
We selected a handful of sneakers based on comfort and supportive features recommended by our editors. We also added pairs with non-slip outsoles as recommended by industry experts, as these shoes resist most restaurant conditions. Black sneakers were selected for this piece as this type of footwear is versatile, comfortable and easy to pair with many uniforms.
Meet the experts
- Nicolas Bour is the executive chef and vice president of food and beverage at Serenbe.
- Nicola Cavicchini is the executive chef at CordeValle.
- Pinky Cole Hayes is a Jamaican-American restaurateur, author, community activist, and owner of the Slutty Vegan restaurant chain and Bar Vegan in Atlanta, Georgia.
