Good Kitchen Shoes

[Teysa]

As part of my uniform for the Alaska job, I need a pair of shoes. I'll be on my feet for about 15 hours a day so I need something that has both good support and is comfortable.

Could those of you who are in the restaurant business, recommend a good brand?

[PawnPrincess Ardra]

I'm not in the restaurant business, but I am on my feet for long hours, on a cement floor. I find Tevas and Merrills extremely comfortable with good support.

[dendawg]

www.shoesforcrews.com

You should be able to find something over there.

[Sonoma]

www.shoesforcrews.com

You should be able to find something over there.

Second, third, and fourth this suggestion. Great slip-resistant shoes. I wore them the last few years I was working in the restaurants. Saved me on many a freshly-mopped tile floor.

[KiaKat]

Dansko. They've got a lot of styles now, including some that aren't clogs. The beloved shoes of the restaurant, service, and medical industries. I've got four pairs, and I'll be getting a 5th as soon as I can. I also second Merrills, though they don't have hard-top shoes, and those are useful for kitchen work.

[Food Lady]

Walmart has Danskin shoes, which I wore at the fast food job. As for being on your feet 15 hours, get WalkFit orthotics. They are around $20 and I know Target has them. They are hard plastic, so you have to gradually get used to them. But before them, I was dying. I was in a factory with hard floors. After I got used to them, I could be on my feet forever with no foot/knee pain. One pair will last a year or so. I've been using them around 6 years. Best 20 bucks I ever spent.

[Seshat]

Some notes:

1. Non-slip soles. Absolutely.

2. An upper which will save your toes when (not if) a knife is dropped onto your feet.

3. Two pairs of shoes. Wear them on alternate days. The shoes get sweat, dirt, oil, etc embedded into them during the course of the day, and need no less than a full day of airing to dry out properly. When you can afford three pairs of shoes, that's even better.

4. Dubbin or other leather treatment (if leather shoes); or some other appropriate treatment for other shoe materials. Once a week, each pair of shoes should be cleaned and Dubbined (or whatever), and allowed to air for the day.
While doing this, check for repairs. Make sure the sole is still fully glued, that laces have aglets, that no seams are coming undone, that the inners are sound.

5. Cotton socks then thick socks. The cotton socks (or moisture-wicking socks, if you can afford it) will wick moisture away from your feet themselves. The thick socks will cushion your feet from irritation.

6. Rub your feet in sorbolene or some other good moisturiser before going to bed, and wear cotton socks or bedsocks in bed.

That'll keep your shoes lasting as long as possible, and protect your feet.

[Cookie]

Me and every chef I've known always wore Klogs brand shoes. They are THE most comfortable shoe I've ever worn. Most of my chefs got two pairs - one for work and one to wear everywhere else. They're made from a solid piece of rubber aside from the insoles, so they're very durable. They'll last about a year where on the other had if you cheap out on kitchen shoes, you'll get 3-6 months out of them. They have non-skids for kitchen use, which is what I always used. While shopping for them, I also saw they make shoes for nurses. They specialize in shoes for people who are on their feet all the time.

[Teysa]

Thank you for the suggestions everyone. I know from experience that even a four hour shift can seem like an eternity if your feet hurt.