Whether you work at a hip, trendy fast food joint or a fine dining establishment, it’s an absolute fact that you’ll be on your feet for most of the day (or night). It doesn’t matter if you are a waiter, server, host, manager or the trusted bartender, all these types of jobs can be really tough for anyone. With all the dashing about between food and customers and running around a wet, slippery surface, wearing the incorrect type of shoes can be a very huge and painful mistake.
Top Rated Slip Resistant Shoes for Waiters and Waitresses
Everyone knows that cheap shoes wear out easily and leave you exposed to greasy work surfaces. After that, it’s only just a matter of time till you take a nasty fall and sprain your ankles or worse; dump a food tray on a customer. Instead of risking your limbs and your job too, why not invest in a decent pair of non-slip work shoes? Footwear made for the service industry should not only feel good and give you all the cushioning and support you need, they should also protect you from slips and falls no matter how treacherous the terrain may be. If you’re ready to take the leap without the slip, then here’s some of the top quality slip resistant work shoes for restaurant servers this year.
Shoes for Waiters
1. Dansko Men's Wayne
If you’ve been paying attention to recent footwear trends in the service industry, you’ll notice that some brands have been gaining more traction (pun intended) than others. There’s clearly a good reason why nurses, waiters, servers, and bartenders all seem to be wearing something from Dansko. It could be the fact that Dansko has been around for a while and know their stuff inside out. Or perhaps it’s because of their Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association. Whatever it is, our boys over at the food industry definitely love the Dansko Men's Wayne Slip-On for those wet, messy and slippery jobs.
These Waynes are a much sportier version of Dansko’s preferred original style; you can tell that they are built to be overworked. The Dansko Men's Wayne Slip-Ons come with full-grain leather uppers that carry the durability and flexibility that we have all come to love and expect from Dansko. Inside, you are guaranteed of total comfort and superior cushioning with every step thanks to a removable EVA insole and polyurethane midsoles. However, it’s the outsoles that really pushed this shoe all the way to the top of our list. The Wayne Slip-On is finished with a high-traction, slip-resistant Nitrol rubber sole that is engineered to help you keep your footing in a wide range of unfriendly terrain.
2. Dr. Scholl's Proudest
When you hear the name Dr. Scholl, you can be sure that your feet are in safe hands. These guys have dealt with so many shoes that they are officially certified footwear doctors. Today, we check out their newest release that is made for a different kind of working man. If you’re searching for a shoe that is virtually slip-proof and still looks smooth, sleek and official, then you’ll love hearing about the Dr. Scholl's Men's Proudest Work Shoe. With a classic look and a lace up design, this is the ultimate formal shoe for the savvy worker. Still not convinced that this is the true non-slip shoe for the classic man? Then check out some of the top features you can expect from this bad boy.
First off, you can tell just how great a shoe is by looking at the exterior. The Dr. Scholl's Shoes come with sleek, black leather uppers that are absolutely waterproof and easy to clean. Both very important factors if you’re working in a messy environment and are expected to observe cleanliness at all times. Another winning feature of this shoe is the synthetic sole that literally stands head and shoulders above the competition. This simple, patented lock step outsole is slip and oil resistant and meets SATRA TM63 as well as TM144 standards.
3. Dockers Men’s Gordon Oxford
If we’re talking about footwear that is anywhere near the formal genre, then no list complete without a classic Oxford for the modern man. If you want to be well protected on the job but don’t want to sacrifice your comfort or spare those good looks, then Dockers has just the thing for you. Introducing the professionally sleek and rigid footwear with just enough flexibility for waiter jobs, the Dockers Gordon Work Shoes may just be where your search ends. But is this just another elegant office shoe or can it really handle the day to day rigors of a wet, messy and grimy floor? Let’s dig a little deeper here.
As always, you can tell if a shoe is made for a waiter by the uppers. Keeping in mind that you need as much durability and protection as you can get without sacrificing comfort or flexibility, the Shoes come complete with full leather uppers with an elegant moc toe stitching. Sometimes, the workplace can get really hot and sweaty; that’s why you need a shoe that will let your feet breath. The dressy shoes incorporate a breathable leather lining just for those purposes. The final touch comes with its APMA seal and synthetic rubber outsole that can handle anything the average workplace can throw.
4. Dansko Jackson Loafer
We’ve already seen one masterpiece from Dansko today, but have we really looked at who the brand is and what they stand for? First off, Dansko is wholly dedicated to letting you do your own thing and still feel good even after a whole day of standing, walking and rushing about on your feet. Thanks to their shoes legendary comfort and excellent arch support, waiters and all our boys in the food and beverage industry can dash about confidently without having to worry if they’ll end up on the floor. Today, we’ll be checking out the second release from Dansko by the name of Dansko Jackson Slip-On Loafer.
There’s no real subtle way to put this; Jackson hands down the king of men’s footwear. The Dansko Jackson Loafer says it all with the perfect look for casual dress settings as well as dress styles. These bad boys employ the use of antique leathers to keep things as safe and as classy as possible. The uppers are also welted for an unexpected touch of style and aesthetics while the interior incorporates a state of the art footbed for incredible comfort levels. The final touch comes in the form of the slip-resistant outsoles that provide you with all the traction you need to remain rooted in place throughout the day.
5. Klogs Edge Clog
Let’s face it guys; there are times when you need something free and easy going for your feet. After all, a slow shift at a small pizzeria hardly compares to happy hour at Apple Bees. In these cases, you really need a shoe that won’t get in your way but is still comfortable and supportive enough to let you stand all day with ease. Of course, you can’t wear flip flops to work no matter how attractive and super plush they may be. However, you can wear the next best thing; the Klogs Men's Edge Comfort Casual Clog.
The Edge Comfort Clog not only let you enjoy long-lasting comfort without all the fuss, but they also offer a lightweight alternative to other bulkier, full, lace-up non slip shoes. So, how do you know that these clogs are made for our boys in the food service industry? Simple, for starters, you’ll notice that the uppers are made from polyurethane which is popular for its quick and easy clean capabilities. The outsole is also made of the same material. The only difference is that the sole is fully slip and oil resistant as well as non marking and shock absorbent for those rough and unfair work days.
6. Dr. Scholl's Harrington II
Having already seen one piece of footwear art from the Doc, I’m sure you already know what to expect. The reason why each and every product that the brand touches turns to gold is because these guys have dealt with so many shoes that they are officially certified footwear doctors. Today, we check out their more sturdier release that is made for a different kind of working man. If you’re searching for a shoe that is virtually slip-proof and doesn’t skimp out on the protective and durability aspects, then you’ll love hearing about the Dr. Scholl's Men's Harrington II Work Shoe.
You can tell that these mean kids are made for kitchen warfare just by looking at the uppers. The rugged leather uppers scream tough and guarantee a very long life span for your shoes. The lace up design also ensures a sure and secure fit that won’t come undone for anything. Underneath the rugged leather uppers a Dri-Lex moisture wicking lining and Microbe shield that all work together to keep your feet fresh and sweaty odors at bay. All these rest on a cool fit memory foam and anti-compression insole that keeps your feet walking on clouds all day long. As always, you can rely on Dr. Scholl's independent testing labs to dish out outsoles that are slip, oil, and water resistance as well as SATRA and TM144 standards compliance.
Work in the Restaurant Without the Fear of Slipping or Falling
Any type of restaurant work can be tough. But if you’re running around the kitchen, or dashing between food service and customers, wearing the wrong shoes can be an expensive and painful mistake. Cheap shoes wear out easily and slip on wet or greasy work surfaces, which can then lead to severe injury and even termination. But choosing the right work shoes on your own can almost be as big of a pain as the inevitable sprained ankle the cheap ones will cause after a few weeks of wear. Fortunately, we’ve already done the sorting for you!
Shoes for Waitresses
1. Alegria Keli
There’s one thing that female nurses and waitresses have in common; they’re always looking for a shoe that is as comfy as it is functional and stylish. While it’s quite rare to get both, there are certain brands that have managed to create a seamless blend of the two elements. Whether you’re a lead nurse in a busy emergency hospital wing or a waitress at a crowded local, Algeria shoes are the ideal match for ladies who spend their feet all day. Like all the other women’s shoes from Algeria, users can expect all the benefits that come with Keli professionals.
The Keli Professional Shoe offers a stunning and highly conspicuous look thanks to the Keli print all over the uppers. The uppers are made of stain resistant Nappa leather with an embossed leather topping to make for one heck of a gorgeous shoe. These waitress slip ons also feature a perfect fit removable footbed that is made of latex and cork with a memory foam layer for the ultimate support and comfort. For the outsole, Alegria went ahead and made it using slip resistant polyurethane which helps keep you safe against falls, slips and also act as shock absorbers.
2. Merrell Work Jungle Moc AC + Pro
Having already seen a few things on what to expect from Merrell, we can already predict what their women’s shoes will look like. For those of you who are still not familiar with the brand, Merrell is known for their incredibly innovative weekend wear that is great for relaxing. Today, they've really outdone themselves with a release made for the working woman; the Merrell Jungle Moc Slip Resistant Shoes. These mean girls not only let you put a little weekend in your workday, but they also let you look damn good doing it too.
These rugged and highly versatile mocs are casual, yet professional with fully rugged leather uppers for optimum durability levels. But don’t be fooled by the tough leather, these babies are as flexible as any footwear can be so as to allow waitresses and serves enough flex throughout the foot. When it comes to comfort, Merrell is no stranger to what customers want. The Slip Resistant Work Shoes come fully complete with padded collar for secure, firm grip to the ankles as well as a removable Ortholite cushioned insoles that offer an added touch of comfort.
3. KEEN Utility PTC Oxford
Hands up if you work in any of the following industries; are you a nurse, doctor, grocery worker, cleaner, waitress or generally spend all day on your feet? If the answer is anywhere near a yes, then you’ll definitely love the KEEN Utility PTC Oxford Work Shoe. These women’s shoes were made to be the perfect fit for all-day comfort on the job. From top to bottom, the PTC shouts perfection, comfort, and functionality. But we still can’t help but ask if this is just another piece of eye candy from Keen or can we expect as much strength and performance as their heavy duty work boots?
Starting off our review are the breathable leather uppers that let your feet air out. Situations like kitchens and other service jobs can get really hot and sweaty. That’s why you’ll also love the odor resistant interiors. Similarly, the padded tongue and collar offer an added degree of comfort and fit with a five-eye lace closure for easy and convenient adjustability. Keen also went the extra mile to make sure that you never end up flat on your back by including a non marking, rubber outsole that performs to ASTM Mark II standards for oil and slip resistance.
4. Skechers Sure Track
Any savvy consumer knows that you have to know who’s selling you something before you shell out your hard earned money. Fortunately, everyone here undoubtedly knows who Skechers are and what they stand for. But just in case this is your first waitress job and you’ve never owned anything other than a neat pair of sneakers, then here’s a quick history. Skechers is a renowned global leader in the lifestyle footwear industry that develops, makes and designs products that appeal to a whole range of consumers.
Today, their latest release is clear evidence of why Skechers remains the top dog. If you’re looking to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, then check out the Skechers Sure Track Shoe. These mean girls are constructed using smooth, solid leather uppers that are not only highly durable, but also waterproof to keep any water, stew, soups or liquids away from your feet. For that extra bit of protection, Skechers incorporated protective leather toes and heel overlays in case something falls on your feet. Since your comfort is obviously important, these rugged shoes also come with memory foam topped cushions and removable insoles. As for the outsoles, you can rest easy knowing that they have been tested using the ASTM Mark II testing standards on clean red quarry tile to meet and exceed a result of 0.40 under wet and oily conditions.
5. KEEN Women's Mora Service Clog
Keen have gone and done it again, only this time, millions of women all over the world have something to be thankful for. Remaining true to their stated purpose, Keen continues to create versatile, original and innovative products that continue to inspire people. Most recently, their focus has shifted to working women who operate restaurants, servers and the food industry. Today, we’re talking about a shoe from Keen that is so popular with waitresses that it literally has the term service its name; the KEEN Mora Service Clog. Let’s dig a little deeper to find out if this is truly the ultimate service clog.
The Mora Clog boasts of rich, leather uppers that are as durable as they are flexible. Aside from the fact that your uppers are smooth and waterproof full grain leather uppers, the insides are comfortable and guaranteed to keep you happy all day. These shoes may be sleek and sophisticated, but they can really take a mean double shift at work. One feature that really gets our girls in the kitchen excited is the fact that the leather uppers have a wicking fabric lining to cool off the old walkers. The icing on the cake comes in the form of a non-marking, rubber outsole that provides you with all the traction you need to get through a slippery day at the office.
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