The kitchen is a fast-paced environment that barely stops or slows down. Chefs and their teams will spend all day and night on their feet which is very tedious. Investing in the best kitchen shoes will help take care of your body both mentally and physically. However, it can be tedious to find and buy the right kitchen footwear. For that reason, this guide will provide a complete directory for finding the best chef shoes.
Why do you need kitchen shoes?
High-quality chef shoes allow the chefs and kitchen staff to work at a high-efficiency level while guaranteeing their protection and comfort. The chefs' shoes are comfortable, durable, spill and slip-resistant, protecting you from falling objects or heat. In addition, the best chef shoes are often are a requirement by most health and safety regulations.
Wearing the best kitchen shoes is an effective way to reduce a chef's risk of numerous kitchen injuries that may occur. A good shoe should be well-cushioned and have slip-resistant soles that will ensure that your feet are well-protected. While working in the kitchen, the chef's shoes are stable, breathable, waterproof, and provide extra arch support. Additionally, the shoes will help protect your feet from hot foods or liquids that spit while cooking.
Choosing the best chef shoes can be overwhelming with the numerous options in tha market. So we have analyzed the five best chef shoes to make your shopping much more manageable.
1. Dansko XP 2.0 Clogs
Dansko XP 2.0 Clogs are the best pitcher shoes for they are super comfy and stylish. The Dansko shoes are designed with 100% leather ensuring that the shoe is durable and stylish. The shoe also has a lightweight construction for maximum comfort as you walk around the kitchen.
Dansko XP 2.0 Clog also features patented slip-resistant soles that will provide a good grip on slippery or wet floors. It also has a memory foam footbed that will ensure you have enough comfort. In addition, these shoes are designed with removable inner soles with excellent arch support if you are working long shifts.
The other fantastic thing is that these right shoes have a padded instep collar that provides the comfort you need. Furthermore, the chef clogs have a roomy toe box that will offer stability and give you a more comfortable fit. What's more, this Dansko is a favorite to most people chefs and kitchen staff.
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2. Birkenstock Professional Unisex Profi Birki Slip Resistant Work Shoe
Birkenstock Professional slip-on chef shoes are super easy to put on and feel light on your feet. The Birkis are made with 100 % Polyurethane which makes them durable and pretty safe. These slip-on shoes are the proper kitchen footwear you could purchase if you are looking for comfort.
The Birkenstock Professional Slip Resistant Work Shoe features a removable cork-latex footbed that provides comfortability and stability. In addition, the removable insole of the shoe is designed with a shape that enables your body weight to be equally dispersed on your feet.
These slip-resistant shoes are a favorite to many kitchen staff because of their indestructibility and toughness. This way, you will not have to agonize about them tearing or wearing out. Additionally, these restaurant work shoes are the best options for professional and commercial kitchen staff.
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3. Crocs Men's and Women's Bistro Pro Literide Clog
Crocs Men's and Women's Bistro Pro Literide Clog is another tremendous professional chefs shoe that you could purchase. The shoe is made with 100% synthetic material which is durable and water-resistant. In addition, this shoe can resist scratches or scrapes that would damage other materials like leather.
The crocs bistro clog will offer maximum comfort and keep you safe as you work. The waterproof shoes feature a thermoplastic Elastometer sole that will give you superior comfort and flexibility. The crocs also have a heel strap that protects your heel against injuries.
These crocs are designed for people working in the food service department, hospitality and healthcare departments. These shoes are easy to clean since you only need to use soap and water to wash them. Furthermore, these are the best non-slip shoes in the market that will help reduce kitchen accidents.
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4. New Balance 626 V2 Industrial Shoe
The New Balance Work Shoe is the best kitchen shoe if yopu are looking for athletic-looking shoes that will work perfectly in the kitchen environment. These breathable shoes will offer the comfort and support you need as you work.
The New Balance work shoe has solid leather uppers that are super durable and stylish. The 626 V2 shoes are high-quality materials and feature a removable memory foam footbed that offers enough cushioning. In addition, this shoe has a non-slip outsole for traction, making them a safe choice for kitchen wear.
The New Balance is an excellent option for a person in the service industry, be it nursing or catering. More so, the outer sole of these shoes has shock absorption and is capable of withstanding extreme cold and heat.
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5. Skechers Women's Work Relaxed Fit: Felton - Albie SR Shoe
The Skechers Abie shoe is another perfect option if you are looking to reduce most slip and fall accidents in the kitchen. This is the right shoe that will offer excellent protection, especially working in a busy restaurant.
These popular shoes boast of their breathable leather upper that is super durable and stylish. This pair of shoes also feature memory foam insoles that will give you increased comfort and support. In addition, the shoe is designed with an enhanced grip technology, and it is stain resistant which makes cleaning it much more manageable.
If you are thinking of getting a shoe that will protect you from all the kitchen hazards, the Skechers Abie shoe is the right option. This shoe will not only offer comfort and support, but it will prevent slipping on wet or oily floors while still healing you save money in the long run.
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What Factors Should You Consider When Buying the Best Kitchen Shoes?
1. Comfort
The first significant factor is comfort. You will have this pair of shoes almost the whole day, and you have to ensure that they are comfortable to have on. To know how comfortable the chef shoes are, you will require to fit them and ensure they fit perfectly.
Proper footwear should have cushioned footbed, roomy toe box and non-slip soles to ensure that your feet are well protected and supported. Additionally comfort, it is recommended that you find a pair that fits your natural arch. The natural arch will promote comfort and also prevent feet and ankle sprains.
2. Protection
The other necessary factor to consider is the protection offered by the chef's shoe you are buying. Most of the best kitchen shoes can protect you from hot liquids and food or other hazardous items that may fall while doing your duties.
Moreover, the shoe should have a slip-resistant outsole that will prevent you from slipping on wet or greasy surfaces. The shoe should also have a solid upper that will help protect you against any falling items. Also, it would be prime if you got a water-resistant shoe so your feet are protected from water or any other liquid that may spill.
3. Material
The material used to make the shoe you are buying is also a factor you should consider. You will find that different chef shoes are designed using different materials, and the aim is to get the best. Starting with the upper, you first must ensure that the shoe has a breathable and durable upper. One of the best materials you could get is leather and rubber since they look stylish and still offer the protection needed.
The other factor concerning the material is you need to look at the material used to make the sole of the shoe you are buying. You will need to get a shoe with a material that is durable and is slip-resistant to protect you from slipping. However, you must get a lightweight material since you will have the shoe on most of the time.
4. Slip or Grip Resistant
When you are buying shoes, you must look for the ones that are fall resistant. Chances are, while you are in the kitchen, the may be spills of oil or water, which could cause slipping. Therefore you have to ensure that the shoe you purchase has a sole that is skid resistant. You can quickly tell the slip resistance in a shoe if it is designed with a soft rubber sole that grips on the floor, has tread patterns or has a large surface area.
5. Design
The design is an equally important factor that you should consider. It is necessary that if you work in the kitchen, you purchase a shoe that is appropriate for your work environment. Most likely, you will have to stand or walk around as yopu carry out your duties. Therefore you will need a comfortable shoe design; for example, it would not be comfortable to have flip-flops while working in a busy restaurant.
You also have to remember that yopu are working in areas that tend to heat up, so you need to get more breathable shoes. Additionally, you could opt for slips ons that are comfortable and easy to put on and take off.
6. Ease of Care
High-quality chef shoes should be straightforward to clean. The kitchen is one area that requires high hygiene standards, and your chef's shoes mustn't be left behind. Having a spilled or water-resistant shoe will be an added advantage since you do not have a hard time cleaning them. Also, yopu could opt for machine washable shoes.
Frequently Asked Question on the Best Kitchen shoes
1. Do arch support Work?
Yes, arch support works. Support will help prevent injuries or any performance-related problems. They are outstanding if you suffer from most foot issues and are prescribed by the most qualified experts.
2. Why do kitchen staff wear Crocs?
The best kitchen shoes in the current market today are the crocs. First, most kitchen staff enjoy having crocs on because they are breathable and slip-resistant. Second, these shoes feel comfortable to have on, and they will, in most cases, reduce the chances of tripping while working.
3. What are the recommended shoes for the foodservice industry?
It is recommended that if you want to purchase the best chef's shoes, you should look for the ones made of leather, rubber and steel toe material. These materials will ensure that you have maximum protection. Additionally, the material is long-lasting.
Image credit: chefspencil.com
