A high comfort level is something that you desperately require if you work as a waitress in any type of restaurant, diner, or coffee shop. Standing all day long in inadequate shoewear can take a toll on your overall health, which is why you should look to buy the most comfortable shoes for waitress your money can buy.
Waitressing is a job that involves a lot of stress to your feet and involves a lot of constant standing and moving, which can leave you worn out and exhausted. So if you are wondering which shoes for waitressing you should get in very rich today’s market, we got you covered.
We have put together a list of some of the best-reviewed shoes for waitresses that will provide you with a high level of comfort and get you through the working day.
Top Reviewed Picks of 2023
1. Skechers Women’s Squad Sr Food Service Shoe
Coming from the Skechers store, these shoes are a perfect solution if you spend hours serving in a restaurant. They are available in three different colors and a variety of sizes that will surely provide a suitable fit for you.
This shoe is very comfortable to wear, and its slip-on design is a very welcome feature for people working in retail and the service industry. They are excellent for walking and work perfectly for everyday use.
These shoes offer you an excellent lace-up design that grants you lots of comfort and space for your feet. They are made of 100% synthetic material and also feature a synthetic sole. Skechers Squad Sr foodservice shoes boast a low-top arch that will keep your feet comfortable even if you are wearing one size larger.
- Anti-slippery
- Excellent for all-day wear
- Highly breathable
- Durable
- Easy to slip-on
- They might get stained easily
2. Fila Women’s Memory Workshift
These Fila shoes are available in black and white colors and various sizes for you to choose from. This pair will provide you with an excellent level of comfort without sacrificing your work performance and the protection of your feet.
These shoes feature synthetic uppers with EVA midsoles that will grant you top-of-the-line comfort and breathability. They have non-slippery outsoles, which is very important in the restaurant field of work, providing you with excellent grip and stability.
Although the rubber outsole does provide excellent traction, you should still be very careful when moving on slick surfaces. The shoes are also equipped with a memory foam sock liner and midsole that will provide you with additional comfort throughout your working hours.
- Comfy uppers with EVA midsoles
- High breathability
- Excellent grip
- Not very flexible
3. HKR Women’s Walking Shoes
Coming from the HKR store, these comfy walking shoes are available in 11 colors and various sizes that you can choose from. This pair is a perfect solution for working environments such as restaurants, cafeterias, or diners.
They feature a rubber outsole that provides an excellent grip on your workplace, especially on very slick surfaces. HKR walking shoes will help you move your feet more naturally due to their breathable materials, technical membranes, and meshes.
These shoes feature elastic slip-on closure, which is an excellent solution for all users that are tired of lacing up their pair of shoes every time. They also provide you with excellent arch support, which is excellent news for everyone that has problems with plantar fasciitis, bunions, or any other type of feet pain.
- Excellent arch support
- Easy to slip on and off
- Superb traction
- Stretchable upper
- Some customers experienced discomfort in the toe space
4. Avia Avi-Union II Non-Slip Shoes for Women
Avia Avi-Union II is an excellent pair of shoes for everyone that has to stay on their feet for the bigger part of the day. They are available for purchase in black (castle rock) and white (chrome silver) colors, and you can choose from a variety of sizes.
For pressure point relief and increased comfort, these shoes have memory foam that forms the unique shape of your foot. The shoes are made using 100% synthetic materials in the upper and midsole.
One of the main advantages of this pair is that they are very light, which is what waitresses, nurses, and other professionals that spend their work shifts on their feet will greatly appreciate. They also provide you with excellent traction on hardwood floors, but you should avoid using them in the restaurant kitchen.
- Excellent traction on hardwood floors
- Very comfortable
- Lightweight
- Will not provide you with sufficient grip in restaurant kitchen areas
5. Clarks Women’s Emslie Lulin Pump
Clarks Emslie Lulin Pump is an excellent and versatile solution for all professional women working in the restaurant field. They come in black color and are available in various sizes, among which, you will surely find the pair that will suit your feet.
These shoes feature soft uppers that grant you excellent flexibility comfort and dramatically improve your ease of movement. The padding is done with a lot of care so that you can feel the softness surrounding your feet all the time during your shifts.
Lulin Pumps are very comfortable and go well with pants and skirts of various colors. They have simple hook-and-loop closure so you can adjust the fit according to your needs. The only downside is the fact that the straps are really short.
- Convenient hook-and-loop closure
- Ortholite footbed for maximum comfort
- They can be paired with various outfits
- Straps are too short
6. New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneaker
This comfortable and stylish model of New Balance shoes is available in 12 color patterns and various sizes for you to pick from. The shoe is designed to meet all the needs of active women that are required to stand and move around a lot during their working shifts.
It features REVlite foam, and some areas of it are exposed and serve as part of the outsole. FuelCore Nergize V1 also has rubber pods that are used in high-wear areas to protect against scratches. The construction is lightweight, which is something that waitresses will surely appreciate.
The REVlite midsole is designed to be very responsive and durable, and the shoe’s platform does an excellent job in providing shock absorption and stability. The upper is made using a textured mesh which is highly breathable and keeps the foot chamber ventilated.
- Excellent style and colorways
- Lightweight
- Excellent fit
- Highly breathable upper
- They might be tight in the midfoot section
7. Reebok Women’s Princess Sneaker
Reebok Princess is a versatile and durable shoe with simplistic but very appealing aesthetics. It is available in 12 different color patterns, and you can choose them in a variety of sizes. Princess sneaker offers a well-rounded performance and feels very comfortable throughout the whole day.
These shoes offer superb comfort for all-day use. They have a lightweight sole that offers that feels very soft and flexible while providing suitable shock absorption. One thing that does not sit well with these shoes is lackluster breathability, and they might often feel too warm.
Reebok Princess provides very good support. It features a gait-preserving sole unit which showed excellent signs in alleviating arch and back pains. It is an excellent pair of shoes that can be worn all day long without getting your feet tired and hurt.
- Supportive
- Do not require breaking in
- Orthotic-friendly
- Alleviating
- Too warn, breathability issues
8. Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure
Adidas Cloudfoam Pure provides you with a breathable and lightweight fit that will keep your comfort levels high no matter how long you have to stand and walk in them. The shoe is available in four color patterns and offers various sizes, among which you can surely find the perfect fit.
The upper is created using stretchable mesh material that allows better air circulation and provides a lightweight fit. Pull-tabs placed on the tongue and collar allow you to take them on and off easily. These shoes utilize two versions of the Clouddfoam technology – for the footbed and midsole cushioning.
The three-stripe logo was created from TPU and is placed on both sides of the shoe, and the overall classic yet modern design is perfectly suited for women, although monochromatic colorways could also work great as a unisex shoe as well.
- Provides adequate support for people that have plantar fasciitis or knee issues
- Lightweight and breathable upper
- Versatile and can be paired with various outfits
- Excellent quality of materials
- These shoes might be too wide for some users
9. Feethit Women’s Slip-On Walking Shoes
These lightweight and comfy shoes come from the Feethit store and are available in eleven different colors and various sizes. They provide you with high levels of comfort throughout long shifts and come at a very affordable price.
These sneakers are very easy to put on and off due to their sleek slip-on design. They feel very comfy whether you like to wear them with or without socks, and many users claim that they feel like you are wearing nothing at all.
The upper has more than 10 000 air holes that keep your feet fresh and provide excellent air circulation. The outsole is created using highly elastic EVA materials that provide pretty good grip, and ankle protection, and grant you suitable shock absorption. Feethit slip-on is an excellent cost-efficient solution for everyone that needs to stand or walk around through their working hours and is definitely worth checking out.
- Easy to slip on and off
- Highly breathable upper
- Elastic outsole
- Can have a strong chemical scent upon arrival
10. Shoes for Crews Revolution II
Revolution II is an excellent pair of shoes that provides excellent grip and comfort for every user that spends a lot of time on his feet during working hours. They come in black color and are available in various sizes among which you will surely find the right fit.
These shoes have very effective slip resistance features that provide you with excellent traction and keep you safe. They boast a new Revive midsole formula that grants you high levels of comfort, stability, and support.
The upper provides you with superior breathability and keeps your feet cool no matter how many hours you stand in them. Revolution II is designed to repel liquids from the surface, and its outsole grants you fluid movement on slippery surfaces.
- Waterproof
- Excellent traction
- Supportive
- Breathable upper
- Not very durable heel
Buying Guide
When you are browsing for shoes for waitresses, you should pay attention to tiny details. The pair should grant high levels of comfort, and outsoles must provide an excellent grip that prevents stumbling and any injuries that can come out of it. In the section below, we have listed some essentials that you should be aware of when purchasing such footwear.
Comfort
Since waitresses spend most of their working hours standing and walking, their shoes must be comfortable. If you have wide feet, pick the ones that can provide enough room for your toes. Always check the thickness, cushioning, and breathability since all of these factors are really important for the overall feel and fit.
Grip
Traction is one of the most important things to consider when buying a suitable pair of shoes. If the footwear does not provide enough grip, you are risking stumbling or falling. Therefore you should opt for the pair that provides quality outsoles that grant suitable traction.
Maintenance
Since these types of shoes are generally made of leather, mesh, synthetic, or other materials, you have to keep in mind that the pair you choose should be adequately maintained and cleaned. Leather shoes are probably the best choice as they are very easy to clean and do not require thorough maintenance.
The same can be said about shoes that are made of synthetic materials that can be cleaned with a single swipe.
Design
The design of the shoes for waitresses bears huge significance. It should be simple so the user can easily slip it on and off. The upper should be breathable and easy to clean since you will move around the kitchen area a lot and will often spill something on the shoe.
What are the best shoes to wear as a waitress?
The 10 Best Restaurant Work Shoes
- Dansko Professional. This clog is a favorite among many chefs.
- Dansko XP 2.0.
- Birkenstock Tokyo Super Grips.
- Birkenstock Professional Unisex Slip Resistant Work Shoe.
- Croc Bistro.
- Skechers Sure Track Work Shoes for Women.
- Skechers Flex Mcallen Slip-on.
- Merrell Jungle Moc Pro Work Shoes.
What shoes should I wear if I stand all day?
- Our top pick for standing all day: Nike ZoomX Invincible Run.
- Soft cushioning for standing all day: New Balance 1080 V12.
- Soft cushioning for standing all day: Asics Nimbus 24.
- Supportive cushioning for standing all day: adidas Ultraboost 22.
Best shoes for servers and bartenders
- Dansko XP Clogs.
- Dickies Apex.
- Birkenstock Professional Slip Resistant Work Shoe.
- Croc Bistro Clogs.
- New Balance 510v3.
- Sanita Clogs.
- Clove.
What is the best shoe for servers?
- Birkenstock Tokyo Super Grips.
- Birkenstock Professional Unisex Slip Resistant Work Shoe.
- Croc Bistro.
- Skechers Sure Track Work Shoes for Women.
- Skechers Flex Mcallen Slip-on.
- Merrell Jungle Moc Pro Work Shoes.
- Rockport Apron Toe.
- Keen Women’s Mora Service Clog.
What type of shoes should be worn in a food service establishment?
According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, restaurant workers should wear sturdy footwear that is slip-resistant and not canvas or open-toed to protect the feet in case hot liquids are spilled on shoes.
Are Vans good for waitressing?
Is Wearing Vans at a Restaurant a Good Idea? The simple answer is yes, so long as you wear a pair of non-slip vans. Various styles exist that are 100% safe and comfortable to wear on any given day. They are typically a good choice for many people who want shoes that are safe to wear.
Are Skechers good for waitressing?
These shoes from Skechers are great for work as they are breathable and stylish for servers (waitresses) and nurses. This high-quality and glossy pair of shoes feature a mesh covering for breathability, and memory foam that offers to cushion and support. It is also water and stain-resistant.
Why do kitchen staff wear Crocs?
Why choose Crocs restaurant and kitchen shoes? With long shifts on slippery and messy floors, kitchen workers need shoes for the task. Crocs shoes for kitchen workers, waiters, and waitresses are water resistant for easy cleaning and slip resistant.
Do waiters have to wear non-slip shoes?
The managers must wear shoes that are non-slip, but more formal as they don’t need to work constantly in the kitchen. As for waiters, they need flat, non-slip shoes with adequate foot protection because they are consistently walking throughout their shifts.
Do bartenders have to wear nonslip shoes?
‘ As bartenders, we notoriously take poor care of our bodies. If your bar shoes aren’t waterproof, it’s easy to fall into poor hygiene and even get fungal infections. Poor arch support, too, can lead to long-term back and knee problems. The most important thing is to make sure your shoes are non-slip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features are most important for a waitress’ shoe?
There are several important features to keep in mind when purchasing shoes for the waitresses. Firstly, they should offer sufficient grip and be slip-resistant. The second is the upper, which should be breathable and water-resistant.
The last very important thing is that they should provide sufficient cushioning and to be comfortable since you will spend a lot of time standing and walking in them.
How to pick comfortable shoes for waitresses when shopping online?
You need to find a reliable brand that manufactures such shoes, after which you should read the description of the product carefully and check the sizing chart. Look for shoes that have good reviews and ratings so you can be aware of the potential problems you might face.
It is also important to check the product’s return policy in case you are not satisfied with it and want to send it back.
How to ensure the proper fit when buying online?
Since different brands offer different standards for measuring shoes, it is essential to check their sizing charts and figure out the dimensions of each part of the shoe to get it right.
What shoes are best for being on your feet all day long?
The best shoes for being on your feet all day should give your feet enough room to breathe. The options that are suitable for this are the ones with shoelaces so you can properly adjust how tight or lose the shoe is during your working hours.
Recommendations from a Podiatrist on How to Choose the Best Restaurant Shoes
“A food web server is constantly on their feet and also can easily take over 10,000 actions a day at the workplace,” claims Cunha, including back-of-house workers typically stand on their feet the majority of their shift. “It’s vital to select footwear that is appropriately sized, comfy, helpful, shock-absorbent, and also slip-resistant.”
Identify Comfortable Non-Slip Restaurant Shoes
Cunha suggests acquiring shoes at the end of the day when your feet are most inflamed. “If they feel comfy at the end of the day more than likely they will certainly feel comfy throughout the day,” he discusses. Make sure the toe box is broad and sufficient to accommodate your toes with adequate room to somewhat wiggle.
Also, search for a comfortable footbed to sustain the arch with memory foam or an EVA (ethyl plastic acetate) anti-compression insole. “An outsole made of rubber will aid reduce the influence of each action far higher than a footwear with a tough sole,” he includes.
Search For Restaurant Shoes with Arch Support
One of the most common server injuries is sore feet. According to Cunha, this is usually triggered by putting on unsupportive shoes “Our feet normally pronate [walk with a lot of weight on the within side of the feet] throughout the gait cycle.
When we use unsupportive footwear, we pronate for a longer time period, which after that modifies the biomechanics and circulation of pressure and also weight across the foot,” he explains. “This inequality boosts the development of underlying foot deformities, such as bunions and hammertoes bring about the discomfort of the feet and also agonizing conditions, such as arch/heel pain, shin splints/posterior tibial tendonitis, as well as Achilles tendonitis.” This can proceed to knee pain as well as backaches.
Restaurant employees should find comfy, nonslip shoes.
Employees who stand for extended periods of time require good arc support, which will just as disperse body weight across the plantar (bottom) of the feet. Cunha’s straightforward means to examine if shoes are helpful is to attempt and bend them in half. If they bend, back on the shelf they go.
Make Certain to Purchase Non-slip or Non-skid Shoes
“Servers can fall over when they’re carrying plates and trays since they can not see where they are walking, or may slide, trip, and fall over floorings that have been soiled with water, stews, soups, as well as various other fluids,” he states. A slip can conveniently result in a severe ankle joint and/or leg strain, fractures, and also other serious injuries. Search for slip-resistant work shoes with high grip rubber outsoles.
It’s likewise important to consider whether a shoe is water-resistant or has tough uppers. Spills and dropped items prevail, and also protective footwear can avoid or lessen injury, and footwear with black natural leather or polyurethane uppers are not just waterproof but can likewise be cleansed conveniently and also promptly.
Final Words
When choosing a comfortable pair of shoes for waitressing, you should always put comfort in the first place and never compromise it by any means. Also, look for a non-slippery model to avoid any unnecessary stumbles and injuries.
We hope our guide will provide you with enough pieces of information to make an educated pick. Bear in mind all the features we have listed and look for second opinions because investing in a quality pair will carry you through numerous shifts and save you a lot of pain and discomfort.
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