Buying Chef Shoes

Footwear Considerations

Chefs need good shoes that are built with a variety of functions. Being comfortable enough to withstand extremely long shifts on your feet is only the beginning of the list of attributes good chef shoes should have. Whether you need extra grip, hardened toes or just plain comfort, there are shoes out there for your needs in the kitchen.

Anti-slip Sole

One of the most important factors of a good chef shoe is the ability to grip the sometimes slick surface of a kitchen floor without sending the chef sliding everywhere. A good shoe will be advertised as "with anti-slip technology," and the sole will covered in tiny spurs, raking backward from the tip of the shoe.

Laces

Chefs almost universally prefer to wear clogs over traditional, laced-up shoes for one simple reason; without laces, there's no chance of your shoes becoming untied and tripping you up at crucial moments. You don't need to tie or untie clogs, so they won't endanger you or your co-workers with loose laces.

Strengthened Shoes

Some chefs like to know they have the extra protection in the kitchen and don’t just opt for lace-less and anti-slip shoes. They like to know that their shoes are strengthened and that their feet will be protected from incidents with items such as cast-iron pots and sharp knives, as well as avoiding stubbing toes on sharp and hard corners. Quite a few good brands of shoe have built-in structure reinforcement to keep feet from being injured.

Footwear Types

Crocs Bistro

Crocs Bistro Clogs are specifically designed for the food service industry with revolutionary Crocs Lock tread which has been tested to ASTM F1677 for slip resistance. This shoe exceeds industry standards and it's even effective on wet, soapy, oily and greasy surfaces. The enclosed toe and heel design and thicker metatarsal area is designed to help protect the foot from kitchen spills, while the loose fit allows the foot to bend and expand naturally and the heel strap reduces fatigue when walking. The sole of the shoe is non-marking and the shoe is easy to keep clean by using soap and water.

Birkenstock Super Birki Clogs

The inner soles of the Super Birki Clog come with an arch that is typical of orthopedic styles for support. This means the shoes will offer comfort to the feet all day long in the kitchen. Proper support to the feet is needed so that the shoes will have the same kind of comfort that others have. The Super Birki can also be washed regularly with the soles taken out for airing at the end of every shift. With an outer shell made of flexible polyurethane, it can last for longer periods of time, plus they have acid, oil, and petrol slip-resistant non-abrasive soles.

Birkenstock Boston Clogs

The Birkenstock clog is extremely comfortable as it is made from leather with a cork and latex-cored suede covered foot bed, with toe bar, arch support and deep heel cup. They are flexible, durable, lightweight, and have a shock absorbing EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate) sole.

Slipbuster Unisex Safety Shoe

If laces aren’t an issue, then there is the Slipbuster Unisex Safety Shoe; durable leather footwear, oil and slip resistant anti-static sole, with additional comfort and toe protection. These offer safety, strength and comfort to those on their feet all day. These shoes also have durable leather uppers and Cambrelle lining for total comfort.

Slipbuster Safety Trainer

Slipbuster Safety Trainers are casual footwear with steel toe caps, slip resistant, anti-static and are oil resistant. They have a hardwearing dual density polyurethane sole with durable leather uppers.