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Small food joints, cafes or fine dining restaurants- the one thing that remains constant in all of them is the service offered by waiters. It helps the customer to judge the food joint and act as a mediator in maintaining the goodwill of the place.
The job of the waiter is not just about taking orders or serving food. He needs to be pleasant, friendly and presentable towards all the customers. This demanding work becomes really difficult when the right shoes for waiters are not worn. Opting for the best shoes for waiters not just makes your work easy but takes care of your feet and prevents injuries.
Most of the people made a mistake while buying the right gear for the waiter. Either they look for shoes that look presentable or the one which goes with their uniform. Due to this mistake, they get easily tired and don’t pay proper attention to their work which will eventually create a bad impression in front of the customer.
If you are going to work as a waiter for a part-time or full time then it’s important for you to present a good impression by working fluently throughout the day. Wearing the best shoes for waiters helps you in staying comfortable and offers the confidence to work passionately. We have reviewed some of the best shoes for waiters that will make your selection easy.
OUR TOP PICKS
1. ECCO Men’s Helsinki Slip-On
Features
- Prepared with 100% leather upper that is quite comfortable
- The square toebox and slip-on design offers perfect fitting
- Removable leather insoles for extra comfort
- Comes with PU outsoles that absorbs the shock
- Textile sock lining ensures breathability
- Available in two colors
- Arch support for support and stability
2. Merrell Men’s Jungle Moc Slip-On Shoe
Features
- Comes in an easy slip-on design with dual elastic insets
- Molded nylon arch support offers the right amount of support
- Rubber sole for good traction
- Mesh lining for breathability
- Merrell air cushioning helps in absorbing shocks
- Ortholite footbed ensures freshness and prevents odor
- Available in various colorways
3.Dansko Men’s Wayne
Features
- Ensures comfort for a longer duration
- Offers good breathability
- Suitable for long hours of work
- Easy to wear with a slip-on design
- Offers support and stability
- Ensures durability and traction
- Offers proper fitting
- Thicker metatarsal area will help in protecting your feet from spills
- Unisex design that meets requirements of waiters
10 Best Shoes for Waiters
1.ECCO Men’s Helsinki Slip-On
ECCO is a brand known for offering footwear that goes perfectly with everyday activities. ECCO Men’s Helsinki Slip-On is one such shoe that fits the requirements of waiters.
The shoe is built in a professional design that seems quite amazing and attractive in a fine dine restaurant. It’s 100% leather upper construction adds to the comfort and breathability of the shoe. The freedom fit design fits your feet perfectly and offers a roomy area in the forefoot, and increases the stability to walk for a longer duration.
ECCO has taken proper care of comfort with cushioning which supports all the areas and removable insoles give you the facility to change cushioning as per your needs. The PU outsole protects the feet by absorbing shock and the textile lining keeps the feet fresh with sufficient ventilation.
PROS
- Offers comfort and durability
- Offers professional look
- Ensures breathability
- Provides all-round fitting
- Offer stability and support with good arch support
- Keeps the feet safe with removable insoles and PU insoles
- Offers proper area for toes with a roomy toe box
CONS
- It is quite expensive
2.Merrell Men’s Jungle Moc Slip-On Shoe
Comfort and style are the main elements that make space for the next shoe from Merrell on this list. Merrell Men’s Jungle Moc Slip-On Shoe is uniquely designed to offer the best experience to waiters.
The shoe is prepared in a slip-on style that offers easy wear and lightweight construction doesn’t put too much pressure on feet. Merrell has taken proper care of comfort with pigskin lining and compression-molded EVA footbed that distribute the weight as well as give comfort throughout the feet.
Marrell used amazing air cushion technology that helps in absorbing shock and protects the feet by offering the necessary support. Along with that, the mesh lining and ortholite footbed keep the feet dry and fresh without causing the odor.
PROS
- Offers comfort throughout the day
- Keeps the feet dry with mesh lining
- Prevents odor with ortholite footbed
- Offers good support and protection
- Easy to wear
- Offers good traction with rubber soles
CONS
- It is a little expensive
- Cannot be adjusted due to lack of laces
Also Read:-Best shoes for mail carriers
3.Crocs Bistro Clog
Crocs are becoming the favorite footwear choice that takes care of your comfort. Bistro Clog is one of the amazing shoes that are designed to keep proper care of people working in the foodservice and hospitality industry.
Crocs Bistro Clog is built with 100% croslite material which is quite lightweight and supports your feet in long shifts. The contoured footbed adds to the comfort and helps you in concentrating on your work. These are prepared with an enclosed toe design so that you don’t get hurt during a sudden rush. While the thicker metatarsal area ensures that your feet remain safe from spills.
Soles are built with crocs lock slip-resistant treads that offer a firm grip on slippery areas and saves you from the embarrassment of slipping in front of customers. Clogs are quite comfortable with a breathable construction and you can easily clean them using soap and water. These are unisex and available in various colors which makes them an amazing choice by both female and male servers.
PROS
- Fits perfectly for casual and open food joints
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Offers comfort with breathable construction
- Can be worn by both male and female
- Offers amazing traction with a slip-resistant outsole
- Easy wear with slip in and slip off
- Can be cleaned easily
- Ensures durability
- Offer protection with enclosed toe and thick metatarsal material
CONS
- Not appropriate for fine dining restaurants or uniform bind places
- No ankle support
- Size runs a bit large
4. Dansko Men’s Wayne
Dansko made a wonderful job in manufacturing the shoes that fit the needs of the people who are on their feet throughout the day. Dansko Men’s Wayne is perfect footwear that you can wear for your work as a waiter and be confident with its amazing soles.
These casual and comfy Slip-On Shoes are prepared with 100% leather material which is quite comfortable and doesn’t tear down easily from the long shifts in the restaurant. Dansk has taken care of cushioning with PU midsole and EVA insole that provides additional comfort and absorbs shock easily.
This easy slip in and slip off construction comes with padded collar and riveted shank construction offers additional support. Dansko has finished the shoe with high quality and slip-resistant Nitron rubber outsole that offers good traction on different surfaces.
PROS
- Ensures comfort for a longer duration
- Offers good breathability
- Suitable for long hours of work
- Easy to wear with a slip-on design
- Offers support and stability
- Ensures durability and traction
- Offers proper fitting
CONS
- Takes some break-in period
- Material is little stiff
- Heavy in weight
5.Teva Women’s Tirra Sandal
Casual places like beach view food places require you to dress according to the same environment. If you are going to join such a fun and casual place, then Teva Women’s Tirra Sandal is the amazing footwear for you.
Teva Women’s Tirra Sandal is prepared with an easy hook and loop design that offers easy wearing and ventilation to feet. The nylon stability shank supports your foot and protects it from getting injured with sudden slips. For comfort, EVA topsole with microban zinc is inserted that keeps the feet free from odor. While the compression-molded EVA in the midsole area releases the stress and distributes the weight all over the feet.
The shoe is built with proper protection as a cushioned shock pad is fitted in the heel area that protects the feet from getting hurt during long walks. The outsoles are made with spider rubber and water channeling lugs that offer firm traction on slippery or wet surfaces.
PROS
- Suitable for food places in beach areas
- Can be worn for casual outings
- Ensures comfort with EVA cushioning
- Offers support with straps and nylon stability shank
- Can be worn easily with hook and loop design
- Keeps the feet dry and fresh
- Provides protection with a cushioned shock pad
- Offers traction with water channeling lugs
CONS
- Not suitable for indoor and formal places
- Velcro doesn’t stay fastened for a long time
6.Sketchers for Work Men’s Rockland Systemic Slip Resistant Lace-Up Shoe
Casuals to formal events, Sketches is the first choice of every age group. Rockland Systemic Slip Resistant Lace-Up Shoe is the perfect footwear from Sketchers that fits the waiters’ job amazingly.
Sketchers built this shoe with a high-quality full-grain leather upper that looks and feels good. Along with that, it adds to the durability factor so you don’t need to stress about buying new gears frequently. Since the job is not high paying which helps you from saving money for other important things.
The lace-up closure allows you to adjust the fitting which enables a snug and comfortable fit. The shoe consists of rubber outsoles that are durable, comfortable and flexible to move freely without fearing about twists. Also, the rubber outsoles offer a firm grip on slippery surfaces. The light padded cushioning doesn’t put too much weight on foot and avoids blisters.
PROS
- Offers a stylish and sophisticated look
- Offers flexibility and durability
- Ensures comfort with lightly padded construction
- Offers adjustable and snug-fitting with lace-up closure
- Offers traction with rubber outsoles
- Comes with removable cushioned insoles
- Budget-friendly
CONS
- Doesn’t allow too much ventilation
- Quite heavy and tight
7.New Balance Women’s 624 V2 Casual Comfort Training Shoe
Sports shoes are one of the most comfortable footwear which gives you ease in long hours. Its style and non-slip features are something that makes them appropriate for waiters.
New Balance Women’s 624 V2 Casual Comfort Training Shoe is prepared with the combination of leather and mesh upper that offers nice breathability for long hours on hot days and adds to the durability factor. The lace-up closure increases the support by snugly fitting the shoe throughout the feet.
The shoe is well-cushioned with injection-molded EVA midsole and EVA pocket in heels balances the stress which enables you to perform work without getting fatigued. The ABZORB cushioning used in the midsole area offers nice stability and comfort throughout the feet. The outsole is made with quality rubber material that gives a firm grip and protection from slipping.
PROS
- Offers comfort throughout the feet
- Offers breathability and durability with leather and synthetic upper
- Ensures snug fitting with lace-up closure
- Ensures softness with injection-molded EVA midsole
- Ensures cushioning in heels
- Secures your strides with ABZORB midsoles
- Offers firm grip with rubber outsoles
CONS
- Sometimes it feels little stiff
- Only available in two color variants
8.KEEN Utility Men’s PTC Oxford Work Shoes
KEEN Utility Men’s PTC Oxford Work Shoes are prepared to offer comfort, durability, and style. The shoe is built with the oil and slip-resistant outsoles that offer a perfect grip to protect you from sudden falls and the confidence to work fluently.
KEEN is enabled with the combination of recycled PU, cork and memory foam which helps in releasing stress and evenly distribute the weight throughout the feet. The leather upper construction is water and stain resistant so you don’t have to worry about your shoe cleaning or maintenance.
KEEN has always taken care of your protection and the same applies to this shoe. The shoe features a soft toe built with KEEN patented toe protection which protects the whole forefoot area from getting hurt from sudden accidents or strikes with hard corners.
The stability shank supports your feet during rush and the compression-molded midsole with removable footbed provides extra cushioning. All these features enable you to perform all the work fluently without feeling stressed.
PROS
- Provides a unique and stylish appearance
- Offers traction on oil and slippery surfaces
- Ensures comfort throughout the feet
- Offers adjustable fitting with lace-up design
- Provides protection with KEEN patented toe protection
- Offers stability and support with stability shank
- Comes with removable footbed for extra comfort
CONS
- It is not completely slip-resistant
- It is quite expensive
9.Sketchers for Work Men’s Cottonwood Goddard Twin Gore Slip Resistant Slip On
Sketcher seems like the favorite choice in our list of best shoes for waiters. This is the reason why our next shoe is from the same brand. Cottonwood Goddard Twin Gore Slip-Resistant Slip-On is designed uniquely in a stylish way with a comfortable design that makes it right for waiters.
The shoe is prepared with a leather upper that ensures comfort throughout your shift. The use of rubber outsoles offers durability and traction which protects you from getting injured from slipping. For comfort, memory foam is inserted inside the shoe that helps in reducing the stress from working and spending long hours on feet.
Along with that, the Supportive shock absorbing midsole helps in protecting the feet from sudden shocks from long strides. The shoes used the Dual side stretch fabric panels with a slip-on design that ensures easy wear and perfect fitting.
PROS
- Offers traction with rubber outsoles
- Ensures perfect fitting with dual side stretch fabric panels
- Can be worn easily with a slip-on design
- Provides an attractive look
- Offers comfort with leather upper
- Ensures proper cushioning with memory foam
- Protects the feet with supportive shock-absorbing midsoles
- Ensures durability and stability
CONS
- It is not durable
- Cushioning get worn out after few wears
10.Sketchers for Work Men’s Flex Advantage Mcallen Food Service Shoe
Sketchers always try to bring the footwear that suits each and every type of industry. Flex Advantage Mcallen Food Service Shoe is the best gear which you can buy without spending too much money and satisfy your professional needs as a waiter.
Sketchers designed this shoe with the easy slip-on pattern which saves your time and elastic side gores perfectly support the feet. It consists of soft shoe lining which ensures that your feet remain free from blisters. The mesh upper construction keeps the feet fresh by allowing good ventilation.
The shoe comprises slip-resistant rubber outsoles that offer nice traction and stability which adds to confidence requires in this field. For comfort, Padded collar and reinforced stitched seams are included which keep the feet protected during busy hours. Along with that, the shoe is cushioned with a memory foam insole allowing a better experience.
Sketchers has taken care of fitting as the roomy toe box and medium width in the heel for a medium fit ensures a nice area to wiggle toes. If you go for the medium fit you will get more looser and a roomy fit around the entire feet.
PROS
- Ensures breathability with mesh upper
- Offers traction with slip-resistant rubber outsoles
- Can be worn easily with a slip-on design
- Keeps the feet protected with soft lining
- Ensures comfort with memory foam insoles
- Offers good cushioning with padded collar and stitched seams
- Comes with a roomy toebox
CONS
- Stink after few usages
- Lacks in durability factor
How to select the best shoes for waiters?
The waiters’ job is really demanding both physically as well as mentally. But the wrong footwear can ruin your day by causing pain and injuries in your feet. It becomes necessary to buy those gears that keep you active and energized throughout the day. We have listed some of the features that will help you in buying the correct shoe that goes with your work.
- Attractive
Presentation is one of the key elements in the food and service industry. Your looks come before the service you offer or the way you communicate. It creates a good impression of your restaurant and helps in achieving growth in your job.
Apart from the uniform and hairstyle, you need to wear the best shoes that go with the job as a waiter and look professional as well as attractive. Always buy the shoes that go perfectly with your uniform and offer the right comfort required by waiters.
- Comfortable
The most common mistake made by the waiters is that they opt for the shoes which are attractive but don’t offer the right amount of comfort. This mistake leads to early fatigue and distraction from the work.
Choosing the shoe that offers a balance between style and comfort can solve this issue. Whenever you buy new shoes, check the cushioning offered inside the footwear. Excessive standing can put stress on the heels. It’s important that you go for the cushioning which evenly distributes the weight and supports your feet for the whole day.
- Traction
Waiters need to walk back and forth between the kitchen and tables to deliver orders. It comes under their profession that they balance everything and serve the dish while maintaining a presentation. But sudden slips can lead to severe accidents and ruin your image in front of customers.
Make sure to choose those shoes which offer good traction on slippery surfaces of the restaurant. Slip-resistant shoes with rubber outsoles can work excellently and gives you the appropriate support to work fluently without getting hurt.
- Breathability
Waiters spend most of their time walking and standing while wearing the same shoes. Walking between the hot kitchen and serving customers leads to sweat or moisture inside the shoe. This moisture causes heaviness and irritation in the feet which is a leading reason behind many foot issues.
Always look for the shoe that offers good breathability so that foot’s health doesn’t get affected due to excessive moisture. You can go for the shoes which are prepared with mesh and leather upper material.
- Proper Support
Proper arch and ankle support are important for the waiter’s shoe. Waiters work non stop to serve the customers and greet them in a friendly way. But the lack of support in the shoe can cause severe injuries in the feet and body.
A good shoe with proper ankle and arch support will prevent sudden foot twists and balances your weight throughout the feet. This will eventually make your work easy and gives the necessary confidence to work professionally without feeling discomfort.
Conclusion
The job of a waiter is quite demanding and exhausting. Apart from taking orders and serving dishes, you need to perform various other tasks. Like memorizing everything about the menu, engaging the customers in friendly talks to make them comfortable and walking back and forth between the kitchen and tables. All these things put lots of stress on the feet and eventually cause a foot issue.
Wearing the correct pair of footwear can solve this issue. Apart from style and comfort, you need to make sure that it is quite breathable and offers good traction, support, and comfort. All the products mentioned in the list of best shoes for waiters fulfills all the features that will make you selection easy.