Best Kitchen Shoes – Tests and Reviews

Whether you are a professional chef, cook, or just a father who has the chore of cooking meals at home, cooking can be a tough job with many hazards involved.

Cooking requires you to be on your feet for many hours, usually in a kitchen that becomes quite hot.

For all these reasons, you will need a pair of breathable and comfortable shoes with the necessary support and protective features for working in a food industry environment for many hours.


Hazards in the Kitchen

The Kitchen is a dangerous place to work in general, and for your feet even more so.

There a quite a few hazards in the kitchen when it comes to your feet;

  • Slipping – Slipping is one of the main features that you face in the kitchen. The floors can be wet, oily, grease, and even certain foods that have dropped to the floor can be very slippery.
  • Foot fatigue – Your feet may become terribly tired and start aching if you are on your feet all day. This can affect your concentration in turn.
  • Hot Liquids – Hot liquids may spill on your shoes, and if they are not waterproof, they can surely burn you.
  • Wetness – Wet shoes lead to uncomfortable feet that are blister prone and may develop odors. Your feet may sweat in the hot kitchen or become wet on the outside.

What to Look for When Buying a Kitchen Shoe

  • Comfort and Cushioning – Look for a shoe with comfortable cushioning in the insole and a shock-absorbing midsole for walking on the hard floors of the kitchen. Also, look for a moisture-wicking interior lining to keep your feet dry.
  • Good Arch Support – Good arch support is ideal for your specific foot shape. If you have a very low arch and overpronate, you may need support and stability, whereas, with a very high arch, you need high arch support and more cushioning.
  • Slip-resistant Outsole – Look for an Outsole of rubber with a thicker base design, no heels, a uniform sole. Ensure that there are lug patterns on the bottom for grip and slip resistance.
  • Spill and Stain Resistance – This you can get from selecting waterproof or leather-type shoes. Some shoes have materials that you can easily wipe down to prevent stains.

Features of a Good Kitchen Shoe

You might be tempted to wear your usual comfortable or dress shoes for working in a kitchen or restaurant, but this is ill-advised.

Shoes best for working in the food industry have specific features making them unique for a kitchen environment.

  • Design – Slip-ons are the best kitchen shoes because you can take them off and put them on quickly and easily as needed.
  • Comfort – Comfort is also a crucial factor along with support because you will be moving around and on your feet for long hours; therefore, a shoe with a thick platform, slight heel, lots of padding, and a contoured midsole will be the best.
  • Flexibility – Consider having a flexible and lightweight shoe because in the food industry, especially with waitressing, you need to be quick on your feet.
  • Breathability – Because you are going to be working in an environment that can get quite hot, breathability is a must to ensure your feet keep dry and to prevent chafing, blisters, and infection.
  • Slip Resistance. Lastly, you need protective features for your working environment; the slip-resistant outsole is at the top of the list for safety requirements. Characteristics such as oil and water resistance, a steel or composite toe, durable abrasion-resistant construction, and electrical hazard protection are also quite important.

Reviews: The Best Kitchen Shoes

We have put together a list of some of the top-rated shoes for use in the kitchen and food industry today, taking into consideration the required comfort, protection, and durability characteristics;


1

Flexible Kitchen Work Shoes

Skechers offer you their Flex range with superb non-marking and highly slip-resistant outsole, as well as a highly flexible design.
  • An Air Cooled Memory Foam footbed for plush comfort and support.
  • Lightweight shock-absorbing midsole.
  • There is a High traction non-marking slip-resistant rubber outsole.
  • Flexible design and lightweight textile upper construction.

2

Best Kitchen Chef's Shoes

A trendy-looking, professional-class men’s and women’s clog with padded insteps to cushion your feet and ankles. You have a breathable and comfortable shoe that is lightweight and durable.
  • AMPA approved, and SATRA tested for slip resistance in an oily environment.
  • A polyurethane midsole and metal shank absorb shock and improve stability.
  • The leather sock liner is breathable and comfortable.
  • A dual-density Eva Midsole with cushioned memory foam insoles for maximum cushion and comfort.
  • Constructed with premium pull-up leather for comfort and durability.
  • The higher toe box allows for some wiggle room.
  • Available in many colors such as Black Cabrio, oiled brown, and black burnished nubuck.

3

Slip On Kitchen Workers Shoes

Two Durable Work shoes are worn in the kitchen and the office because of their appearance. It is an excellent choice for an executive or sous chef required to be in and out of the kitchen frequently.
  • The outsole is slip-resistant on wet and oily floor surfaces.
  • A removable triple-density Eva Midsole for great comfort and support.
  • A low-profile shape and lightweight construction so you can be quick on your feet.
  • An added anti-microbial and anti-odor inner lining keep your feet dry, fresh, and protected against infections.
  • A 1.5-inch heel to reduce pressure.

4

Heavy Duty Chef Boots

If you work in a fast-paced kitchen with loads of action and just as many hazards, then the Blundstone is perfect for you. Blundstone is a shoe that originates in Australia, made sturdy and durable for the outback.
  • Poron XRD in the heel strike zone for shock protection and underfoot comfort.
  • It has a polyurethane midsole that is resistant to hydrolysis and microbial attacks.
  • The thermal urethane outsole is slip, oil, and acid resistant as well as heat resistant up to 284 degrees Celsius.
  • An ergonomically engineered toe spring to reduce foot fatigue.
  • A steel shank is ensuring correct step flex pointing and torsional stability.
  • It is a lightweight, comfortable, and durable shoe.
  • It can be cleaned easily using a damp microfiber cloth.
  • Available in Stout Brown and Brown leather color variations.

5

Slip resistant Kitchen Work Shoe for Narrow Feet

Renowned chefs have designed Mozo Sharks for renowned chefs. They are comfortable, lightweight, and durable, and straightforward to clean.
  • Lightweight with added side ventilation for breathability.
  • Gel insoles for extra cushioned comfort and support.
  • Slip-resistant rubber outsoles that withstand oily and wet floor surfaces.
  • The uppers are constructed from durable and easy to clean synthetic materials.
  • A narrow fit for slimmer feet.
  • A slip-on shoe with dual goring insets.

6

Wide Kitchen Work Shoes

  • The GEL-Venture series by Asics includes a Slip-Resistant outsole.
  • It is great wide width chef shoes and also excellent shoes for waiters.
  • This model was designed with OrthoLite® Insoles combined with GEL cushioning and Trusstic construction to help you stay on your feet in comfort until the end of your shift.
  • The GEL-Cushioning technology provides the ultimate shock absorption – it enables one to lighten the weight and load on your feet.

7

ventilated Kitchen Work Shoes

There is nothing like a pair of crocs for kitchen work. These models have airflow ventilation holes to keep your feet dry and cool and those hot kitchens.
  • Made from 100% lightweight and cushioned Crosslite material.
  • It is vented for better airflow and breathability.
  • Durable and slip-resistant outsole.
  • Very Lightweight.
  • Easy to clean and quick drying.

8

Moc Toe Slip on Kitchen Shoe

The Merrell Jungle is an easy slip on and off the shoe with a comfortable design and slip-resistant outsole.,
  • Leather and textile uppers with a slip-on design and Moc toe.
  • An Aegis antimicrobial lining for dry protection.
  • Durable and slip-resistant rubber outsole.
  • Air-cushioned heel for comfort and support.
  • A supportive Nylon arch shank.
  • 3mm Lug outsole.

9

Clogs for Kitchen Workers

The Crocs Bistro has been designed particularly as a work shoe for the food-service industry. They meet the slip-resistant and ASTM F1677 safety standards and are also made to provide the maximum comfort and support for working long shifts.
  • Slip-resistant standard-rated tread that provides increased traction on wet and oily floors.
  • Enclosed design with a thicker metatarsal area protecting the feet from spills.
  • It is made from Croslite material that will conform to your feet, creating a comfortable custom fit.
  • You can easily clean it with soap and water.
  • Crocs Lock technology that is slip-resistant and ASTM F1677 tested and rated.
  • Extra dense Vamp for improved protection along with the famous cushioned footbed for superb comfort and support.

10

Lightweight Kitchen Work Shoe

The Skechers Bronaugh and Bendon are the ideal work shoes for a Kitchen and hospitality environment.
  • They both have mesh and synthetic uppers that are lightweight and breathable.
  • The durable rubber outsole is slip-resistant and oil-resistant with an ASTM rating standard.
  • Inside is a comfortable memory foam footbed and moisture-wicking lining.
  • The design is sleek and athletic and very comfortable to wear all day on your feet.

11

Kitchen Work Shoe

The Mosida is a Non-Slip shoe ideal for Kitchen and hospital occupations.
  • The design is solid and water-resistant, with three ventilation holes on each shoe for breathability.
  • It is constructed from cushioned EVA, it is light and comfortable and straightforward to clean, acid, and alkali resistant.
  • The sole is designed to be slip and oil resistant, and puncture-proof.
  • Because of the foamy EVA material, the shoe coffers very comfortable cushioning and has a supportive footbed.

12

Kitchen Work Shoe

A more robust and protective choice for kitchen work is the Merrell Static Dissipative Jungle Moc toe Shoe.
  • I like this shoe because it is static dissipative, ideal for floors that hold static electricity.
  • Durable sole that is slip-resistant and oil-resistant.
  • The slip-on style is easy on and off convenience, and the leather uppers are durable and water-resistant.
  • Inside is a comfortable Kinetic Fit advanced footbed with zonal arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Moreover, you protect a composite toe cap, which is much lighter than a steel or alloy toe cap.

Conclusion

As with every other profession, the right shoe for you may not be the right shoe for any other chef, so your personal preference and requirements must be at the top of the list.

The shoes that we have listed should give you a good idea of the most popular market today to offer you various safety, comfort, and aesthetic characteristics.

A kitchen can be a dangerous place to work in, so always ensure that you are protected from head to toe.


Comparison Table: Kitchen Workers Shoes

No.ShoeMen ♂Women ♀FeaturesBrandScore
1Skechers® - Flexible Kitchen Work Shoes Flex Advanatge Flex
  • Fleixible
  • Memory Foam
Skechers96
2Dansko® - Best Kitchen Chef's Shoes Pro XP Mule Pro XP Mule
  • Eva Midsole
  • Memory Foam Insoles
Dansko96
3Dansko® - Slip On Kitchen Workers Shoes Wayne Peggy
  • Slip resistant outsole
  • Durable Breathable Leather
Dansko95
4Blundstone® - Heavy Duty Chef Boots Series 172 1351 Chelsea Boot
  • Oil & Acid resistant
  • Ergonomically engineered
Blundstone95
5Mozo® - Slip resistant Kitchen Work Shoe for Narrow Feet forza Forza
  • Gel insoles
  • Lightweight
Mozo95
6ASICS® - Wide Kitchen Work Shoes Gel Venture 8 Gel Venture 8
  • Slip-Resistant outsole
  • GEL-Cushioning technology
ASICS96
7Crocs® - ventilated Kitchen Work Shoes On The Clock Clog On The Clock Clog
  • Ventilated
  • Lightweight
Crocs97
8Merrell® - Moc Toe Slip on Kitchen Shoe Jungle Jungle
  • Cushioned
  • Antimicrobial Lining
  • Slip Resistant
Merrell98
9Crocs® - Clogs for Kitchen Workers Bistro Bistro
  • Gripping sole
  • Massaging footbed
Crocs97.7
10Skechers® - Lightweight Kitchen Work Shoe Flex Advantage Bendon Flex Advanatge Ghenter Bronaugh
  • Memory Foam Cushioned
  • Slip Resistant Sole
  • Breathable
Skechers96
11Mosida® - Kitchen Work Shoe Kitchen Shoe Kitchen Shoe
  • Water Resistant
  • Easy Clean
  • Slip Resistant
Mosida96
12Merrell® - Kitchen Work Shoe Jungle Moc Jungle Moc
  • Kinetic Fit
  • Air Cushioned
  • Stability Heel
  • Lightweight
  • Slip resistant Sole
  • Static Dissipative
Merrell97.2


About the Author

David Alegeta

David is a long-distance hiker, a writer and an editor whose favorite topics include backpacking and trail running. He is an adventure athlete who covered over 20,000 miles. He frequently speaks to groups about the benefits of proper footwear and has written numerous articles on this subject. He lives in Dallas, Texas with his family.