As a chef, you know how tough and demanding your job is. You work in a fast-paced environment where you rarely have time to slow down or take a break. The hours are tiresome and long – sometimes, you’re standing for over eight hours, cooking food, and supervising those working under you. Spending the entire day on your feet can cause fatigue and pain. This toiling affects you both physically and mentally. Add to this the hazard of slipping due to water or oil spill, and it becomes clear that being a chef is extremely difficult.
To reduce the toll this job takes on your body, you must invest in high-quality chef shoes, which can deliver comfort, protection, and support to your feet while ensuring that you don’t lose your grip on the floor when walking around the crowded kitchen.
Currently, there are a variety of chef shoes available in the market, which means that you should be able to find a model that suits your needs. The problem, however, is that this wide range of choices makes it harder for you to find a good pair. Don’t worry, as we have done the research work for you and compiled a list of best chef shoes currently available in the market. This list would help you in finding a pair of chef shoes that suit your needs as well as your wallet. We have also discussed some important things that you should consider when shopping for chef shoes to ensure that you end up with the right pair.
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Things to Consider When Shopping for Chef Shoes
· Comfort
Since you are required to stand for long hours in the kitchen, your shoes must be comfortable. A comfortable pair of chef shoes would reduce your fatigue while improving your performance on the job. Chef shoes should have some padding to prevent the foot from hurting from standing for several hours. You might also want to consider padding on the insoles and a bit of heel in the shoes to protect your feet from shock impacts on the hard kitchen floor. Two important things that affect the comfort factor include breathability and cushioning.
Breathability
The environment in the restaurant kitchen is generally scorching. As such, sweat would start building up on your feet if you are wearing the wrong chef shoes. You should look for chef shoes made with breathable materials. Air should flow freely around the feet to prevent the build-up of sweat. Sweat can also lead to fungal infections, open sores, and blisters.
Breathability is achieved by adding perforations or breathable materials in the uppers. While airflow is an essential factor, manufacturers of chef shoes never compromise for it. When you see our list of products, you will see that most of the featured chef shoes aren’t made from breathable materials, but actually feature leather or other tough materials. This is because knives and other sharp objects can fall on the shoes and breathable, soft materials wouldn’t be able to save you feet from these sharp utensils. It is okay to compromise breathability for safety.
Cushioning
After an eight or ten hours shift in the kitchen, you would feel pain in your feet if your shoes don’t have ample cushioning. Cushioning in the midsole helps attenuates shock on impact, reducing fatigue and foot-pain. Since the job of a chef involves a lot of movements around the hard kitchen floor, you should look for shoes that can absorb shock on each impact, preventing it from affecting your heel, ankles, and joints. Otherwise, your feet would hurt every day when you get home from work.
· Outsole
The kitchen floor is generally made from smooth tiles where an individual is more prone to slips, skids, and falls. Oil and water spills can also find their way to the floor, which can further increase your chances of losing the grip on the floor and falling.
Over 4 million patrons and workers of foodservice locations and restaurants become a victim of slip and fall accidents every year. Falling on the hard floor can lead to injuries, but the consequences can be even more serious if the chef or worker falls with a pan filled with hot food or water in their hands. Therefore, as a chef, you should invest in a pair of shoes that provide good traction on slippery surfaces.
Pay attention to the outsole pattern as it can decrease or improve the grip of the shoe. Lugged outsole patterns are generally preferred as they help prevent forceful backward or forward motions, which can cause slippage. However, other types of patterns also help improve the traction of the shoe. The outsole itself should be made of rubber because rubber compounds provide a solid grip on the floor, preventing slips and falls.
· Support
To those who are not in the know, support refers to the strength with which the shoes stick together to your feet. If your shoes are loose, it means that they lack support. A supportive chef shoe would hold your feet down on a natural position and as such, will improve the way you walk in the kitchen. It would also reduce muscle fatigue and the likelihood of joint stiffness.
Support in the heel and ankle is especially essential for chefs. A supported ankle will help your feet to rotate easily, without putting any additional stress on the joints. In addition to ankle and heel support, you should also pay attention to the support in the arch. A shoe that features a memory foam insole provides the best arch support. However, there are other options, which would give you decent support in the arch.
It is worth noting that if you have a foot condition and need to use custom orthotics, search for shoes that feature removable insoles so that you can insert your specialized orthotics.
· Maintenance
When under constant use, the kitchen environment will cause your shoes to get dirty in no time. It does not matter if you put on brand new shoes. By the end of the shift, they would be covered with dirt, spills, and splatters. Since chef shoes need daily care, you should look for a pair that is easy to clean. Shoes that feature uppers made of genuine or synthetic leather are the easiest to clean.
· Durability
The bustling kitchen environment can do a number on your footwear. Your shoes wouldn’t last too long if they aren’t made from durable materials. So make sure to go with a durable pair of chef shoes. Genuine leather is very durable, but it is heavy and less breathable. Synthetic leather is softer and less heavy while being long-lasting. However, it offers less protection, so if you want to keep your feet safe, shoes made with leather uppers would be a better option.
Read Also: Best Shoes for Doctors and Surgeons
Mistakes Chef Makes When Buying Shoes for Kitchen Work
Chefs make a few mistakes when shopping for their work shoes. Out of those, the most profound is treating the purchase of chef shoes like a normal purchase – like buying a t-shirt. Chef shoes are a very important piece of your equipment, and they should be treated as such. You should follow the guidelines we have discussed above when buying chef shoes to ensure that you get a good pair of shoes. Otherwise, you won’t feel comfortable in the kitchen, and your performance would take a hit. When this happens, food critics will make your life miserable with their ruthless reviews.
Read Aso: Best Shoes for Waitressing.
Our Top 3 Choices for Kitchen Workers
Best Overall: Birkenstock Unisex Professional Tokyo Super Grip
Premium Product: Merrell Men’s Encore Gust Slip-On Shoe
Best Value: Crocs Women’s Bistro Clog
Best Chef Shoes for Kitchen Workers
1. Crocs Women’s Bistro Clog
Many consider Crocs’ shape to be unappealing. Despite this, they are considered among the most famous chef shoes. This success is attributed to the comfort of the Croslite material. This material offers all-around comfort for the entire foot and makes this footwear extremely comfy. It is also durable and lightweight, meaning that it won’t make your feet feel heavy, and you’ll be able to move around the kitchen swiftly.
The fit of the Crocs Bistro Clog is designed to be roomy – your feet won’t feel trapped, and you’ll be less likely to suffer from blisters and hot spots. The Crocs’ cushioned insole adds to the comfort with a unique design that cradles the foot, providing maximum support. The patented Crocs Lock tread is specialized synthetic sole technology, meant to provide solid traction on any surface and prevent slips and falls that can easily occur in a bustling kitchen. This means that you should be able to keep your grip even on soapy, wet or oily floors.
The Crocs Bistro Clog doesn’t have ventilation holes, so breathability can be an issue. But what this model sacrifices for airflow, it makes up for in safety and protection. Since the toe box is enclosed, it would protect your feet from pan drops and occasional spills.
Pros of the Crocs Women’s Bistro Clog
- Easy to clean
- Contoured insoles
- Exceptional slip-resistant tread technology
- Croslite material makes them extremely comfortable
Cons of the Crocs Women’s Bistro Clog
- Not too breathable
- Potential sizing issues
2. Crocs On The Clock Work Shoe
Roomy, plush, and slip-resistant on the hard kitchen floor, the Crocs On The Clock Work Shoe is an option worth considering if you want a comfortable pair of chef shoes with no price considerations. It features the dual Crocs Comfort, promising ample cushioning and shock absorption to reduce fatigue and foot-pain. This model is built from a thick metatarsal base and features contoured insoles to provide substantial arch support. On top of that, the Crocs On The Clock comes with Croslite foam cushioning to keep your feet comfortable even after long hours of wear
This work shoe features a traditional slip-on design and has a grippy outsole to prevent slips and falls. The Crocs Lock tread makes this pair slip-resistant. You can walk across the wettest or greasiest kitchen floors in these shoes without worrying about losing your grip. However, keep in mind that prolonged use may build a layer of grime and grease under the shoes, and this can cause slippage.
In comparison to other shoes designed for chefs, these clogs are a steal. However, breathability is an issue with the Crocs On The Clock, as it doesn’t feature side-ventilation areas or perforations on the uppers.
Pros of the Crocs On The Clock Work Shoe
- Comfortable
- Slip-resistant
- Durable
- Ample cushioning
Cons of the Crocs On The Clock Work Shoe
- Poor breathability
3. Dansko Women’s XP 2.0 Clogs – Best Premium
The XP 2.0 is the latest iteration of Dansko’s Pro XP line. It is an expensive shoe that boasts solid construction, slip-resistant outsole, and a removable memory foam insole. To maximize safety, the outsole on this model has been upgraded with research and testing to make sure that this shoe wouldn’t slip in the condition that you would encounter as a chef – slick, wet, and greasy floors.
The uppers of the Dansko Women’s XP 2.0 Clogs are made with genuine leather and hand stapled to the synthetic outsole to ensure that the shoes don’t fall apart easily. Moreover, Dansko has implemented a removable memory foam insole, so if you need to use specialized orthotics, the XP 2.0 Clogs have you covered.
This model also boasts a padded instep collar for added comfort and has a roomy toe box, which gives your toes plenty of wiggle room, reducing the likelihood of blisters and hot spots. In addition, a lightweight EVA midsole attenuates shock on impact, reducing fatigue.
Pros of the Dansko Women’s XP 2.0 Clogs
- Removable insoles
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Comfortable
- Extremely durable
- Lightweight EVA midsole for shock absorption
- Padded instep collar
Cons of the Dansko Women’s XP 2.0 Clogs
- Pricey
- Take some time to break-in
4. Keen Utility Men’s PTC Slip-On II
Keen is a renowned brand, providing high-quality products for years. This high-end offering can be a good option for chefs who spend most of their day standing on their feet. The slip-on design of this model makes it easy to put on and off. The upper this shoe is made with leather and is stain-resistant and water-resistant. This makes for easy cleanup.
Comfortability is one of the main aspects of the Keen Utility PTC Slip-On II. On the inside, you’ll get a patent Keen Cush footbed that is made of a combination of memory foam, cork, and polyurethane. This footbed contours to the shape of your feet, adding to comfort. These shoes also feature a compression-molded EVA midsole for extra cushion and shock absorption, reducing fatigue that may result from running back and forth or standing in the kitchen. This would keep your feet comfortable, allowing you to cook delicious dishes for hours and hours.
The Keen Utility PTC Slip-On II also features a non-marking and slip-resistant Keen Grip rubber outsole which has been tested to meet or exceed the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F1677-96 Mark II non-slip standard. The toe of this model has protection to prevent unfortunate injuries at work.
Pros of the Keen Utility Men’s PTC Slip-On II
- Extremely comfortable
- Slip-resistant and non-marking rubber outsole
- Simple design
- Easy to put on and off
- Water-resistant
Cons of the Keen Utility Men’s PTC Slip-On II
- Sizing issues
5. Birkenstock Unisex Professional Tokyo Super Grip
The Birkenstock Unisex Tokyo Super Grip is one of the best chef shoes currently available in the market. While you can find similar shoes with a less hefty price tag, those are usually made from plastic materials and are therefore less breathable. These shoes, on the other hand, are made from naturally breathable leather and as such, would allow you to cook all day or night without feeling the sweat on their feet.
Since leather is used in the construction, it would take some time to break in these shoes. Once you have worn them to work for a couple of days, they will start molding to the shape of your feet.
The rubber Super Grip tread of these shoes is optimized to ensure that no slips result from greasy, oily, or wet surfaces. The sole has been testing following European EN ISO 20347:2012 and meets the slip resistance standards. This means that you won’t have to worry about slipping and falling on the kitchen floor while cooking and moving around.
The cork insole of the Birkenstock Unisex Tokyo Super Grip is lined with suede to keep your feet comfortable. It provides optimal support and reduces wear on your feet. The EVA midsole is also there to cushion your every step, absorbing shock to reduce fatigue. These shoes also feature two adjustable buckles, allowing you to achieve a personalized fit.
Pros of the Birkenstock Unisex Professional Tokyo Super Grip
- Very comfortable
- Made from durable materials
- Breathable
- Good cushioning and shock absorption
- Stylish
Cons of the Birkenstock Unisex Professional Tokyo Super Grip
- Takes time to break-in
6. Birkenstock Professional Unisex Profi Birki
If you are looking for a lightweight yet comfortable pair of chef shoes, the Birkenstock Professional Unisex Profi Birki is worth considering. This model is made with very light polyurethane, which makes it comfortable on your feet. You will get a lightweight feeling that you can never get with a heavy chef shoe. Polyurethane is also quite breathable, which means that your feet would stay dry, cool, and sweat-free while you work in the hot kitchen. These shoes also feature a removable Birkenstock insole made of soft microfibers that prevent moisture and sweat build-up within the shoe. This insole naturally molds to your feet over time, becoming more comfortable. However, if you need more support and comfort, you could opt for your personalized orthotics.
The Birkenstock Professional Unisex Profi Birki boasts a polyurethane midsole, which attenuates shock on each impact, reducing strain on your feet and legs. In addition, this model has a treaded polyurethane outsole with a raised heel. It provides reliable traction on all surfaces, reducing your likelihood of slipping on grease and water covered kitchen floor. This model of chef shoes is washable at up to 80-degree Celsius. So you can remove the insole and throw the shoes in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. The insoles themselves should be washed at temperatures up to 60-degree Celsius.
It is worth noting that the Birkenstock Professional Unisex Profi Birki runs large, so you might want to order a size up for a snug fit.
Pros of the Birkenstock Professional Unisex Profi Birki
- Comfortable on the feet
- Simple design
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Lightweight
- Durable
Cons of the Birkenstock Professional Unisex Profi Birki
- Sizing is very off
- Take some time to break-in
7. Skechers for Work Men’s Flex Advantage Slip Resistant McAllen Slip On
The Skechers Flex Advantage McAllen Slip-On looks a little different from the shoes mentioned above. This is because their uppers are made with mesh fabric rather than leather. This makes the shoes extremely breathable, and as such, your feet would stay cool, dry and sweat-free. However, what the important question is, “What will happen if you drop a knife or pain on your foot?”
Compared to alternatives, these shoes don’t provide ample protection around the toe. They compromise safety for breathability, and comfort is their biggest selling point. In addition to breathable uppers, you also get a memory foam insole that contours to the shape of your feet. The slip-on design makes it easy to put the shoes on and off. This model also boasts the FlexSole midsole, which attenuates shock on impact, reducing strain on your feet and joints.
The Skechers Advantage McAllen Slip-On also features a slip-resistant synthetic rubber outsole. This outsole provides solid traction on slippery kitchen floors, preventing slips and falls. Overall, this model is a good option for those chefs who prefer breathability over safety.
Pros of the Skechers for Work Men’s Flex Advantage Slip Resistant McAllen Slip On
- Breathable mesh uppers
- Comfortable
- Shock-absorbing FlexSole midsole
- Memory foam insole for support and comfort
- Easy to put on and off
Cons of the Skechers for Work Men’s Flex Advantage Slip Resistant McAllen Slip On
- Doesn’t offer ample protection
8. Dansko Professional
The Dansko Professional has received positive reviews from the majority of customers, primarily because it feels extremely comfortable on the feet. It comes with a roomy toe box, which is reinforced with a thermoplastic. Thus your toes would have ample room to wiggle and the repeated exposure to heat and water won’t cause the toe box to deform. The memory foam insole of this model is comfortable and provides good arch support, but it isn’t removable. This means that you can’t use custom orthotics with these shoes.
The upper of the Dansko Professional is made with box leather, which is ideal for greasy and wet conditions that aren’t a rarity in a kitchen. It has a smooth finish and is easier to maintain – you can wipe it clean with water and soap. This model also boasts a polyurethane outsole, which provides flexibility, shock-absorption, and good traction on kitchen floors.
The Dankso Professional comes with a hefty price tag, but given the construction and quality of the materials used, these shoes will definitely last a long time. Moreover, they excel in keeping your feet comfortable throughout the day, which is why a few extra dollars are worth it.
Pros of the Dansko Professional
- Roomy toe box
- Extremely comfortable
- Memory foam insole
- Padded instep collar
- Durable, slip-resistant outsole
Cons of the Dansko Professional
- Expensive
- Takes some getting used
9. Skechers Work Oswald Balder
Skechers Work Oswald Balder is a flexible and lightweight model that you can get without burning a hole in your wallet. The upper of this shoe is made with synthetic rubber while the insole is constructed with molded PU to keep your feet comfortable during long shifts in the kitchen. The insoles are removable, which means that you can remove them with your own orthotics. This model gives both your toes and feet plenty of room to wiggle without being loose. Thus, you will be less likely to suffer from blisters and hot spots on your feet.
The clog-style foam of the Skechers Work Oswald Balder makes it easy to put them on and off. Moreover, these shoes feature an ASTM 1677-96 Mark II slip-resistant outsole, which means that they won’t slip or slide on slick kitchen floors. The rubber used for the outsole is specially designed to wet and oil surfaces to protect you and everyone else around you. These shoes are also waterproof and quite easy to clean. If you want an inexpensive pair of chef shoes, the Skechers Work Oswald Balder is worth considering.
Pros of the Skechers Work Oswald Balder
- Reasonable price
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Removable molded PU footbeds
Cons of the Skechers Work Oswald Balder
- Not too durable
10. Dickies Men’s Athletic Slip-Resistant Work Shoe
The Dickies Athletic Slip-Resistant is another low-priced model for a chef. The uppers of this shoe are made with genuine leather, which makes it durable and easier to clean. It is lined with moisture-wicking fabric to prevent your feet from sweating while you are cooking in a hot kitchen. The insole of the shoe is made with memory foam, while the outsole is made of EVA, which makes the model lightweight.
The collar and tongue of the Dickies Athletic Slip-Resistant Work Shoe are padded for added comfort. The insoles of these shoes aren’t removable, so you can’t use specialized orthotics. For traction on wet surfaces, a liquid-dispersing rubber outsole is used in this model. This gives the wearer a solid grip on the wet and greasy surface, which means that you would be able to work in the kitchen without worrying about losing your grip on the floor.
While the Dickies Men’s Athletic Slip-Resistant can’t compete with premium chef shoes, it offers commendable features for the price. If you want an inexpensive pair of shoes, it should be on your shortlist.
Pros of the Dickies Men’s Athletic Slip-Resistant Work Shoe
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Memory foam insole
- Lightweight EVA midsole
- Reasonable pricing
Cons of the Dickies Men’s Athletic Slip-Resistant Work Shoe
- Not the most durable offering
11. Merrell Women’s Jungle Moc Pro Grip Slip-Resistant Work Shoe
Featuring leather uppers, Merrell air cushioning, and slip-resistant outsole, the Merrell Jungle Moc Pro is another great option for chefs. The leather upper makes this shoe durable and easy-cleaning and offers protection against the dreaded pan or knife drops in the kitchen. The breathable mesh lining helps prevent your feet from sweating due to long hours of wear.
With the Merrell Jungle Moc Pro Grip Shoes, you’ll have no trouble walking on challenging surfaces like slippery kitchen floors. They feature Merrell air cushion in the heel, which attenuates shock on impact and adds stability, reducing fatigue and foot pain. These shoes provide good arch support, making them comfortable for long hours of wear. The SureGrip outsole of this model offers excellent grip on all surfaces, including slippery kitchen floors. Thus, you can wear them to the kitchen without worrying about slipping due to oil or food spills, among other things. The Merrell Jungle Moc Pro Grip is also easy on the wallet, which makes it an option worth considering.
Pros of the Merrell Women’s Jungle Moc Pro Grip Slip-Resistant Work Shoe
- Durable and easy-cleaning uppers
- Slip-resistant SureGrip outsole
- Merrell air cushion for shock absorption
- Comfortable
- Breathable mesh lining
Cons of the Merrell Women’s Jungle Moc Pro Grip Slip-Resistant Work Shoe
- Sizes run large
12. Merrell Men’s Encore Gust Slip-On Shoe
If you can afford a high-end pair of chef shoes, consider the Merrell Men’s Encore Gust. This model has received positive reviews from the majority of the customers for its fine features and durable construction. The uppers of the shoe are made with full-grain leather, and the collar is padded for comfort. Leather uppers provide protection and are also easy to clean, but take some time to break in.
The interior of the Encore Gust is lined with Aegis antimicrobial treatment for protection and breathability. Moreover, the Ortholite anatomical insole offers support and cushioning to keep your feet comfortable all day round.
The Merrell Encore Gust boasts an air cushion midsole, which absorbs shock on impact and provides support to your feet, reducing fatigue. This model also features the Encore sticky rubber outsole, which provides solid traction on all surfaces, including slippery kitchen floors. The Encore Gust stands out in terms of comfort, support, and traction, which makes it a great option for professional chefs.
Pros of the Merrell Men’s Encore Gust Slip-On Shoe
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Leather uppers
- Mesh lining for protection and breathability
- Ortholite anatomical insole for support and cushioning
- Air cushion midsole
- Encore stick rubber outsole provides excellent traction
Cons of the Merrell Men’s Encore Gust Slip-On Shoe
- Takes some time to break-in
13. Mozo Men’s Grind Slip Resistant Canvas Sneaker
Mozo is an underdog brand that makes solid work shoes that are comfortable and affordable. The Mozo Grind Canvas Sneakers come in two colors – a black/white and an all-black model. The canvas upper of this model offers plenty of ventilation while remaining flexible and lightweight. Since canvas isn’t waterproof, you would have to be careful of spills. There is some level of water protection owing to wax coating, but it’ll wear off after some time with regular use. The rubber toe cap offers protection against bumping your toe on the end of a chair or table.
The Mozo Grind Canvas are moderately durable; however, canvas uppers fray easily. This means that they aren’t as durable as variants with leather uppers. Gel insoles are built into the interior for cushioning and support. The slip-resistant outsole of these shoes holds well on oily and stick surfaces, reducing the likelihood of you falling in the kitchen. If you want a breathable and comfortable pair of shoes, the Mozo Men’s Grind Canvas is worth considering.
Pros of the Mozo Men’s Grind Slip Resistant Canvas Sneaker
- Flexible, lightweight and breathable canvas upper
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Sleek design
- Gel insoles for cushioning and support
Cons of the Mozo Men’s Grind Slip Resistant Canvas Sneaker
- Not too durable
- Not too water-resistant
14. Skechers Work Sure Track Trickel
The Skechers Work Shoe Sure Track Trickel is another high-end pair of chef shoes. Its upper is made with genuine leather, which means that it is easy-cleaning and durable. Since leather isn’t too breathable, Skechers have included mini perforated strips on the sides to promote airflow, ensuring that your feet stay cool and comfy. The rugged construction should protect you from accidents. For instance, you might not suffer an injury even if boiling water spills on your shoes.
The Skechers Sure Track Trickel shoes come with a FlexSole midsole, which is lightweight and flexible and absorbs shock quite well on each impact. The memory foam insoles are cushioned and removable, which means that you can replace them with your specialized orthotics. This model has a pull tab at the heel, which makes it easy to put it on and off. The Skechers Sure Track Trickel also boasts a slip-resistant nitrile rubber outsole, which is tested with ASTM F1677-96 to meet or exceed a 0.5 coefficient on a wet and oily surface.
Pros of the Skechers Work Sure Track Trickel
- Slip-resistant outsole tested with ASTM F1677-96
- Removable memory foam insoles
- FlexSole midsole for shock absorption
- Mini perforated strips make the shoes somewhat breathable
- Rugged construction
Cons of the Skechers Work Sure Track Trickel
- A bit heavier
- Requires a break-in
15. Mozo Men’s Finn Slip Resistant Leather Sneaker
The Mozo Finn Slip-Resistant Leather Sneakers are insanely durable and would last a long time even with regular use. The upper of this shoe is made with full-grain leather. This upper feels supple and soft and is comfortable on foot. This model sports gel insoles with sufficient cushioning to keep your feet comfortable during long shifts.
The Mozo Finn Leather Sneakers offers great traction on all types of surfaces thanks to its slip-resistant outsole. Thus you can cook the dishes without worrying about falling on oil, water, or food spills in the kitchen. These shoes are available in four different styles, so you get a few options to choose from. Moreover, they run true to size so you can go with your original size.
The Mozo Finn Leather Sneakers are a little expensive, but the price is justified considering the features this model offers.
Pros of the Mozo Men’s Finn Slip Resistant Leather Sneaker
- Durable
- Available in four colors
- Water-resistant leather uppers
- Gel insoles for cushioning and support
Cons of the Mozo Men’s Finn Slip Resistant Leather Sneaker
- A little expensive
- The break-in period is required
16. Crocs Men’s and Women’s Specialist Vent Work Clog
The Crocs Specialist Vent Clog is a breathable chef shoe, designed to take a beating in the hectic kitchen environment. The metatarsal area of this shoe is made from thicker materials to protect your feet against spills. The Croslite insoles conform to the shape of the foot, providing a customized fit. The closed heel design of the clog makes it compliant with workplace standards.
Tiny nubs are strategically placed around the midsole of the Crocs Specialist Vent Work Clog to increase blood flow. The upper of these clogs have vents on each side to promote breathability, ensuring that your feet stay cool, fresh, and sweat-free. However, scraps of food may get lodged in these vents, which can be quite annoying. The outsole of this clog is grippy, which means that you won’t have to worry about slipping on the kitchen floor.
Pros of the Crocs Men’s and Women’s Specialist Vent Work Clog
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight and flexible
- Breathable and comfortable
- Croslite footbed provides a customized fit
- Grippy outsole
Cons of the Crocs Men’s and Women’s Specialist Vent Work Clog
- Scrapes of food may get lodged in the vents on the upper
Final Thoughts
That’s all from this list of chef shoes. Now pick a model from our list and enjoy the job you love so much without feeling uncomfortable in the kitchen or worrying about losing your grip while cooking dishes. With the right of chef shoes on your feet, you would find it easier to stand and work for long hours, and your feet would be less likely to hurt after a long shift.
We have discussed some of the finest chef shoes available in the market. This should make it easier for you to find a model that suits your needs and your wallet. If you are still struggling to find a suitable pair, let us make things a little simpler for you. If you were reading carefully, you would remember that we featured our top three choices earlier. Now we will elaborate on them and tell you why Birkenstock Unisex Professional Tokyo Super Grip, Merrell Men’s Encore Gust Slip-On Shoe, and Crocs Women’s Bistro Clog are better than the rest.
Best Overall
If you want a pair of chef hoes that boast impressive features without being too expensive, we recommend the Birkenstock Unisex Professional Tokyo Super Grip. The rubber Super Grip tread of these shoes is optimized to ensure that no slips the result from greasy, oily, or wet surfaces. The sole has been testing following European EN ISO 20347:2012 and meets the slip resistance standards. This means that you won’t have to worry about slipping and falling on the kitchen floor while cooking and moving around. The cork insole of the Birkenstock Unisex Tokyo Super Grip is lined with suede to keep your feet comfortable. It provides optimal support and reduces wear on your feet. EVA midsole is also there to cushion your every step, absorbing shock to reduce fatigue.
Premium Product
If you have the cash to afford high-end chef shoes, we recommend you go with the Merrell Men’s Encore Gust Slip-On Shoe. This model has received positive reviews from the majority of the customers for its fine features and durable construction. The uppers of the shoe are made with full-grain leather, and the collar is padded for comfort. Leather uppers provide protection and are also easy to clean, but take some time to break in. The interior of the Encore Gust is lined with Aegis antimicrobial treatment for protection and breathability. Moreover, the Ortholite anatomical insole offers support and cushioning to keep your feet comfortable all day round.
Best Value
When it comes to value for money, our top pick is the Crocs Women’s Bistro Clog. The fit of the Crocs Bistro Clog is designed to be roomy – your feet won’t feel trapped, and you’ll be less likely to suffer from blisters and hot spots. The Crocs cushioned insole adds to the comfort with a unique design that cradles the foot, providing maximum support. The patented Crocs Lock tread is specialized synthetic sole technology meant to provide solid traction on any surface and prevents slips and falls that can easily occur in a bustling kitchen. This means that you should be able to keep your grip even on soapy, wet or oily floors. The Crocs Bistro Clog doesn’t have ventilation holes, so there is a possibility of breathability issues. But what this model sacrifices for airflow, it makes up for in safety and protection. Since the toe box is enclosed, it would protect your feet from pan drops and occasional spills.
When looking at chef shoes to buy, make sure to consider the things we discussed earlier. These include comfort, outsole, support, maintenance, and durability. This will increase your chances of buying a pair of chef that meets your needs. A final word of advice – don’t try working at your restaurant job in regular running shoes, formal footwear, or any kind of footwear that isn’t designed for work. These shoes don’t provide a good grip on kitchen floors. Thus, if you wear them to a kitchen, you will be very likely to fall while working and hurt yourself. The last thing you need is getting injured on the job and taking time off from work, potentially losing your income for a few days.
We hope you can find your ideal pair of chef shoes. In case you still can’t make a decision, shoot a query our way or give us a call and we will suggest a good pair for you.