If You Can't Stand the Heat, Get Better Kitchen Shoes!

If you work as a dishwasher, a chef or a prep cook, the right pair of kitchen shoes can make all the difference. When you spend your whole shift on your feet, its important to have the right kitchen slip resistant shoes. Knowing what to look for and having a few good examples can set you on the path to safety and comfort on the job.Kitchen Shoes Should HaveCushion: Whether its under your foot, on the tongue, on the heel or around the collar, a good kitchen shoe will have an ample supply of cushion. Shoes without cushion will cause rub spots and blisters and make you dread putting on your work shoes, so be sure that the shoe feels good before you go work a 10 hour shift in it.Support: Cushion and support go hand in hand. As the cushion becomes compressed over time, the support will become more important. A great shoe will have good arch support and a dual-density midsole.Quality Materials: With the amount of food, sauce, water and ingredients being flung around in a kitchen, your shoes are going to take a beating. Look for quality leathers in the upper, rubber outsoles and EVA molded footbeds.You Might Also LikeSlip-on: One of the hazards of working in a kitchen is the amount of debris that gets in and on your shoes. Trying to clean the food and liquid off of your shoes can be a pain if you have laces, but a nice slip-on like a chef shoe is much easier to wipe clean quickly and effectively.Waterproof: The more you work around water, the more important a waterproof upper and lining is. When your feet get wet, you get blisters which can make difficult work miserable. Consider your environment, and choose appropriately.A Few Suggestions

Slip-Ons

SR Max Charlotte extra cushioned insole with impact zone padding, mesh fabric lining

Crocs Bistro ergonomic footbed, water resistant

Keen PTC Slip-On II durable, water resistant, KEEN.CUSH footbed

Sneaker

SR Max Seattle extra cushion insole with impact zone padding, dual density midsole

Boot

SR Max Juneau composite toe, waterproof upper, improved traction in walk-in freezers

Converse 6 Shaft Boot waterproof lining, steel toe