Best Chef Shoes for the Busy Kitchen 2020

Whether you're a professional chef or have just started out working in a kitchen, it's important that you have the right footwear for the job. I'm going to make to choice a little bit easier with my Best Chef Shoes for the Busy Kitchen. Here you'll see recommendations for men, women and unisex shoes as well as a buying guide to help you know what to look out for. The main point of all of this is safety! Ultimately, having the right shoes can help prevent an accident in the kitchen, not to mention your feet will thank you for it. Time to throw those old trainers away and have a look at some professional chef shoes.

Best Chef Shoes in 2020 - Comparison Table

These shoes are some of the most comfortable currently available on the market. The leather covering means that they are easy to wipe clean and they have a superb non-slip sole. This means that even while working in a busy kitchen environment you won't be in danger from any spills including oil. You can also get them for wide-fit feet, which is great as women's shoes are generally very narrow. They lace up all the way from the toes and have laces that pull across your foot rather than going through steel grommets. This gets rid of the pressure points that these tend to cause.

There is a lot of room in the toe box your feet will feel protected whilst wearing them. Unlike other Skechers, these don't have memory foam, however it makes the shoe a lot more breathable as a result. It also means that the insole is also removable, which is great for those who have orthopedic insoles. One downside of this shoe is it's lake of arch support, however, because you can replace the insole, this is easily remedied. This may not be the most long-lasting pair of shoes on the market but it makes up for it with comfort and you won't need to break them in at all.

Dansko has long had a reputation for producing quality shoes and there's definitely a reason for that. The Women's Professional Mule is a hard working pair of shoes. You'll be able to stand for 10-12 hour shifts without foot fatigue or discomfort. The fact that they are slip-ons and not lace-ups reduces potential hazards and they provide excellent arch support, although not as good support for the ankles.

They have a reinforced toe as well and are easy to clean if anything spills on them. They are relatively non-slip but the most important thing to consider about these shoes is the sizing. As they are all hand-made, sizing can differ slightly between pairs. You should be able to fit a finger between the back of the shoe and your foot, and your foot should slip out slightly when you walk in these types of shoes however they shouldn't fall off completely. It is important to follow these guidelines as your feet will swell after many hours work. One issue with this shoe is that they tend to take a long time to break-in, however it is worth it as that are very long lasting.

These shoes are great for anyone with foot problems such as plantar fasciitis and provide great arch support whether you are walking back and forth a lot or just standing. These also give your ankles good support as while they slip-on they fit snuggly. The material covering them is suede and waterproof up to a point – it's recommended that you use suede shoe spray on them if you think they are going to get very wet.

These shoes have a non-slip sole however the toe isn't heavily reinforced so won't withstand anything heavy being dropped on them. They are also quite small sized however if you are aware of this it is easily remedied by ordering a half size bigger than you would normally. They are quite narrow as well however so aren't as good for ladies with wide feet. Snug and slip-on they get rid of the need for laces and your foot doesn't move about in them as much as in clogs.

The Skechers for Work Men's Slip On shoes are perfect for those long hours in the kitchen. It has a have a memory foam cushion to support your foot and give optimal comfort. At times this can make your feet quite warm however so Skechers are meant to be worn as a more 'relaxed fit' than other shoes in order to allow your foot to breathe while still getting the benefits of memory foam. These shoes also provide excellent arch and ankle support as even though they are relaxed and slip-on they fit snugly at the ankle.

The shoe doesn't have a composite or steel toe so it won't protect you if anything heavy falls onto them but this does mean that they are very lightweight, making them easy to wear during long kitchen shifts. The sole is very non-slip meaning no accidents with water or oil on the floor and the lack of laces takes away another potential hazard, making them easy to take on and off and you get the same comfort level throughout the day.

This is a durable, hardworking pair of shoes. The leather is waterproof and heat resistant, meaning that they are perfect for kitchen work and they are particularly recommended for anyone with foot or arch problems, including plantar fasciitis, although they don't have the ankle support of some other brands. This is due to the heel which some will find hard to walk with as it means that the sole of your foot is raised slightly higher.

These shoes don't have a reinforced toe, but the lack of laces and the thickness of the leather makes up for this, meaning they are a lightweight but durable shoe. They also don't need to be broken in like some types, you should find these easy to wear from day one. They have a roomy toe-box and also have the option of a pro-grip professional version with the non-slip sole which is recommended for kitchen staff.

These shoes are perfect for anyone who needs a little bit more support in their shoe. The Jungle Moc Pro Grip is exactly that – a Pro Grip on any kitchen surface, even when wet and slippery. They provide excellent arch and heel support, helping to ease lower back pain and plantar fasciitis.

These shoes are water resistant rather than waterproof, meaning that they will survive a few splashes but not a complete soaking. The uppers on the shoe however are easily cleaned with a damp cloth – something that can't be said for other fabric versions. This will prevent stains forming on the shoes. While your feet will sweat in these shoes and may smell after a time, the Jungle Moc are very easy to slip on and off and are lightweight and supportive.

These shoes are perfect for anyone who needs a little bit more support in their shoe. The Jungle Moc Pro Grip is exactly that – a Pro Grip on any kitchen surface, even when wet and slippery. They provide excellent arch and heel support, helping to ease lower back pain and plantar fasciitis.
These shoes are water resistant rather than waterproof, meaning that they will survive a few splashes but not a complete soaking. The uppers on the shoe however are easily cleaned with a damp cloth – something that can't be said for other fabric versions. This will prevent stains forming on the shoes. While your feet will sweat in these shoes and may smell after a time, the Jungle Moc are very easy to slip on and off and are lightweight and supportive.

Crocs have been a staple in kitchen wear for years now. Despite their reputation as being unfashionable, there's no doubt that they provide excellent comfort and support for any kitchen worker. The Men's and Women's Bistro Clog is specifically designed for those who work in the kitchen. The Crocs Lock slip-resistant tread means that you will be kept slip fee even from oil. The enclosed toe design and thicker metatarsal area help protect foot from kitchen spills. They provide great support for your feet and help to prevent foot fatigue even after working a 12-hour shift. They are also very easy to keep clean as all you need to do is wipe them.

It is important that you keep the sole free from gunk as this will affect the non-slip surface. Due to the fact that there are no ventilation holes in these Crocs like there are in others, these shoes will smell after a time due to the rubber and the build-up of sweat.

The Crocs Specialist Vent Clog has air vents only at the side to stop your feet from becoming too sweaty. The is a great addition to these unisex work shoes as not only does it still keep the enclosed toe design and thicker metatarsal area help protect foot from kitchen spills it also stops your feet from overheating. This prevents bad odors as well as reducing the chances of developing sores or fungal infections.

These still aren't a very good looking shoe, but when you're in the kitchen all day, comfort is more important. These clogs don't have quite as good arch support as some others, but they do slip on and off easily without falling off. The tread also isn't as deep as others but should be adequate for kitchen use provided you keep it clear of grime. Due to them being unisex, inconsistent sizing is an issue with these shies and it is advised that you try before you buy.

The OOFOS Unisex Oocloog Clog is one of the top unisex clogs on the market, particularly for those who are on their feet all day. These clogs have been specially designed with comfort in mind. The recovery technology cradles your aches and reduces impact when you walk which is great for anyone with knee or lower back pain. These are particularly recommended to anyone who suffers from bunions although if you do you should go for a shoe half a size larger than usual.

They are non-slip, although there are brands that are better in this regard and they could also be slightly better ventilated however your feet don't smell in them after use and they are also machine washable, so no matter what happens in the kitchen you know you'll be able to get your shoes clean again. They are not the most long-lasting shoe, and the patent material does start to peel off, however for price and comfort they are hard to beat.

Why a Chef should have a pair of good-quality shoes

Accidents

The reason that Chefs and kitchen staff need different shoes than plain old trainers is that they help prevent accidents. The kitchen is a dangerous place, spills of hot food, liquid and oil always a possibility, it is important that the shoes you are wearing are waterproof, to protect you from hot or boiling liquid, and non-slip to prevent falls. Falls in a kitchen can be particularly dangerous due to the number of knives about, Thant's why some chef's shoes come with a reinforced toe and many popular types don't even have laces

Comfort

The other big reason that Chef's and Kitchen staff should purchase different shoes is for comfort. When you are on your feet constantly during a 10-12 hour shift your feet and legs will soon start to feel it and even the comfiest pair of shoes you own might start to be uncomfortable. Arch and ankle support becomes very important and good shoes can help prevent the type of injuries that can happen from standing for long periods of time. If the shoes aren't also breathable, then sores and fungal infections caused by sweat become more common.

Types of chef shoes

Lace ups

Standard lace up shoes do still have their place in the kitchen, provided they are tied correctly. The benefits of lace-ups is great ankle support that comes with being able to tighten them around your foot, and loosen them again if your feet swell throughout the day. They are best for people who don't always fit 100% into standard sizes. You should also look out for lace-ups that don't have metal grommets, as these can cause pressure points.

Slip-on

The modern alternative to lace ups – the best slip on shoes are still tight around the ankle so that they provide some level of support. Easy to get on and off, they are generally the most breathable type of shoe as they are generally made of a synthetic material. They are roomy around the toe box allowing you to wiggle your toes and to allow your foot to swell naturally without it getting cramped. Another positive is the variety they come in, with many types very fashionable even outside of work.

Clogs

Clogs are the classic shoe for kitchen work. They have been work by Chefs for years and it's easy to see why. They are the most durable type of shoe. While they do need a lot of breaking in, and you may have to suffer a blister or two, comfort will be your best friend once you have, and the same pair will last you for years. If that's not something that interests you, modern alternatives made of rubber exist now, bringing all of the benefits without the initial pain. While not the most fashionable of shoe, they have never decreased in popularity

What to look for in chef shoes?

Anti-Slip

If it's not anti-slip, it's not a Chef shoe. This is one of the most important things to look out for. If you are sliding around the kitchen like you're on roller skates, you're going to have an accident.

Arch and ankle support

If it doesn't provide good arch support, a pair of shoes must have a removable insole that you can replace with a more suitable one. This is particularly important for people with flat-feet or very high arches, as well as those who suffer from plantar fasciitis. Ankle support is equally as important, as a rolling ankle will cause problems over time

Breathable

While memory foam is made for comfort, if the shoes you are considering have it, they must also be breathable, as memory foam will cause your feet to be even more insulated than usual, which will cause them to swell and sweat more. Even shoes without memory foam need to be breathable, particularly if they have a reinforced toe or are made of a heavy material.

Waterproof

There's no point in working in a kitchen if the shoes you're wearing aren't waterproof, particularly when the majority of liquids around you are hot. Stains will happen to whatever shoes you wear, but if they are waterproof and easily wiped clean they will last a lot longer and protect your feet from any accidents.

Conclusion

Now that we've had a look at all of the different types of shoes available, I can safely say that for both men and women my recommendation would be Skechers for comfort, non-slip grip, as well as arch and ankle support. While they might not be as durable as some other makes, their ease of wear more than makes up for it.