Spending twelve hours a day on your feet is hard, even if it’s doing something you love. That’s why chef shoes need to be good shoes. They say you shouldn’t go cheap on things that separate you from the ground. This applies more than ever to chefs, who need extra protection from slips, trips and falls around greasy floors and hot oils at peak hours.
A good pair of shoes will not only make it easier to navigate in the kitchen. It will also give you some relief from the end-of-day aches and pains that come with the chef’s job. But you don’t need to wear heavy-duty miner’s boots around the kitchen. There are far more stylish and comfortable options available in chef footwear.
The Best Chef Shoes To Wear In Style And Safety
What do you look for in chef shoes? They must be close-toed, to begin with. Close-toed shoes will offer fewer chances of hot liquids and oils dropping on your feet. You’re less likely to be injured if a young assistant drops a carving knife on your toe in the heat of a busy Friday night.
They must also be non-slip. Non-slip shoes will protect you from the risk of slipping on spilled water or oils in your kitchen. No matter how clean you like your kitchen to be, at peak dining hours, it’s best to be prepared for spills.
It also helps if the shoe is washable, or at least part of it. Many clogs and boots can be wiped down to clean it. Some can even be washed (by hand). Some materials are better than others for use in the kitchen. Look for materials like PU or specialised resins built for cushioning and ease of maintenance.
Cushioning is important because comfort is key in the kitchen. Some people might be willing to give up style for comfort. But you don’t have to. Here is a look at five chef footwear that are all of the things above, and stylish to boot (sic).
Birkenstock Profi Birki
Birkenstock’s line of polyurethane and leather clogs for work comes with a removable cork-latex footbed that is moulded to the feet. The micro-fibre footbed lining makes the shoe comfortable and easy to wipe down. The PU sole is non-slip, grease and oil-resistant. These are certified occupational footwear, so you can wear them with peace of mind.
The Profi Birki chef shoes are light and durable. The waterproof clogs have a waterproof footbed. They come with a replaceable footbed you can buy online when your old ones wear out. They are strong and lightweight, and specially designed for professional use. Unlike the Super-Birki shoes, you can wash the Profi Birki footbed by hand, up to 30 degrees Celsius. The clogs are abrasion and grease resistant, and deep tread patterns make these highly slip-resistant.
Birkenstock Boston Clogs
The Boston clogs are easy to fit, which is great for people who have trouble finding shoes that are just the right width. The strap and buckle can be adjusted for a snug fit, so you can move around the kitchen with ease. The leather footbed is comfortable and adds to the overall pleasant feel of the shoe.
Boston clogs are priced a little on the higher side at around $200. But if you’re looking for quality smooth leather chef shoes that are easy to clean, these are it. Birkenstocks are great with anatomically-shaped foot-beds. So as long as you get the right fit, your Boston clogs can feel like walking barefoot. The shape supports natural walking action and protects your joints and back. The toe box is roomy, so chefs with larger feet widths may find comfort in the Boston clogs.
Steel Cap Boots
Leather steel-cap boots can make excellent chef footwear. Those designed for chefs can include dual-density PU soles that are grease and oil resistant. Polyester mesh lining can make these boots breathable, and elastic sides can make them easy to pull on and off. EVA in socks further adds to the comfort of the shoe. Kick-off lugs make it easy to get the boots off at the end of the day.
Shock absorbent heels and oil-resistant anti-static, slip-resistant soles all go towards making a solid pair of chef shoes that will shine in the kitchen. Steel cap boots can also be reasonably priced, often available for under $60.
New Balance Non-Slip Work Shoes
New Balance makes good non-slip work shoes for men and women, that are kitchen-friendly. These shoes are built to be comfortable. They have a no-sew upper of synthetic that is easy to clean and snug to wear. New Balance does a careful analysis of foot pressure to come up with designs like the slip-resistant lugs of the outsole in these shoes. These features make it easy to stay in these shoes for long hours without sacrificing comfort (or style).
No-sew overlays and a seamless upper makes the New Balance non-slip work shoes for men and women quite attractive. Reasonably priced at a little over $100, these shoes are great for heavy-duty use in the kitchen.
Crocs Bistro Clogs
You may be surprised to find Crocs makes these Bistro clogs specifically for those who are in the food industry, healthcare and hospitality service. The closed-toe and thick metatarsal area protect against kitchen spills. These shoes have the Crocs Lock slip-resistant design. They are easy to clean, won’t stink up the place easily, and they dry quickly.
Like the Birkenstocks, the Crocs foot-beds are contoured to snugly fit your feet. The proprietary Croslite material is tough and offers light cushioning. The heel strap helps to further secure the shoe, so you can move around the kitchen comfortably.
The Bottomline
The kitchen is a fast-paced place, and potentially dangerous. Wearing the right kind of shoe can make or break a day in the kitchen. Although shoes can seem like the least important element in your kitchen, they can make the difference between a comfortable workday and long-term injury. Anything less than the best chef shoes out there, and you risk a recipe for disaster.
