The Best Kitchen Shoes for Comfort, Support, and Nonslip Stability

We asked the kitchen pros what to look for in a reliable work shoe.

Whether you work full-time or volunteer in a kitchen or food-service environment, one of the job’s most important requirements is to come in wearing the appropriate shoes. And much like with garden shoes, “kitchen shoes” shouldn’t be a euphemism for your oldest, most worn-out pair of sneakers.

We talked to several kitchen professionals to get an understanding of what to look for when shopping for a pair of kitchen shoes.

What to Consider

As nearly any restaurant worker will tell you, comfort and safety are paramount when it comes to the best kitchen shoes. That means outer construction is just as important as what’s inside. As Bobby Pritchard, the owner and grillmaster at Smokey Grill BBQ advises, “First, the shoes should have a nonslip sole in order to avoid slipping on wet surfaces.”

Another thing to keep in mind, especially if you have plantar fasciitis and need enhanced arch support is the comfort of the soles and other features of the shoe’s interior. Michael East, veteran professional chef and CEO of Griddle King says, “You can find clogs that have memory-foam soles so that it feels like you’re standing on a cloud even after a 12-hour shift … On top of that, ventilation is a must, as your feet need to breathe.”

One more quality that may also be important for your work is a waterproof build, since all day long, splashes and spills happen. Shoes that are made of or coated with water-resistant materials are easier to hose off or wipe clean if they get seriously grimy.

Finally, as far as aesthetic requirements go, the list is usually pretty short. Many kitchens will require that back-of-house staff wear shoes that are black and have a closed-toe design. While the color limitation may vary depending on where you work, we’ve streamlined this guide to cover just black shoes.

With safety, support, and even a little style at top of mind, read on to check out our guide to the best kitchen shoes.

PROS	CONS
Comfortable, nonslip, and waterproof build is ideal for kitchen environments	Sizing runs small
Affordable

You simply can’t go wrong with Crocs. If you’re on your feet all day, these unisex kitchen shoes bring the waterproof wear, nonslip grip, easy-to-wash convenience, and insole comfort that you need. Plus, they’re durable — reviewers who work in the restaurant, hospitality, and healthcare industries all attest to their long-lasting quality and love how affordable they are.

Michael East also names this as his number-one kitchen shoe. “I personally recommend the Crocs On The Clock Work Clog and will never use anything else … They are extremely comfortable and provide good traction. They also have a nonslip heel, which is important when working in a kitchen.”

Just be aware that Crocs shoes usually have quirky sizing — some reviewers note that they run small, so you may want to size up if you’re going with this pick.

Key Specs

Available Sizes	Women’s 6-15; Men’s 4-13

PROS	CONS
Provides excellent arch support and overall comfort	Pricey
Available in regular and wide widths

Another kitchen shoe brand that the pros swear by is Dansko. They’re a little more expensive than Crocs, but they’re equipped with more arch support and traction, and they’re also a bit more stylish.

These women’s shoes (also available in a men’s version) have a water-resistant leather exterior, a cushy insole, and a curved rocker bottom that make them comfy and easy to walk in. Reviewers who work in the restaurant industry, ranging from bartenders to baristas, attest that these shoes take no time to break in and last for years without causing aches and pains.

These are also the kitchen shoes of choice for Chef K.C. Gulbro, owner of the restaurants FoxFire and Copper Fox in Geneva, Illinois. He says, “Dansko brand is the Cadillac of kitchen shoes … it is a well-put-together shoe, durable, comfortable, lightweight, with a touch of fashion. They are perfect for the hospitality industry.”

Key Specs

Available Sizes	Women’s 4.5-13 (normal and wide)

PROS	CONS
Very cushy and breathable shoe for all-day comfort	Not waterproof
Relatively affordable brand

If you want comfort, first and foremost, don’t sleep on Sketchers! This brand of kitchen shoe encompasses sneakers and slip-ons, and while they may not be heavy-duty, they’re ideal if you’re a front-of-house worker or server who’s constantly on your feet.

These men’s slip-ons (also available in a similar women’s style) have a stretchy, breathable feel, nonslip tread, and an insole that “feels like memory foam.” Their flexibility makes them super comfortable to walk in — but they don’t have the tough exterior of others. They’re washable but not waterproof, so keep that trade-off in mind.

Sonya Murray, a longtime restaurant server, touts Sketchers as a brand that has everything she needs in a kitchen shoe. “After a solid 20 years of hospitality experience, mostly serving, I have tried all types of shoes … I must say my preferred shoe is Sketchers. You cannot really choose wrong with any style of this brand of shoe.”

Key Specs

Available Sizes	Men’s 7-16 (normal and wide)

PROS	CONS
Great nonslip tread and supportive insoles	Not a very breathable design
Looks understated, stylish, and professional for any industry

If you need kitchen shoes that feel good and look good, KEEN is your brand. The PTC Dress Oxfords don’t come cheap, but they’ll last a very long time, even when put through over-10 hour days regularly.

These men’s-style shoes (also available in a women’s version) comprise water-resistant leather that wipes clean, an oil-, slip-, and scratch-resistant rubber outsole, and a removable, cushy footbed that’s made of recycled plastic, cork, and memory foam.

Reviewers who work in restaurants and grocery stores, and even those with office jobs who live with bunions and foot pain, adore how supportive and durable these shoes are. The only issue they note is that the design isn’t very breathable, so your feet may get sweaty.

As one reviewer says, “As a chef, I need proper work shoes, the extremes and demands require quality footwear. Well, I found them here, the PTC Dress Oxfords are much better than my previous slip-ons. I’m not a fan of shoes with laces whilst working, but I particularly found the comfort and mobility better than I had anticipated.”

Key Specs

Available Sizes	Men’s 7.5-13

PROS	CONS
Steel-toe design offers superior foot protection	Heavy and not great for running around in
Heat-, water-, oil-resistant upper with nonslip tread

If you want the highest protection possible for your feet, get yourself a pair of Blundstones. Specifically, the Blundstone BL990 Work Chelsea Boot.

Among its many features, these unisex kitchen shoes have a steel-toe cap to protect your feet from sharp objects and heavy drops, and the upper exterior is not only water- and oil-resistant but heat-resistant against temperatures up to at least 572 degrees Fahrenheit. Its outsole is slip-resistant and the footbed is designed for shock absorption.

Kitchen workers, as well as firefighters, concrete workers, and motorcyclists give these hardcore boots top marks. Says one person, “I love these boots, they are super solid and I feel they will protect me from any dangers in the commercial kitchen I work in.”

Admittedly, these shoes do require a bit more breaking in, and because of their heft, they aren’t great for those who are walking around all day. However, if you tend to stay put as you work in the kitchen, these offer protection and support that beat out pretty much anything else on the market.

Key Specs

Available sizes	Women’s 7.5-11; Men’s 7-14