A good pair of kitchen shoes are mandatory for all chefs, cooks, and even the family man who just wants to cook a meal for his family.
While many people think that any type of shoe will be fine for cooking, it is important to remember that working in a kitchen can be hard on the feet.
A good pair of shoes will offer support and protection to your feet.
This article will help you choose a good pair of kitchen shoes for your next cooking adventure.
Hazards in the Kitchen
The Kitchen is a dangerous place to work in general, and for your feet even more so. There a quite a few hazards in the kitchen when it comes to your feet;
Slipping – Usually caused by wet or greasy floors, this is the most common type of injury in the kitchen. Also, if you are working on a hard flooring like concrete or tile; you have little traction and could slip easier.
Foot fatigue – Long hours standing on hard surfaces can cause strain on your feet and ankles. This is why wearing a good shoes with support and cushioning is important. Trends such as “barefoot shoes” are not recommended for the kitchen.
Hot Liquids – Coffee, tea, hot water, hot oil, soup, etc. can be spilled on your feet at any time. Even water can burn when it’s hot enough! Make sure you are wearing at least a closed-toe shoe with some kind of material that will protect your skin from burning. Leather or other natural materials tend to absorb heat more than synthetic materials (such as rubber) so keep this in mind when looking for a pair of shoes to wear while cooking.
Wetness – Wetness is a continuous hazard in kitchens for many reasons; sinks that overflow, dishwashers that leak or spill, refrigerators that drip condensation or leak water onto the floor. It doesn’t matter what the cause is; wetness on the floor is one of the fastest ways to lose your footing and injure yourself. The best way to avoid accidents like this is by keeping a towel or mop handy at all times.
What to Look for When Buying a Kitchen Shoe
Wearing the right shoes in the kitchen can boost your comfort level while reducing your risk of injury. Kitchen shoes shouldn’t just be comfortable, they should also provide the right amount of support and traction to keep you stable on your feet.
What’s important to look for in a shoe will depend on what type of cooking you do. If you’re doing a lot of standing, look for shoes with comfort and cushioning features that can help relieve fatigue. Professional chefs who spend more time working with sharp knives or standing over hot stoves might opt for shoes with extra cushioning in the toe area to provide protection against injuries.
If you spend a lot of time walking around on hard surfaces, look for a shoe that offers good arch support. This is especially important if you have an existing foot condition such as flat arches or high arches.
Slip-resistant outsole treads are another essential feature for kitchen shoes because these prevent slippage on wet or greasy floors. The outsole should also be flexible enough to allow easy foot movement and quick action when needed.
Finally, look for spill and stain resistance in kitchen shoes because culinary spills are bound to happen at some point during your workday.
Features of a Good Kitchen Shoe
When you are on your feet for long hours in the kitchen, one of the most crucial pieces of gear that protect you from falling objects or hot spills is your footwear. You need to look for a shoe that has features such as a slip-resistant outsole, oil and water resistance, steel or composite toe, durable abrasion-resistant construction, electrical hazard protection and so much more.
Slip-on shoes are the best option because they save time — you can take them off and put them on quickly and easily as needed. Another factor you need to consider is comfort because it will enable you to work efficiently and effortlessly. Support is also very important. A shoe with a thick platform, slight heel, lots of padding, and a contoured midsole will provide ample support.
It is essential to have breathability when working in an environment that can get quite hot; it helps keep your feet dry and prevents chafing, blisters, and infection. Finally, if you work in a restaurant environment where you may be required to move quickly from one location to another when serving tables or taking orders and pick-ups, then it is best to get a lightweight shoe that can flex with your feet naturally.
Reviews: The Best Comfortable Slides
Flexible Kitchen Work Shoes
Skechers have designed the superb Flex range of slip-resistant work shoes. The highly flexible design mixes with a lightweight shock absorbing midsole, air-cooled memory foam footbed, and lightweight textile upper to bring you a footwear solution packed with comfort and support. Available in black or white and both styles featuring an outsole that is non-marking and highly slip-resistant this design will assist you in meeting your work requirements on time, but in total comfort too.
Best Kitchen Chef’s Shoes
Relax, you step into a shoe collection that looks great while helping to prevent fatigue and foot problems. The instep is padded to cushion your feet and ankles from years of standing and working. A sturdy metal shank reinforces the arch to support the foot. Slip-resistant sole created with a European embossed pattern for sure-footed walkability on both wet and dry surfaces. These professional quality clogs are certified by AMPA (American Manufacturing Productivity & Quality) for slip resistance in an oily environment. You have a breathable, comfortable shoe that is lightweight and durable.
Slip-On Kitchen Worker’s Shoes
These soft leather shoes are the perfect choice to wear while working in the kitchen at an executive or sous chef’s office. It is an excellent choice for people who are required to be in and out of the kitchen frequently. The outsole is slip-resistant on wet and oily floor surfaces. A removable triple-density Eva Midsole for great comfort and support. A low-profile shape and lightweight construction make you feel so free, that you work hard, work fast, and never miss a beat. An added anti-microbial and anti-odor inner lining keep your feet dry, fresh, and protected against infections. A 1.5-inch heel reduces the pressure put on your feet while walking.
Heavy Duty Chef Boots
If you spend long hours on your feet, this is the perfect boot for you. Blundstone is a boot that originates in Australia, made sturdy and durable for the outback. It has a polyurethane midsole that is resistant to hydrolysis and microbial attacks. The thermal urethane outsole is slip, oil, and acid resistant as well as heat resistant up to 284 degrees Celsius. An ergonomically engineered toe spring to reduce foot fatigue. A steel shank is ensuring correct step flex pointing and torsional stability. It is a lightweight, comfortable, and durable boot. Available in Stout Brown and Brown leather color variations.
Slip-resistant Kitchen Work Shoe for Narrow Feet
Do you have narrow feet, and kitchen work shoes that don’t fit right? Our muse, Chef Ludo Lefebvre, has designed the right shoe for you. The Mozo Shark Professional is simple and sleek. With a durable synthetic upper for long life and a hard-wearing non-marking sole for comfort and safety on slippery surfaces, the Mozo Shark is perfect. The heels are made just high enough to provide good ankle support, yet not so high as to cause fatigue and blisters. Other features include breathable side vents in the uppers, gel insoles for extra cushioned comfort, and slip-resistant rubber outsoles for long life.
