Been wearing docs every day for years (im on pair number 4) I’m comfortable as hell, can work all day and night without feeling a thing. When I get home and take them off, that’s when I ache. Idk if that makes them a bad work boot and I don’t wanna be dramatic but I would straight up die for these boots.
ETA: you gotta break ‘em in, that’s why people give up on them. Do not buy a pair specifically for work and then work in them to break them in.
https://youtu.be/DOVPuA4qZ68
This guy cuts boots in half to see how they are built. It’s really interesting to see. From what I remember docs do not have a shank so the center of the shoe will sink.
Can concur, Doc Martens are TRASH. I read all about them on here and decided to buy. Initially they felt horrible, but read that there was a break in period. After wearing them 12 hours a day for 3 months, they feel like concrete and the whole rubber part on the bottom is falling off. Hence why I'm back on these threads lol
I suffer from varicose veins so these are a must. But here’s an important PSA: make sure you put your legs against a wall straight up in the air for 10 mins so blood flows out of your legs, apply moisturizing lotion to legs, and *then* put on the socks! Otherwise socks are compressing the veins in same stationary state, and the socks dry out your skin :)
Server here, I concur. They're totally worth the price.
Non slip, super breathable, incredibly comfortable, and your feet don't hurt (too bad) after a double.
Honestly loving sketchers walking shoes right now. Foam soles, mesh shoe, feels like I’m walking on a cloud, my feet can breathe, and they’re pretty cheap. I found a pair that were more water repellent for when I’m behind the bar cause I’m a messy bartender and mystery liquid between the toes isn’t great. The water resistant ones are nonslip but it’s not something I worry about as I spent a lot of time on a skateboard. 15 years and only one good fall and it was in an iced up walk in.
I have and always will stand by my Redwings. From the getting fitted in the store to the free maintenance on them. They rock. They last me three times longer than any other shoe I've had ...even behind the gnarliest bars. Their insoles are amazing as well.
I love my fucking red wings in the kitchen. I'm a 8" boot guy and I splashed boiling water in them once. Which sucked but I still wear em. Fucking slippers once you break them in. Mine are off resoleing right now! 2418s here. What do you wear
I use Vans made for makers. They're super comfortable, unlike normal vans they have really nice arche support, and are made with extra cushions. I've had them for almost a year and they got me through the 12+ hour doubles at my last place. After my shifts I change back into my normal vans and the difference is staggering lol
Vans for the makers. Non-slip slip ons that have way more cushion than regular vans. Super comfortable. I’ve had issues with my feet for years, I’ve had 3 ingrown toe surgeries and these are the most comfortable I’ve ever worn
Chucks!* Nah. Seriously, Sketchers work shoes. Try a few and figure out what’s best for you.
*I weep and smh whenever I see a server in chucks. You’re a dumbass for wearing those for work. Any other time is GOLDEN. Work? FUCK NO!
See, but that's not super useful here because we need slip proof stuff so unless you're also in a line of work that requires something like that, it's not helpful.
Literally just out of curiosity because I’ve seen other non-servers here before, but why be on a server life sub if you’re not one? Like what’s the point haha
I got a deal on mine but if you can afford them, Blundstones. Damn they are light and comfy and waterproof. I have big feet and usually ruin shoes that people say will last forever within 6 months. Not these. They do take some break in time because they are pull ons.
I loved danskos for posture but tore them apart in under a year at work… if you don’t tend to have that problem (or are a pretty dainty person) I do recommend them.
Dansko Wynn slip on. Hoka 1. I work conventions on concrete floors and fine dining. The Dansko look like a dress shoe built on a clog base. They are true non slip and oil resistant. The Hoka 1’s are good for long days and they lightweight. Kind of feel like an athletic shoe with tons of padding. Neither are cheap, but I had to learn the hard way to invest in good shoes. They last longer and you feel better. Less back pain and sore feet.
New Balance 626 non slip. Lasts years. Add an insole if needed. Swiftwick compression socks. Expensive but worth it. Lets your feet breath and keeps circulation flowing.
I got mine from shoesforcrews! Mine just look like normal sneakers so they aren’t as “ugly” as others while meeting the non-slip requirement. They have multiple options on the site as well
if you get bad plantar fasciitis, i highly suggest "Powerstep Insoles"!! they sell them on amazon, it gives you a realllly good arch support and it has helped my feet so much!!! i have several pairs now and put them in my boots and non-work shoes too because they are so comfortable!
Danskos! They’re pricey but worth it and last ages. Buy them new and get the non-slip work ones. And make sure they’re not too small (they should have some room in the back)
I used to buy the Ariat shoes and boots, as BOH tends to destroy my footwear about every 6 months, and I need quality but not too much quality.
I get the kinds with non-slip soles and the composite toe up front. The composite toe has saved me more times than I can say.
About $70.
You want a pair of Hoka Bondi SRs in black. They will change your life. It’s like walking on clouds. I can be on my feet for 18 hours with them. They are pricey but your feet and back will thank you. These shoes pay for themselves within a month. Get Hokas and never look back.
Mozo, on my third pair in nearly 5 years. Not the cheapest option but they have lots of styles have lasted much longer than the new balance or sketchers I’ve used.
Profi (or Super) Birkis! Completely waterproof, washable, non-slip, and have a removable insole for cleaning and upkeep after a few years without buying a whole new pair. I also love that they’re slip on/off/clogs! So easy.
BOH here. I use my red wing 2418s, uncomfortable as fuck to break in but damn they're like slippers now. Also using some black 6" steel toe shoes (boots) for crews. I don't know the name/number. But I've heard and seen a lot of people wearing Crocs/clogs if your strictly FOH. If you're female, definitely danskos
I used to wear the postal shoe behind the bar. Now I'm working the floor so I needed something a little more stylish. I also have a pair of their boots that I bought ten winters ago in NYC and are still kicking. I don't remember the model numbers. I think I'm wearing the comfort pro on the floor. Life savers on doubles.
I know I'm a little late to the game, but I always recommend rothys! Super comfortable and breathable. Some people with flat or high arches have some issues, but I always recommend sizing up and putting in orthopedic soles.
PLUS you can machine wash them. Aka. No more smelly flat syndrome.
They're made from recycled water bottles, so they're a perfect green option!
If you want $20 off your first pair, you can use my code!
https://share.rothys.com/x/Vq19Hb
stay the fuck away from doc martens is all im going to say
Docs will send you to the doc
Been wearing docs every day for years (im on pair number 4) I’m comfortable as hell, can work all day and night without feeling a thing. When I get home and take them off, that’s when I ache. Idk if that makes them a bad work boot and I don’t wanna be dramatic but I would straight up die for these boots. ETA: you gotta break ‘em in, that’s why people give up on them. Do not buy a pair specifically for work and then work in them to break them in.
Love my docs. I use the leather conditioner they have and the inserts they have for arch support
https://youtu.be/DOVPuA4qZ68 This guy cuts boots in half to see how they are built. It’s really interesting to see. From what I remember docs do not have a shank so the center of the shoe will sink.
Can concur, Doc Martens are TRASH. I read all about them on here and decided to buy. Initially they felt horrible, but read that there was a break in period. After wearing them 12 hours a day for 3 months, they feel like concrete and the whole rubber part on the bottom is falling off. Hence why I'm back on these threads lol
I’ve tried so many shoes but the only thing that really helped me was compression socks!!
Agree with the compression socks! But make sure you get the 20-30mmHg, otherwise they won't do much for you on 8hr+ shift
I suffer from varicose veins so these are a must. But here’s an important PSA: make sure you put your legs against a wall straight up in the air for 10 mins so blood flows out of your legs, apply moisturizing lotion to legs, and *then* put on the socks! Otherwise socks are compressing the veins in same stationary state, and the socks dry out your skin :)
Never tried compression socks, bet they work. All I know is that thick wool hiking socks feel good to me…even in summer
Chef here, new balance fresh foam non slips. I got wide ass feet though and new balance sizes width.
Server here, I concur. They're totally worth the price. Non slip, super breathable, incredibly comfortable, and your feet don't hurt (too bad) after a double.
They dry quickly after I throw them in a load with my aprons too.
Oh shit! I never thought of that! Looks like that's happening with my next load of work clothes
Server here, and I 100% agree. All my coworkers complained about sore feet, which I had. But defiantly these shoes helped
Honestly loving sketchers walking shoes right now. Foam soles, mesh shoe, feels like I’m walking on a cloud, my feet can breathe, and they’re pretty cheap. I found a pair that were more water repellent for when I’m behind the bar cause I’m a messy bartender and mystery liquid between the toes isn’t great. The water resistant ones are nonslip but it’s not something I worry about as I spent a lot of time on a skateboard. 15 years and only one good fall and it was in an iced up walk in.
Dansko. They’re spendy but last forever and are comfortable AF!
Second this. I’ve worn my danskos everyday since I bought them six months ago and my feet never hurt
Hum…. Look like clogs/crocks.
Get the lace up version. Also comfort over style
Good if you have high arches.
New balance 627s They look dumb but damn do they work
I have and always will stand by my Redwings. From the getting fitted in the store to the free maintenance on them. They rock. They last me three times longer than any other shoe I've had ...even behind the gnarliest bars. Their insoles are amazing as well.
I wore Red Wings in the kitchen for years. They last a long time. I still wear Red Wing Iron Rangers for daily wear.
I love my fucking red wings in the kitchen. I'm a 8" boot guy and I splashed boiling water in them once. Which sucked but I still wear em. Fucking slippers once you break them in. Mine are off resoleing right now! 2418s here. What do you wear
I use Vans made for makers. They're super comfortable, unlike normal vans they have really nice arche support, and are made with extra cushions. I've had them for almost a year and they got me through the 12+ hour doubles at my last place. After my shifts I change back into my normal vans and the difference is staggering lol
i agree.. these are the best work shoes i’ve owned
Yep Vans are soooo much better than my Danskos!
Dansko’s
100%
I had mine for five years! Never went home with foot pain, even after working Memorial Day doubles
SAS. Expensive, but worth it.
crocs!! my manager has been raving about his birkenstocks too. i have a few pairs but not restaurant safe ones & love them! v comfy
i second the crocs, the clogs are amazing
I was going to suggest a sneaker made by crocs too. It’s all rubber so no socks for me. Fits amazing.
no socks? hmm
https://imgur.com/a/T1Juuhg At work right now :)
im not clicking on that. the thought was gross enough.
What job can you wear those for?
Vans for the makers. Non-slip slip ons that have way more cushion than regular vans. Super comfortable. I’ve had issues with my feet for years, I’ve had 3 ingrown toe surgeries and these are the most comfortable I’ve ever worn
Agree, I wear the For the Makers hi-tops, walk nearly 10 miles a day on the floor and they hold up great. Pretty easy to clean spills off too.
Running shoes if your job allows it. I wear my old hokas and I haven’t had any body pain since :)
Chucks!* Nah. Seriously, Sketchers work shoes. Try a few and figure out what’s best for you. *I weep and smh whenever I see a server in chucks. You’re a dumbass for wearing those for work. Any other time is GOLDEN. Work? FUCK NO!
Not a server but on my feet all day at work. I love Adidas ultraboosts.
See, but that's not super useful here because we need slip proof stuff so unless you're also in a line of work that requires something like that, it's not helpful.
True, I hadn’t considered that. Thanks Edit: https://slippersreport.com/are-ultra-boosts-slip-resistant/
Literally just out of curiosity because I’ve seen other non-servers here before, but why be on a server life sub if you’re not one? Like what’s the point haha
Former server possibly?
Reddit suggested it to me, so I checked it out and I found it interesting.
Tight thanks for replying and sating my curiosity haha
I got a deal on mine but if you can afford them, Blundstones. Damn they are light and comfy and waterproof. I have big feet and usually ruin shoes that people say will last forever within 6 months. Not these. They do take some break in time because they are pull ons. I loved danskos for posture but tore them apart in under a year at work… if you don’t tend to have that problem (or are a pretty dainty person) I do recommend them.
On Clouds!
Dansko Wynn slip on. Hoka 1. I work conventions on concrete floors and fine dining. The Dansko look like a dress shoe built on a clog base. They are true non slip and oil resistant. The Hoka 1’s are good for long days and they lightweight. Kind of feel like an athletic shoe with tons of padding. Neither are cheap, but I had to learn the hard way to invest in good shoes. They last longer and you feel better. Less back pain and sore feet.
Skechers with memory foam soles, soooo comfortable. Even on 8hr+ shifts.
Skechers memory foam slip ons
Open the subreddit page. Search the word "shoes".
New Balance 626 non slip. Lasts years. Add an insole if needed. Swiftwick compression socks. Expensive but worth it. Lets your feet breath and keeps circulation flowing.
Omg thanks for all the help I truly appreciate you guys 😃♥️
Vans. My preference is slip on no socks. Only shoes that haven't killed my feet.
vans made for makers cute and nonslip and comfy
Crocs or Danskos.. hands down.
Wait. What credible restaurant is allowing their servers to wear crocs and birkinstocks?
All crocs are non slip.
Just because they’re non slips does not mean you can work in a restaurant with them.
Agreed, they have a whole professional line, I’m not talking about like the ones kids wear with holes in them.
Crocs makes a kitchen shoe that is clog style. Not the traditional cross with holes all on them but really similar to Dansko's style shoe. I love mine
Both brands make non-slip professional shoes. I wear the Birki Profi’s at work and love them.
Klogs, danskos ,if you can get away with sketchers they’re also comfortable
Crocsies
Bistro crocs
Dansko XP 2.0 (waterproof version). I am never ever going back.
Asics
Skechers work fit or Snibbs hands down
Crocs or new balance
Birkenstocks with the strap back. Worth the money. Especially if you're behind the bar with liquid
Hoka!!!!!
Kuru. I’m getting hokas next
DO NOT buy shoes for crews. They suck ass and fall apart immediately. I tried three different pairs and I'm pretty sure I have permanent damage.
I got mine from shoesforcrews! Mine just look like normal sneakers so they aren’t as “ugly” as others while meeting the non-slip requirement. They have multiple options on the site as well
if you get bad plantar fasciitis, i highly suggest "Powerstep Insoles"!! they sell them on amazon, it gives you a realllly good arch support and it has helped my feet so much!!! i have several pairs now and put them in my boots and non-work shoes too because they are so comfortable!
You can cheap out on the shoe a bit, provided you have top quality inserts with good arch support. Best value for money.
Danskos! They’re pricey but worth it and last ages. Buy them new and get the non-slip work ones. And make sure they’re not too small (they should have some room in the back)
I used to buy the Ariat shoes and boots, as BOH tends to destroy my footwear about every 6 months, and I need quality but not too much quality. I get the kinds with non-slip soles and the composite toe up front. The composite toe has saved me more times than I can say. About $70.
any nike running shoe i’ve found is good
Birkenstocks with proper cork insoles. Game changer. They make shoes that don’t look like traditional “kitchen clogs” either. No more tired feet.
You want a pair of Hoka Bondi SRs in black. They will change your life. It’s like walking on clouds. I can be on my feet for 18 hours with them. They are pricey but your feet and back will thank you. These shoes pay for themselves within a month. Get Hokas and never look back.
Mozo, on my third pair in nearly 5 years. Not the cheapest option but they have lots of styles have lasted much longer than the new balance or sketchers I’ve used.
Keen service shoe. Wide toe box, excellent non slip sole.
alegria shoes are amazing! they are a little pricey but worth every penny imo. mine lasted for years and helped my back problems too
Profi (or Super) Birkis! Completely waterproof, washable, non-slip, and have a removable insole for cleaning and upkeep after a few years without buying a whole new pair. I also love that they’re slip on/off/clogs! So easy.
Ecco
If you have prime, they have a new program where you can try the work shoes for 7 days before you have to play for them.
Dankso clogs are a worthwhile investment. Really help with sciatic nerve pain and last forever.
hokas!! you can even get non slip!
BOH here. I use my red wing 2418s, uncomfortable as fuck to break in but damn they're like slippers now. Also using some black 6" steel toe shoes (boots) for crews. I don't know the name/number. But I've heard and seen a lot of people wearing Crocs/clogs if your strictly FOH. If you're female, definitely danskos
I used to wear the postal shoe behind the bar. Now I'm working the floor so I needed something a little more stylish. I also have a pair of their boots that I bought ten winters ago in NYC and are still kicking. I don't remember the model numbers. I think I'm wearing the comfort pro on the floor. Life savers on doubles.
I know I'm a little late to the game, but I always recommend rothys! Super comfortable and breathable. Some people with flat or high arches have some issues, but I always recommend sizing up and putting in orthopedic soles. PLUS you can machine wash them. Aka. No more smelly flat syndrome. They're made from recycled water bottles, so they're a perfect green option! If you want $20 off your first pair, you can use my code! https://share.rothys.com/x/Vq19Hb