What Should You Consider When Shopping For Server/Waitress Shoes
If you want to prevent stumbling, injuries or foot aches and such common problems, here are some essential things you need to keep in mind while shopping for the best waitress shoes.
Comfort
Servers spend most of their day standing and walking. Thus, comfort is the most important feature to be considered. If you have wide feet, choose shoes that have room for your toes and are not too tight. Check the thickness, cushioning, breathability, leather quality, etc. Bend the shoe and check if it does not bend too much in the slimmest area.
Grip
If the shoes do not offer a good grip, you can stumble or fall. Therefore, choose shoes with high-quality insoles and cushioning that offer a better grip.
Protection
It would be best if you got shoes that offer protection from slipping on oil, grease, or water, and electrical hazards. If you are exposed to such risks, care must be taken to choose appropriate shoes that protect from all these factors.
Easy to clean
Shoes are made from leather, mesh, synthetic, and other fabrics. If you want to save time and money, choose leather shoes as they offer easy cleaning. Shoes made using synthetics and leather are easy to clean with a single swipe.
Quality materials
There is a wide variety of options available like leather, rubber, and canvas shoes. Choose the material as per the nature of the work you do, comfort, and your skin type. If you do not consider these factors, you will end up getting blisters, foot ache, and even affect your gait. Pick shoes that do not crowd your feet and offer enough space. Now that we know this, let us take a look at the 13 best server (waitress) shoes in the market.
13 Best Server (Waitress) Shoes For Women In 2022
1. Best Lightweight: Skechers Women’s Soft Stride Softie Work Shoes
If you spend long hours serving at a restaurant, you need a shoe that offers comfort, grip, and support. These shoes are made from 100% leather and have a breathable lace-up pattern for added comfort. Also, if you are shopping on a budget, these shoes offer excellent value for money. Available in two colors, these slip-resistant and cushioned shoes are just the right shoes for women looking for a lightweight, comfortable, and trendy option. Pros
Lightweight Breathable lace-up design Anti-slip shoes with cushioning Synthetic sole
Cons
Cannot be cleaned easily Dirt sticks to the bottom of the shoe easily
2. Best Medicare Approved: New Balance Women’s 626 V2 industrial shoe
The New Balance Women’s Industrial Shoe is one of the best slip and oil resistant shoes. It is best for servers as it can withstand your long hours of shift. It is made of 100% pure leather which makes them comfortable yet solid to wear. The rubber outsole is non-marking with a compression molded midsole. The ABZORB cushioning foam, phantom lining construction and a supportive leather upper makes the shoe most comfortable to wear all day long. Overall, they help you focus on doing your job well while distracting you from the feet. Pros
Slip and oil resistant Medicare approved Long lasting Excellent ankle support Imported Stable
Cons None
3. Best Arch Support: Skechers For Work Women’s Squad SR Food Service Shoe
If you have not yet found your perfect work shoe, we recommend trying this one. These shoes feature a lace-up design that provides comfort and enough space for your feet. These are made from synthetic material and also feature a synthetic sole. These shoes are great for all-day wear and have a low top arch to keep your feet comfortable even if you are wearing one size larger. These anti-slip work shoes are great value for money! Pros
Slip-resistant Good arch support Features a breathable lace-up pattern Works well with inserts Highly comfortable and durable
Cons
Might get stained easily
4. Best Comfort: Skechers Work Footwear Women’s Relaxed Fit Slip With Memory Foam
When you are investing a substantial amount of money for buying a great pair of shoes that lasts long, make sure you have a look at these Relaxed Fit Work Shoes from Skechers. The shoes are designed to offer a comfortable and roomy fit and slip-resistant outsoles so you can work in wet and damp conditions. These shoes are tested for protection against electrical hazards and also for compression and impact. Pros
Lightweight and comfortable Prevents slips and stumbles Great value for money
Cons
Might run a bit large
5. Best Water-Resistant: Avia Women’s Avi-Union Ii Food Service Shoe
If comfort and flexibility are the two most important things for you, then these shoes are the ones you must get your hands on! They are designed with synthetic leather and memory foam sock liner for extra comfort. These shoes have rubber soles and are also stain and water-resistant. The rubber tread patterns offer an enhanced grip and make it oil and slip-resistant. These shoes remain true to their purpose, providing much-needed support throughout the day. “They have an arch support feature which provides cushioning around the metatarsal joints, helping to reduce strain on the feet while also aiding in the prevention of common foot injuries such as plantar fasciitis,” explains Lalitha Bhowani-Mcsorley, an expert in Musculoskeletal & Vestibular Injuries. Pros
Rubber soles Water and stain-resistant design Rubber tread pattern for augmented grip and support Goes with different work uniforms
Cons
Runs one size larger
6. Best Breathable: KEEN Utility Women’s PTC Oxford Work Shoe
Professional-looking, breathable, and true to size, these are the qualities that describe this pair of work shoes. These shoes are the perfect footwear for nurses and food servers. Made using 100% leather, these shoes are slip and oil resistant. They have a lace-up pattern and are easy to wear and remove. The best part is that these shoes feature recycled PU, cork, and memory foam to offer comfort and support to your feet. Pros
Cushioned footbed for better support Memory foam support Easy to clean and wipe Oil and slip-resistant Meets ASTM F1667-96 Mark II non-slip standards
Cons
Slightly expensive
7. Best For All-Day Wear: Avia Women’s Avi-Focus Food Service Shoe
Finding the ideal shoes for work is not easy, but when you have a shoe that looks stylish, is comfortable and safe, you do not have to think twice. These server shoes with a rubber sole and lace-up pattern is an excellent option if you are spending long hours on your feet at work. These shoes are designed with a memory foam sock liner that offers an excellent grip. Pros
Oil and stain-resistant Memory foam cushioning for support Provides room for toes Durable
Cons
Runs a size bigger
8. Best Cushioning: MOZO Women’s Maven Food Service Shoe
If you prefer sneakers or sport shoes, these canvas shoes are a great option. Not only do you get these at a great price, but you also get to choose from three different colors. The shoes are comfortable to wear owing to the lace-up design and elastic goring that makes it easy to slip them on. The shoes consist of gel insoles for a better fit and cushioning. The synthetic sole and canvas outer sole make it slip-resistant and durable. Pros
Full-grain leather design Water and slip-resistant design Soft cushioning offered by gel insoles
Cons
Might offer a tight fit for wide feet
9. Best Stain-Resistant: Skechers Work Footwear Women’s Gozard Slip Resistant Shoe
These shoes from Skechers are great for work as they are breathable and stylish for servers (waitresses) and nurses. This high-quality and glossy pair of shoes features a mesh covering for breathability, and memory foam that offers cushioning and support. It is also water and stain-resistant. These shoes are designed for all sizes and thus provide a relaxed fit to wide or narrow feet. Pros
Safe and protective shoes Slip-resistant shoes Designed to provide room for toes Comfortable to wear and take-off
Cons
Comes with a hard sole
10. Best Durable: Skechers Work Relaxed Fit Nampa-annod Service Shoe
Does comfort top the list of features you look for in work footwear? Then these shoes from Skechers are highly recommended for you. These are designed to keep your feet relaxed and well-supported throughout the day. These slip-ons are not bulky and provide your feet the support they need, all day long. Featuring a rubber traction sole that is flexible, these shoes are easy to wear and take off. The Memory Foam insole ensures all-day comfort. Pros
Durable Sporty and casual design Perfect arch support
Cons
May not fit wide feet
11. Best Slip-Resistant: Shoes For Crews Women’s Liberty Slip Resistant Food Service Work Sneaker
These shoes will offer you a great workday with its relaxed, comfortable, and padded fit. These shoes feature a rubber sole that provides better balance and arch support. These slip-resistant shoes can be used in humid or greasy work conditions and will prevent you from stumbling or falling. The padded collar and tongue can avoid foot aches or blisters. Pros
Designed slip-resistant technology Waterproof Comfy and durable shoes Lightweight and affordable
Cons
Hard sole
12. Best Leather Shoes: Laforst Womens Leather Nonslip Server Slip On
The Laforst Womens Leather Non-slip shoes are made of 100% leather. These lightweight shoes feature memory foam cushion insoles that offer adequate cushioning to your feet while absorbing excess shock, and the fabric-lined interior provides grip to your feet. The rubber, slip-resistant soles, and easy V-vamp slip-on design make the pair appropriate for servers. Pros
Comfortable Easy slip-on design Adequate cushioning Lightweight Slip-resistant
Cons
Wears out quickly Sharp edges might dig into your skin
13. Best Moisture-Wicking: Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Inhale Slip Resistant Sneaker
Shoes from Dr. Scholl’s are known to be very comfortable and stylish. Especially if you are a sneaker person, these lace-up work sneakers will keep you working hassle-free all day long. These shoes come with advanced memory foam insoles for better grip and support, while the insole channels promote breathability. They also have moisture-wicking lining, and the antimicrobial sock prevents foul odor. “They ensure comfort, stability, and resilience. Its arch support features plush cushioning that helps reduce excessive strain on the feet and the risk of developing foot injuries such as plantar fasciitis. The breathable mesh material keeps the shoes light and cool,” says Lalitha Bhowani-Mcsorley, an expert in Musculoskeletal & Vestibular Injuries. Pros
Affordable Moisture-wicking lining prevents smell and sweat Cushioned sneakers for better grip Comes with a moisture-wicking lining
Cons
Sizes run small Hard insoles
Some of the common problems which waitresses or servers face when walking are stumbling, slipping, foot ache, and even injuries. To ensure that you stay comfortable, invest in a pair of reliable shoes to prevent any injuries. Here are a few other things to keep in mind while picking out server shoes.
How To Choose The Best Comfortable Server Shoes
1. Comfort
Comfort is one of the most important things to be considered when choosing a pair of shoes. This is especially true for servers, as they spend most of their day walking or standing. Make sure your toe box has enough room for your feet to wiggle, and if you have wider feet go for models with a wide toe box. Also, look for enough arch support and cushion to reduce the pressure or impact on your feet.
2. Protection
It is ideal that your shoe offers extra protection from grease, water, oil and even electrical hazards.
Injury Protection: Other than slip resistance the upper part of your shoe must be hard enough to protect your foot against damage which can be caused by heavy objects or hot elements falling on your foot.
Water Protection: Walking around in a pair of wet shoes is very uncomfortable. To avoid this discomfort, get a shoe that offers water protection, with a waterproof or water resistant upper.
3. Grip
The grip of your shoes also plays a major role in safety, especially when it comes to the kitchen or the restaurant. Get shoes with high-quality insoles for a better grip. Here are a few things you should look for in slip-resistant shoes.
A soft rubber outsole that ensures that your shoe grips to the floor, thus preventing any mishaps. A large thread pattern to get maximum surface contact, for a better grip and traction. An interlocked thread pattern to ensure that any moisture or water on the floor is channeled away from your foot.
4. Maintenance
Shoes are made of several materials like leather, PU, rubber, canvas, synthetic, and many combinations of materials. Some synthetic shoes and leather shoes are easy to maintain as they look brand new in just a single swipe. Now that we have seen the top 13 server shoes this year, let us take a look at some of the things you must avoid if you are buying these shoes.
What To Avoid When Buying Server (Waitress) Shoes
The first thing to keep in mind is not to purchase sandals, ballet flats, boat shoes, or high heels while shopping for work shoes. These shoes do not offer enough protection or comfort for hours and may cause blisters and extreme foot ache. What is the proper footwear for food service workers? Food service workers should invest in closed-toe, comfortable shoes. Try the ones that are waterproof and slip-resistant to avoid untimely accidents. Do servers have to wear non-slip shoes? In food outlets, workers work with oils, water, and other liquids. It is pretty common to have those spilled on the floor. So, servers must wear non-slip shoes to avoid accidents. Can servers wear sneakers? Servers can wear sneakers provided that they have a good grip and the laces are always kept tied. Lightweight sneakers are the best to avoid any discomfort while working. Can I wear crocs as a server? Crocs are water-resistant but do not have a good grip. Therefore, it is not recommended to wear crocs as a server. What qualifies as slip-resistant shoes? Slip-resistant shoes will have a rubber sole. The bottom of the outsole will have small patterns that create friction against the slippery floor and provide great grip. What is OSHA-approved footwear? Footwears must fulfill certain criteria to be OSHA-approved. These criteria include non-skid and oil-resistant soles, leather upper, and impact and compression resistant rating of 75.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shreya Vishwanathan is a fitness and health enthusiast who uses her product writing expertise to provide the best suggestions to her audience. She performed considerable research and combed through hundreds of reviews to compile a list of the finest shoes for servers that are both comfortable and sturdy. She also offered a detailed analysis of each product, including its benefits and drawbacks, as well as some do’s and don’ts that may help you make an informed decision.
