Top 8 Best Shoes For Waitressing in 2020

Anyone who has ever done waitressing knows the long shifts waitresses put in daily. Working for 12 hours or more is usually stressful. Working 12 hours or more while standing and walking around is highly tiresome. All waitresses need to take good care of their feet when working. Waitressing puts a lot of pressure on the feet, especially the sole. Wearing the wrong shoes can make it difficult to work comfortably for a long shift, let alone a few consecutive days. Below are a few tips for choosing the right footwear and reviews for 8 of the best shoes for waitressing.

Tips on choosing the best shoes for waitressing

You can’t afford to pick any shoe off the street and wear it during waitressing. You need to find a shoe the fits and offers support for an extended shift. Good waitressing shoes need to be comfy and reliable. Here’s what to look for in work shoes for waitressing.

Comfort

Waitresses require comfortable shoes to be able to stay on your feet for over 12 hours. The shoes need to have a comfy insole and offer support to the foot’s arch. Find a shoe that is breathable with inner padding and memory foam insole, if possible. The padding helps absorb the pressure of walking around the restaurant. Ensure you have shoes with a little wiggle room for when your feet swell after long hours. In short, the shoes should be too tight like running shoes.

Find the right shoe size

It seems so obvious to choose the correct shoe size. However, most people overlook the manufacturer’s shoe size guide. There are various measuring standards for shoe sizes that manufacturers use. It is, therefore, essential to confirm that you are buying the right shoe size. If you buy waitressing shoes from a shop, try them on first. If you are purchasing shoes online, check the manufacturer’s guidelines on the shoe size. A smaller shoe size will pitch while a bigger one will keep coming off.

Great outsole

The outsole plays a significant role in providing comfort to waitresses. Ideally, the sole should be wide and flat to distribute pressure evenly. It should also be a shock-absorbing and anti-slip material like rubber. An anti-slip sole is handy in restaurants due to spills of food in the restaurant or water in the kitchen. Anti-slip shoes will go a long way to ensure that you won’t slip or fall due to wet or slippery floors. It is essential to ensure that the sole is made from genuine materials and not cheap imitations. Check out the bottom to ensure there are grooves to offer grip. Also, the sole needs to be light to allow constant movement throughout long shifts.

Your uniforms

Being presentable as a waitress is part of the job. Shoes can make or break an outfit hence put consideration to the hues of your dress code. You may also want to check the requirements that your employer wants. Some employers insist on shoes with protective tips to avoid injuries when waitresses trip. Some employers require formal shoes, while others are fine with sneakers. However, it would be a shame for you to buy shoes that your employer doesn’t approve of. Besides, finding shoes that compliment your outfit can make you stand out.

Ease to clean

After a long day at work, the last thing you want to do is spent another hour cleaning your shoes. It is easier to find shoes that require a little wiping, and they are good to go. A short cleaning routing is highly sustainable in the long run. On the other hand, washing shoes daily isn’t lasting, and it is time-consuming.

Durability

Most shoes are built for beauty and not heavy-duty work like standing for more than 8 hours. However, shopping in a store that understands shoe technology makes it easy to identify shoes that are suitable for waitressing. Wearing shoes regularly for long hours is bound to cause severe wear and tear. However, the right shoes can last a couple of months without the sole coming loose or ripping. Durable shoes can last up to a few months without any incidences, which is a good return on investment.

Budget

Waitressing doesn’t pay well for beginners; therefore, it is crucial to buy quality shoes within your budget. Believe it or not, it is possible to find a great pair of shoes for waitressing on a budget. You just need to know where to look.

The best shoes for waitressing 2020

Here are eight pairs of shoes that are suitable for waitressing. The list consists of formal and informal footwear so you can find something that suits your needs.

1. Dansko Women’s Professional Clog Mule

Danko Women’s Professional Clog Mule pair designing keeps in mind users who stand on their feet for long. There are various patterns to choose from, depending on the regulations of your restaurant. The shoes boast a polyurethane sole that is an excellent shock absorber.

The spacious shoes have enough wiggle room to avoid pitching, and the leather is breathable. The leather exterior is easy to clean with a damp cloth. The footwear can last for months, even when you wear them daily to your shift.

2. Klogs Footwear Women’s Springfield Polyurethane Chef Clog

When you hear clogs, you don’t expect to see a shoe that appealing. However, the Klogs Footwear Women’s Springfield Polyurethane Chef Clog is a combination of beauty and performance.

The clogs come in various colors, including black, navy blue, and white. The leather shoes have a synthetic sole that is slip-resistant and absorbs shock well. The insole is odor resistant and removable for easy cleaning.

The footwear is an excellent fit for waitresses who work in a busy environment. The heels are a comfortable 1.5” and platforms come in inches. The arch support in the clogs reduces fatigue for waitresses.

3. Sketchers For Work Women’s Soft Stride-Softie Lace-Up

The Sketchers for Work Women’s Soft Stride-Softie Lace-Up shoes are meant for comfort during long working hours. The shoes are 100% leather making it easy to clean spills after a long workday. The padded inside adds comfort and support for the waitress reducing the chances of pinching or squeaking.

The heel height is 1.5,” which is comfortable even for newbie waitresses. The shoe is light with a soft insole and flexible leather, which makes walking feel like a breeze.

4. Sketcher Work Sure Track-Trickel

The Sketcher Work Sure Track-Trickel shoes offer incredible comfort to waitresses. The footwear is durable and reliable for long shifts. Like other Sketcher shoes, they are lightweight and anti-skid resistant. You can comfortably wear the shoes in the kitchen without worrying about sliding and falling. The shoes are perforated breathing and providing adequate air circulation in the shoe. The exterior is water-resistant and easy to clean after a long shift. The insoles are removable for proper cleaning. The sole offers appropriate shock absorption, which reduces the chances of painful feet at the end of a change.

5. Tiosebon Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes Casual Mesh-Comfortable Work Sneakers

On the first look, the design is trendy and modern. The lightweight mesh shoes have a signature white sole and a variety of colors for the mesh. The mesh is soft and doesn’t cause any blisters or injuries on the upper part of the foot. The breathable material and elastic outsole are excellent for walking around in a restaurant for long hours. The design of the shoe is appealing and is compatible with the majority of work outfits. The shoes can work well with skirts as well as trousers or shorts.

6. Emeril Lagasse Women’s Quarter Shoe

The shoes are Nubuck leather, which is water-resistant, keeping the feet dry even in wet areas. The sole is flexible, making moving from place to place comfortable.

The shoes are oil-resistant and anti-slip resistant, making then excellent for fast food joints. It can be costly for a waitress to fall or skid on oil while carrying a tray of food. The interior offers impressive arch support and has an odor-resistant lining to control bacteria and odor.

7. Fila Women’s Memory Workshift Slip Resistant Work Shoe

Fila specifically designed the shoe for women who spend long hours on their feet. The shoe has an excellent sporty design, but it makes up for the model with remarkable qualities.

The shoe boasts a rubber sole that is flexible and anti-resistant. The interior has a memory form for extra comfort and excellent arch support. The memory form and interior padding reduce the impact of working on hard floors. The shoes are reliable and durable since they are made using quality materials. The exterior is perforated to allow air circulation in the shoes and reduce odor.

8. Skechers For Work Women’s Gozard Slip Resistant Walking Shoe

Skechers offers yet another women’s footwear for prolonged working hours. Skechers for Work Women’s Gozard Slip Resistant Walking Shoe is easy to slip on and off when in a hurry. It has some unique features like they are electrical hazard proof and slip-resistant. The shoes also have the steel to prevent toes from injury when stuff falls. The shoes have a fashionable design that works well with a variety of outfits. The memory foam insole adds comfort for waitresses working long hours. The mesh material easily accommodates feet that sweat after long periods of standing. The shoe itself is soft on the inside and doesn’t pinch anywhere.

Best Shoes fir Waitressing in 2020: Final Thoughts

Having comfortable footwear is a must when working waitressing jobs. You no longer have to leave work with feet that hurt or get muscle aches when working long shifts. Investing in a great pair of working shoes with a shock-absorbing sole can make a big difference. Having a list of the best shoes for waitressing can save you time and energy wasted searching for the right shoes. Knowing the best shoes for waitressing available gives you ample time to choose what best suits your needs or budget. Don’t let your feet go through a gruesome time when waitressing because you don’t have the right shoes. Select any of the shoes on this list, and your feet will thank you.