Waiting tables is a fun profession, according to many. It can be pretty profitable if you are good at it too. But did you know that a full business day of a waiter putts as much pressure on their feet as if they were construction workers?
Yes, footwear is among the most vital pieces of equipment for any server, and that’s why we are simply obligated to show you the most comfortable waitress shoes and best shoes for waiters out there. In our article, you will find a top list of products that will surely meet your standards. Our team has also prepared a thorough guide on how to find the most appropriate shoes for crews. And finally, we have tips for cleaning and maintaining your professional footwear. So let’s begin with our reviews of the most comfortable waitress shoes.
Most Comfortable Waitress and Waiter Shoes Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
Skechers Performance Walk Slip-On Shoe |
| View On Amazon | |
TIOSEBON Athletic Mesh Walking Shoes |
| View On Amazon | |
Skechers Work Sure Track – Trickel |
| View On Amazon | |
Dansko Women’s Professional Clog Mule |
| View On Amazon | |
Skechers Work Rockland Systemic Lace-up Shoe |
| View On Amazon | |
safeTstep Al Slip-on |
| View On Amazon |
Most Comfortable Waitress Shoes (Top Picks)
The products that we have handpicked are not arranged in any particular order. Feel free to pick the ones that you love the most.
1. Skechers Performance Walk Slip-On Shoe
Two features are the most important ones that stand out when we talk about this pair of shoes. One, their sole is excellent when you want an anti-slip server shoe. Two, they are lightweight.
What more can we hope to get from a waiter’s shoe? The sole will give you a lot of flexibility as it is not stiff. At the same time, the padding on the bottom will prevent you from slipping on wet tile floors or pretty much any slippery surface that a restaurant might have.
The presence of the Resalyte Cushioning enhances the soft feeling of the sole. Thanks to it, you also get plenty of sturdiness and protection.
A little bit on the downside is the fact that the shoe is synthetic. Yes, this material is what makes it lightweight, but you run the risk of tearing the boot if you aren’t careful. However, an advantage of that material is that it will stretch and will make your feet feel more comfortable, especially if you have to be quick at your job. The inserts do not come out.
Pros:
- It can be washed in the washer.
- The sole provides excellent anti-slip protection.
- Will not make your feet sweat.
- Good budget option if you stand on your feet all day.
- Many color options available.
Cons:
- No memory foam in the sole.
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2. TIOSEBON Athletic Mesh Walking Shoes
This is the pair of shoes that will come at the lowest price on our list, but that shouldn’t deceive you. You get a very decent quality server shoe, which will allow you to work for hours without even feeling it. This is because of the mesh body of the product, which will allow your feet to breathe.
We can confirm that these shoes can also be used on a boat as long as you put them on without socks. They will not overstretch, so don’t expect your feet to feel too loose in there as time passes. It doesn’t say that the sneakers have an anti-slip sole, but they actually hold up pretty well on wet floors.
Bear in mind that because of the fabric used, the shoes are not very suitable for the cold-weather climate. If you plan on using them during the winter – it may not be a great idea. However, if you work inside and the heating is intense, you should have no issues even then. The sizes range between 5 and 13, and you get to pick between more than 30 colors.
Pros:
- Excellent value option.
- Breathable mesh material.
- Flexible non-slip sole.
Cons:
- Not perfect if it is freezing where you work.
- The mesh can get damaged easily if you aren’t careful.
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3. Skechers Work Sure Track – Trickel
Comfort is apparently the primary goal of the manufacturer when it comes to this pair of shoes because of a few things. First of all, all shoe sizes also come in a “wide” variation. So, it’s not only about the length of your feet but also the width.
The second aspect of the shoes’ comfortability is the thick rubber sole. While it is not precisely the best sneaker against slippery floors, it will give you excellent cushioning with plenty of stability. The bottom is neither soft nor too stiff. Its most significant upside is the memory foam used in the footbed. If you serve tables all day, your feet shouldn’t feel too tired.
What our team also liked about this product is that it is made of 100% leather. Spilling things on it or stepping in a puddle should not give you big problems. All in all, it is harder to ruin leather shoes than mesh ones. If your restaurant doesn’t have proper heating during the winter, you can still roll in these shoes and feel relatively warm. You can return the pair if it doesn’t fit you well.
Pros:
- 100% leather composition.
- Shock-absorbing midsole.
- The low-cut design allows you to be nimble.
Cons:
- The sole isn’t padded enough, so slip resistance is not very high.
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4. Dansko Women’s Professional Clog Mule
Here we have a slightly different shoe because this one’s bread and butter isn’t flexibility. Instead, the manufacturer has gone all-in on sturdiness, dependability, and long lifespan. This Dansko pair of shoes will do an excellent job if you need something that looks slightly more formal.
The shoes are excellent for high-class restaurants in which your uniform is formal and strict. Also, you want to be a server at a place which doesn’t require you to run around carrying treys – again fancy restaurants.
The 100% genuine leather body is definitely stylish. Also, the sole is firm and does not feature extra cushioning. It is made of polyurethane. Still, don’t let the looks deceive you – the shoe is not that stiff. Actually, the rocker bottom is an anti-fatigue one.
The shoes will need to be broken in a little bit more, but you shouldn’t expect your feet to hurt after extensive use. The price is right for the quality.
Pros:
- Firm shoes – excellent for waiters in fancy restaurants.
- Shock- absorbing and anti-fatigue bottom.
- Genuine leather.
- Sturdy and dependable – will last a long time.
Cons:
- Do not expect them to be slip-resistant.
- No ventilation.
- Not very flexible.
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5. Skechers Work Rockland Systemic Lace-up Shoe
This shoe represents a perfect mix between casual look and strict style. When you look at it from above, it looks pretty formal. The side view will show you its contours, and you will realize that this is actually a pretty sporty sneaker.
We can safely say that such a product will be beneficial to any waiter who moves a lot. While it is advertised as a men’s shoe, this can definitely be worn by ladies as well. The whole construction is leather with a rubber sole.
The material is not very breathable, which is a disadvantage, and they are also not waterproof. Aside from that, the anti-slip outsole can be of great benefit to everyone. Additionally, don’t let the low-cut shape fool you. The shoes are actually pretty deep and can accommodate replaced ortho soles for people with foot pain. They are excellent for both indoor and outdoor use.
Pros:
- Leather and rubber construction only – reliable and dependable.
- Suitable for outdoor use.
- Flexible and anti-slip outsole.
- It can be worn by men and women alike.
Cons:
- Not waterproof.
- The construction is not breathable.
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6. safeTstep Al Slip-on
This is a pretty plain shoe that will be liked by many waiters who look for functionality over looks. The material is leather, although not a genuine one. The sole may not seem like it is slip-resistant, but it is. Its material is rubber, making the pair water-resistant but definitely not waterproof.
The most significant advantage of shoes is the price. For not a lot of money, you get a product which will be fine in almost any restaurant because it doesn’t look casual or sporty. Additionally, the slip-on feature allows you to put these on and off quickly. If you look for a decent water’s shoe with no laces, then this is the one.
The back heel is enforced with extra cushioning, allowing you to work long hours without being able to sit down. When you pick your size, you also have the option of selecting a “wide” version of the respective size.
Pros:
- Good budget option.
- Enforced heel cushioning for extra comfort.
- Easy to put on and take off – no laces.
Cons:
- Not the highest quality product but very comfortable.
- It comes only in black color.
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What shoes should a waitress or a waiter wear?
This can be a tougher question to answer than you may have thought. People who stand all day should not just settle for any shoes. People who run around serving tables are even a more specific group and should pay close attention to their footwear. Now, your best bet would be to look at our shortlist of shoes we have highlighted above, but we are here to provide you with some more excellent information.
So, this is why we will give you some of the essential features a server’s shoe must-have. Here is how to find the most suitable shoes for waitressing.
Flexibility
We start with this feature on purpose. After all, we are talking about what makes a server’s shoe comfortable. Well, this is definitely one of the most important traits you want to look for. Both the body of the shoe and the outsole should be flexible so that you can twist and turn your foot without worrying that it will hurt.
Waiters generally want to be nimble and to move quickly, often changing the angle of the foot suddenly. If the shoe is too rigid, you run the risk of hurting a toe or your ankle. Not to mention that at the end of the day, your feet will be killing you. Some people even suffer from foot-related conditions. If you have such problems, you might as well check out our reviews of work boots for plantar fasciitis.
Durability
This one is actually a little bit overestimated. Perhaps, you didn’t expect to read this from us, but it’s true. You shouldn’t expect your server’s shoes to last a lifetime. Yes, it’s great if they do, but we believe that comfort is the most critical trait for a waiter.
For instance, if you do not pay a fortune for a pair and it ends up getting ruined in 8 months, it shouldn’t hurt you repurchasing the same shoes. As long as you feel happy wearing your sneakers, we recommend not worrying about how durable they are.
Needless to say, leather shoes will likely last longer than mesh sneakers. But when they
Shoelaces or no shoelaces?
There’s no wrong answer here but bear in mind that shoes with shoelaces typically look a little bit more formal. They are always a more stylish option. There’s one small problem with them. Actually two:
- Shoelaces can get untied, and you can trip over them. Definitely something you do not want to do when waiting tables
- That’s one more thing to worry about when cleaning your crew shoes.
Our personal preference is to always look for more functionality. If you pay close attention to the products we have selected, you will see that we have leather shoes which do not come with laces. They also have a very thick sole making standing all day, not a huge problem.
Breathability
This is a controversial topic because the most comfortable shoes may not be breathable and vice-versa.
How to Maintain your Waitress Shoes in Good Shape
Longevity is, in large part, supported by how well a pair of shoes are cleaned. Regularity also matters. This is why we have put together a few tips on cleaning and caring for your slip-resistant footwear.
Unfortunately, there is no universal to clean your shoes because they are not all made of the same material. Our crew focuses on the three primary materials that shoes for crews are typically made of. Here’s how to keep them in mint condition.
Cleaning Leather Server’s Shoes
- Always remove the dust from the shoe before you do anything else. We recommend using a soft brush.
- You can’t clean the tongue effectively with the shoelaces on. Remove them. After all, you also want your laces to remain dry and stainless.
- Now apply your shoe polish or cream. The best “tool” is a fresh piece of cloth. After the polish dries out, shine the shoes with another piece of fabric. Make sure you do not use the same cloth for both operations.
- If you are afraid of using color wax, you can get one of these shine liquids. They are usually colorless and will simply boost the looks of the shoes. If you aren’t happy with the coat on your shoes or if there are signs of wear, you may consider going for a colored wax.
- Some special shoe protector liquids will seal the upper layer of the leather. This will enhance the waterproofing of the shoes and will keep stains and dirt away for longer.
- Always stuff a ball of paper or cloth inside your shoes when you put them away. With leather shoes, it is vital to maintain its natural shape. Otherwise, the front of the shoe will dent, and a nasty wrinkle will appear.
Maintenance of Mesh Shoes
- Again, you want to get rid of all the debris on the shoes before making them wet. A piece of cloth will not do as good of a job as a brush here because of the fabric of the crew shoes.
- Removing the shoelaces here is not obligatory as we are not going to put any substances on the shoes.
- Cleaning mesh shoes are basically washing them by hand. Mix together soap and water.
- The best supply to utilize here is toothbrush. Dip it in the detergent mix and start scrubbing. If you perform circular motions, you will achieve the max effect. Try not to get the insides of the shoes wet.
- To dry the body of the sneakers up, apply some dry cloth.
- This is another optional step in which you can stuff the shoes with some paper balls so that they can maintain the shape as they dry.
- Put your sneakers on the balcony or outside somewhere so that you can speed up the drying process.
- Not a good idea to machine wash and machine dry your mesh waitress shoes.
Cleaning your Nubuck or Suede Non-Slip Shoes
This is the trickiest type of waiter shoe to clean as it is pretty delicate.
- Cleaning nubuck shoes doesn’t vary a lot from maintaining leather ones.
- The difference is when they get wet. Always stuff your suede shoes with paper and allow them to dry on their own. Don’t use blow dryers or machine dryers.
- Don’t put wax or any sort of coating on them. Use only brushes to remove dust, dirt, and debris.
- You can use a damp cloth to remove some fresh stains, but don’t go overboard.
What are the most comfortable shoes for standing all day?
Sneakers will likely give you the most comfortable throughout the day, but you have to make sure they are of high quality. For the summer days, we recommend getting something without shoelaces and made of mesh.
Your feet will be able to breathe, and your heels will not hurt if the insole is thick enough. If you can get your hands on a product with memory foam, this would be super. Also, if you complain of flat feet, we have a unique article devoted to reviewing the top work boots for flat feet. You may want to check it out.
Additional Tips on How to Care for your Waitress Shoes
- It’s best if you have more than one pair to rely on. Our advice is to change them regularly or even rotate them if needed.
- Don’t ever wear shoes when they are wet. Make sure they dry out completely before you put them on for work.
- A shoehorn is a smart thing to buy because putting the shoes on and using fingers to do it, will damage them over time.
Wrap Up
Well, it’s time to wrap it up and say goodbye, but we are definitely positive we have helped you with some useful info. We believe you are now armed with the necessary information to obtain the most comfortable waitress shoes out there.
In case you are split between a couple of products, make sure you see our reviews of the most comfortable waitress shoes in case you have missed any details.
If you think our article was useful, please see our other guides on how to get the right boots for your workplace. Leave us a comment because we appreciate all feedback coming from our readers. Share our work so that others can also benefit from it.
Thanks for reading!