Top Non-Slip Shoes for Restaurant Use – Worn & Tested
Working in a restaurant setting is challenging not only because of the high-stress environment but also because of the exhaustion that comes with staying on your feet for long hours. The best non-slip shoes for restaurant use are designed primarily for bartenders, waiters, hosts, and other professionals in the restaurant industry who mostly spend almost the entire shift standing in place or walking around the work area. The shoes mostly have non-slip soles to promote a stable walking experience on uneven or slippery surfaces and are designed to deliver a high level of comfort, preventing pain from setting in when you’re upright for the better part of the day. Check out the product reviews below that can guide you towards finding the most suitable work shoes for restaurant use
Our Picks – Best Non-Slip Shoes for Restaurant
Best Overall
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Most Comfortable
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Most Versatile
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Best for Warm
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Best Shockproof
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Comparison Table
- Rating
This is the trial text to check ratings.
- Best in class
- Excellent
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
- Price range
- Overall score
- Performance Breakdown
- Comfort & Fit
- Design & Build Quality
- Durability
- Sole & Traction
- Water Resistance
- Value For Money
- Overview
- Pros
- Cons
- Bottom Line
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$169 to $199
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- Waterproof
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Odor control
- Strong traction
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- Design is a bit old-fashioned
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$84 to $200
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- Exceptionally comfortable and lightweight
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Water- and stain-resistant leather
- Slip-on design with elastic side panels
- Reinforced stitching
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- Not completely waterproof
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$89 to $199
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- Lightweight and comfortable
- Versatile design
- Convenient to slip on and remove
- OrthoLite footbed
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- Style may be too plain for some
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$104 to $299
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- Air-cooled memory foam insole
- Electrical hazard protection
- Slip-resistant sole
- Relaxed fit design
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- Not waterproof
- Thin laces don’t look very durable
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$79 to $199
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- Strong shock absorption
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Stylish Oxford silhouette
- Flexible construction
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- Not waterproof
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Table of Contents
Detailed Product Reviews
If you’d like to get acquainted with your new potential faithful companion, here are detailed reviews.
Best Overall
Irish Setter Soft Paw Waterproof Oxford
Material
Waterproof full-grain leatherType of Toe
Soft ToeWeight
2.06 lbs./.94 kgWaterproof
YesShaft Size
3 inchesOutsole
Soft Paw II rubber outsoleBoot type
Leather Oxford ShoeManufacturer
Irish SetterSafety certifications
NoPrice range
$169.95 to $199.00- Wearing with jeans and chinos for a more casual look
- Environments that require waterproof shoes with good traction
- Those who prefer a low-cut moc toe design for style and comfort
Price range
$169.95 to $199.00
Pros
- Waterproof
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Odor control
- Strong traction
Cons
- Design is a bit old-fashioned
The Irish Setter Soft Paw Waterproof Oxford works hard to keep your feet comfortable and safe from wetness while you’re at work and even after the day’s tasks are finished. The UltraDry waterproof membrane completely seals out wet liquids, protecting the foot against uncomfortable wetness in moisture-filled conditions. The shoe also blends nicely with office attire, with a touch of ruggedness that makes it look great with jeans so it can be maximized in more laidback environments. We love this comfy shoe’s lightweight profile as it doesn’t drag the foot down with uncomfortable heaviness. The proprietary ScentBan technology works to inhibit bacterial growth to deliver long-lasting odor elimination and prevention.
Unique Features
Sole
The sturdy rubber outsole delivers strong traction to keep the foot planted firmly on the ground, making it easier to walk on greasy, wet, or slippery floors without compromising safety and efficient movements while on the job.
Fit
The shoe’s snug fit embraces the foot with a well-padded interior for long-lasting comfort and cushions against repetitive impact. This snug fit keeps the foot secured in place inside the foot, so it won’t slip unintentionally and cause an unstable walking experience. The memory foam insole cradles with ample cushioning to prevent blisters and foot pain from developing.
Build
The Oxford silhouette matches well with the uniforms or standard work attire of restaurant service or bartending jobs, so it won’t look out of place with workwear. off the worksite. It’s sturdy yet lightweight enough not to cause discomfort even after hours of use. Some may consider the style old-fashioned, though, and may not appreciate its overall look.
Summary
The Irish Setter Soft Paw Waterproof Oxford stands out among the other products in this list because of the proprietary waterproof system, a robust yet lightweight structure, strong traction, and exclusive odor control system.
Most Comfortable
Skechers Work Bronwood Shoe
Material
Leather and syntheticType of Toe
Soft ToeWeight
1.28 lbs /.58 kgsWaterproof
NoShaft Size
3 inchOutsole
Slip-resistant rubber outsoleBoot type
Slip-onManufacturer
SkechersSafety certifications
NoPrice range
$84.71 to $200.00- Food service professionals and working in other service-related jobs
- Those who prefer lightweight and flexible work shoes
- People who work in settings that require electrical hazard protection
Price range
$84.71 to $200.00
Pros
- Exceptionally comfortable and lightweight
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Water- and stain-resistant leather
- Slip-on design with elastic side panels
- Reinforced stitching
Cons
- Not completely waterproof
The Skechers Work Bronwood Shoe feels exceptionally comfortable, with a fully cushioned built with memory foam that instantly conforms to the foot’s shape for customized comfort. We love the ultra-lightweight structure that adds to the remarkably comfortable profile because it doesn’t weigh down the foot with a bulky feeling. The leather upper has reinforced stitching for improved durability and is water-resistant, making it easier to work in and around the bar or food service areas without worrying too much about accidental spills. Slipping on the shoe doesn’t pose any problems, with the elastic side panels easily adapting to the foot’s shape for superior comfort and convenience. The high-traction outsole promotes stability over tricky surfaces.
Unique Features
Sole
The slip-resistant rubber outsole helps maintain your steady footing by providing the strong traction needed to stabilize the shoe over slippery or uneven ground conditions. It’s also flexible enough to easily adapt to every step without a restrictive feeling.
Fit
The shoe has a relaxed fit design, allowing the foot to maintain its naturally spread-out position to prevent cramping. Its memory foam insole follows the foot’s shape while securing its position for enhanced comfort and support. We like the convenient slip-on design with elastic panels that widen to accommodate effortless foot entry and exit.
Build
The heel and toe areas are fitted with synthetic overlays that increase the shoe’s durability by protecting these parts from premature damage. The seams are constructed with reinforced stitching to further enhance the shoe’s strength, guaranteeing long-term functional benefits. The upper is resistant to stains for easier cleaning and maintenance.
Summary
Skechers Work Bronwood Shoe stands out with a superbly comfortable design featuring elastic side panels, an ultra-lightweight structure, memory foam insole, and water- and stain-resistant leather.
Most Versatile
Clarks Cotrell Free Loafer
Material
LeatherType of Toe
Soft ToeWeight
1.38 lbs./.62 kgWaterproof
NoShaft Size
3 inchesOutsole
EVA outsoleBoot type
LoaferManufacturer
ClarksSafety certifications
NoPrice range
$89.49 to $199.00- Indoor settings that aren’t slippery or exposed to extreme wetness
- Service professionals who may require long hours of walking or standing
- People who prefer a lightweight, comfortable shoe with a plain design
Price range
$89.49 to $199.00
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Versatile design
- Convenient to slip on and remove
- OrthoLite footbed
Cons
- Style may be too plain for some
The Clarks Cotrell Free Loafer comes with a versatile design that’s very easy to pair with different work attire options that may be required in the bar, kitchen, front of the house, and other areas that are involved in the restaurant operations. It’s also stylish enough to look great with jeans and even with more formal outfit choices that you can use in office settings and for social events. We like the convenient slip-on design that promotes fuss-free wearing. The OrthoLite footbed delivers a bouncy feel that works to help bring back the energy to each step. It also absorbs the shock coming from repetitive steps to prevent foot fatigue.
Unique Features
Sole
The rubber outsole promotes enhanced stability as it grips surfaces strongly, enabling safe walking across slippery, wet, or greasy floors even at a hurried pace. We like how it flexes with each step for unhampered mobility during the busiest work shifts.
Fit
The slip-on design offers the supreme convenience of being able to easily put on and remove the shoe without the need to tinker with the laces every time. The OrthoLite foam makes the interior feel very comfy with the right level of cushioning, warding off the foot pain without the overly thick structure.
Build
The OrthoLite cushioning doesn’t weigh as much as other cushioning materials, allowing the shoe to maintain a lightweight profile that’s ideal for all-day standing or walking. The shoe offers remarkable versatility as it looks equally rugged and stylish, but some may consider the design too plain.
Summary
Clarks Cotrell Free Loafer stands out with a versatile design that’s both rugged and stylish. It’s also comfortably lightweight, convenient to slip on and take off, and has low-profile, breathable cushioning.
Best for Warm Work Settings
Skechers Work Fourche Shoe
Material
100% leatherType of Toe
Soft ToeWeight
1.75 lbs /.80 kgsWaterproof
NoShaft Size
3 inchesOutsole
Slip-resistant rubber outsoleBoot type
Food Service ShoeManufacturer
SkechersSafety certifications
NoPrice range
$104.9 to $299.00- Foodservice and kitchen professionals, as well as other jobs that require long hours of standing and walking around
- Indoor use without exposure to water and other liquids
- Work duties that are not threatened by heavy or blunt objects that can fall on the foot
Price Range
$104.9 to $299.00
Pros
- Air-cooled memory foam insole
- Electrical hazard protection
- Slip-resistant sole
- Relaxed fit design
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Thin laces don’t look very durable
The Skechers Work Fourche Shoe is fitted with a memory foam insole that’s enhanced with air-cooled properties, promoting and preserving a cool feeling for longer so your foot won’t feel overheated even in humid or hot settings. We especially like how this component keeps the air continuously flowing throughout the shoe and moves moisture away from the skin to stop excessive sweatiness. Meanwhile, the relaxed fit enhances comfort without hampering the foot’s movements. The electrical hazard protection provides a secondary safety layer against electrocution in case there’s exposure to live currents in dry conditions. The slip-resistant outsole promotes safer walking on tricky surfaces by delivering a firm grip on the ground.
Unique Features
Sole
The outsole offers good traction, enabling confident walking on wet or unstable floor conditions while maintaining steady footing for improved efficiency in the workplace. We appreciate how the midsole absorbs shock while maintaining a flexible platform that promotes unrestricted mobility.
Fit
The relaxed fit design allows the foot to spread out naturally, so it won’t be crammed into a confined space, leaving enough room inside the shoe for the toes to freely wiggle. The lace-up design allows convenient fit adjustments, so the shoe will always feel comfy and secured in place.
Build
The shoe’s streamlined profile is designed to blend in seamlessly with uniforms and other workwear. The lace-up feature adds a touch of formality to the otherwise plain and casual-looking shoe, making it versatile enough to be paired with more formal wear At the same time, it retains an almost sporty silhouette, making it ideal for more relaxed settings as it can easily be worn with jeans.
Summary
Skechers Work Fourche Shoe works best for warm work environments, with an air-cooled memory foam insole that keeps the interior cool and well-ventilated. It also offers electrical hazard protection, good slip resistance, and a relaxed fit design.
Best Shockproof
Rockport Channer Oxford
Materials
Genuine 100% leatherType of Toe
Cap-toe detailing presentWeight
0.63lb / 0.28kg / 10ozWaterproof
NoShaft Size
1.25 inchesOutsole
EVA outsoleBoot type
OxfordManufacturer
RockportSafety certifications
NoPrice range
$79.17 to $199.00- People who are looking for an all-rounder shoe in an affordable range
- People who have long working hours ensure maximum comfortability and flexibility
Price Range
$79.17 to $199.00
Pros
- Strong shock absorption
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Stylish Oxford silhouette
- Flexible construction
Cons
- Not waterproof
The Rockport Channer Oxford sports an updated Oxford design that goes well with workwear and uniforms that are normally required in certain food service sector jobs, such as those that are involved with guest services, bartending and other front-of-the-house duties. It adds a touch of elegance to work attire and is still versatile enough to pair well with chinos and suits, as well as with jeans. We like the truTECH comfort system that features a latex footbed soaking up the shock coming from hours of walking on hard surfaces, preventing foot fatigue from completely setting in. This footbed also has a nice bounce that injects more energy into each step.
Unique Features
Sole
The EVA outsole offers decent traction to help prevent slipping accidents while navigating unstable or slippery floor conditions. Its low-profile structure doesn’t contribute a lot to the total weight, so the shoe easily maintains the lightweight construction that doesn’t cause a dragging sensation on the foot.
Fit
The shoe’s padded collar embraces the ankle with just the right level of cushioning to ward off uncomfortable friction while enhancing the snug fit that increases stability. We like the lace-up feature as it allows effortless fit adjustments, ensuring that the shoe always feels secure and comfortable. This flexible Oxford easily accommodates the foot’s movements for comfortable walking without the restrictive feeling.
Build
The shoe showcases a classy Oxford silhouette that wonderfully matches formal work attire and suits. It’s versatile enough to be paired with jeans and chinos for a more relaxed style that still exudes class. The cap-toe detail delivers a tasteful flair that boosts the shoe’s refined look.
Summary
The Georgia Boot Hammer Internal Met Guard Steel Toe Work Boot offers fantastic foot protection, with the combination of a steel toe and an internal met guard to keep the foot safe against dangerous compression and impact. It’s also very comfortable and grips low-traction surfaces for continuous safety.
Alternative Options
Skechers Work Cessnock Shoe
The Skechers Work Cessnock Shoe has a lightweight design that doesn’t cause discomfort even when it’s worn for hours on end since it doesn’t weigh down the foot with excessive bulk. The bungee lacing design makes it very easy to wear because it can quickly be slipped on and off without the need to tinker with the laces each time. The mesh upper allows more air to come into the shoe so that the interior remains properly ventilated, with the heat encouraged to disperse so that the foot will continue to feel cool and fresh for the entire day. The mesh material allows for a wider range of motion as it flexes along with the foot’s movements so you can walk and move around naturally without rigid materials biting into your skin from all around the shoe. The air-cooled memory foam insole takes on the shape of the foot for superior comfort and works doubly hard to prevent blisters from forming by relieving the foot’s pressure zones. The air-cooled properties of the insole keep the air flowing continuously inside the shoe to stop heat and moisture accumulation and prevent overheating even when the shoe is used for extended periods in humid or hot surroundings. The electrical hazard safe design offers extra protection against electric shock if you’re accidentally exposed to open circuits in dry conditions. However, the outsole isn’t very rugged, so it may not last as long as the thick and heavy-duty outsoles that are found in other work shoes. It’s also not waterproof, so it won’t keep the foot dry in case food items or drinks are accidentally spilled on it.
New Balance Men’s Slip-Resistant 626 V2 Industrial Shoe
The New Balance Men’s Slip-Resistant 626 V2 Industrial Shoe comes with a sporty design that looks great not only with workwear for various jobs in the restaurant and food service sector but also with jeans, making it easier to fully enjoy the shoe’s premium aesthetics in a variety of settings outside the work area. The tough leather upper ensures that you’ll be able to work in challenging restaurant settings while confident that your foot will be safe from getting scratched even with exposure to abrasive materials in and around the workplace. The shoe uses exclusive crash-pad technology to absorb the force that comes from walking and staying on your feet for the better part of the day, enabling you to continue walking around in the most comfortable way without being disturbed by extreme pain as the impact is spread throughout the shoe instead of being concentrated only on the heel area. The internal shank works to provide the much-needed rigidity to help make your steps more stable, especially while navigating tricky surfaces. The slip-resistant outsole helps with maintaining your balance while moving over slippery or unstable floors, allowing you to continue with your tasks without compromising your safety in tough conditions. It’s worth mentioning that the thick leather upper feels a bit too rigid and may sometimes bring an uncomfortable experience, especially with long hours of continuous shoe use.
Fila Men’s Memory Workshift Slip Resistant Work Shoe
The Fila Men’s Memory Workshift Slip Resistant Work Shoe is built with a leather upper that offers long-term strength and durability to keep up with the demands of working in stressful restaurant and food service sector jobs. It has a memory foam footbed that easily conforms to the foot’s contours for a customized level of comfort that wards off pain even with long hours of nonstop use. The memory foam prevents blisters from forming by alleviating pressure spots when you’ve been walking and standing in place for extended periods. The interior has ample cushioning to comfortably support the foot, so it won’t easily feel the hardness of the concrete or tiled floors that you’re walking on for hours. The mesh lining transports moisture away from the skin and prevents the perspiration from pooling inside the shoe, making it possible for you to enjoy dry feet for longer even in humid or hot conditions. This lining promotes proper ventilation by allowing more air to get in so that pent-up heat can easily dissipate before the shoe interior can become overheated with long hours of nonstop shoe-wearing. The slip-resistant outsole offers strong traction to help you walk in a more stable manner over various surface conditions. However, we noticed that the sole still felt a bit slippery on damp floors, so this shoe should be used with caution when navigating wet surfaces and other tricky ground conditions.
Reebok Men’s Work N Cushion 4.0 Walking Shoe
The Reebok Men’s Work N Cushion 4.0 Walking Shoe is built with leather and synthetic materials that are designed to keep the foot protected and comfortable, especially when you need to stay on your feet for the whole shift. The memory foam insole delivers ample cushioning to stop foot pain from developing even with long hours of nonstop shoe use. The memory foam material supports the foot and eases pressure spots to stop blisters from building up when you need to keep walking or staying upright for the better part of the day. The cushioned foam midsole adds another layer of support to promote proper foot alignment while ensuring that you’ll be able to walk over a variety of ground conditions without compromising your stability even when you need to quick fast to get the job done efficiently. The beveled heel helps maintain your stable footing when you’re navigating inclined or uneven floor conditions. The anti-slip rubber outsole helps you walk more confidently over tricky surface conditions while avoiding slipping accidents. However, the sole feels a bit too thin so it’s easy to feel the hardness of the floor underneath that can result in a great deal of foot pain, especially with continuous shoe use for prolonged periods
Selection Methodology
The products in this list have been selected according to the qualities that we decided were the most important ones to be considered for choosing the best non-slip shoes for restaurant use. Our team took on the challenge of trying out the products, so you won’t need to go through the painstaking process on your end. The information we gathered based on our personal experiences was combined with the available data for each product to create product reviews that will hopefully help streamline your selection process. Our goal is to help you find the best shoe option that suits your specific needs and preferences while ensuring that you’ll be able to do your search without going through a lot of inconveniences.
This list contains a wide range of product choices that are packed with the qualities that we deemed were essential for the best non-slip shoes for use in restaurant settings. We decided to include bullet points of each product’s strongest features to let you know from the start what benefits you can look forward to enjoying with each choice. We also highlighted each product’s limitations to give you a preview of the weaknesses that you’ll most likely encounter with each choice, so you can more efficiently narrow down your choices until you get to the option that delivers the greatest benefits considering your specific requirements.
Product Analysis on Different Categories
The products in this list have been chosen after our team’s careful consideration of the attributes that must be present in the best non-slip shoes for restaurant workers. The comfort & fit category discusses the details that directly affect how comfortable the shoe feels when used for long hours of standing or walking as part of restaurant and food service duties. The design & build quality category talks about the shoe’s benefits when it comes to its appearance and performance. The durability category examines the aspects that contribute to the overall strength of the shoe, especially with heavy use over a long period of time. The sole & traction category checks the outsole’s composition and structure and how these affect the traction level that keeps you steady on your feet over various surfaces. The water resistance category determines the presence of materials that stop liquid penetration to ensure all-day foot dryness. The value for money category analyzes the price point as it relates to the overall product benefits.
Overall
The Irish Setter Soft Paw Waterproof Oxford tops this list with outstanding qualities such as a waterproof design, odor control, and strong traction. The Skechers Work Bronwood Shoe got second place with its very comfortable and lightweight profile, water- and stain-resistant upper, and reinforced stitching. The Clarks Cotrell Free Loafer followed closely with an OrthoLite footbed, versatile design, and lightweight comfort. The Skechers Work Fourche Shoe got in last with air-cooled memory foam, electrical hazard protection, and flexible structure, with the Rockport Channer Oxford having the same score with features including a stylish Oxford style, strong shock absorption, and a high-rebound latex footbed.
Selection process
These are the aspects that were considered in our analysis of the top Nike work boots:
Comfort & Fit
The Irish Setter Soft Paw Waterproof Oxford, Skechers Work Bronwood Shoe, and Clarks Cotrell Free Loafer topped this list with exceptionally comfortable and lightweight designs and breathable interiors, while the other two products followed closely behind.
Design & Build Quality
All the products got the same high scores for their remarkable aesthetic and functional benefits.
Durability
The Irish Setter Soft Paw Waterproof Oxford got the top marks for its durable construction with reinforced stitching, followed by the Skechers Work Bronwood Shoe, Clarks Cotrell Free Loafer, and Rockport Channer Oxford with the same slightly lower score. The Skechers Work Fourche Shoe brought up the rear because the thin laces didn’t look durable enough for long-term use.
Sole & Traction
The Irish Setter Soft Paw Waterproof Oxford and Skechers Work Bronwood Shoe had the strongest traction while the other three products followed closely with slightly lower scores.
Water Resistance
The Irish Setter Soft Paw Waterproof Oxford aced this category with its waterproof design, while the Skechers Work Bronwood Shoe came in second with a water-resistant structure. The other three products had considerably lower scores for their non-waterproof styles.
Value for Money
All the products had high scores for value for money.
Conclusion
The products that are included in this list have been chosen because they possessed the qualities that we deemed were most essential for the best non-slip shoes for restaurant use. The top three options – Irish Setter Soft Paw Waterproof Oxford, Skechers Work Bronwood Shoe, and Clarks Cotrell Free Loafer – all had strong traction to prevent slipping on tricky restaurant floors. They’re also exceptionally comfortable to ward off pain when standing or walking for long hours while on duty in food service sector jobs. Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to efficiently search for the best shoe option with minimal effort involved.
FAQs
- Why are slip-resistant shoes important for people who work in restaurants?
- Those who work in restaurants and in the food service sector often walk on wet, greasy, or uneven floors, and slip-resistant shoes can prevent slipping accidents on these tricky surfaces.
- Do the best non-slip shoes for restaurants need safety toes?
- Safety toes aren’t necessary for these work shoes.
- Why do these shoes need to be comfortable?
- Restaurant and food industry jobs involve standing and walking for almost the entire shift, so it’s best to have comfortable shoes that will keep the feet supported and pain-free for as long as possible.
- Are all the non-slip shoes for restaurant use available only in black?
- Not necessarily – although the black color gives the shoes the versatility to be paired with different workwear or uniforms.