The Best Kitchen Shoes That'll Support You Through the Long Hours (2024)

You simply can't go wrong with Crocs. If you're on your feet all day, these unisex kitchen shoes bring the waterproof wear, nonslip grip, easy-to-wash convenience, and insole comfort that you need. Plus, they're durable — reviewers who work in the restaurant, hospitality, and healthcare industries all attest to their long-lasting quality and love how affordable they are.

Michael East also names this as his number-one kitchen shoe. “I personally recommend the Crocs On The Clock Work Clog and will never use anything else ... They are extremely comfortable and provide good traction. They also have a nonslip heel, which is important when working in a kitchen.”

Just be aware that Crocs shoes usually have quirky sizing — some reviewers note that they run small, so you may want to size up if you're going with this pick.

More: The Best-Tested Cookware Sets Our Team Use Every Day

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Another kitchen shoe brand that the pros swear by is Dansko. They're a little more expensive than Crocs, but they're equipped with more arch support and traction, and they're also a bit more stylish.

These women's shoes (also available in a men's version) have a water-resistant leather exterior, a cushy insole, and a curved rocker bottom that make them comfy and easy to walk in. Reviewers who work in the restaurant industry, ranging from bartenders to baristas, attest that these shoes take no time to break in and last for years without causing aches and pains.

These are also the kitchen shoes of choice for Chef K.C. Gulbro, owner of the restaurants FoxFire and Copper Fox in Geneva, Illinois. He says, “Dansko brand is the Cadillac of kitchen shoes ... it is a well-put-together shoe, durable, comfortable, lightweight, with a touch of fashion. They are perfect for the hospitality industry.”

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If you want comfort, first and foremost, don't sleep on Sketchers! This brand of kitchen shoe encompasses sneakers and slip-ons, and while they may not be heavy-duty, they're ideal if you're a front-of-house worker or server who's constantly on your feet.

These men's slip-ons (also available in a similar women's style) have a stretchy, breathable feel, nonslip tread, and an insole that “feels like memory foam.” Their flexibility makes them super comfortable to walk in — but they don’t have the tough exterior of others. They’re washable but not waterproof, so keep that trade-off in mind.

Sonya Murray, a longtime restaurant server, touts Sketchers as a brand that has everything she needs in a kitchen shoe. “After a solid 20 years of hospitality experience, mostly serving, I have tried all types of shoes ... I must say my preferred shoe is Sketchers. You cannot really choose wrong with any style of this brand of shoe.”

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If you need kitchen shoes that feel good and look good, KEEN is your brand. The PTC Dress Oxfords don't come cheap, but they'll last a very long time, even when put through over-10 hour days regularly.

These men's-style shoes (also available in a women's version) comprise water-resistant leather that wipes clean, an oil-, slip-, and scratch-resistant rubber outsole, and a removable, cushy footbed that's made of recycled plastic, cork, and memory foam.

Reviewers who work in restaurants and grocery stores, and even those with office jobs who live with bunions and foot pain, adore how supportive and durable these shoes are. The only issue they note is that the design isn't very breathable, so your feet may get sweaty.

As one reviewer says, “As a chef, I need proper work shoes, the extremes and demands require quality footwear. Well, I found them here, the PTC Dress Oxfords are much better than my previous slip-ons. I’m not a fan of shoes with laces whilst working, but I particularly found the comfort and mobility better than I had anticipated.”

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If you want the highest protection possible for your feet, get yourself a pair of Blundstones. Specifically, the Blundstone BL990 Work Chelsea Boot.

Among its many features, these unisex kitchen shoes have a steel-toe cap to protect your feet from sharp objects and heavy drops, and the upper exterior is not only water- and oil-resistant but heat-resistant against temperatures up to at least 572 degrees Fahrenheit. Its outsole is slip-resistant and the footbed is designed for shock absorption.

Kitchen workers, as well as firefighters, concrete workers, and motorcyclists give these hardcore boots top marks. Says one person, “I love these boots, they are super solid and I feel they will protect me from any dangers in the commercial kitchen I work in.”

Admittedly, these shoes do require a bit more breaking in, and because of their heft, they aren't great for those who are walking around all day. However, if you tend to stay put as you work in the kitchen, these offer protection and support that beat out pretty much anything else on the market.

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