Are you looking for comfortable shoes to assist you with your waitressing job? You may not realize it, but just changing the shoes you wear to work can make a vast difference in your attitude and the way you feel at work.
Wearing shoes that are lightweight and comfortable can keep you active throughout your shifts. Without any soreness or tiredness in your feet, you will be gliding across your work premises.
To make things easier for you; I have compiled a list comprising of my top picks of the best shoes for waitressing. My picks for waitress shoes for women tick all the boxes when it comes to style, comfort, and flexibility.
Take a look at my top picks here:
- Electrical Hazard (EH) Safe design
- Memory Foam Comfort
- Shock Proof Midsole
- Stain Resistant
- Electrical Hazard Safe tested
- Slip-on & Toe guard
- Synthetic, mesh upper
- Rubber outsole
- Memory foam midsole
- Electrical Hazard (EH) Safe design
- Breathable Lining
- Memory Foam Interior
- Padded collar and tongue
- Supple leather upper
Skechers For Work Women’s Squad SR Food Service Shoe
Introducing my first pick, the Skechers Women’s Squad-sr Food Service shoe for waitressing. Skechers is definitely the first name that comes to mind when I think about comfort.
These slip-resistant shoes for women provide traction even on wet and oily surfaces. This is definitely what you would need when moving around swiftly waiting tables.
These shoes provide the ultimate comfort and protection. The soft sporty knit mesh fabric and synthetic upper with modern stitching accents make this pair very unique. Like all the latest designs by Skechers, this pair also features the Electrical Hazard (EH) Safe design.
The padded collar and high apex design front panel account for added comfort. A layer of soft, smooth knit mesh fabric overlays at toe, heel, and laces for added durability.
The shoe comes with a rubber toe guard that provides you with an additional layer of protection in case of any accidents. Even if you drop a heavy item on your foot, you can be sure your toes will be protected.
The traditional lace-up system ensures a comfortable and secure fit, so you know your shoe won’t slip off your feet during rush hour. All these features add to a perfect non-skid waitressing shoe.
The Best Features Include:
- Electrical Hazard Safe tested
- Synthetic, mesh upper
- Fabric lining
- Memory foam midsole
- Rubber outsole
- Slip-on & Toe guard
Our Verdict
This is a highly lightweight, flexible, shock-absorbing shoe that is perfect for your waitressing job.
This should definitely be your pick if you are working at a place where you are supposed to carry heavy items. So, if you ever drop something, the toe guard can help keep your feet safe.
Skechers Womens Ghenter – Bronaugh Work Shoe
Let the all-day comfort flow wearing the Skechers Women’s Ghenter Bronaugh Work Shoe. This particular pair is where the sporty style meets surefooted comfort.
This casual, slip-resistant sneaker is especially revolutionary since it comes with an ‘electric hazard’ safe design. This can be useful if you work around a place that has a lot of electrical appliances or open sockets. In case of any emergencies, these shoes will keep you safe.
The shoes allow for a roomier, more comfortable fit to ensure you stay fresh during long shifts. The Memory Foam cushioning keeps feet supported with a soft interior body, molding to the specific contours of your foot.
To enhance the appeal of the shoe, you will find the signature stitching accents and the side ‘S’ logo, so you can look classy all throughout your shift.
The Women’s Ghenter Shoe has a water and stain-resistant upper design with ‘Scotch Gard’ protection. If you ever spill any drinks or sauces on your shoes, you can be sure that you won’t have to replace them.
To assist your long day running from one end to the other, this pair features a padded collar and tongue, a soft fabric shoe lining, and a flexible shock absorbing midsole.
The shoes come with the classic lace-up system which is a plus when it comes to an excellent fit. The side gore panels provide flexibility so you can easily take them on and off during your breaks!
Why We Like It
- Electrical Hazard (EH) Safe design
- Memory Foam Comfort
- Shock Proof Midsole
- Stain Resistant
Our Verdict
This pair of Skechers will be your best friend at work. Living up to the Skecher’s brand name, this shoe can give you comfort and flexibility throughout long working hours.
This should be your pick if you are picky about stain-resistant shoes and also if you work around a lot of electrical appliances. Overall, a great shoe that will keep your feet dry, comfortable, and planted on the ground, perfect for waiters and waitresses.
Skechers For Work Women’s Sure Track Trickel Work Shoe
It’s no surprise that we have multiple Skechers shoes on the list. I am not biased I promise! The brand is just that good.
Third, on the list is the Skechers Work Sure Track. A classy pair with a smooth leather upper body that is combined with the traditional lace-up design, making it the perfect work shoe.
This casual slip-resistant sneaker has modern stitching accents and a Memory Foam insole for added comfort. The memory foam ensures minimal pressure on the bones on the top of your feet.
This, coupled with the sufficient arch support makes it the number one choice for running tables.
As with the previous shoe, this one also comes with the Electric Hazard safe design, keeping you safe in times of an accident. It has a low-cut design and a generous silhouette that accommodates your feet for a custom fit.
The traditional lace-up closure adds to an adjustable fit to provide maximum support and comfort. The extra padded tongue and collar for added protection and support add to the comfort features.
Last but not the least, this shoe comes with a ventilated lining for ultimate breathability to keep your feet clean, dry, and odor-free.
Why We Like It
- Electrical Hazard (EH) Safe design
- Breathable Lining
- Memory Foam Interior
- Lace up front
- Padded collar and tongue
- Supple leather upper
Our Verdict
If you weren’t convinced with the features of the previous shoe, this one takes it out of the park with the classy leather upper body and the breathable ventilated lining.
The Skechers Work Sure Track shoes will give you the confidence and comfort you need to get through any challenges in your workday.
Skechers For Work Women’s Ghenter Srelt Work Shoe
Another great choice for waitressing shoes by Skechers is the Ghenter-Srelt model work shoe. It is among the more cushioned work shoe designs and is therefore comfortable for walking and standing for long periods of time.
The shoe comes with memory foam cushioning that gives comfortable padding and a snug custom fit. The soft heather jersey knit fabric upper comes with water-resistant protection.
The embedded Electrical Hazard (EH) safe design adds an extra layer of protection to the shoes. A rubber toe guard provides added protection against abrasions.
This pair has no shoelaces. Instead, it comes with a bungee stretch lining that allows for easy slip-on and off.
The look of the shoe is sleek and comes with the signature Skechers stitching accents and the ‘S’ logo.
The midsole is flexible and lightweight, providing excellent shock absorption. The flexible rubber slip-resistant outsole is amazing for traction and grip, ensuring you can move about swiftly and with confidence, without the fear of falling.
Why We Like It
- Air-cooled Memory Foam comfort insole
- Electric Hazard safe design
- Soft fabric shoe lining
- Relaxed Fit
- Lightweight, flexible shock absorbing midsole
- Slip Resistant rubber outsole
Our Verdict
If you are someone who prefers slip-on as compared to the traditional lace-up design, this is the best waitressing shoe for you.
The non-skid soles are perfect for your waitressing job and the lightweight design of the shoe makes you feel as comfortable as if you were barefoot!
The safety and comfort features on this shoe are top of the line, making it the perfect choice for anyone working in the fast-paced service industry.
Skechers For Work Women’s Eldred Work Shoe
My final pick for the best shoes for waitressing is the Skechers Work Eldred.
This sporty casual work sneaker features a relaxed fit to allow for a roomier fit, making it ideal for people who dislike tight-fitting shoes. These shoes also come with the Electric Hazard safe design by Skechers.
The lightweight and slip-resistant sole are not too stiff and it comes with an alloy safety toe. The alloy safety toe gives your feet an added layer of protection and confidence.
The shoes are built like slip-on but they come with laces so you can feel more secure. The laces also allow for a perfect fit, even with a roomier interior. So, you know your shoes will stay on throughout your busy day.
The soft fabric lining and side gore panels provide excellent flexibility and are easy on and off. The extra layer of mesh fabric collar & heel panel allows for a cooling effect.
It comes with a removable Memory foam insole so you can adjust the shoe to fit your comfort needs. Overall, with sketchers signature stitching accents and printed reflective matching color side stripe, they are the perfect slip-resistant shoes for women waiters.
Why We Like It
- Electrical hazard safe design
- Leather upper
- Fabric lining
- EVA midsole
- Rubber outsole
- Lace-up closure
- Memory foam footbed
Our Verdict
These are good shoes for waitresses who have to work for very long hours. They are by far the most comfortable with super soft bottom pads.
They are extremely durable and scratch-resistant. Also, with the low ankle cut, they do not choke your feet at all and fit pretty snugly.
Buyer’s Guide – Factors to Consider When Shopping for Waitressing Shoes
Here are some things you need to consider before making a purchase for the best shoes for waitressing.
What are the most comfortable shoes for waitressing?
As a waitress, the number one feature you should look out for in a shoe is comfort. Look for good fitting, memory foam insoles. Shock absorbing abilities and added protection such as electrical hazard safety and toe guards should also be on your list.
Especially if you work in inventory handling at your waitressing job or work around a lot of electrical appliances or wiring.
Since a waitressing job can be hard on the feet, look for low arch support and flexibility to keep your feet at ease during your shift. Waitresses have to move fast at their job, especially during rush hours. You should look for a shoe that provides you with a slip-resistant outsole for better grip and traction.
Another added feature you should consider is that your waitressing shoe should be stain-resistant. In case of any unfortunate spills, you won’t have to invest a lot in maintaining your footwear.
What shoes are good for waitressing?
Waitressing is a fast-paced job that also requires you to be light on your feet. Your feet take a lot of abuse day after day, so it is better to invest in high-quality, comfortable shoes that ease the stress on your feet. A good pair of shoes for waitressing must have these qualities:
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Flexible
- Slip-Resistant
The floors of a restaurant or café are usually tiled or marbled. In addition to this, you may have to deal with spilled drinks or water and move around swiftly.
My list specially caters to the abovementioned points and all my picks surely have these basic qualities along with other advanced features for safety and comfort.
Are Vans good for waitressing?
Vans do come with a fair amount of slip resistance.
For waitressing, slip-resistant shoes like Vans are a very good choice. They allow you to generate sufficient traction from the ground as you move around the floor, making your swift movements easy and confident.
However, you should keep in mind that Vans are not technical shoes. They are relatively heavy and flat and so for people who require a lighter shoe, or those who engage in activities such as running, serious walking, or prolonged standing, Vans can cause you some trouble. Choose from my list of the best shoes for waitressing to get a shoe that meets the criteria for your fast-paced job.
What are the most comfortable shoes for standing all day?
- Jobs such as waitressing require a lot of standing all day and walking for hours.
- To keep your feet comfortable throughout the hours you are going to spend standing or moving about, your shoes need to have features that focus on comfort. Look for shoes that have:
- Memory foam interior
- Low arch support
- Padded collar and tongue
- Good fit
- It is highly advisable to wear flat shoes and avoid heels at all costs.
How Often Should You Replace Your Waitressing Shoes?
Depending on your work and environment, your shoes could last shorter or longer. Generally, work shoes will last between six and twelve months in an average work environment.
Waitresses have to move around a lot and for very long hours therefore it is understandable if their shoes wear out a little earlier than average. Here are a few signs that your new shoes are already starting to wear and need a change:
- Uncomfortable to wear
- No longer waterproof
- More prone to damage
- General wear and tear
- Increase in slips and falls
Look for any signs that your shoes are failing and immediately purchase a new pair. At the end of the day, every pair of shoes will have to be replaced eventually.
Can I be sure that they will fit me if I buy online?
Most shoes sold by online shoe stores have a fit percentage that shows how other people felt the fit. It is advisable to check product reviews and size charts to cross-check your fits.
You should always measure the length of the foot when purchasing a shoe online. Knowing how long your foot is in centimeters, you can easily find the manufacturer’s size chart which will make it much easier for you to order your shoes in the right size.
In addition, many online shoe stores offer free exchanges and returns in case the size does not fit you.
Are slip-ons or lace-ups better for waitressing?
It is really a personal preference when it comes to choosing between slip-on and lace-ups. Slip-on is easier to get on and off while lace-ups tend to fit snugger.
Your workplace and environment can also influence your choice in this case. If you have to remove your shoes quickly during your working hours then slip-on is your best companion.
If you do not have to remove your shoes until the end of the day then lace-ups are the better choice for you.
What are the most important features to look out for in shoes for waitresses?
If you want to prevent stumbling, injuries, or foot aches then here are some essential things you need to keep in mind while shopping for the best waitress shoes.
- Comfort
- Cushioning
- Breathability
- Grip
- Protection
- Easy to clean
- Quality materials
There is a wide variety of options available to choose from like leather, rubber, and canvas shoes. Choose the material according to the nature of the work you do, comfort, and your skin type. If you do not consider these factors, you will end up getting a foot ache.
How do I get the best shoe for waitresses when shopping online?
Buying shoes online can be scary if you’ve never done it before. After all, wearing a shoe and walking around in it is a practice that many of us are used to before investing our money in a pair. However, buying shoes online can be a great experience if done right.
Just keep in mind the following points when buying shoes from the web.
- Read reviews
- Buy from trusted stores
- Study the return policies
- Check for warranty
- Know your size
How do I pick the perfect shoe size for me?
If you head out to a shoe outlet to shop for your shoes then picking the right shoes size is not a problem at all. You can try on the shoes to see what size fits you comfortably and then proceed to buy them from there.
However, today almost everyone buys at least one item of clothing or shoes from an online store or retailer. Although it is easier to find the size you want, it is harder to predict if that shoe size will fit you or not.
There are a lot of little problems like these when it comes to online shopping; however, with the right guidelines, you can find the shoes you love, in the size you want.
You can start by reading the size chart provided by your online retailer and compare the size of your foot in centimeters with the measurements provided.
Additionally, try to read reviews by people as it can give you an idea about the size and fitting configurations of the brand you are choosing.
As a waitress, how much grip should my shoe have?
Having shoes with a good grip is important for almost all kinds of jobs. Even for casual walks, it is always advisable to wear shoes that have a firm grip on your feet. Usually, shoes with non-slip soles may be somewhat more costly than those without them.
The fact of the matter is as a waitress, you are advised to use a shoe with better grip than one without it. Try to wear shoes that provide great arch support and will not become uncomfortable if your feet swell up a little at the end of a long shift. Often it is shoes that are slightly less flexible than providing better support and grip.
In addition, slipping on a greasy floor is not only dangerous but embarrassing. Some people prefer a pair of tennis shoes, but waitress shoes that have a good grip will provide a good aesthetic and keep you safe from falling.
Throughout your work, you have to stroll over wet patches on the ground a few times, and wearing shoes with a solid grasp can have a significant effect.
Conclusion
I know working in the service industry can be really hard. Long hours, difficult customers, and physical exertion can really take a toll on your health. This is why I have done a lot of research and put a lot of heart into this list.
All the shoes mentioned in this list are comfortable, lightweight, and come with safety features to help you get the best out of your investment.
The final pick will eventually be yours; the pair that will work for your specific needs. Pick a durable, comfortable option and you might just find that you are happier at work. Hope you find the right shoe!
