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For professional chefs, standing for long periods of time is certainly not a pleasant experience. Not only can kitchen floors be hazardous to your health, but they can also cause dangerous situations when the surface becomes slippery from oil or other stains, so the right pair of shoes is crucial for stability and safety. While we’re big fans of anti-fatigue mats, the right kitchen shoes are also important for protecting your feet from hot water splashes, falling knives, and other hazards.
Shoe preference is subjective, but there are a few notable qualities that make certain shoes more suitable for the kitchen. Whether used at work or at home, kitchen shoes should be durable and supportive, and have enough traction to prevent slipping. Before compiling this list, we tested 18 pairs of kitchen shoes, taking into account factors such as support, cushioning, slip resistance, and overall comfort.
Birkenstock is another brand known for its comfortable shoes, and these clogs have been a favorite in professional kitchens for years (they’ve even been worn at The Bear). The shoes are made from molded polyurethane and have no seams or stitching, so they won’t crack or wear out. The shoes also feature a removable, contoured cork latex footbed that molds to your foot over time. These shoes are easy to put on and take off, and the raised heel keeps your foot secure. The non-slip sole works great on wet, dry, and oily surfaces.
The shoes were comfortable to wear, but we found that socks were necessary to prevent chafing. The socks are loose and will soften over time, so they are a great fit for those with medium to wide feet. While the home cook may not need these virtually indestructible shoes, we recommend them for health care workers and culinary professionals who need a more durable shoe.
Materials: Molded Polyurethane | Color Options: Black, White, Navy, Light Blue, Pink, Red, Dark Green, Apple Green, Yellow, Brown, Raspberry Sorbet
Crocs designed the On the Clock Work Clog for service and healthcare workers who spend long periods of time on their feet during the day or night. The shoe is made from a single piece, so there are no seams to come undone during wear. The lightweight clogs are made from synthetic material and feature a cushioned footbed with extra arch support.
We found these shoes to be very comfortable right out of the gate, with plenty of room in the toe box and a sturdy construction. The small tread pattern on the sole is durable and doesn’t catch on the ground, and the material is easy to clean. While the shoes are supportive and absorb shock well, our feet and backs still felt tired after a few days of wearing them on cement floors. Still, for the budget-conscious home cook, these are a solid choice.
Designed for professional chefs, these shoes are durable and comfortable. The cushioning lining can be removed for washing.
These shoes from Mise are one of our favorites for comfort and functionality. A cross between a sturdy clog and a sneaker, these shoes are made from premium leather with a synthetic sole and removable, shock-absorbing midsole that’s similar in size to the insole of your favorite sneakers. Mise designed these shoes with the commercial kitchen in mind—safety comes first, and the grippy soles provide excellent traction. The Mise Standard in black is available in full sizes from US 6 to US 15, all in standard widths.
These shoes are comfortable and easy to wear right out of the box, but they don’t need to be broken in. If you’re between sizes or have a wider foot, we recommend going up a size. While these shoes aren’t as soft as other kitchen shoes, they still hold their shape well after a few wears without causing discomfort. They’re also very easy to clean: simply rinse and wipe the outside (the midsole can be hand-washed and air-dried if desired). While these shoes are more expensive, you’ll appreciate the high quality, comfort, and durability of shoes made for professional cooks.
Additional support inside and outside the shoe makes it softer and more comfortable.
These clogs are very loose and can easily slip off your foot if you don’t get the right size. If you’re unsure of your size, we recommend going half a size down.
These Snibbs clogs are a favorite among chefs, and for good reason. They’re made from 100% recycled materials, have a vegan leather upper that’s waterproof and easy to clean, and a non-slip rubber sole that’s perfect for navigating dirty kitchen floors. They combine form and function to create the perfect kitchen shoe that promotes foot health by providing balance, stability, and blood flow, keeping your feet safe and comfortable for long periods of time.
Three of our editors tested these clogs to see if they were worth the hype, and we weren’t disappointed. They quickly became our favorite footwear for wearing in and out of the kitchen, thanks to their comfortable soles and cushioned support. Even after standing for hours while cooking, we didn’t notice any fatigue or pain in our feet, as they help prevent the heel pain that often comes with standing for long periods of time. Add to that the fact that they’re easy to clean, won’t get damaged by accidental spills, and provide solid footing when the floor gets slippery, and they’re a great choice for both professionals and home cooks.
Materials: Faux Leather and Rubber | Color Options: Eclipse Black, Speckled Black, Charcoal, Mint, Blue, Pistachio
Dansko is known for its comfortable shoes, and these clogs are no exception if you spend a lot of time on your feet. A lighter version of the popular Professional Clog, the LT Pro Clog weighs just 15 ounces—about half a pound lighter than the original. They’re super easy to put on and take off, the leather construction makes them very durable, and the polyurethane sole provides enough traction to keep you from slipping in the kitchen.
The microfiber lining keeps the shoes from feeling too hot, but it does take some getting used to. However, the leather is easy to clean, and we gave the shoes good marks for standing and cooking, making them a solid investment for both professional and amateur cooks.
Material: Leather | Color Options: Black Leather, White Leather, Black Embossed, Hero Patent Leather, Watercolor Embossed, Vintage Floral Embossed, Blue Dash Leather
These versatile boots are durable and provide excellent cushioning. The insole is removable, so you can swap it out for your favorite one if needed.
For some people, the shoes can be painful to wear. They don’t come in full or half sizes, so you’ll have to try on different sizes to find the right fit for you.
These unisex boots from Blundstone feature a classic Chelsea style, a waterproof leather upper and elastic panels that make them easy to slip on and off without the need for laces or zippers. They’re also stylish enough to wear as a casual shoe. Double stitching ensures durability even with heavy use. A TPU outsole and cushioned footbed absorb shock, reducing the strain on your feet and joints during long periods of standing and walking.
These boots take a long time to break in and are uncomfortable to wear. But once the leather softens, they mold to your foot and provide a very comfortable feel – we were able to wear them comfortably for up to nine hours straight. In fact, they are suitable for more than just the kitchen, but we still consider them a top choice for everyday wear due to their quality, comfort, and style.
Materials: Leather Upper, Synthetic Sole | Color Options: Black, Brown, Brown/Olive, Black/Grey, Brown/Checked Burgundy, Black/Checked, Black/Rainbow
They provide adequate cushioning, are less expensive than other options, and are great for gardening.
While Sloggers designed these boots for rainy days and gardening, they’re also great for the kitchen thanks to their waterproof upper and lugged outsole. The synthetic material of the boots can be easily rinsed or wiped clean, and the footbed has arch support and plenty of cushioning. They’re available in women’s and men’s sizes, and in both solid black and patterned options.
We found them to be a great fit for medium to narrow feet and comfortable to wear for many hours without requiring a break-in period. We also recommend them as indoor shoes as they provide ample support and traction when walking on hard floors. We are still wearing them daily after several months and overall they are holding up well. With reliable performance and affordable prices, they are a top choice for those who don’t want to spend a fortune on high-end all-leather footwear.
One of the hottest styles of chef’s shoes comes from a collaboration between Hedley & Bennett (the brand behind those aprons you often see on TV) and Vans sneakers. Crafted from Vansguard-treated canvas, these high-tops feature a cushioned footbed and a colored tread outsole. The lace-up closure allows you to customize the fit to your foot, tightening or loosening as needed. Unlike most chef’s shoes, these come in full and half sizes, from a men’s size 4 (women’s size 5.5) to a men’s size 13.
We found them comfortable right off the bat, although those who don’t wear high-tops often may need some time to get used to the lacing. The shoes provided great support during long hours on our feet (8 to 12 hours). They have a wider toe box, which prevents the toes from getting squeezed. Our only concern was the material of the shoe, as the canvas picks up stains easily, but it is treated to be stain and liquid resistant, and is easy to clean.
Birkenstock is renowned for its comfort, and the Super-Birki brings that comfort to the kitchen with a supportive and durable polyurethane construction. Already a favorite in professional kitchens, the Super-Birki is a great choice for home cooks who spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
Our editors and test kitchen staff tested 18 pairs of kitchen shoes, wearing them an average of 40 hours a week during their daily work routine. We noted how uncomfortable the shoes were during the break-in period and how they felt after extended wear, including standing in the kitchen. We rated the shoes based on comfort, durability, quality, design, and overall value. This list includes the best-performing shoes.
You should choose kitchen shoes made of durable materials that can withstand the occasional spill and crumbs. For this reason, leather and polyurethane are popular choices because they can be wiped and rinsed. They also provide some protection against damage caused by hot liquids and most metal appliances. If you choose fabric shoes, the material should be treated to resist liquids and dirt, or be easy to clean.
Slippery, wet and greasy floors can be very dangerous, so anti-slip properties are an important factor when buying kitchen shoes. Choose shoes with sufficient anti-slip properties and good slip resistance, without too many ridges to catch on the kitchen mat.
One of the main causes of lower back, leg and foot pain after standing for long periods of time is poor cushioning, so choose shoes with shock-absorbing insoles and thicker soles. Combined with anti-fatigue padding, these shoes help relieve fatigue and provide better support throughout the day.
Fans of the traditional clog silhouette will love this model from Sanita. The shoes felt stiff out of the box, but we didn’t experience any pain or blisters while wearing them. They also fit tighter than other popular clog brands, so you may need to try on different sizes to find the right fit.
These clogs are easy to slip on and off, making them ideal for running a few errands or standing for a while while cooking. They’re wide, roomy, and comfortable, but we didn’t find that they offered enough support or traction for long-term wear. While we recommend them as a quick and easy addition to more durable kitchen shoes, we don’t think they’re the best choice for professional kitchens or anyone who has to be on their feet all day.
We found these shoes to be comfortable to wear right out of the box, didn’t require any breaking in, and were well made, durable, and long lasting. Given the quality of Dansko shoes, they’ll likely last a long time, so the higher price tag is worth it. However, these shoes are more suited to a professional kitchen and may not be practical for the home cook.
We tested a few other kitchen shoes, but they didn’t make our top picks. While they’re not our favorites, many of them perform well overall. Some were eliminated because they were better suited for other uses, while others could have been improved with a few minor tweaks. Here are a few more styles we tested that didn’t make the cut:
“Today, kitchen floors are becoming safer, and kitchen staff can now wear a variety of footwear in the kitchen,” says Vanessa Tilaka Kalb, co-owner of Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery in Pasadena, California. From clogs to sneakers to work boots, there are many styles to choose from for cooks. “Ultimately, choose footwear that is comfortable, meets the requirements of your uniform, and ensures that your toes are protected from hot oil, falling knives, or arches.”
Chefs often wear clogs because they are comfortable and durable. “Many professionals in the hospitality and healthcare industries wear these shoes,” Kalb said. “I believe the elevated platform and shape of the shoe are ergonomic and provide support for the forward movement of the foot when standing and walking. They are available in many designs and materials, are reasonably priced, and are eco-friendly.”
“Just start with the top, then the bottom, then the sole,” says Kalb, who typically wears Dansko or Sanita clogs. “I polish and buff my clogs about twice a year to maintain their color and shine.”