Can someone help me pick a good work shoe?
Posted by kittykatunicornqueen@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 23 comments
Hi everyone, I’m just starting a new job in food and beverage and Lord let me just say my feet are destroyed. My work shoes they provided turned my one nail black, top of my food is bruised, and I have blisters all over😭 the other people at work have said I was the longest lasting person to stay in the provided shoes (3 days😂) Since then I’ve been wearing my converse but after a few hours I feel like I’m standing on razor blades and want to cry😂 can any other hospitality members advise me on what’s a good shoe to buy that won’t make me cry and I can last 12 hours a day in! There’s tons of options on Google that all say they are good for x and x but I want real peoples opinions please!
Thank you!!
Kevin-SkyParkSecure@reddit
When I worked in hospitality, black trainers were an absolute lifesaver. Nike Air Monarchs look clunky, but they're comfortable, well-padded and lasted me years.
dinkidoo7693@reddit
I work in hospitality and I wear Skechers or work crocs (they don’t have the holes in)
No_Usual_572@reddit
Crocs if you're allowed to wear them. If they have to be more formal, something from Clarks.
Brave_Assumption6@reddit
What if God forbid something heavy drops on the shoe? I wouldn't trust Crocs in a food and beverage environment.
No_Usual_572@reddit
Unless you're wearing steel capped shoes as an alternative, it really doesn't make all that difference.
There are 'work crocs' which are slightly more formal looking and are covered at the front to protect from spillages. But as far as shoes go, there's little else that are more comfortable to wear if you're on your feet all day. It's actually why crocs value went up so much during Covid, because all the nurses were purchasing them lol.
ArcadeCrossfire@reddit
Wearertech
I’ve been in kitchens for 20 years and I’ve gone through so many different shoes and boots. Wearertech have been the best by far, they come with different insoles depending upon the arch of your feet. Expensive at £75 a pair but worth it. Shoes for crews are a close second
Braveasalion@reddit
I used to live in Dr Martens but I think they're no longer British made and the quality has fallen off. Alternatively, Heavenly Feet are really comfy and fit perfectly.
terrythepost@reddit
I get mine from Shoes For Crews after an occupational health recommendation. Comfortable, high grip soles, range of styles and price points
WarlordTeias@reddit
Also in hospitality and the answer for me is Birkenstocks.
They take a few days to acclimate, but it's smooth sailing after that and they could be some of the comfiest shows you'll ever wear.
Crocs wrecked my feet and the podiatrist I went to wasn't remotely surprised. They said Crocs are horrendously bad for your feet when worn as daily driver footwear.
flangeflangeflanges@reddit
I wear Nike Defy Road Running Trainers. Really comfortable.
rg06rg@reddit
Definetely Geox!
Opening_Nose_2347@reddit
I get problems with my feet and the best shoe for comfort I have found are pair of Lonsdale; sort of half way between a traditional shoe and a trainer. Got them in Sport Direct.
ChipCob1@reddit
Timberland shoes or boots with Sensorflex soles....they give you amazing comfort, stability and support.
Martipar@reddit
Take photos, get your colleagues to take photos and get mangement to provide better shoes. If they don't contact ACAS and say you have photographs.
chunkysquizzle@reddit
When I worked in a kitchen I had a pair of catering crocs. They were non-slip and really comfy. It was like working in a pair of slippers.
Thalamic_Cub@reddit
A sauce company a while back learnt why chefs crocs are important over just normal crocs - no holes. They spilt boiling hot sauce over their feet in standard crocs the poor sod.
Thalamic_Cub@reddit
You either become a black trainer person or a doc person. This will be your shoe for life.
I used to wear second hand docs for bar work and fish and chip shop work. Waterproof, grippy, ankle support and can be hosed off if you get sticky alcohol, vomit or fish guts on them 🫡
seasonaldiamond@reddit
Whatever you go for, add gel insoles. I’m in a different industry but I like compression socks if I’m on my feet all day, makes a huge difference to me
Evening-Tomatillo-47@reddit
Some cusioned insoles should help
Significant_Pin2073@reddit
I SWEARRRR, buy some doc martens on Vinted etc that are not brand new. U don’t have to break them in as much and it won’t be the most fun for the first couple of weeks but I promise you, I have worn them for 4 years at my job and don’t even think abt feet pain from prolonged standing anymore. I wore trainers one time bc I forgot them and I never did it again💀. That pain in the bottom of ur feet where u feel like ur heel is bruised, I haven’t had that in forever. Once dr martens are worn in they are absolute gold
BigMagic88@reddit
Probably not sketchers. Mine were like that. Hot and burning after a few hours. But also could be cos I wasn’t used to standing. So if you’re new to the job your feet may also just need a little bit of adjustment time.
Another job I worked at the post office once around Xmas time and I wore croc welly type things. They don’t make that particular style now but they were the best things. I was on my feet all night and they were so comfy. Apart from getting that crusty foot infection thing 😂
Are you allowed to wear crocs? Don’t know what the rules are but they are by far the best thing I’ve ever worn for hours on end.
tyger2020@reddit
I usually just buy black running shoes (Nike).
There's some decent ones on sports direct for about £50. I'm a nurse, and some days I'll easily 11-13 hours in them.
At the end of the day, no shoe is going to feel nice after 12 hours. I've found running shoes are the best, though.
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