If you’re a restaurant manager, you know that the job is not only physically demanding but also mentally taxing. That’s why it’s important to have the right tools for the job—and one of those tools is your shoes!
Whether you’re just starting out or have been managing restaurants for years, it’s important for you to make sure that your feet are comfortable and well-supported. The last thing you want is to develop painful foot conditions that can lead to more serious problems if they aren’t corrected quickly!
Fortunately, there are some great work shoes out there for you. They’re comfortable and stylish—and they’ll help keep your feet healthy when you’re on the job. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best work shoes for restaurant managers and give you a few tips for choosing what works best for you.
Before we dive into the details of the top shoes, let me summarize the list here first!
- Best Overall: Dansko Men’s XP 2.0 Clog
- Runner-up: Birkenstock Unisex Professional Tokyo Super Grip Slip Resistant Work Shoe
- Most Lightweight: KEEN Utility PTC Oxford Non-Slip Food Service Chef Shoe
- Alternative: Dansko Men’s Walker Dress Casual Shoes
That said, let’s get into it!
Best Overall Men’s Work Shoes for Restaurant Managers
Dansko Men’s XP 2.0 Clog
If you’re looking for a shoe that’s comfortable and durable, with a lot of wiggle room, the Dansko Men’s XP 2.0 Clog is the best pick for you.
This clog is made of 100% leather. It’s durable, so it’ll last you a long time, and it’s also breathable, so your feet won’t get too hot when you’re working hard. It has a rubber sole, which gives you plenty of traction and helps prevent slips and falls at work.
The shaft measures approximately an inch from the arch, so it fits comfortably on your foot without pinching or rubbing anywhere. And the padded instep collar will keep your foot comfortable even when walking long distances in these shoes. There’s also plenty of toe room in these clogs—no more stubbing your toes.
The best part about these shoes is their lightweight EVA midsole reduces fatigue for everyday wear and provides stability and high shock absorption. And the stapled construction keeps them durable—so they won’t fall apart after just a few weeks of use!
Runner-up Men’s Work Shoes for Restaurant Managers
Birkenstock Unisex Professional Tokyo Super Grip Leather Slip Resistant Work Shoe
Birkenstock’s Tokyo Super Grip is a great choice for restaurant managers who are always on their feet.
This unisex shoe offers plenty of support, and the anatomically shaped cork-latex footbed keeps you comfortable all day long. The upper is smooth leather, and the footbed lining is suede, so it’s easy to clean and maintain—just wipe them down with a damp cloth after each shift.
It also has individually adjustable metal pin buckles that help keep your feet snugly in place while you’re moving around on them all day long. And if you need to do any sort of work that involves oil or grease? No problem! These shoes are designed to resist oil and grease as well as slip resistance testing in accordance with EN ISO 20347:2012 (SRA category).
Most Comfortable Men’s Work Shoes for Restaurant Managers
Skechers for Work Men’s Flex Advantage Mcallen Food Service Shoe
The Skechers for Work Men’s Flex Advantage Mcallen Food Service Shoe is a great choice for restaurant managers looking for comfortable, durable, and slip-resistant shoes that are also easy to take on and off.
The shoe features an elastic side gore at the opening, which allows you to easily slip them on and off without having to unlace them. It also features a slip-on design that makes it easy to put on and off when you have to run into the kitchen for an emergency or help a customer in need. The upper is made from a mesh fabric which allows air circulation and prevents odor from developing quickly.
The elastic side gores at opening give you extra room for wiggle room, so there is no chance of getting an uncomfortable feeling like some other shoes may cause when worn for long periods of time. The padded collar and reinforced stitched seams ensure extra comfort while walking around all day long at work, so even if your feet start hurting after wearing these shoes for several hours at a time, they will still feel great!
Most Lightweight Men’s Work Shoes for Restaurant Managers
KEEN Utility Men’s PTC Oxford Low Height Non-Slip Food Service Chef Shoe
When you’re a restaurant manager, you’re on your feet all day long. The last thing you want to worry about is whether or not your shoes can keep up with the demands of your job. That’s where KEEN Utility Men’s PTC Oxford Low Height Non-Slip Food Service Chef Shoe comes in.
This shoe is made with 100% non-metallic construction and has an Electrical Hazard (EH) or Electric Shock Resistant (ESR) footwear rating, so you know it’ll stand up to whatever kind of work environment you’re in.
It also has a TPU stability shank and a KEEN. WET TRAX outsole that makes sure you stay stable on slippery surfaces and don’t slip when walking through wet areas. The non-slip sole also makes this shoe great for working near hot equipment—you won’t have to worry about getting burned!
But there are more benefits than just safety—this shoe is comfortable too! The compression-molded EVA midsole provides cushioning and comfort while the moisture-wicking textile lining keeps your foot feeling dry no matter how hot or sweaty things get.
Plus, the removable metatomical PU footbed offers great support in all areas of your foot so you can stand up straight during long shifts without any pain or discomfort.
Alternative Men’s Work Shoes for Restaurant Managers
Dansko Men’s Walker Dress Casual Shoes
If you’re a restaurant manager, you know that the shoes you wear can make or break your day.
This is why we recommend Dansko Men’s Walker Dress Casual Shoes—they’re comfortable, they look great, and they won’t let you down.
They come in brown, black and tan and have a leather upper. They have a man-made sole that is slip-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about slipping on your way to work. The PU midsole provides additional cushioning and superior shock absorption, which means you can go all day without feeling sore or tired.
The 4 tuckboard with riveted shank construction provides stability, control, and additional support. The most amazing part about this shoe is the removable triple-density EVA molded footbed that molds perfectly to your feet for ultimate comfort. You can wear them all day at work without even knowing you’re wearing them.
Factors To Consider When Buying Best Work Shoes for Restaurant Managers
Durability
When you’re on your feet all day, you need your shoes to be able to stand up to the job. You want a pair of shoes that can take a beating and still look good. If you get a pair that won’t last, you’ll be left with holes in the soles or other damage, which can lead to blisters, discomfort, and even injury.
Comfort
Restaurant managers are on their feet all day long—between serving customers, making sure their staff is doing their jobs correctly, getting supplies for their kitchen staff, and dealing with complaints from customers.
When you’re on your feet all day, it’s important that your shoes are comfortable and can support your body weight. Shoes with adequate arch support, soles made from materials like rubber or leather, and a good fit will help you avoid aches and pains in your feet, ankles, back, and knees.
Sturdiness
You want to make sure that the shoes you buy are sturdy enough to withstand the demands of a restaurant manager’s job. The shoes should not only be comfortable and supportive, but they should also be able to withstand constant use and abuse without falling apart or needing too much maintenance.
Slip-resistant
The number one reason to invest in slip-resistant shoes is the safety of the customer and your staff. A spill on a wet floor can be disastrous for everyone involved, but especially for restaurant managers who are constantly on their feet.
Waterproof
A good pair of restaurant shoes should be waterproof. You never know when you might spill a few drops of coffee on your shoe, or get splashed by hot water in the kitchen. It’s also important that they’re waterproof so that you can keep your feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Cost
When you’re buying the best work shoes for restaurant managers, the cost is a big consideration. After all, you don’t want to spend more than you have to.
That said, you also want your shoes to last a long time—especially since they’ll be getting a lot of wear and tear in the kitchen. Figure out how much you can afford to spend on each pair of shoes, then make sure that the price matches up with the quality of the product.
Style
The style of your shoe should match the style of your uniform and work environment. If your restaurant has an edgy feel, then you may want to purchase shoes that reflect that look and feel as well as any other clothing items used by employees at your restaurants such as shirts or hats.
Breathability
Your feet are going to sweat, especially if you’re working long shifts in an enclosed space like a restaurant kitchen or bar area where there’s limited ventilation. You’ll want to invest in shoes made with breathable materials that let air flow through them easily so your feet don’t get too hot or uncomfortable while they’re working hard!
Foot Health
If you or your employees have foot problems such as bunions or hammertoes, you need to get shoes with enough room in the toe box to accommodate them without rubbing or causing pain. That might mean finding a shoe that’s wider than average or just getting one that has more wiggle room than others of its size (if possible).
Best Men’s Work Shoes for Restaurant Managers, Final Verdict…
Restaurant managers have a lot on their plates, from food and beverage management to front-of-house operations. If you’re a restaurant manager, it’s important to know that the shoes you wear are just as important as the food and drink you serve.
After reviewing the top five shoes for restaurant managers, I think that Dansko Men’s XP 2.0 Clog is the best pick. These shoes are comfortable and durable, with a slip-resistant sole that will help you keep your balance while you’re rushing around in your kitchen. The shoe is designed to be sturdy and comfortable, with a low heel that’s perfect for long shifts on your feet.
With all of the variables that make up a restaurant manager’s job, it can be tricky to find work shoes that are comfortable, stylish, and durable. However, with the right pair of shoes, you can look good while you’re running the show—and your feet will thank you for it!
Ok, before you go, let me summarize all the shoes that we discussed here!
- Best Overall: Dansko Men’s XP 2.0 Clog
- Runner-up: Birkenstock Unisex Professional Tokyo Super Grip Leather Slip Resistant Work Shoe
- Most Lightweight: KEEN Utility Men’s PTC Oxford Low Height Non-Slip Food Service Chef Shoe
- Alternative: Dansko Men’s Walker Dress Casual Shoes