Top 15 Best Shoes for Bartender & Restaurant Server Reviews 2020

Bartenders always spend countless hours on foot. “Long hours standing on your feet can have long-term negative impacts,” says Arlene Roldan. This usually leads to foot, ankle, and arch problems quickly, even you tread carefully. Therefore, your feet desert to be invested in a good pair of shoes that are dedicated to bartenders as an essential bartending tool. 

Usually, bartenders admit that finding the best shoes for themself behind the bar is a challenge. Once you find a pair of shoes working for you, you will stick with it. 

This title will help you find the best shoes for bartending. Let’s get started.

What are Best Shoes for Bartender & Restaurant Server?

After consulting so many reviews about shoes for bartending from many sources, I am doing a summary of 6 recommended best shoes for bartending base on criteria that you might interest in such as durability, arch, heel support or water resistance, foot fatigue,…

Best Overall: Red Wing Men’s Iron Ranger 6″ Boot

Durable, stylish, made in USA, worth every cent, high quality leather.

Best for Memory Foam & Slip-On: Skechers for Work Men’s Flex Advantage Mcallen Shoe

A casual and straightforward slip-on shoe in a tight budget. It easy to wear in and out and featured for the best comfort.

Best for All Day Standing: Red Wing Heritage Men’s Moc 6″ Boot

This Red Wing Heritage Men’s Moc 6″ Boot is instantly classic and has a timeless style, rugged durability.

Best for Safety Toe: Timberland PRO Men’s Powertrain Sport Shoe

These shoes have a modern look, they outstanding with its anti-fatigue technology and electrical hazard protection.

Best for Pediatric Nurse: Crocs Unisex Bistro Clog 

These colorful Bistro clogs can get you through long and busy shifts. Crocs Unisex Bistro Clog is comfortable, light, and supportive.

Best for Waterproof: Birkenstock Profi Birki Slip Resistant Work Shoe

High durability and comfort, waterproof, non-slip, excellent arch support, easy to clean.

Best for Heel Support: Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe

This Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe is outstanding for its ventilation, Vibram, air cushion. I love its superior heel and arch support.

Best for Arch Support: Dansko Men’s Wynn Slip-On Clog

I highly recommend this for someone finding a bartending shoe with a casual-cool style. However, it is still extremely lightweight and comfortable.

Best for Concrete Floors: KEEN Utility – Men’s Braddock Mid (Soft Toe) Boot

This boot is comfortable, dry, and all-weather protective and has a so-cool design. For more boots like this work boot, here are some recommended boots to work on concrete all day long.

Best for Ladies: KEEN Utility Women’s PTC Oxford Shoe

Amazing barista shoes, great traction, comfortable, sturdy, minimize impact, good for women working in bakery, kitchen and restaurant.

Best for Wide Feet: New Balance Men’s 627v2 Industrial Shoe

New Balance Men’s 627v2 Industrial Shoe is pretty decent, versatile, and comfortable at a good price.

Best for Non-slip & Narrow Feet: New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam

Good shoes to work in grocery store, pain free, breathable, anti-slip, fresh foam for comfort.

Best for Camping: Skechers for Work Men’s Felton

Slip resistant, memory foam for comfort, durable, great for restaurant servers, walking and hiking.

Best for Bar Worker: Crews Men’s Freestyle Work Sneaker

Waterproof, non-slip, great sneaker for bartender / restaurant servers / diswasher, effortless to clean.

Best for Budget: Dansko Women’s Ellie Flat

Narrow toe, feel like slippers, comfortable than chef clogs.

Best Shoes for Bartender & Restaurant Server – Comparison Chart

The following chart will show you specifications of all the best shoes for bartending that I will review in the next part. 

Top 15 Best Shoes for Bartender & Server Reviews in 2020

Best Overall: Red Wing Men’s Iron Ranger 6″ Boot

Key features

• Premium natural leather
• Contrast stitching, high polish hooks, and eyelets
• Non-marking, oil-resistant Nitrile Cork soles
• Genuine quality with no deviations, no variations

Product specs

Gender	Men
Dimension	10 x 6 x 15 inches
Weight	32 oz
Material	Leather
Sole	Nitrile Cork
Style	High cut

Red Wing Men’s Iron Ranger 6″ Boot is handcrafted in the USA, durable and comfortable. These Red Wing Men’s Iron Ranger 6″ Boots are impressively detailed with contrast stitching, high polish hooks, and eyelets. 

These boots are made of 100% premium natural leather and non-marking, oil-resistant Nitrile Cork soles. This robust boot features a double layer leather bump toe with larger room up-front, and leather heel pocket.

Red Wing Men’s Iron Ranger 6″ Boot is a high-end product with a high price, but it has a genuine quality with no deviations and variations. If you want to invest in a good pair of shoes as an essential bartending tool, you should try this.

Best for Memory Foam & Slip-On: Skechers for Work Men’s Flex Advantage Mcallen Shoe

Key features

• Padded collar with reinforced stitched seams
• Cushioned memory foam insole
• Soft fabric shoe lining
• Slip-resistant traction outsole
• Comfortable to wear in and out with elastic side gores

Product specs

Gender	Men
Dimension	12 x 9 x 5 inches
Weight	10.6 oz
Material	Mesh fabric
Sole	Synthetic
Style	Low cut

This Skechers Shoe is ideal for finding a casual and straightforward slip-on shoe in a tight budget. Skechers Flex Advantage Mcallen is a working shoe for people in the foodservice sector. 

Skechers Flex Advantage Mcallen is outstanding by its slip-resistant traction outsole. They are also extremely breathable and comfy with mesh fabric upper and soft fabric shoe lining. 

These Skechers shoes are comfortable to wear in and out with elastic side gores at opening. They also featured a padded collar with reinforced stitched seams and cushioned memory foam insole for the best comfort. 

Best for All Day Standing: Red Wing Heritage Men’s Moc 6″ Boot

Key features

• Timeless style and rugged durability
• Full-grain water repellent leather upper
• Customized fit over time with all leather footbed
• Crepe sole minimizes shock, vibration and maximizes support, traction

Product specs

Gender	Men
Dimension	14.25 x 9.25 x 4.75 inches
Weight	37 oz
Material	Leather
Sole	Synthetic
Style	High cut

This is the second expensive item on my list. This Red Wing Heritage Men’s Moc 6″ Boot is instantly classic and has a timeless style, rugged durability. 

Red Wing Heritage Men’s Moc 6″ Boot features a full-grain water repellent leather upper and flexible crepe sole. Leather lining is natural and smooth and offers a dry and healthy foot environment.

Mainly, leather footbed provides enduring comfort and customized fit by molding to the foot. The crepe outsole is flexible, improves support and traction, reduces shock, and vibration in every step. 

Assume you wish for more types of durable shoes, here is the list of top 15 most durable shoes available on the market. They have been picked because of their durability for standing, walking, and running for long hours working.

Best for Safety Toe: Timberland PRO Men’s Powertrain Sport Shoe

Key features

• Mutilation-free ripstop nylon uppers
• Built-in anti-fatigue technology
• Alloy safety toes

Product specs

Gender	Men
Dimension	12.48 x 8.11 x 4.88 inches
Weight	13.4 oz
Material	Microfiber, leather and mesh
Sole	Synthetic
Style	Low cut

Timberland PRO Men’s Powertrain Sport Shoe is an ideal people facing with foot fatigue. These shoes have a modern look; they outstanding with its anti-fatigue technology and electrical hazard protection.

Powertrain Sport work shoes feature breathable mesh linings, alloy safety toes, slip-resistant, and anti-fatigue outsole. Those keep your feet comfortable and protected.

Moreover, the uppers made of 100% Ripstop nylon is mutilation-free; this brings Powertrain Sport an athletic style and helps you conquer your workday. 

Best for Pediatric Nurse: Crocs Unisex Bistro Clog

Key features

• 100% Croslite
• Crocs lock slip-resistant treads
• Enclosed toe design 
• Eases feet fatigue

Product specs

Gender	Unisex
Package dimension	14.85 x 10.95 x 6.2 inches
Material	Croslite
Weight	11 oz
Sole	Synthetic
Style	Low cut

Crocs Unisex Bistro Clog is dedicated to working in foodservice, hospitality, and healthcare sectors. So there is no doubt that these colorful Bistro clogs can get you through long and busy shifts. 

Crocs Unisex Bistro Clog is comfortable, light, and supportive. Individually, Crocs Lock slip-resistant treads and extra protection with a thicker metatarsal area at the toes, that makes Crocs Unisex Bistro Clog the best shoes for bartending.

Besides, the back strap keeps your feet stay in clog reliably while running up and downstairs, allowing you to move quickly and confidently.

Best for Waterproof: Birkenstock Profi Birki Slip Resistant Work Shoe

Key features

• Made in and send directly from Germany
• Alpro-Foam Footbed and Alpro-Foam Sole
• Certified anti-slip outsole

Product specs

Gender	Unisex
Dimension	15.75 x 7.87 x 5.91 inches
Material	Polyurethane
Sole	Synthetic
Style	Low cut

These shoes are hugely popular in barista class because of its lightweight and supportive footbed. They are simple, comfortable, and have an excellent slip-resistant ability.

They are made in Germany with a superior Alpro-Foam Footbed, which molds to the foot’s shape. Notably, this kind of footbed has the form allow body weight to distribute evenly on foot. 

Birkenstock Profi Birki is also supportive and protective with a roomy toe box and a non-slip outsole. Besides, Birkenstock Profi Birki also has excellent arch support in the footbed. 

Best for Heel Support: Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe

Key features

• Keep moisture basing on the closed-cell foam tongue
• Merrell M Select FIT.ECO and blended EVA footbed
• Merrell air cushion in the heel
• High-performanc
• Protective toe cap

Product specs

Gender	Men
Dimension	14 x 9 x 6 inches
Weight	31.3 oz
Material	Suede leather and mesh
Sole	Rubber
Style	Low cut

This Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe is outstanding for its ventilation, Vibram, air cushion. I love its superior heel and arch support.

These shoes are constructed by suede leather and mesh upper, targeted heel cushioning mesh lining, which is both soft and breathable. Those reduce stress on the foot and provide Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe an incredible comfort.

Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe features a protective rubber toe cap and a high-performance rubber sole that is unmatched durable, stable, and slip-resistance. Inside, closed-cell foam tongue controls odor and keeps moisture.

Best for Arch Support: Dansko Men’s Wynn Slip-On Clog

Key features

• Looking good and feeling good
• 100% smooth leather
• Dual goring insets padded collar
• Soft lining molds to the foot 

Product specs

Gender	Men
Dimension	13 x 9 x 5 inches
Weight	20 oz
Material	Leather
Sole	Synthetic
Style	Low cut

I highly recommend this for someone finding a bartending shoe with a casual-cool style. However, it is still extremely lightweight and comfortable.

Dansko Wynn Slip-on Clog upper made of smooth leather, that brings a rick look. Its lining is soft and molds to the foot for a customized fit. Besides, the slip-on clog has dual goring insets padded collar for extra all-day comfort. 

This slip-on clog also features curved insole to complete arch support for cushioning your foot, help you stand longer than ever. The footbed contours to the foot shape also increase arch support make you feel comfy on the clog.

Best for Concrete Floors: KEEN Utility – Men’s Braddock Mid (Soft Toe) Work Boot

Key features

• KEEN Dry proprietary waterproof
• KEEN.Grip oil- and slip-resistant outsole
• KEEN Patented Toe Protection
• Removable metatomical dual-density EVA footbed

Product specs

Gender	Men
Dimensions	14 x 12 x 5 inches
Item weight	23.5 oz
Material	Nubuck leather
Sole	Rubber
Style	High cut

I recommend another item for men from KEEN Utility – that is Men’s Braddock Mid (Soft Toe) Waterproof Work Boot. This boot is comfortable, dry, and all-weather protective and has a so-cool design.

KEEN Utility Braddock Mid Waterproof features KEEN Dry proprietary waterproof. This waterproof membrane is breathable; it only lets vapor out and does not let water in. These boots also feature KEEN Patented Toe Protection for ultimate protection.

Besides, this work boot is so comfortable with a soft toe built to work in harsh conditions, a PU midsole attached directly, a grip oil- and slip-resistant outsole, and a removable metatomical dual-density EVA footbed.

Best for Ladies: KEEN Utility Women’s PTC Oxford Work Shoe

Key features

• Water and stain-resistant leather upper
• Compression-molded midsole
• Plush and removable KEEN CUSH footbed
• Oil- and slip-resistant non-marking outsoles
• KEEN Patented Toe Protection

Product specs

Gender	Women
Dimension	11.61 x 4.92 x 8.66 inches
Weight	12.5 oz
Material	Leather
Sole	Rubber
Style	Low cut

Another option for someone finding all-day comfort on work shoes. KEEN Utility Women’s PTC Oxford is a sturdy and perfect fit. 

KEEN Utility Women’s PTC Oxford leather upper is wipe-clean, stain, and water-resistant. Its rubber outsole is leather upper, oil & slip-resistant, which keeps your feet on the ground confidently. The midsole is compression molded to avoid breaking a sweat.

Moreover, KEEN Patented Toe Protection is soft and dedicated to work in harsh conditions. It completely wraps up your toes for ultimate protection. Inside, the KEEN CUSH footbed made from PU and memory foam is plush and removable to keep your foot in all-day comfort.

Best for Wide Feet: New Balance Men’s 627v2 Industrial Shoe

Key features

• ABZORB midsole
• Slip-resistant outsole
• Steel toe cap

Product specs

Gender	Men
Dimension	13.2 x 8.1 x 4.9 inches
Item weight	18.9 oz
Material	Leather
Sole	Rubber
Style	Low cut

New Balance is more known for athletic footwear than work footwear. But New Balance Men’s 627v2 Industrial Shoe is pretty decent, versatile, and comfortable at a reasonable price. 

New Balance Men’s 627v2 is constructed by leather upper, steel toe cap, and ABZORB midsole. The slip-resistant outsole and the steel toe cap being specific width, static dissipation bring ultimate protection.

New Balance Men’s 627v2 is the right work shoe with a comfortable feeling that it brings during hours. Primarily, this item is exceptionally suitable for someone with wide feet. 

Best for Non-slip & Narrow Feet: New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Slip Resistant Industrial Shoe

Key features

• No-sew overlays and stretchy mesh upper
• Pinnacle fresh foam midsole
• 3D printed slip-resistant sole

Product specs

Gender	Men
Package dimensions	12.3 x 7.2 x 4.6 inches
Weight	8.18 oz
Material	Synthetic
Sole	Rubber
Style	Low cut

My favorite barista shoes are New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Slip Resistant 806 V1. These memory foam shoes are non-slip, waterproof, and super lightweight. New Balance 806 V1 is fashion conscious and suitable for bartender’s rush, busy shift. 

New Balance 806 V1 features a stretchy mesh upper with no-sew overlays and pinnacle durable fresh foam midsole. Not only that, but New Balance 806 V1 is also constructed by a data located slip-resistant lugs to keep your feet safe while moving.

Finally, the sole is printed 3D with the responsive cushioned midsole. They keep your feet stay comfortable and support all day long. 

Best for Camping: Skechers Men’s Felton Relaxed-Fit Work Shoe

Key features

• Shock absorbing midsole
• Memory foam padded insole insert
• OSHA-complaint nitrile outsole

Product specs

Gender	Men
Dimension	12 x 4 x 8 inches
Weight	14.2 oz
Material	Synthetic
Sole	Rubber
Style	Low cut

This is the second option from Skechers on my list. Unlike Skechers Flex Advantage Mcallen, Skechers Men’s Felton is a lace-up sneaker with reinforced-stitching logos on both tongue and side.

Skechers Men’s Felton features padded tongue and collar, soft fabric shoe lining for best comfort and support. 

Also, Skechers Men’s Felton Relaxed-Fit Work Shoes are equipped with memory foam padded insole insert and OSHA-complaint nitrile outsole. They bring a shock absorption, allow you to stand and work during hours.

Best for Bar Worker: Crews Men’s Freestyle Work Sneaker

Key features

• Water-resistant upper
• Removable insole
• Powerful SFR Slip-resistant outsole

Product specs

Gender	Men
Package dimensions	13.15 x 8.35 x 4.72 inches
Weight	12.2 oz
Material	Synthetic
Sole	Rubber
Style	Low cut

These Shoes For Crews Freestyle Sneakers are comfortable on the wallet and high on the job, and they have a ventilated lightweight design, basic style, and natural fit. 

It has good water & slip resistance with slip-resistant zone traction offering sturdy foot grip to stay safe. Besides, the upper surface is treated to repel liquids and reduce trip hazards.

These lightweight, comfortable shoes also have a removable cushioned sole with premium quality to ensure comfort and support.

Best for Budget: Dansko Women’s Ellie Flat

Key features

• 100% leather
• Removable insole
• Slip-resistant outsole

Product specs

Gender	Women
Dimension	12.6 x 8.9 x 4.7 inches
Item weight	7 oz
Material	Leather
Sole	Rubber
Style	Low cut

Even though this is a women’s shoe, I feel this is for both men and women. Dansko Ellie Flat is comfortable, allows you to work on shoes longer without getting fatigued.

The uppers are made of 100% leather to ensure shoe breathability. This material also allows you to clean up easily and quickly. The removable insole allows you to adjust the fit for the best comfort.

Like other shoes for bartending, Dansko Women’s Ellie Flat also has slip-resistant outsoles to ensure your safety while moving.  

Shoes for Bartenders Buying Guide: How to Choose a Right Shoe?

Bartenders often experience exhaustive shifts and work around potential hazards. You need to look out for the following features of shoes for bartending to keep your feet safe and comfortable. 

Slip-Resistance

Wearing a pair of shoes without slip resistance while working at the bar can lead to accidentally slipping and unexpectedly fell. It might cause serious injury that makes you off work. Therefore, slip-resistance is the most crucial feature that you should mind when buying bartending shoes.

You should look for shoes that have slip-resistant outsoles to keep you on your feet while working around the wet bar area. Plus, shoes should have excellent traction to maximize slip-resistant ability. 

Water-Resistance

Second, you should care about shoes’ water-resistant ability because you often walk through puddles of spilled liquids, it is difficult to avoid. Besides, having to deal with the humidity inside the shoes is uncomfortable and causes a bad smell. 

To find good bartender shoes, you should find shoes with waterproof materials, and those materials are also specially treated to repel liquids. So that your feet will be kept dry, fresh, and control odor. 

Comfort

Sometimes, you are confused by having to choose between comfort and style. It might be difficult for you. To me, you should prioritize the support, as you always work in a fast-paced environment and move on your feet still to fulfill endless customer requests.

You must care about your feet, your back, and other long-term health issues.

To look for a comfortable bartender shoe, look at the shoe materials, they should be both breathable and water-resistant. Plus, shoes with extra cushioning and soft lining will support and offer your feet superior comfort.

Ventilation

You might overlook this factor because you thought ventilation or breathability is a part of comfort. Yes, it is true. However, it is more important than you think, because it decides the shoe comfort. 

Bartenders often work and continuously move, which leads to sweaty and uncomfortable feet. Shoes without adequate ventilation will make your work shift exceedingly terrible. So choose shoes with breathable materials such as mesh, leather to keep your feet dry and cool during hours.

Style

I believe that bar staff with a pair of style shoes can create the perfect first impression for customers. It also makes bartenders feel confident and performs better. 

Base on your character, feel free and choose for yourself stylish and sophisticated shoes. However, ensure shoes are style but still comfortable and safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can bartenders wear flip flops?

I think no bar allows their stall to wear flip flops while working because they are likely legally required to wear closed-toe shoes. Flip flops are less sanitary and not suitable for the bar environment. At least, bartenders should wear closed-toe shoes to ensure clean, keep their feet safe, and respect their customers. 

Are memory foam shoes good for bartenders?

Of course, memory foam shoes bring perfect shock absorption and support your feet while moving. They also help to reduce pressure on your foot, allow arch support, stabilize the feet.

Do shoes for bartenders have to be attractive?

Not at all. Usually, a bartender with a pair of style shoes can create the perfect first impression to customers. But depending on everyone’s character, you can choose your favorite shoes to make you feel confident and perform better. 

What features make good bartending shoes?

As I mentioned above, shoes that are slip-resistant, water-resistant, comfortable, breathable with appropriate style are good bartending shoes. You should look for the above features of shoes for bartending to keep your feet safe and healthy. 

Slip-on shoes and lace-up shoes, which are better for bartenders?

To me, slip-on is better. It is easy to wear in and out. Moreover, slip-on has typically excellent traction, and stretchy upper brings more comfort. 

My Top Picks

Now, you have the necessary information about what to look for in the perfect bartender shoes; it’s time to find yourself the best for bartending. I hope you can enjoy your long and successful career.

I will pick Red Wing Heritage Men’s Moc 6″ Boot because of its perfect design and superior features. At a tighter budget, I recommend choosing Crocs Unisex Bistro Clog or Shoes for Crews Men’s Freestyle Food Service Work Sneaker. Both of them have a reasonable price, and they are very comfortable to wear for many hours.