In this article, we’ve handpicked the 8 best shoes for bartenders that offer not only extreme comfort but also the reliability you need in the fast-paced hospitality industry. Bartenders have to stand around all day and sometimes on spilled drinks, which can get tiring if you’re not prepared.
Having the best shoes for bartenders can be a game-changer. Bartenders, along with their fellow waitresses and chefs, know that comfort and durability are extremely significant for those endless hours on their feet.
So, if you’re seeking the perfect pair to keep you going through the busiest shifts, keep reading!
Why is Appropriate Footwear Important for Bartenders?
Appropriate footwear is of paramount importance for bartenders, and here’s why: Bartenders spend long hours on their feet, constantly moving and navigating potentially slippery surfaces. This demanding environment necessitates specific shoes tailored to their unique needs.
While running shoes may seem comfortable, they can lack the essential features required for bartending. These shoes aren’t designed to provide the grip and stability needed in a fast-paced, often hectic bar setting.
The best shoes for bartending are those that prioritize safety, comfort, and durability. Having the right footwear can make or break a bartender’s workday. The best non-slip shoes for bartenders are a must, as they ensure bartenders stay steady even when spills occur. Additionally, bartenders working in higher-end establishments may require the bartending shoes that combine style with functionality.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Footwear for Bartending
Choosing the right footwear for bartending is crucial, as it can significantly impact your comfort and performance during long shifts.
Here’s a buyer’s guide to help you make the best choice:
- Standing All Day: As a bartender, you’ll be on your feet for extended periods. Look for shoes specifically designed for standing all day. These shoes often have features like extra cushioning and arch support to reduce fatigue, ensuring you stay comfortable during those long shifts.
- Comfort, Cushion, Support: Comfort is non-negotiable. Seek out shoes that offer exceptional cushioning to provide a plush feel for your feet. Good arch support is essential, as it helps maintain proper posture and minimizes strain on your legs and back. A comfortable fit is crucial to prevent discomfort or blisters. And don’t underestimate the benefits of solid ankle support as well!
- Slip Resistant: Bartending environments can be fast-paced and occasionally messy. Opt for slip-resistant shoes to ensure you have a firm grip on wet or oily surfaces, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Water Resistant: Consider shoes that are water-resistant or waterproof to keep your feet dry and comfortable, even in potentially wet conditions.
Overall Best Shoes for Bartenders
- Best Shoes for Bartenders—
- Best Shoes for Servers and Bartenders— Avia Men’s Avi-Anchor SR Slip On Shoes
- Best Work Shoes— Skechers Work Men’s Dighton SR Athletic Food Service Shoe
- Best Non-Slip Shoes— Crocs Unisex-Adult Bistro Work Clogs
- Best Comfortable Shoes— Skechers Men’s Nampa SR Food Service Shoe
- Best Boots— Propet Men’s Ridge Walker Hiking Casual Boots
- Best Value Shoes— Avia Women’s Avi-Focus Comfort Slip on Shoes
Best Shoes for Bartenders
1. Skechers Work Cessnock SR Food Service Shoe
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As a brand, Skechers repeatedly comes out ahead among food service workers and bartenders: “Any shoe you get from Skechers will be comfortable as hell.”
The Skechers Cessnock Food Service Shoe stands out as the best shoes for bartenders, offering the perfect blend of comfort and functionality. Crafted with a breathable mesh upper, these shoes ensure that your feet stay cool and comfortable throughout your shift.
The bungee lacing system prioritizes convenience, providing a snug fit without the hassle of traditional laces and allowing you slip them on and off effortlessly.
What sets these shoes apart is their slip-resistant rubber sole, guaranteeing a reliable grip on various surfaces. Moreover, the Relax Fit and Air-Cooled Memory Foam comfort insoles make standing for hours a breeze. These shoes are also electrical hazard resistant for added safety in the workplace.
Pros
- Breathable mesh for comfort
- Slip-resistant sole
- Bungee lacing for convenience
- Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole
- Electrical hazard resistant
Cons
- Break-in period required
- May not be suitable for very formal establishments
Best For
- Bartenders and service industry professionals
What People Are Saying
In the words of one customer, “I spend up to 12 hours on my feet, often serving at a restaurant. I’ve been wearing these shoes for a month, and I can’t find a single fault. They offer exceptional comfort, a great fit, and they truly deliver on their non-slip promise.”
Another customer’s feedback enthusiastically mentioned, “The quality is exceptional, and I purchased them for my husband, who has also become a big fan.”
2. Under Armour Charged Assert 9
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The Under Armour Charged Assert 9 stands out as the best shoes for female bartenders, offering a perfect blend of comfort, durability, and style tailored for women.
Featuring a lightweight mesh upper adorned with a 3-color digital print, these shoes provide exceptional breathability and ensure that your feet stay cool and comfortable.
The EVA sockliner further enhances your experience, offering a soft and comfortable step-in feel that keeps your feet content throughout your workday. The Charged Cushioning midsole, constructed from compression-molded foam, offers both responsiveness and long-lasting durability.
Additionally, the solid rubber outsole covers high-impact zones, providing exceptional durability without adding unnecessary weight. This makes them the best work shoes for women seeking reliable and fashionable footwear to excel in their roles.
Pros
- Breathable mesh upper
- Durable leather overlays
- Comfortable EVA sockliner
- Responsive Charged Cushioning midsole
- Solid rubber outsole for durability
Cons
- Standard tie lace type
- Break-in period may be required
Best For
- Bartenders and service industry professionals
What People Are Saying
One enthusiastic user highly recommends these shoes, saying, “I can confidently say they are very comfortable and of outstanding quality.”
Another customer appreciated the shoe’s appearance, commenting, “I’m fond of the classic design and understated color. They are exactly what I was looking for, especially when compared to some overly flashy shoe options.”
Best Shoes for Servers and Bartenders— Avia Men’s Avi-Anchor SR Slip On Shoes
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The Avia Anchor SR Mesh Slip-On Black Non-Slip Shoes for Men are specifically designed to meet the demands of the food service industry. Ideal for bartenders and servers, they offer a perfect blend of style and functionality.
Crafted with a breathable mesh upper, these shoes provide a sock-like fit that keeps your feet comfortable and cool throughout long shifts. The engineered knit upper is treated to repel liquids and oil, making them a great choice for a fast-paced and potentially messy work environment.
What sets these best black shoes for bartending apart are their non-slip thick rubber soles, tested in accordance with ASTM F2913 standards. This slip-resistant tread enhances grip and ensures secure footing.
Pros
- Slip-resistant rubber soles
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Removable MEMORYfōm insole with arch support
- Water and oil-resistant upper
- Slip-on design with gore laces which you don’t have to tie
Cons
- Limited color options
- May not be suitable for formal occasions
Best For
- Bartenders, servers, and foodservice professionals.
What People Are Saying
One user praised these shoes, stating, “The soft padding and the waterproof netted exterior, along with the slip-resistant sole, make them versatile for both walking and running while keeping my feet dry.”
Another satisfied wearer noted, “I purchased them for a new job that mandates slip-resistant shoes and long hours on my feet. They fit perfectly and are incredibly comfortable right out of the box. “
Best Work Shoes for Bartenders— Skechers Work Men’s Relaxed Fit: Dighton SR Athletic Food Service Shoe
Available at:
The Skechers Men’s Dighton Athletic Work Food Service Shoe is unquestionably the best shoes for a bartender seeking a harmonious blend of comfort, durability, and practicality.
These shoes are carefully constructed from a combination of 100% synthetic and leather materials, ensuring not only durability but also long-lasting strength. Plus, the imported rubber sole provides a steadfast grip on various surfaces.
What truly distinguishes these shoes as the best work shoes for bartenders and servers is their memory foam technology. The memory foam insole conforms to the unique contours of your feet, significantly reducing fatigue during extended shifts.
Pros
- Durable synthetic and leather construction
- Slip-resistant rubber sole
- Memory foam insole for comfort
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Stylish design
Cons
- Limited style variety
- May run slightly narrow for some
Best For
- Bartenders and service industry professionals
What People Are Saying
One user shared their experience, stating, “Even under relatively demanding conditions, these shoes are holding up remarkably well so far. I’m quite pleased with my purchase and might consider getting another pair soon.”
Another customer expressed their satisfaction, saying, “Despite enduring relatively tough usage, these shoes have proven their durability thus far. They provide a surprising level of support for their lightweight design.”
Best Non-Slip Shoes for Bartenders— Crocs Unisex-Adult Bistro Work Clogs
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The Crocs Unisex-Adult Bistro Clogs, Slip Resistant Work Shoes, shine as the best durability shoes for bartenders, offering unparalleled comfort and safety for those demanding bartending shifts.
Crafted from 100% synthetic materials, these shoes are not only incredibly durable but also exceptionally easy to clean. The Thermoplastic Elastomers sole ensures superior traction, making these clogs the perfect companion for bartenders.
Tailored to meet the requirements of food service, hospitality, and healthcare workers, these clogs are versatile and can seamlessly adapt to various work environments. (Read more about slip-resistant, extra-comfortable shoes for those with plantar fasciitis in our full write-up.)
These shoes stand out as the best non-slip shoes for bartenders due to their slip-resistant Crocs Lock treads. These treads provide unwavering stability, significantly reducing the risk of accidents in the workplace. They are also effortless to clean with just soap and water, and dry quickly.
Pros
- Slip-resistant Crocs Lock treads
- Durable synthetic construction
- Easy to clean
- Enclosed toe design for spill protection
- Suitable for various work environments
Cons
- May not be suitable for formal occasions
- Sizing may require adjustments
Best For
- Bartenders and foodservice professionals
- Hospitality workers and healthcare workers
What People Are Saying
One satisfied user wrote, “These crocs are fantastic. I purchased them for work, and the slip-resistant bottom is a game-changer. The fact that they have no holes is exactly what I needed!”
Another wearer weighed in to say, “These are genuinely slip-resistant, and a quick clean with soap and water at the end of each day has them looking as good as new!”
Best Comfortable Shoes for Bartenders— Skechers Men’s Nampa SR Food Service Shoe
Available at:
The Skechers Men’s Nampa Food Service Shoe is unquestionably the best designed shoes for bartenders, offering a flawless combination of comfort and functionality. These shoes are meticulously crafted to excel in the demanding environment of bartending.
Crafted from 100% synthetic materials, these shoes are not only incredibly durable but also easy to maintain. The rubber sole provides dependable slip-resistant traction, ensuring bartenders maintain stability on various surfaces.
As the best of comfortable shoes for bartenders, they have a Memory Foam Footbed offering exceptional comfort and support. The Relaxed Fit ensures a snug yet secure fit, and the lace-up duty design allows for effortless adjustability. They also come equipped with electrical hazard protection.
Pros
- Memory Foam Footbed for comfort
- Slip-resistant rubber sole
- Durable synthetic construction
- Relaxed Fit for comfort
- Electrical hazard protection
Cons
- Limited style options
- Not the most formal option
Best For
- Bartenders and service industry professionals
What People Are Saying
One user praised these shoesby saying, “They are comfortable, durable, and budget-friendly.”
Another satisfied wearer commended, “These are excellent shoes. I wear them to work, and they last for about a year. Sketchers are known for their excellent arch support and are widely appreciated.”
Best Boots for Bartenders— Propet Men’s Ridge Walker Hiking Casual Boots
Available at:
The Propet Men’s Ridge Walker Hiking Casual Boots are a versatile and durable footwear option that can meet the unique demands of bartenders. They are made using high-quality 100% leather, offering both style and resilience.
Designed with bartenders in mind, these boots feature an ankle-high shaft, providing excellent support and stability during those extra-long 12-hour shifts. The 2-inch heel adds a stylish touch without compromising on comfort, making these boots the best work shoes for bartenders seeking both flair and functionality.
The rubber sole offers superb traction, ensuring you stay sure-footed even on slippery surfaces. With a boot opening of approximately 12 inches, these boots are easy to slip on and off, providing convenience for bartenders who are always on the move.
Pros
- Durable leather construction
- Ankle-high for support
- Slip-resistant rubber sole
- Stylish 2-inch heel
- Available in X-wide widths
Cons
- May require a break-in period
- Boot design may not be suitable for all work environments
Best For
- Bartenders and service industry professionals seeking more durable and supportive footwear
What People Are Saying
One satisfied customer expressed gratitude, saying, “Thanks for the product; it fits like a glove, is exceptionally comfortable, and definitely worth the money.”
Another buyer, who bought these boots for their brother, shared, “My brother loved these boots. They are incredibly comfortable and true to size. We will definitely be purchasing them again.”
Best Value Shoes for Bartenders— Avia Women’s Avi-Focus Comfort Slip on Shoes
Available at:
The Avia Women’s Avi-Focus Comfort Slip-on Shoes for Work are both affordable and functional, making them the best shoes for female bartenders who value both comfort and safety without breaking the bank.
Crafted entirely from 100% synthetic materials, these shoes are not only exceptionally durable but also incredibly easy to maintain. They are the perfect choice for dynamic, spill-prone environments. The rubber sole is designed with an oil and slip-resistant tread pattern, guaranteeing exceptional grip and stability.
These lightweight shoes are designed to cater to professionals who spend long hours on their feet. The removable MEMORYfōm sock liner ensures a personalized fit for both comfort and affordability.
Pros
- Slip-resistant rubber sole
- Affordable
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Removable MEMORYfōm sock liner
- Water and stain-resistant synthetic leather
Cons
- Limited style variety
- Moderate durability
Best For
- Bartenders and service industry professionals seeking comfortable, slip-resistant, and budget-friendly footwear
What People Are Saying
One satisfied wearer affirmed, “Exactly what it says! Comfort and quality. Perfect for my job with the slip resistance.”
Another experienced fast-food worker shared their long-standing satisfaction, stating, “I’ve been working in fast food for about 8 years now, and my last four pairs of shoes have all been from this brand because they work so well for the purpose. They’re definitely well worth the money.”
Finding Shoes for Specific Foot Conditions on Shoe Guide
While our “best of” list covers shoes that are best for your industry and workplace-related needs like slip-resistance, comfort, and durability, you may not find exactly what you need for specific foot conditions. For example, flat feet, high arches, heel spurs, achilles tendonitis, or plantar fasciitis.
Our library of shoe recommendations and insider tips for finding the best shoes for you is always growing. However, if you don’t find exactly what you need in a given article, we highly recommend branching out your search. For example, check out shoes for sports that prioritize specialized shoes for flat feet, such as basketball or running, or general recommendations for shoes of all kinds that cushion and support feet with plantar fasciitis.
We’re also constantly adding new content for specialized foot conditions in different industries, all of it tirelessly reviewed, tested, and researched. Keep checking back every month!
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender or just starting in the industry, invest wisely in your shoes.
We’ve explored the essential qualities that make the best shoes for bartenders: the ability to endure long hours of standing, unwavering comfort with superior cushioning and support, and the crucial water-resistant feature that keeps your feet dry. Beyond the featured options, remember that slip-resistant and closed-toe shoes are ideal in this profession. Insider tips suggest investing in quality, moisture-wicking socks for added comfort.
After all, comfort and safety should never be compromised, and these expert-selected picks have got you covered.
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