13 Best Shoes for Bartenders – From a Longtime Bartender (2024)
All veteran bartenders will tell you to invest heavily in your bed and your shoes because if you’re not in one, you’re in the other.
There are many bar shoe choices, but wouldn’t you want to invest in something that provides you with what you need? If you have not realized it, your feet are the foundation of your life for work (and play) for balance and support. Be kind to those 52 bones, 66 joints, and 58 muscles.
What Are the Best Shoes for Bartenders?
Having worked behind many bars since 1980, I honestly have to say that there is no one answer to this one-size-fits-all question because when it comes to shoes or clothing, one size does not fit all.
Let me guide you to the best decision for YOU to save time and money.
You are fortunate to live in a time of technological advancements. While you may not have the funds to book a ticket on Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic flight around the earth, you can take advantage of the advancement in footwear technology. Here is a peek at an indestructible shoe made with military-grade materials.
1.) Why Slip-Resistant Soles?
Allow me to start with my favorite bartender analogy. The best bartenders work like swans; they project pleasurable confidence from the surface, but underneath, they paddle like hell. So, owning the best bartender shoes for your feet will keep you moving, thus making you more money.
How do you know if your shoes are slip-resistant?
The best bartender shoes will be labeled slip-resistant. Bar and restaurant floors are wet, dirty, sticky, and greasy. Bartenders’ feet move and twist extremely fast. You want peace of mind regarding your shoes. I’ll save you gory details of the accidents I have witnessed from bartenders not wearing slip-resistant bar shoes. Hint: There are many sharp and potentially sharp objects in a bar.
Note: The key word is “slip-resistant.” Shoes may be labeled “non-slip” or “anti-slip,” but these shoes are not best for working in a restaurant or bar. They are for other activities like hiking (Merrell), athletics (Reebok), working in a hospital (Birkenstock), etc.
How many shoe sole/tread types can you guess below?
TOP: Slip-Resistant • Baseball Cleat • Cowboy Boot/Leather • Indoor Basketball BOTTOM: Outdoor Basketball • All Terrain • Grass Tennis Court • Slip-Resistant
There are scientific reasons shoe soles/treads differ for many activities and jobs. Working in a restaurant or bar is no different.
The best bartender shoe will say “slip-resistant.” These soles will be EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) soft rubber outsole with a pattern of small hexagons or other shapes.
The smaller the pattern, the better the slip resistance. When stepping into something slippery, the soft rubber creates friction to grip the floor without trapping liquid under the shoe. It’s science.
2.) Why Water-Resistant Bartender Shoes?
Water-resistant bartender shoes are preferred because, as a bartender, your feet will come into contact with liquids of all kinds, all sorts of spills, a dropped bottle of alcohol, mop water, busted waterline, etc.
3.) Why Breathable Bartender Shoes?
Breathable bartender shoes are preferred because it allows water vapor and air to escape so sweat doesn’t accumulate, leading to a bacterial nightmare for your feet.
4.) Why Supportive Bartender Shoes?
Supportive bartender shoes are highly recommended to keep pressure off your spine and back, prevent foot pain, improve circulation, and prevent long-term issues.
5.) Why Comfortable Bartender Shoes?
If your bartender shoes are comfortable and your feet don’t hurt at the end of a shift, you have found the best shoes for you.
6.) Why The Best For “Your” Feet Bartender Shoes?
The best bartender shoe must be a good fit because no one knows your feet better than you.
The Best Bartender Shoes For You
The bottom line to finding the best bartender shoes depends on what type of bar you are working at and the unique needs of your feet.
THE TYPE OF BAR YOU ARE WORKING
There are many types of bars. Do you work inside, outside, or both? In the day, night, or both? Do you work in a corporate environment that would require a more attractive bartender shoe? Do you work at a local neighborhood bar? Does management require slip-resistant shoes? Will your shoes be on public display and not covered by the hem of your standard black pants uniform? Will you be walking into a greasy kitchen to pick up food? You get the idea. You’re smart. You know what you need. Your shoe requirements of the bar you work at can make a difference in finding the best bartender shoes for your feet.
YOUR FEET
There are multiple reasons to consider the best bartender shoes for your feet. Ask yourself: Do I have weak ankles? Do I mind my feet being restricted in a boot to support my weak ankles? Do I have narrow, regular, wide, or X-wide feet? Am I flat-footed? Are slip-on shoes my jam? Do I have bunions? Do I need shoes to help with my Plantar Fasciitis flare-ups? Do I have large toes? Do I have two different-sized feet and need two pairs of shoes?
Are you ready to find the best bartender shoes for you? My recommended shoes have the highest reviews. Many tick off a lot of the boxes.
I’ve researched the best bartender shoe for everybody. LET’S DO THIS!
SHOES FOR CREWS
Cole Haan Malorie Leather Wingtip Oxford
OVERVIEW
I would love to own these! The slip-resistant Cole Haan Malorie Wingtip Oxford is stylish and comfortable. The high reviews are impressive. They are available in medium-width sizes in men’s and women’s sizes. They have five color choices.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Slip-Resistant: Superior SFC slip-resistant outsole.
- Breathable: Breathable textile upper.
- Supportive: Systematic layers of proprietary cushioning compounds softly pad each step.
- Comfortable: Components and compounds are carefully considered to weigh less.
- Lightweight: 6.6 oz. per shoe.
- Attractive: Full-grain leather upper with brogue detailing.
PRICING
Women’s $169.98 | Men’s $179.98
BOTTOMLINE
The Malorie Leather Wingtip is a good choice if you have medium-width feet and need a high-end, attractive bartender shoe. I found a review saying they were in their second year of owning them.
Women’s Juniper Sneaker
OVERVIEW
I own these, and I love them! I even wear these shoes when I’m not at work. The slip-resistant Juniper Sneaker has a suede and mesh upper, and my favorite part is no laces to tie. They are only available in black and are for medium-width feet.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Slip-Resistant: Superior SFC slip-resistant outsole.
- Water-Resistant: Treated to repel liquids from the surface.
- Supportive: Extra cushioning with new insole technology and cushion construction.
- Comfortable: Dual-density memory foam insole. Slip-on.
PRICING
Women’s Juniper Sneaker $74.98
BOTTOMLINE
The slip-on Juniper Sneaker is an excellent women’s shoe choice if you have medium-width feet. They are stylish and make a great substitute when your employer does not allow Crocs in the workplace.
Men’s Cade
OVERVIEW
The sturdy, slip-resistant Cade is made for wide-width feet. This bar shoe has electric shock-resistant heels, rubber soles, and a trip hazard zone that allows smoother transitions from one type of flooring to another. This work shoe also has excellent reviews.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Slip-Resistant: Superior SFC slip-resistant outsole.
- Water-Resistant: Treated to repel liquids from the surface.
- Supportive: A default fit for most sizes of feet. It has a steel shank and a padded collar and tongue.
- Comfortable: Premium insole.
- Electrical Hazard Protection (EH): Capable of withstanding 18,000 volts.
- Weight: 19.9 oz per shoe.
PRICING
BOTTOMLINE
The men’s Cade is an excellent men’s bar shoe choice if you are flat-footed or need a wide-width work shoe. If you don’t want to tie shoelaces, then purchase no-tie shoelaces.
SKECHERS
Women’s Sudler – Colobus Slip On
OVERVIEW
This Skechers shoe is a great women’s slip-resistant and slip-on sporty casual option for medium-width feet. Flexible 1″ heel canvas shoes with a memory foam cushioned footbed and shock-absorbing midsole. Plus, they have a cool-laid-back surfer vibe.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Slip-Resistant: Oil-resistant traction outsole.
- Breathable: Canvas material and air-cooled memory foam.
- Supportive: Textured toe bumper front and flexible vulcanized-look shock-absorbing midsole.
- Comfortable: Memory Foam cushioned comfort insole and roomy comfort fit at toe and forefoot.
PRICING
Women’s Sudler-Colobus Slip On $104.00
BOTTOMLINE
The women’s Skechers Sudler-Colobus Slip On is excellent for medium-width feet, poolside, patio, rooftop, and beach bars.
Men’s Flex Advantage Mcallen
OVERVIEW
This Skechers shoe is a great relaxed fit with regular, wide, and X-wide width choices. They are lightweight and have a memory foam insole. They are available in three colors and have excellent reviews.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Slip-Resistant: Oil-resistant traction outsole.
- Comfortable: Memory foam insole.
PRICING
Men’s Flex Advantage Mcallan $59.99
BOTTOMLINE
Skechers have been known for being a laid-back type of work shoe. This bar shoe ticks off the protection and comfort boxes. Plus, they are available for regular, wide, and X-wide width feet.
Women’s Squad
OVERVIEW
The women’s squad slip-resistant slip-on work shoe option is excellent for medium to wide-width feet. They are lightweight with soft mesh knit and stretch laces. They also have a memory foam insole. They are available in three colors and have great reviews.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Slip-Resistant: Oil-resistant traction outsole.
- Comfortable: Memory foam insole.
PRICING
BOTTOMLINE
This bar shoe ticks off the protection and comfort boxes. Plus, they are available for medium and wide-width feet.
DANSKO
XP 2.0 Men’s Burnished Nubuck
OVERVIEW
Slip-resistant ergonomic Dansko clogs have made their way into the hospitality industry in a big way. They are lightweight and check off all the boxes except for breathability. But they are clogs; you can easily slip them off for little breathers throughout your shift. Great for regular or wide feet and gives lots of toe room. They offer two colors.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Slip-Resistant: The rubber outsole is for dry, wet, and oil surfaces.
- Water Resistant: Treated to repel liquids from the surface. You can continue to repel the leather.
- Supportive: Anti-fatigue rocker bottom keeps you moving all day long
- Comfortable: Dansko Natural Arch Support technology™ – a TPU arch support stabilizer for exceptional, all-day support and memory foam for cushioning. Roomy toe box.
- Durable: Patented construction.
- Orthotics: Accommodates most standard and custom orthotics.
PRICING
Men’s Dansko Nubrick Water Resistant $149.95
BOTTOMLINE
If you want a slip-resistant slip-on and sturdy shoe with toe room, this bar shoe is for you. These shoes have been known to last for several years. They have regular and wide-width options. Keep in mind that it will raise your height by 1.75 inches. They come in black or brown colors.
Women’s XP 2.0 Water Resistant
OVERVIEW
I owned the stylish patented leather (shiny) Danskos. I liked them. They lasted three years of full-time shifts. I could’ve worn them longer, but the upper shoe took quite a banging, so I only wanted a new shoe for appearances.
Danskos are lightweight and check off all the boxes except for breathability. But as I said, they are clogs; you can easily slip them off for little breathers throughout your shift. Excellent for regular, medium, and wide feet and gives lots of toe room. They offer twenty-five colors!
HIGHLIGHTS
- Slip-Resistant: The rubber outsole is for dry, wet, and oil surfaces.
- Water Resistant: Treated to repel liquids from the surface.
- Supportive: Anti-fatigue rocker bottom keeps you moving all day long
- Comfortable: Dansko Natural Arch Support Technology™ – a TPU arch support stabilizer for exceptional, all-day support and memory foam for cushioning. Roomy toe box.
- Durable: Patented construction.
- Orthotics: Accommodates most standard and custom orthotics.
PRICING
Women’s Dansko XP 2.0 Water Resistant $144.95
BOTTOMLINE
This bar shoe is for you if you want a slip-resistant slip-on and sturdy shoe with toe room. They have regular medium and wide-width options. Keep in mind that it will raise your height by 1.75 inches. They come in twenty-five colors.
DOC MARTEN’S
Unisex 1460 Slip Resistant Leather Boots
OVERVIEW
Doc Marten’s have always been “non-slip” shoes, but now they have hospitality industry ASTM slip-resistant shoe options. I have owned a pair of pre-slip-resistant Doc Marten’s boots since 1995, and they are still in great shape (not used for work).
Some things to know about Doc Marten’s slip-resistant boots is that they are suitable for weak ankles, only for regular to medium-sized feet, might take a couple of tries to find the right size, and depending on how much you wear them, the break in time could take one-two months or five-ten miles of wear. For a bartender shoe, they will last up to 20 years, depending on how you take care of them.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Slip-Resistant: ASTM F1677
- Water Resistant: Treated to repel liquids from the surface, you must maintain good black wax polish.
- Supportive: Re-engineered with extra cushioning for workers on their feet.
- Comfortable: Air-cushioned sole and anti-fatigue design with extra flex and less weight.
- Durable: The upper and sole are heat-sealed and sewn together.
- Safety: ASTM F2892-11 EH (soft toe protection).
PRICING
Unisex 1460 Slip Resistant Leather Boot $169.95
BOTTOMLINE
Doc Marten’s full-grain boots have a huge following. If you can find the right size for your regular to medium foot, that’s half the battle. They are a workhorse of a shoe, and every new generation thinks they are hip and cool. It’s about finding the right size for you and then breaking them in.
Unisex 1461 Slip Resistant Leather Oxford Shoes
OVERVIEW
Doc Marten’s slip-resistant leather Oxford shoes have all the qualities of Doc Marten’s leather boots, except they don’t have the soft safety toe and aren’t for weak ankles. Still, on the plus side, they have a breathable, moisture-wicking liner and are affordable.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Slip-Resistant: ASTM F1677
- Water Resistant: Treated to repel liquids from the surface, you must maintain an excellent black wax polish.
- Breathable: Moisture-wicking SoftWair™ sock liners.
- Supportive: Re-engineered with extra cushioning for workers on their feet.
- Comfortable: Air-cushioned sole and anti-fatigue design with extra flex and less weight.
- Durable: The upper and sole are heat-sealed and sewn together.
PRICING
Unisex 1460 Slip Resistant Leather Oxford Shoes $109.95
BOTTOMLINE
These are the most popular Doc Marten’s shoe for the hospitality industry. They will last long if you can find the right size for your regular to medium foot, break them in, and then take care of them. They have great reviews.
Women’s Polley Slip Resistant Mary Jane Shoes
OVERVIEW
Doc Marten’s Women’s Polley Slip-Resistant Mary Jane shoes are adorable, aren’t they? The good thing is that they have all the same qualities as the leather Oxfords with added feminity and memory foam. They do not come in half sizes, and like all Doc Marten’s shoes, they will need to be broken in and are only for regular to medium-width feet.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Slip-Resistant: ASTM F1677
- Water Resistant: Treated to repel liquids from the surface, you will need to maintain by using a quality black wax polish.
- Breathable: Moisture-wicking SoftWair™ sock liners.
- Supportive: Re-engineered with extra cushioning for workers on their feet.
- Comfortable: Memory foam sole.
- Durable: The upper and sole are heat-sealed and sewn together.
- Appearance: Excellent women’s bar shoe for high or low end restaurants and bars.
PRICING
Women’s Slip Resistant Polley Mary Jane Shoes $140.00
BOTTOMLINE
The Doc Marten’s Women’s Polley Slip-Resistant Mary Jane shoes are perfect for a high-end restaurant or bar but can be worn anywhere. The reviews are excellent, but you must find the right size and break them in. Oh, and the buckles are real.
CROCS
Unisex Slip Resistant Crocs On-The-Clock LiteRide™ Slip-On
OVERVIEW
I don’t think I’ve ever known a work shoe to have more jokes written about them than Crocs. Many people swear that Crocs are so comfortable that they don’t mind Crocs’ look.
Crocs are made of plastic, have arch support, removable and washable foam insoles, are lightweight, easy to clean, great for all types of feet, and are slip-resistant. Oh, and they only come in whole sizes.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Slip-Resistant: Crocs Lock™ slip-resistant treads.
- Water Proof: Made of thermoplastic elastomers and will be easy to clean.
- Comfortable: Crocs LiteRide foam insoles and a relaxed fit.
- Appearance: Many think they are ugly shoes, and many corporate businesses do not allow them if guests see them.
PRICING
Unisex Slip Resistant Crocs On-The-Clock LiteRide™ Slip-On $59.99
BOTTOMLINE
Crocs are very popular among the kitchen crew, and if your bar manager allows you to wear them in front of the house, they could be good bar shoes for you.
SHOES FOR CREWS
Slip Resistant Casual, Dress, Athletic, Clogs, and Boots
OVERVIEW
Shoes for Crews has been a leader and pioneer in the slip-resistant shoe industry since 1984. They have programs in millions of corporate hotels, resorts, restaurants, and more.
If the shoes on this page don’t fit your fancy, then look at their Amazon store, but don’t forget to read the reviews on the highest-rated shoes you like.
PRICING
Amazon SHOES FOR CREWS Store $45 to $110
INVINCIBLES SHOES And INDESTRUCTIBLES SHOES
OVERVIEW
I’m fascinated by these as work shoes. I purchased the Ryder shoe (in the photos) and am anxiously waiting to give a review. Both companies have limited women’s shoes, so I ordered a men’s shoe size that would fit me.
Invincibles and Indestructibles shoes are an advancement in footwear technology. They are an award-winning line of lightweight, comfortable safety shoes made with military-grade materials. They offer many styles and seem to be only for regular-sized feet.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Non-Slip: I have not received a clear answer from either company about being slip-resistant. Many emails have gone back and forth, saying the shoes are slip-resistant, but they cannot provide me with the ASTM number. I will need to test them.
- Water Proof: They say that their shoes are waterproof.
- Breathable: They say that their shoes are breathable.
- Comfortable: Kevlar’s military-grade material makes the shoe tough but also lightweight, flexible, and comfortable.
- Safety: Steel toe, anti-static, puncture resistant, and impact proof.
- Weight: Less than a pound.
PRICING
Both Invinsibles Shoes and Indestructables Shoes are between $80.00 – $100.00
BOTTOMLINE
These shoes sound incredible. My only concern is that they are probably not 100% slip-resistant. During Covid, they had long delivery times, so I will report back on their current shipping time and if they feel slip-resistant as soon as I receive them.
POWERSTEP and WALK HERO INSOLES
OVERVIEW
In addition to your shoes, consider investing in high-rated insoles that Podiatrists recommend, such as Powerstep or Walk Hero.
PRICING
Check the Amazon POWERSTEP store ($15-$50) or the Amazon WALK HERO store ($20-$30) to find the best ones for you.
What Are The Best Bartender Shoes?
The best shoe for bartenders is slip-resistant, water resistant, breathable, supportive, comfortable, best for the bar you work at, and the best for your foot. Will you find every quality as you narrow down the best choice? Probably not, but at the very least, try to ensure they are slip-resistant, supportive, comfortable, and the best fit for your feet.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the best shoes for a bartender. You may have to return a pair and try a different size, but when you find the best bartender shoe for your fit, you will know it. Armed with the information I have given you, make the best choice.
