Industry-specific shoes are often overlooked when it comes to the kitchen. People often complain about how expensive they are or whether they actually need them. These shoes are designed to keep you safe and comfortable in a workplace where there are hazards around every corner so they’re essential for any kitchen worker. Still not convinced? Read on to find out more about what type of shoes should be worn in a kitchen.
- Different Shoes are Suited to Different Roles
- What Features Should Good Kitchen Footwear Have?
- Find Out More on How to Pick the Perfect Kitchen Safety Shoe
Different Shoes are Suited to Different Roles
The type of shoes you need depends on your role in the kitchen. Without the right protection for your role, you could end up with some pretty nasty injuries which leave you out of work for some time.
For example, if you’re a pot washer then you’re definitely going to need slip-resistant outsoles to keep you upright and safe, but probably won’t need steel toe caps on your footwear. But if you’re a chef who’s constantly working with knives and heavy utensils, you’ll definitely need those reinforced toes as well as slip-resistant outsoles.
It’s important you’re wearing the correct shoes to keep you on your feet at all times during your shift. You have enough on your plate with work-related stress, without worrying about ending up on the floor.
What Features Should Good Kitchen Footwear Have?
No Laces
Laces, especially for a chef, provide an unnecessary tripping hazard. A lot of chefs wear slip-on shoes with no laces so their shoes can’t come undone and potentially trip them when carrying hot pans and nicely presented meals across the kitchen to the pass. Not only would an untied lace be dangerous to you, but other workers passing by could easily trip over them too.
Radium is a lightweight laceless shoe that’ll keep you safe in the kitchen. Equipped with extra cushioning and a leading slip-resistant outsole, it delivers everything you need to be safe throughout your shift. The shoe is also fitted with TripGuard technology which decreases the chance of tripping when moving between different floor types, should you need to take trips to the stockroom, freezer or just want to go out and greet the customers. It is also use with durable EVA material so it is Vegan and easy to clean.
Slip-Resistant Outsoles
Slips, trips and falls are the most common workplace accident across the world, especially in a busy kitchen environment. Spilt liquids or condiments, food debris or even the mopping and cleaning up of a spill can make floors dangerous. When this is combined with the fact that workers are usually dashing around, it increases the risk of slips, trips and falls even more.
A slip-resistant sole can keep you confident on your feet and fully productive with your work without worrying you’ll hurt yourself.
Ventilation
When you’re stood on your feet for long periods of time in a hot kitchen, your feet are going to need to breathe. Wearing a shoe that provides no ventilation for your feet can cause them to become too warm, uncomfortable and even start to smell. When your feet sweat, they can start to rub too, which can lead to uncomfortable blistering that makes it even harder for you to work your hardest.
We recommend Liberty. The strategically placed mesh panels on the shoe will keep your feet cool and comfortable. Especially with the extra cushioning too.
Steel Toe Caps
Obviously, chefs often work with sharp knives and other dangerous equipment so need proper protection. Should you happen to accidentally drop a sharp knife when wearing Roma81, the puncture-resistant steel toe will prevent the knife from doing any damage to your feet. This doesn't just protect against sharp knives but also against heavy pots. It also comes in handy for your clumsier moments and saves you stubbing your toes.
Safety Certification
Most kitchen shoes are at least CE certified. This means that you can relax and guarantee that your footwear will keep you safe from the different hazards in the kitchen. You won’t have to worry about hurting yourself again. Read more about different types of safety shoes for chefs here.
Water Resistant
Nobody wants soggy feet, do they? Not only are soggy feet and socks incredibly uncomfortable to work through but it’s also not great for the health of your feet. That’s why you need a shoe that is water-resistant. Soggy feet will only dampen staff morale which can have a potential knock-on effect on productivity.
We recommend Nitro II. The water-resistant materials are designed to repel water away from the shoe. Spilt drinks or mopping up will never leave your feet cold and wet again.
Find Out More on How to Pick the Perfect Kitchen Safety Shoe
These aren’t the only factors you need to consider if you want to avoid the many hazards of a busy kitchen. It’s vital your kitchen shoes protect against your specific job role in the kitchen and the hazards that come with it. Download our free guide to picking slip-resistant shoes for work to find out more below.
