You’ve always worn trainers at work, but the other chefs and kitchen staff all choose to wear clogs, even though you’ve not yet seen the benefits. A busy kitchen can be a hazardous place to work, so it’s vital you’re wearing the right protective clothing. So, why should chefs wear clogs and what should you keep in mind when finding the perfect pair?
Why Should Kitchen Staff Wear Clogs?
As a chef, you’ll work long hours and be on your feet all day. To prevent accidents and health issues, it’s important you wear shoes that not only keep you comfortable but also safe. Here are some of the key benefits to wearing clogs:
- Clogs are Comfortable
- They Keep Water and Other Liquids Out
- No Slips, Trips or Falls
- Designed to Last
Clogs are Comfortable
You’re juggling multiple orders, keeping an eye on various dishes that are cooking and making sure the team around you are on top of everything. The last thing you need to be worrying about is sore, hot feet.
Pain in your feet, ankles or knees can distract you from your job and lead to a miserable shift. Clogs are designed with comfort in mind, offering a relaxed fit for a spacious feel with plenty of breathability. Your favourite pair of trainers might look great, but they won’t give your feet the room and air you need.
Zinc White offers a comfortable fit, no matter how long the shift is. They’re created with Hoverlite lightweight foam, making each step just as easy as the last. If you require a wider shoe, normally, go for our Comfortable Fit shoes, like what the one we can see above.
They Keep Water and Other Liquids Out
Oil, food, grease and water always spill in a kitchen. If you step in a spill and you aren’t wearing water-resistant shoes, you’ll be left with wet socks and uncomfortable feet.
If this is a regular occurence, it can start to lead to more serious issues. Sores and blisters are more likely to develop because the damp causes an increase in friction between the foot and the sock.
Rashes and Athlete’s Foot can develop if the situation doesn’t improve. Damp and wet places are breeding grounds for bacteria, which is why you need to make sure your shoes keep moisture out and let fresh air in.
Suitable for both male and female kitchen staff, Triston II OB is treated to repel all liquids. Triston keeps your feet warm and dry, allowing you to get on with your work.
No Slips, Trips or Falls
In such a hectic environment, slips and trips are more likely to occur. A neglected spill or mopped floor can cause chefs and kitchen staff to slip or fall. It only takes one small accident to lead to a serious injury, which can keep you off from work for a long period of time.
One of the reasons that so many chefs wear clogs is because of their slip-resistance. They’re specially designed to minimise the chance of tripping or slipping in a kitchen.
When looking for your next pair of kitchen shoes, look for designs that are slip-resistant. They might have a tapered outsole to reduce trips or different traction patterns to keep you on your feet, whatever the surface.
Radium features our innovative TripGuard which prevents falls as you move between different floor types - for example, as you move between the kitchen and the cold storage area.
Although it’s important to wear the right kind of shoes to reduce slips and trips, there are all kinds of other simple steps you should take to prevent work-related accidents.
Designed to Last
Some work shoes might look like they’re up to the job, only to need replacing again in just a couple of months. Those inexpensive shoes you found on the high street will actually be more expensive in the long run, as you’re back finding a new pair soon quickly.
It isn’t just general wear and tear that your shoes have to contend with. Impact damage from falling objects, hot liquids and chemicals from cleaning products can cause shoes to deteriorate.
Zinc Black is created using extra light, durable EVA material. It can withstand months of busy shifts in a kitchen without any drop in performance.
It’s hard to know which shoes will still be in perfect condition months down the line, but a good indicator of quality is a safety certificate. Some shoes, look to meet safety standards, but all Shoes For Crews soles vastly exceed minimum safety requirements - and have done for five years running. If a pair has a certificate like this, you know it’s up to scratch.
Not Sure Which Shoes are Right for You?
There’s a lot to think about when finding the perfect pair of shoes for chefs and kitchen staff. You need shoes that offer protection, comfort, slip-resistance, but they also need to look professional. We’ve put together a useful guide that can help. The Ultimate Guide to Buying Slip-Resistant Shoes is packed with tips and advice, including which shoes combat certain hazards.
Download our free guide today by using the button below...