At the very beginning, let me know which footwear you consider the best shoes for bartenders.
For me, the shoe that can deal with spilling water or alcohol, running back and forth, broken glasses-bottles-shakers, and hours of work, is a proper bartending shoe.
If you feel the same way, this content is going to be a treasure box for you.
Here I will talk about the best shoes for bartenders. Not only that but you will also get some well-researched recommendations as well that are leading the market for quite a long time.
In addition, this best shoes for bartenders review includes some awaited information/asking regarding bartenders.
Have a glance-
Top-Notch Shoes
If you are in a hurry and can’t hold your horse reading the whole, no worries. Here are the TOP 3 picks for you-
Best Value– Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top Sneaker; Check price on Amazon & Zappos
Premium– Dr Martens 1460 Original 8-Eye Leather Boot; Check price on Amazon & Zappos
Great Value– Red Wing Iron Ranger 6″ Boot; Check price on Amazon & Zappos
10 Best Shoes For Bartenders
Well, before losing your patience let’s have a look at the shoes-
Red Wing Iron Ranger 6″ Boot
Red Wing brings a groundbreaking mutation to the shoe industry. They have drawn up a fusion of attributes, perfection, and appearance for their dignified customers. Besides, to make it more dashing, they have included-
Nitrile Cork sole
The rubber sole is great for grip but it is notably weighty. That’s why manufacturers start using Nitrile Sole, a convenient composition of rubber and cork. Consequently, now the user can experience a lightweight and slip-resistant performance.
Highly engineered
The shoe is designed keeping the proper measurements in mind. Approximately 6.5″ shaft, 1″ heel, and 0.50″ platform give it a safe and classy outlook.
Roomy Toe Box
A comfy shoe should have enough room to move or flex the fingers. The high hook of the shoe will allow your toe to stay relaxed. Moreover, instead of being a closed-toe shoe, its double-layered toe cap keeps the metatarsal and toe protected
Durable
Down welt stitching and premium quality leather gives it a long life. So you don’t need to buy shoes every two months. Besides, it is oil and water-resistant. So, the spilt water can’t kill the sole easily.
| Pros | Cons |
| Lace-up shoe | Deficient cushioning support discourages a long time of use |
| Flex advantages | |
| Durable | |
| 48 inches long shoelace | |
| Comes in two attractive colour | |
| For both men and women |
If you don’t stay in the bar for a whole day, and basically work a limited hour, this one is highly recommended for you.
And In case you appreciate the Look rather than anything else, you should not wait for any other pair. Just bless yourself with this Red Wing highness.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top Sneaker
You must have heard the proverb- ‘Money can’t buy happiness. The shoe proves the proverb wrong. This footwear is indeed a HAPPINESS for a true shoe lover.
The Chuck Taylor All Star is an iconic name in the shoe industry. It is one of the most snugger and elite shoes for young blood.
This pair is the identical copy of an ideal memory foam shoe that includes high-quality materials, toe superior quality slip, enhanced grip, non-marking outsole and a comfortable insole.
Canvas Sole
Canvas, a sturdy sole, is getting popular day by day because of its unique characteristics. They are even better compared to leather to a certain extent. The sole is durable, affordable, and of course comfortable enough to wear for a long time.
Water-Resistant
The leather upper of the shoe doesn’t let the water remains there. Also, it won’t absorb water anyhow.
The shoes are not only water-resistant but also fuss-free. So, it won’t irritate you with noisy sounds.
Attractive Design
The long shaft shoes are recognized as grand and attractive-looking shoes. The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star has a conveniently large shaft that will definitely make you love that.
Since the shaft is not that long, it grabs them also who were confused about wearing a long shaft. It brings an instant hit to the casual and informal outlook.
Versatility
It is not only a bartending shoe. You can wear them while playing sports. If you are a gym person, you can conveniently do high-intensity interval training, squats, and other exercises.
What Like Most
- Quality materials
- Unisex footwear
- High-rated shoes
- Ultimate comfort
- Great looking
What Don’t Like
- Low breathability
The footwear is my special recommendation to bartenders who works for a long time. The company sells almost 100 million Chuck Taylor All Star every year. Grab the chance to be 1 of that 100-million club.
Dr Martens 1460 Original 8-Eye Leather Boot for Men and Women
Well, if you want me to pick a pair I will go for this Dr Martens 1460 Original 8-Eye Leather Boot. Why?
Firstly, I am obsessed with Dr Marten’s shoes. They haven’t disappointed me yet.
Thereafter, they invested maximum effort to make it the most comfortable and user-friendly.
Sole
As I said before synthetic soles are lightweight. So you can move easily without feeling any pressure out there. It will allow keeping moving to the next table in a second.
Classic shoe
It offers all dynamic Dr Marten facilities including heel-loop, grooved sides, and yellow stitching. A 1.25″ high heel and long shaft(till mid-calf) bring a classic look.
Supportive
A comfortable air-cushioned midsole, highly durable leather, and fat and oil resistant feature will give you a top-notch and dedicated performance, just like professional service footwear.
Shock and slip-resistant
Some shoes, instead of protecting you, punish you with different kinds of foot, knee, and sciatic pains. Especially stiff shoes are responsible for generating pain. That’s why you should always prefer shoes with a shock-absorbent feature.
Except for being shock absorbent, the shoe offers good abrasion to the sole.
What Like Most
- Well-constructed
- Toe Superior quality
- SlipPure leather
- Maximum comfortable, fat, and slip-resistant
- Durable shoes
What Don’t Like
- They are not fully waterproof
- Can be too soft.
Who doesn’t love footwear that is giving you possibly everything you need? This one is a smart pick for anyone, both men and women.
Dr Scholl’s Shoes Men’s Harrington II Work Shoe
Since a bartender has to move continuously, without any respite, they need widely comfortable and durable footwear. Dr Scholl’s Shoes Men’s Harrington II Work Shoe is exactly the same, what you needed at a fair price.
Rubber Sole
The rubber sole of the shoe makes it compatible with heavy and conciliatory use. Especially the grip keeps the balance while you are bustling. In addition, rubber soles are naturally water-resistant. It helps to keep moving on slippery floors using anti-slip technology.
Durable
As you know rubber soles are very durable and don’t deform easily, you can use them till you get bored using them. Also, the sole is heavily stitched. It ensures eternal life for the shoe.
Cushioning support
The cushioning support of this shoe is remarkable. It outstrips the industry average and claims some independent lab tests.
Comfortable
The roomy toe box and compatible width make you feel easy to walk. The thin built-in heel gel pad ensures smooth step-in by shock. Memory foam insole brings a soft ambience to the insole.
What Like Most
- Memory foam shoe
- Oil-resistant
- Odour-free
- Breathability
- Water-resistant
- Absorbing midsole
What Don’t Like
- The front end is a little stiff
If you work for a long time in a bar, haste back and forth, and work evermore, the pair will help you with the strength to go on. This shoe is one of the most DEDICATED shoes on our list, as well as in the industry.
MOZO Finn Slip Resistant Leather Sneaker
A bartender has to deal with wet surfaces regularly. Consequently, they need dedicated and friendly footwear to lessen the possibility of hazardous accidents.
After seeking some hours, I have got the shoe that is able to keep up such inconvenience proudly. This MOZO men’s Finn Sneaker offers some outstanding features including-
Crazy Horse Leather Sole
The sole is made of crazy horse leather, considered the highest quality sole, which is very rare now. This kind of leather brings an antique but luxurious touch to the shoe. Besides, crazy horse sole is very durable.
Casual shoe
Bartenders prefer casual shoes because of their versatility. They are basically all-party kinds of shoes. So bartenders don’t need to change repeatedly on different occasions.
In addition, its skinny upper sole makes people love it.
Slip-resistant
Like most other bartending shoes, it is also slip-resistant. The patented anti-slip technology provides convenient traction to the outsole to stay safe and works constantly.
Water-Resistant
The leather upper is completely water-resistant. So it won’t dampen the shoe anyway. And it helps to keep it odour-free as well.
What Like Most
- Removable insole
- Super comfortable
- Great for long-time use
- Looks classy
- Breathability
- Dual Gel insole
- Supportive and durable
What Don’t Like
- Nothing specific
Actually, the leather and outsole of the shoe make it congenial to the bartenders. Considering the quality and looks, it is one of the best shoes for bartenders. Grab it soon!
Dansko Women’s XP 2.0 Clogs
If you are a bartender and troubled by pain like Plantar fasciitis, this clog is highly recommended for you. This stays at the top of the clogs list. And the reasons behind this are-
Sole
The lightweight EVA midsole is an appropriate modification of the previous professional clogs. This newborn is more effective and successful to reduces fatigue. Furthermore, the sole is well known to absorb shocks.
Removable footbed
PU dual-density footbed with Patented Dansko Natural Arch technology exceptionally stabilizes the arc. If you want to use any prescribed orthotics, you can do this by removing the footbed.
Comfortable
The roomy toe box, padded instep collar, and compatible leather upper make it snug and easygoing. Besides, the memory foam cushioning has also added extra ease to make life easy.
No break-in time
Usually, footwear needs some time to break in and makes us feel comfortable. But this lightweight Dansko clog needs no time for that. It will give you a buttery feeling in the next second once you put it in.
What Like Most
- Synthetic sole
- Non-slip
- Long time useGreat working shoe Absorbing midsole
- Great working shoe Absorbing midsole
What Don’t Like
- Not for high arch
If you give priority to the ultimate comfort over anything else, there has nothing but a clog that can satisfy you most. If your dress code allows you, give it a try. It won’t disappoint you.
MOZO Women’s Maven Food Service Shoe
Frankly, it is not a great quality bartender shoe but at the same time the best at its required price. It is lightweight, slip-resistant, and a casual-looking shoe which could be a fair deal for you.
Casual shoe
As it goes with semi-formal, casual and party dresses, you don’t need to keep all different shoes. You can wear the shoe on almost all kinds of occasions including random days.
Slip and water-resistant
It is a shoe for crews. So you will get effective slip resistance for sure. The anti-slip technology of MOZO is really worthy with full of traction.
Besides, you don’t need to worry if the water or alike fluids spill on the shoe. It will move off the fluid in a moment.
Comfortable
The shoe is full of Comfort. Its wax canvas leather upper protects your feet effectively, arch ventilation ensures breathability, and gel insole and Scotchgard protector keep it fit to assure a great walking experience.
What Like Most
- Non-slip outsole
- Service footwear
- Lightweight synthetic sole
- True to size
- Perfect toe box
- Attractive look
- Good arch support
What Don’t Like
- Need some effort to clean
It is a helpful behind-the-bar shoe with a casual look and lightweight performance. The shoe is definitely worth the price.
Skechers Women’s Ghenter Bronaugh Work Shoe
Skechers, a global award-winning manufacturer, has introduced lots of trend-changing shoes since 1992. Their diversified, high-quality working shoes make life way easier.
Breathable
The mesh upper of the shoe allows the air to travel in the shoe. It prevents suffocation and remains inward sweat and odour-free.
Slip-resistant
You don’t need to be afraid of wet surfaces anymore when you have Ghenter Bronaugh Work Shoe on your feet. It will take you across wet floors safely with its excellent traction.
Lightweight
The shoe is perfectly lightweight for bartending. Since a bartender works for at least 6-8 hours behind the bar, they need a conveniently lightweight shoe, like Skechers Women’s Ghenter Bronaugh Work Shoe, that doesn’t irritate the feet.
What Like Most
- Quality materials
- Comfortable Fit
- Rubber sole
- True to size
- Memory foam insole
What Don’t Like
- Puts pressure on the arch
This is highly recommended for women bartenders. It will keep them safe in the workplace and pushes their strength to make their day effortless.
KEEN Utility PTC Dress Oxford-M Industrial Shoe
The shoe is like a castle that protects your feet from the outer wounds like a champion. Its outsole, especially the Patented wrap-up toe area works as a shield with vice versa inside.
Synthetic Sole
KEEN Utility uses synthetic soles in the shoe. Synthetic Soles are made of EVA and PVC. So, they are quite lightweight compared to rubber and leather shoe. But one drawback is they are a bit slick on wet grounds. But you can evolve the traction using sprays and grip pads.
Assure safety
The patented toe protection, a wrap-up sole over the toe cap, gives ultimate protection to your toe.
The sole passed the slip and oil-resistant test as well.
Comfort
Comfort is king indeed. And Keen doesn’t compromise with that. The cush is made of recycled PU, memory foam insole, and cork that gives you the required comfort you need.
What Like Most
- Comfortable
- Lightweight footwear
- For long-time use
- Oil and slip resistant
- Removal insole
What Don’t Like
- Little Slip outsole
- Not so durable
Yes, I agreed. This shoe doesn’t offer anything exceptional. Actually, it is more like BASIC traditional footwear which is in a way its strength. Perhaps, it is not able to deliver any extra noteworthy performance but you will get what you need.
On top of that, Keen Utility is largely well-known for producing the best work shoes for bartenders.
Birkenstock Unisex Clogs Super-Birki
Birkenstock Unisex Clogs Super-Birki is one of the best unisex footgear from this company.
If you are tired of your conventional shoes, work boots, and sneakers, it could be your new associate.
Rubber Sole
Though the shoe is made of fabric and synthetic leather, the soles are rubber. So, naturally, it provides good flexibility with an instant grip.
Enough room
Narrow shoes are like hell. This Birkenstock Unisex Clogs Super-Birki is heavenly and comfortable with enough room, including the toe area. It is important for long time uses.
Comfortable
In the rough, clogs are way more comfortable than boots and sneakers. They are lightweight, breathable, and supportive. Moreover, the Alpro-foam footbed let the foot lay with ease.
What Like Most
- Unisex footwear
- Slip-on shoe(easy to put on/off)
- Generous fittings
- Long-lasting Ensure ultimate protection
What Don’t Like
- Stiff insole
If it goes with your dress code, at least try it once. You will surely enjoy the experience.
5 Qualities Make You Good Bartender
You can’t be the best in bartending if you are now aware of the following qualities –
- Etiquette is must for a bartender
- Have to have the ability to understand the customer inclinations
- The intention of working as a team
- Situational awareness is a must for a bartender
- The patience, especially when you are handling lots of order at the same time
5 Tips to Prevent Working Bartenders from Getting Injured
Here are the 5 important tips you must follow to stay safe-
Protective equipment
Get the protective arsenals, especially the shoe (more specifically, server shoes). If needed, you can wear gloves, and glasses as well.
[Note: Consider closed-toe shoes to avoid accidents]
Stay Properly
Stay in Shape. Since bartenders used to stay on their legs for a long time, you have to stay accordingly. Otherwise, you would face different foot and knee issues.
Clean the surroundings
A bar is supposed to be loud, chaotic, and promiscuous. Spilt water, drinks, and ice cubes keep the floor and tables wet and slippery. So, you should clean them time and again. Else, anybody can slip or anything can break.
Work management
Doing multiple things together is not always a good practice. Work management is important. Don’t do all the tasks at the same time. It creates pressure on your mind, as well as the body. Better do that partially, at several attempts.
Know your limit
You should know what can you do and what not. Don’t experiment with something that you are not an expert in. If anything seems difficult, consult with somebody who is aware of that.
What Should Every Bartender Know
If you are a bartender, I hope you know these-
- A bartender must have knowledge about the drinks like a professional
- how to deal with customers
- the courtesy to talk with premium customers
- how to handle an uncomfortable situation
- Produces quality drinks and
- How to talk with a SMILE (most important)
How to choose quality bartender shoes
How do you know the shoe in front of you is the one that you are looking for?
Well, there have some signs!
Sole
If you don’t know which sole you want, you can’t pick up the right shoe. It’s very important to recognize the appropriate sole.
All soles are not the same. Every different sole has some speciality. For instance, the soft fabric shoe insole compliments the server shoes very well.
Moreover-
If you expect a great grip, you should go for a shoe with a rubber sole. But you have to keep its drawback in mind as well. Naturally, rubber soles are a bit weighty.
Synthetic soles are waterproof and lightweight. And it doesn’t deform easily. Besides, Synthetic EVA sole is way lighter than rubber and leather sole.
When it comes to Crazy Horse Leather Sole, is one of the high-quality soles out there. You don’t need to give a second thought about the shoe that offers the sole.
And last but not the least, Nitrile Cork sole, a combination of rubber and cork, are conveniently lightweight with a good grip.
That’s all, but not finished yet!
The high-quality shoes don’t use any sort of marking outsole to avoid stains. The shoe that leaves marks may make you feel uncomfortable. So make sure you are going for the one with a non-marking outsole.
Versatility
A bar is all about parties. But many of us can’t afford a new look on every occasion.
So, a bartender should give priority to the shoe that goes with all kinds of parties, you know, like professional-looking footwear. I used to recommend work boots and casual sneakers for them as you can wear them any day.
But, if you can afford both random and occasional shoes, you can go for any pair from this best shoes for the bartenders’ list. There are some classy STAR shoes as well.
Slip-resistant Traction
In a bar, you are supposed to always carry something in your hands. So, you have to maintain the balance somehow. And you can only do that when you are wearing friendly footwear. Here bartender friendly shoe means a shoe with good traction and flex advantages.
A bartender’s shoe must be slip-resistant. You can’t compromise with that. It is not only a safety issue but also a matter of comfort.
Price
You have to consider the price. But people always misunderstood this. It doesn’t mean looking for a less pricey shoe. Actually, considering the price means deeming it according to the quality, does it worth the cost or not? If it does and your budget allows, you should go for the quality big-budget shoes out there.
Water-resistant
Don’t give a second thought to rejecting a shoe that is not waterproof, especially when you are a barman.
The non-waterproof shoe gets damp and makes the insole slippery. Moreover, the dampness produces odour bacteria which create stink out there. So you should always prefer a waterproof shoe to enjoy an easygoing experience.
Lightweight
Nowadays, you will see a few high-quality shoes with uncomfortable weights. Rather, lightweight footwear is leading the market exclusively.
Usually, soft fabric shoes perform like lightweight footwear though there are some drawbacks of soft fabric shoes. But luckily, I have got an exclusive pair (included in the list) that matches the requirements like a perfect shoe.
Foot Shape
Work footwear must need to adapt your foot shape to be a comfortable and appropriate shoe which helps to axed foot fatigue. The added comfort keeps up your energy the whole day.
Frequently Asked Question
Are shoes for crews good?
–In a word, extremely comfortable. The insole, outsole, cushioning support, grip, in fact, everything got to be designed exceptionally in the crew’s shoes. They will pay back every bit that you have paid.
How to make shoes non-slip?
There are many ways to make a slippery shoe non-slippery. But the easiest ways are using sandpaper, adhesive bandages, a grip pad, spray, puff paint, an ankle strap, and a non-slip sole.
I can’t keep shoes on my foot for the whole shift because of sweating. What should I do?
Some common genetic formation is liable for excessive sweating. You can prevent it by applying antiperspirant, and antifungal powders, soaking in black tea, and of course, picking up the right shoe.
Frequently water and liquid fall into my shoes, Is there any way to bring them back to the new?
You can bring back the glace with a very simple trick. Get a candle and hairdryer. Wax the upper sole appropriately and dry it with the hairdryer. The wax will block the pores and brings a shiny look.
What is the best casual shoe for bartending?
A bartending shoe requires some special features to serve you at its best. You can check out the list above. All the shoes have some notable speciality which makes them more acceptable to the bartenders.
What is the dress shoe for bartending?
The bartenders aren’t like the regular server. They usually dress up casually, in a more excellent manner. Depending on the dress code, bartenders mostly wear boots and sneakers.
What do bartenders need most from their work shoes?
To deal with the turbulent and triumphant ambience in the house, a bartender should wear something with a brawny and dedicated grip. Along with that, the shoe needs to have a resistant outsole and comfortable insole for ultimate protection.
What features make good bartending shoes?
A GOOD bartending shoe must have some basic features like- a responsive cushioned midsole, compatible heel support, a resistant outsole, flex advantages, extra protection with balanced body weight, and, of course, high-quality leather.
Do shoes for bartenders have to be attractive?
If you have the choice of having a nice-looking shoe that, at the same time, provides superior comfort, it will be amazing. But that doesn’t mean that you should give the priority to looks over required amenities.
The shoes we have recommended are the most professional-looking footwear with a superior grip.
What are the qualities of appropriate shoes for servers?
The perfect bartender shoes offer extra comfort to work for a long time, especially in tight situations. And here ‘perfect’ means the shoe with wide feet, cushioned sole, excellent breathability, superior grip, suitable feet cushion, absorbing midsole and high-quality material.
Are memory foam shoes good for bartenders?
The shoes with memory foam insole are supposed to be the best shoes for bartenders. Especially, its shock-absorbing feature ensures ultimate protection and maximum comfort while moving back and forth. Besides, they improve arch support, stabilize the feet and reduce excessive pressures.
Wrapping Up
Picking Up the right shoe is a very tough job. Actually, it’s a responsibility. Here, once you fail, you have to suffer. So, my attempt is to push you in the right direction.
These are the best shoes for bartenders without any doubt. Take your requirements into the account and get the pair that suits you the most.
Your next working day is going to be a new start! Have fun.
