As a waitress, you are always on your feet, keeping the pace up. Sometimes you can be a bit uncomfortable wearing your regular shoes at work. To counter the dilemma, you might seek answers to questions like, can waitresses wear open-toe shoes? There are many reasons why you should not wear an open-toe shoe pair at work. So, let’s dig into the topic a bit more.
Restaurants and open-toe shoes
Well, to be frank, there is no set of rules here. You are free to wear whatever you want, even an open-toe shoe pair. Let us not get adamant, different laws vary from restaurant to restaurant, state and country. In most cases, restaurant authorities will restrict you from wearing open-toe shoes unless you end up with any medical issues. Only then you might be permitted to wear something open up front.
Not all restaurants are like that, some owners are lenient towards the ones in service. Allowing them to be comfortable through and through.
As we see it, it is not suitable for waitresses to wear open-toe shoes. There are many justified reasons for not wearing an open-toe shoe. Let’s elaborate further.
Does not match the dress code
If you work at a restaurant or any food chain, you simply don’t walk into work wearing a casual or Western attire of your choice. Almost all food outlets have a dress code that waitresses need to strictly follow during work. Have you ever walked to KFC or Domino and seen the servers and cashiers wearing regular casual outfits?
NO! They follow a theme and all working personnel oblige to it. The same goes for the majority of the food stores. You will need to wear something related to the company and to match it up you need to wear a decent pair of shoes. Something that is not open-toe. Open-toe shoes might simply not match the company dress you are wearing. It might look aesthetically off and so a pair of good shoes is mandatory to compliment the outlook. It also needs to be durable enough to work through a longer period keeping the server comfortable at all costs.
Courtesy, rules and regulations
Wearing a decent pair of shoes, like converse, sneakers, ballet flats, etc. except the open-toe design is a norm in the game of the food business. Some restaurants might have strict rules and regulations that a server must always cover their feet during serving hours. It might be because keeping an open toe might look visually off and offend the people dining around.
Some restaurants strictly believe that no one likes to see your feet, so better wear something that covers, protects and looks good on your feet. You simply cannot bend the rules if the manager says that you are not allowed to wear open-toe shoes. If the store is lenient and permits your flexibility, we suggest you not wear open-toe shoes for your safety.
Just like some Asians prefer to take their shoes off inside the house because they believe it’s a tradition and shows respect of some sort. Similarly, wearing a quality shoe that looks pleasing with the uniform and prevents damage to your feet is a form of courtesy towards the customers.
Safety reasons
A waitress’s task is never easy. They go through a lot to serve people. They have to deal with a lot of things in a restaurant and always be on their toes. A waitress needs to deal with all the tasks gracefully and safely. Not just for them but for the ones dining in that particular place.
In a restaurant, bar or any food court, there will inevitably be liquid spills and glass shatters sooner or later, no matter how carefully you deal with things. This is where an open-toe shoe will not aid you with protection. You need a shoe that protects all parts of your feet, leaving no open part
Protection from falling objects
Glass plates, glasses, and dishes keep on slipping and dropping to the ground. Imagine being hit by a falling glass object right on your toes. It is going to be an anguishing experience, isn’t it? With an open-toe shoe, you are exposed to the feet area and likely to get hurt when someone drops a piece of glass or plates. You might stumble in a hurry and objects might slip out of your hand and cause a serious impact on your feet. So be on the safe side, get a good pair of shoes that protects your toes as well. Should you still ask, can waitresses wear open-toe shoes? You need to rethink and adapt to a viable alternative. Read through this article to know better.
Chances of getting hit
A client might just suddenly stretch their legs as you are serving in a hurry, resulting in you tumbling and falling. If you wear an open-toe shoe at that time you are likely to damage your nails causing serious pain. As waitresses you will always be on your toes, running from the kitchen to the tables and vice versa. Chances of getting hit by swinging doors and corners around the restaurants while working in a hurry are inescapable. A pair of open-toe shoes will certainly protect you from bumping into a wall or getting hit by moving customers and restaurant doors.
What is suitable to wear?
Certainly, a pair of shoes that has good grip and is snug on your feet, because you might work for a long shift. You must be comfortable from head to toe, it’s super important. Get a shoe that protects every bit of your feet from unwanted splashes and falling objects.
Having a shoe with a good grip will let you transition on wet floors, dry floors, and slippery floors without any hitch. Get hold of a pair that is made of comfortable and sturdy materials to withstand any unwanted condition and keep you comfortable through and throughout. You can purchase work flats from the market, they are designed to protect and keep you comfortable. You might also feel comfortable wearing trainers and sneakers. Just make sure you match the dress code.
Final thoughts
Just don’t wear open-toe shoes at work. They are not safe enough in the line of service. You must protect your feet at all costs as you serve precious customers. So, if you ask, can waitresses wear open-toe shoes?
We will say no, even if there are no rules to it, but to keep you snug and safe. Although there are exceptions only when it’s fitting to wear an open-toe shoe pair. That’s only when you have any medical condition and your feet need some breathing space to heal and recover. Otherwise, just keep your feet protected with a pair of top-notch work shoes.
Keep in mind that wearing a good pair of shoes will complement your professionalism.
Related Article:
Best shoes for being on feet all day
Best shoes for working on concrete floor
References : https://www.webstaurantstore.com/article/77/restaurant-employee-dress-code.html
