Which Shoes Do Chefs Wear?

[bosh]

Hey guys i just started le cordon bleu program in pasadena,ca and the shoes the school gave us are pretty uncomfortable. I wanted to buy new shoes but don't know which ones are good. Any advice? Thanks.

[miahoyhoy]

I wear Tevas now.
But when I had to wear enclosed footwear I enjoyed Danske clogs. I knew a lot of folks that swore by doc martins but they were a bit heavy for me.

[big dog chef]

Doc Marten for me. Can't stand wearing a clog....

[hastypastry]

All the chefs I work with wear Birki's...my instructors wear some type of laced up shoe? I wear Kingston/McKnights. I was given Shoes For Crews....but they sucked big time! So, I went ahead and purchased the K/M's....I can stand up for 12 hour shifts and my feet do not hurt....my legs are still tired, but they feel so much better than when I wore the stinky one's....I could not even take 3 hours in them!!!

Hasty

[hastypastry]

I forgot to mention socks!! They are very important IMO!! I am female, so I wear the ones by Hanes that provide arch support. VERY comfortable, and no more holes in my toes!! A real plus...they are thicker than normal socks and they do make a big difference in my day.

Hasty

[Gracie]

I don't like to wear the same shoes every day, so I alternate between a pair of Dansko clogs (Pita is the model I like) and a pair of Klogs.

The Danskos give me great support for my legs & back, but have a very hard footbed. If I wear them several days in a row, my feet hurt at the end of my shift. The Klogs are wonderfully cushiony and keep my feet comfy, but have less support and are less slip-resistant.

[folkenrocks]

Shoes For Crews are the worst! I've been looking for something better. Thanks for the suggestions!

[Scratchman]

When I started school hey gave us lehigh lace ups. I hated them, I thought they sucked. But then they broke in and lasted for 4 yrs. Sweet. I think they can be found at wally world some times. I now were, Dansko, etnies, and merrels.
Oh yeah I also wore blundstone for 2 yrs. I liked them, but they got a little flat for me. Insole might help.

[Milo_Alexander]

I think its all about personal preferences. Personally I wear a closed heel clog which consist of thick rubber and a wooden sole. When choosing a shoe I keep the following in mind.

1.comfort- make sure you can stand wearing them otherwise what’s the point?

2.durability- If the are of cheap quality the will need to be replaced more frequently and you will most likely find them uncomfortable

3.conveince- They must be easy to maintain, Shoes that are easy to wash are a huge advantage

4.safety- A good shoe should fit right yet not tight enough to cause discomfort. I suggest good ankle support and a non slip grip

Hope this helps and god luck

[RonJr]

Just picked up a pair of Crocs...will wear them tonight on the line and let ya'll know how they worked out.

[RonJr]

Finished my 1st shift with the Crocs...and they were pretty darn comfy! Spilled stuff on them and they clean up real easy. Seemed fairly slip resistant. Wonder how long they will last?

[hastypastry]

Ron, I was hoping you would post soon!! Thanks for letting us know. Several of my fellow students started wearing them this semester..

Hasty

[Derek Cooks]

Comfortable ones.

Kind of like knives, that varies from person to person...

I have some Blunstone boots that I LOVE, and love to alternate with my Dansko closed-heel clogs...

[RonJr]

Thanks hasty! I'm not willing to say that I "love" them yet...but day with the crocs and still very comfy on the feet and still have slipped on water /oil yet!! Paid about 30 bucks for them and so far...good investment!

[bmorse]

I have a pair of sketchers work shoes with the non-slip soles. They've been great and held up well for the past year. I personally don't like slip on shoes.