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Best Chef Shoes

Engineered for long-lasting, all-day comfort.

Updated on May 31, 2024

When you’re slicing and dicing, baking and frying, the last thing you need to worry about is foot pain, slips, or trips.

In a kitchen environment, liquid spills, onion scales, and food fragments on the floor are all part of the territory. So when you’re hurrying from one station to the next, stability and traction is a must. And with long shifts on your feet, you need lasting support and cushion to keep you going.

KURU offers some of the most comfortable chef shoes, including non-slip chef shoes, work boots, and lifestyle shoes, so you can get through your shift in safety and in comfort.

Top Features of Chef Shoes

When looking for high-quality kitchen chef shoes or shoes for crews in the kitchen, you want footwear that helps you focus on your work, not on slip hazards or foot pain.

The best chef shoes feature a non-slip rubber outsole for stability, a wide toe box for a relaxed fit and better circulation, an easy-to-clean, water-resistant leather upper, and cushioned arch support for long hours on your feet.

While it might be tempting to go with memory foam insoles, we recommend an insole that offers support and bounce back over time to keep your feet from sinking into the shoe.

Our KINETIC anti-slip shoe for women and men offers a slip-resistant outsole that meets ASTM F2913 and SATRA TM-144 standards. The KINETIC comes with our pain-relieving technology built in, so you can stand all day in comfort—making it a smart choice for a chef work shoe.

  • Man at the patio grilling wearing KURU Red/Black shoes.

Workplace Foot Injuries

Find Out What Types of Safety or Ergonomic Hazards Chefs Face That Can Lead to Foot Injuries.

Find out what types of safety or ergonomic hazards chefs face that can lead to foot injuries.

Injuries from slips and falls: The kitchen environment is extra prone to slippery floors and trip hazards, which can lead to twisted ankles, sprains, and other injuries. Wear shoes with a slip-resistant sole to help each step remain as stable as possible.

Hallux rigidus: One of the most common foot pain conditions chefs or restaurant workers face is Hallux rigidus, which is a stiffening of the big toe joint caused by long hours on your feet. Shoes that feature a wide toe box, like KURU shoes, can help prevent this condition.

Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia can occur with too much overuse or underuse. To help reduce your risk, wear supportive footwear and roll out your arches after a long day.

Morton’s neuroma: A thickening of the tissue around
the nerves between the third and fourth toes can develop with repeated trauma on the metatarsal or wearing too-tight footwear.

Hip, knee, or low back pain: When your feet hurt, it
can cause cascading painful effects up the chain of joints and muscles in your body. Adequate supportive footwear and strengthening exercises can help reduce pain throughout your body.

Athlete’s foot: When you’re moving for hours on your feet, excess sweat can lead to an overaccumulation of bacteria. To help reduce the risk of this condition, wear shoes with a breathable upper and moisture-wicking socks for as much ventilation as possible.

Shop shoes for chefs

Culinary Industry Facts and Stats

  • Chefs and culinary workers can be on their feet 10 hours a day, 6 days per week. That’s about 120,000 hours throughout one career!
  • One of the most common workplace injuries chefs face is hallux rigidus, or a painful stiffening of the big toe joint.
  • “Chef’s foot” is a blanket term used to describe the variety of foot conditions that can develop from long hours on your feet, including hallux rigidus, plantar fasciitis, and Morton’s neuroma.
  • The chef occupation outlook is growing faster than average— at a rate of 25%—for 2020–2030.

Foot Injury Prevention

Learn How to Best Protect Your Feet in the Culinary Industry.

Wear supportive, slip-resistant chef shoes: Get
through your day in safety, stability, and comfort with high-quality footwear. Chef shoes should feature a non-slip outsole, a wide toe box, and a shock-absorbing insole with plenty of cushion and arch support.

Choose moisture-wicking socks: To help your feet
breathe and stay dry, pair your high-quality footwear with high-quality socks. Choose socks that form to your feet and wick moisture to help reduce bacteria and blisters.

Roll out your arches consistently: To help prevent
plantar fasciitis, roll out the soles of your feet with a tennis ball or lacrosse ball to help loosen and stretch the fascia and surrounding muscles.

Get off your feet when possible: Taking even short breaks during the day can help relieve pressure on your feet and joints to help you last longer.

Ice your feet when needed: If your feet are red, swollen, or in pain after a long shift, soak them in ice water or ice them for 10 minutes. This can help reduce swelling and inflammation.

Stretch and exercise your feet: Performing toe,
foot, and ankle stretches and exercises can help keep the muscles strong and healthy to reduce the risk of injury.

FAQs

  • What type of shoes should a chef wear to work?

    Chefs should wear shoes that prioritize safety, comfort, and support to handle long hours in the kitchen. Here are the key features to look for in chef shoes:

    1. Slip-Resistant: Kitchens can have slippery floors due to spills. Shoes with slip-resistant outsoles are essential to prevent falls.
    2. Supportive: Good arch support helps alleviate foot fatigue during long shifts. Look for shoes with a contoured footbed or adequate cushioning.
    3. Durable: The shoes should be made from durable materials that can withstand the harsh kitchen environment and frequent cleaning.
    4. Water-Resistant: Materials that repel water and other liquids help keep the feet dry and prevent the shoes from deteriorating.
    5. Easy to Clean: Shoes that are easy to clean are crucial in a kitchen setting due to the likelihood of food spills. Leather or synthetic uppers are typically recommended because they can be wiped down easily.
    6. Comfortable: Features like padded insoles and breathable materials contribute to overall foot comfort, which is vital for chefs who spend all day on their feet.

    Opting for footwear specifically designed for culinary professionals or work environments can greatly improve a chef’s comfort and safety on the job.

  • What are the best shoes for working in a kitchen?

    The best shoes for working in a kitchen are those that combine safety, comfort, and durability to handle the demanding environment. Here are the top features to consider:

    1. Slip-Resistant: The most important feature for kitchen shoes is a non-slip sole. This is crucial to prevent accidents on wet or oily floors.
    2. Supportive and Comfortable: Look for shoes with good arch support and cushioning to help reduce foot and back pain during long shifts.
    3. Water and Stain Resistant: Shoes that resist water and stains are essential in a kitchen setting where spills are common.
    4. Easy to Clean: Shoes should be easy to clean and quick to dry. Materials like leather or synthetic are preferable as they can be wiped down efficiently.
    5. Durable: Durable materials will withstand the wear and tear of a kitchen environment and last longer, providing better value for money.
  • Why do chefs wear black shoes?

    Chefs often wear black shoes for several practical reasons that cater to the challenging environment of a commercial kitchen:

    1. Stain Concealment: Black shoes are excellent at hiding stains that are inevitably part of working in a kitchen, such as spills from food and beverages.
    2. Professional Appearance: Black shoes offer a uniform and professional look, aligning with the typical chef’s attire of white and black, which helps maintain a clean and consistent appearance in the workplace.
    3. Durability: Black footwear tends to show less wear and tear compared to lighter colors, ensuring that the shoes look better for longer, even in high-traffic conditions.
    4. Versatility: Black is a versatile color that matches with all types of uniforms, making it a practical choice for culinary professionals who may work in different settings or with varying dress codes.

    These reasons contribute to why black shoes are a popular choice among chefs, providing both aesthetic and practical benefits in the demanding kitchen environment.

  • Does the KINETIC 2.0 qualify as a slip resistant shoe?

    Yes, it does! Our KINETIC 2.0 anti-slip shoe for both men and women features a high-grade rubber outsole that meets ASTM F2913 standards. The KINETIC 2.0 also comes with our pain-relieving cushion and arch support built in, so you can last for long hours on your feet.

  • How do I know which shoe to buy? Which is best for me?

    The best shoe for you will depend on your unique foot type. The best chef shoes—for women and men alike—offer adequate arch support and cushion along with slip-resistant soles.

    Whether you’re looking for anti-slip kitchen shoes, work boots, or athletic shoes, KURUs line of comfortable chef shoes for men and women so you can stay safe and comfortable all day long.

Three Layers of Support

At KURU, we pride ourselves on our unique approach to shoe design. We believe that shoes should be shaped to fit the natural contours of your feet, which is why we create every pair in three distinct support layers, not just an insole.

 

Our revolutionary ergonomic design starts with a curved footbed and adds unparalleled triple-layer support that includes shock-absorbing KURUCLOUD, heel-cupping KURUSOLE, and arch-supporting ULTIMATE INSOLES. The result? Shoes that are so comfortable you’ll stop thinking about your feet.

  • 1

    KURUSOLE

  • 2

    KURUCLOUD

  • 3

    ULTIMATE INSOLE

  • How KURU brings relief

    KURUSOLE

    Our patented KURUSOLE plate features a unique design that cups and protects the heel and allows for dynamic flexion with each step. This premium support helps us use our body’s natural cushioning system: the heel’s fat pad.

Our Secret

Animated GIF showing KURUSOLE tech in KURU shoes vs. typical flat interiors for plantar fasciitis pain.
Why Others Love KURU

Why Others Love KURU

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ratings.

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Wow! I work as a Chef, long hours. Also flat and narrow feet. I’ve bought every shoe out there. I can’t believe I’m finally saying this but, these are the best shoes I’ve ever worn. I will absolutely be purchasing these again.”

Melalaha

Best work shoe I have ever purchased!! I have been a chef for almost 30 years, I have probably tried 20 or more different non-slip shoes thru the years, with comfort being the number 1 most important attribute of the shoe. I can only say I wish I heard about KURU 20 plus pairs of shoes ago….. Hands down most comfortable work shoe EVER !!!!”

Chef JP

Awesome. I am a executive chef, on my feet 13 plus hours a day, I tried every shoe out there these are the best. My feet do not hurt at all.”

 

MS1223

Super supportive fit really well. Super supportive fit really well! I am a chef and I work on my feet… I also suffer from plantar fasciitis and I have a bunion on the right foot. These shoes fit amazing straight out of the box. My feet feel great at the end of the day!”

Chefbecca

Great non slip shoe. Working in a restaurant. Have tried other non slip shoes and these Stand up to the wet and oily surfaces in the kitchen!”

Chef NS

Shop KURU shoes today!
Recommended Shoes for Chefs

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