10 Best Shoes For Bartenders Reviews

Taking a bartending job in a bar or selling jobs in a shopping mall means - you have to spend countless hours on your feet. Only the person; who has ever worked as a bartender knows how it feels to work behind the bar for long hours by standing.

It’s predictable enough that such hectic working hours will lead you towards problems in the foot, arch, and ankle unless you wear the right bartending shoes. Hence, you don't need to wander around the internet. 

Best Shoes For Bartenders

I’ve already researched that, sourced recommendations from a few bartenders, and finally came up with the following list of the best bartending shoes, including a comprehensive buying guide.

LIST OF THE BEST SHOES FOR BARTENDERS

10 BEST SHOES FOR BARTENDERS REVIEWS

1. CROCS UNISEX-ADULT BISTRO CLOG - BEST SHOES FOR SERVERS AND BARTENDERS

Features

  • Construction Material: 100% Synthetic
  • Outsole: Thermoplastic Elastomers sole
  • Heel: Approximately 0.65”
  • Design: Half-open shoe with enclosed toe and thicker metatarsal area
  • Contoured footbed
  • Roomy fit

As you can see, the shoe is specifically designed for hospitality, healthcare, and food service workers. Why?

The easy-to-clean nature comes first to convince you. When you work in the kitchen or prepare drinks for the customers, foods or liquors could spill onto your shoes, but the 100% synthetic material lets you clean them just with soap and water. You can not only clean it easily, but it also dries quickly.

Due to the spacious inside and half-covered shoes, the synthetic material construction won’t hamper your comfort. You’ll feel the ultimate comfort of a slipper, whereas the toe-covered design will protect your feet from spills.

The contoured footbed adds an extra layer of comfort to that. The outsole provides good traction over the polished floor and wet liquid spilled areas, making the shoe ideal for bartenders.

Since it’s a half-covered shoe, you don’t need to worry about tight-fitting or break-in time. Hence, I suggest ordering a size down to your regular boot size.

If you get the proper fit shoe, it will give you the perfect support to perform your best at the longest shifts without fatigue.

PROS

  • Super Lightweight
  • Easy to clean
  • Waterproof
  • Slip-resistant
  • Available in 12 colors varieties to complement the bartender's uniform

CONS

  • No ankle support

2. SKECHERS MEN'S CESSNOCK - BEST BARTENDING SHOES

Features

  • Outsole: Rubber sole
  • Insole: Memory foam Footbed
  • Shaft: Approximately low-top from arch
  • Closure Type: Lace-up System, Bungee lacing
  • Adequate ventilation through Breathable Mesh
  • Protection from electric hazards

If your workplace doesn’t allow you to wear half-covered bartender shoes, give this Skecher’s shoe a try.

Like the previous one, it is also super comfy, 100% waterproof, and slip-resistant. In addition to that, this shoe provides a few extras to make it a more convenient option for bartenders, food service, and health workers.

For instance, you can consider the soft memory foam footbed; that eases the pressure on the feet, absorbs heel socks, and reduces fatigue and the chance of getting foot pain.

The show not only secures your feet from slipping, getting fatigued, or ankle sprain but also from getting an electric shock; if you accidentally come in contact with the open electric wires or electrically energized objects. In dry conditions, the shoe provides electric hazard protection up to 18kV 60Hz AC for one minute.

That’s why, my opinion is that this shoe is a must-have option for bartenders; that will care about your feet and back, as well as eliminate the chance of having any long-term health issues.

PROS

  • Relax Fit
  • Soft footbed
  • Keeps your foot sweat-free
  • 100% Slip-resistant
  • Padded collar and tongue for securing extra fittings

CONS

  • Inconsistent sizing

3. SKECHERS GHENTER BRONAUGH - BEST SHOES FOR BARISTAS

Features

  • Sole: Rubber
  • Upper: Mesh fabric
  • Insole: Cushioned Memory foam, removable
  • Outsole: slip and oil resistant with traction
  • Midsole: shock absorbing
  • One inch heel
  • Relaxed fit with soft lining

If you want to have ultimate comfort, this sketcher shoe is another best pick. Look how it could benefit you.

These bartending shoes are completely slip-resistant due to their rubber outsoles. They provide marvelous traction on any wet, slippery surfaces of eateries.

The shoes stretch after wearing, so you get ample places to relax your feet and remain fatigued less after prolonged working hours. The soft lining of the shoes absorbs moisture and keeps feet dry and odorless for hours.

These lightweight barista shoes are also designed with mesh fabric in their uppers that allows enough air circulation in the shoes. So, your feet never become sweaty or get an odor.

The insoles of these shoes are designed with memory foam; that takes a bit to break in and stays in your feet shapes in the future to offer perfect fit and comfort. The cushioned footbed provides ample support by distributing the balance over the entire foot.

The moment you get your feet into the shoes, you’ll get the perfect shape and fit and get the comfort you want for long-standing working hours.

Thus, the Skechers shoes will increase your efficiency and help to give your best during break-free working hours.

PROS

  • Slip and oil resistant
  • Breathable
  • Comfortable
  • Easy washable
  • Attractive appearance

CONS

  • Little narrow for wide feet.

4. DR. MARTENS 1460 - BEST SHOES FOR BARTENDERS

Features

  • Sole: Synthetic
  • Material: Leather and synthetic
  • Shaft: Almost ankle from arch
  • Air-cushioned sole, soft Wair sock liner
  • Boot opening: Approximately 13 around
  • Extra flex 

With an elegant look, the shiny shoes are well designed with leather upper, eight eyes, yellow welt stitching, and a scripted heel-loop. The leather upper of the shoes comes in different attractive colors. 

So, these unisex boots do not hinder bartenders’ funky appearance while providing them comfort and the ultimate safety from stumbles.

These imported shoes incorporate an extra cushioned footbed, and the best traction feature with GRIP-TRAX’s central rubber pods to help you give your best during long uninterrupted working hours. 

The synthetic soles of the shoes are bouncy, lightweight, and offer high breathability, so your feet remain sweat-free. Hence these shoes are perfect for long-standing jobs. 

The scripted heel loops of the shoes lengthen their lifetimes and protect feet from heel blisters and slippage despite rigorous usage.

The memory foam insole, accompanied with Soft Wair sock liner, improves the posture of the feet by providing them support and moisture-less comfort, making them the most comfortable bartending shoes.

These shoes for bartenders are fabricated with water-resistant industrial leather. Therefore, they are easy to wash and secure the bartenders’ feet from any unintentional spilling in the lounge.         

In summary, the Dr. Martens service boots are ideal for the persons; facing difficulties in their job with tired feet.

PROS

  • Elegant look with attractive colors
  • Durable
  • Snug
  • Nice grips
  • Slip and spill-resistant

CONS

  • The break time of the shoes is a little long.

5. NEW BALANCE 806 V1 - BEST COCKTAIL SERVER SHOES

Features

  • Sole: Rubber
  • Material: 100% synthetic
  • Midsole: Fresh foam cushioning
  • Outsole: Slip-resistant lugs
  • Upper: Hyposkin
  • Black and silver-black-white combination

This New Balance shoe is designed with deep indentation to render improved tractions and stability. Good grips with beautiful looks are the main selling points of these men's service boots. 

The rubber soles of these imported shoes provide good grips when exposed to wet or greasy surfaces. Hence, the quality of grips and slip-resistant features of these shoes have made them the best shoes for bartenders.

The material of these service shoes is 100% synthetic. Hence, they felicitate a lightweight feel and a high level of breathability. They require low maintenance and are highly durable. 

The Hyposkin upper of these bartender shoes adapts to the shape of the wearers’ feet easily providing them with flexible movements. These uppers offer a sock-like coverage allowing air circulation into the foot chamber through their tiny ventilation holes.

The fresh foam cushioning in the midsoles of these shoes renders the lateral stability in movements. 

In conclusion, these shoes provide the comfortability and reliable support you want to protect the ankles, hips, and knees from all possible shock or the risk of having long-term negative impacts.

PROS

  • Comfy
  • Slip-resistant
  • Easy washable
  • Durable
  • Stylish

CONS

  • The front of the shoe is narrow for wide feet.

6. REEBOK MAXTRAX - MOST COMFORTABLE SHOES FOR BARTENDERS

Features

  • Upper: Mesh and microfiber
  • Sole: Rubber
  • Toe area: Soft toe of DryKick membrane
  • Midsole: EVA cushion
  • Lining: Nylon mesh
  • Footbed: Memory Tech Massage cushion, detachable

Here is another ideal pair of ladies' bartender shoes, which is specifically designed for the jobs where you’ve to deal with melting ice, sudden mess by dishwashers, or unintentional spilling of drinks. Are you thinking - why would you consider it ideal?

For instance, take its super comfy construction with the practical design first.

The microfiber and mesh upper of these shoes made them incredibly breathable and durable. These shoes dry quickly due to their mesh upper. 

In addition to the upper meshes, these cocktail waitress shoes come with a waterproof DryKick membrane in the toe area. This membrane protects your feet from liquids and stuff that overflow accidentally. Mesh upper supports users’ feet better than synthetic construction.

These good bartending shoes are featured by the removable memory tech massage cushion that contours the feet uniquely and provides ultimate comfort.

The EVA midsoles of these shoes make them lightweight and flexible while still enduring all stress and possible pressure that arises during long-time usage.

These shoes are designed with MaxTrax slip-resistance rubber heels to provide the highest grip on all surfaces, making them another best shoe for baristas.

PROS

  • Oil and slip-resistant
  • Pocket friendly
  • Comfy
  • Good tractions
  • Excellent support

CONS

  • The toe box areas are slightly angled up and may hamper the fittings.

7. SHOES FOR CREWS EVERLIGHT - BEST SHOES FOR FEMALE BARTENDERS

Features

  • Midsole: Cushioned, featherlight foam, EVA
  • Upper: Water-resistant
  • Outsole: SFC slip-resistant, easy washable
  • Pull loops
  • Insole: removable
  • Heel height: 3”

The bartenders need stylish shoes with excellent slip-resistant properties since they have to manage the slippery surfaces in their workplaces without compromising their sense of fashion.

Maximum shoes in the market have failed to provide both slip-resistance power and a sophisticated look. Luckily, these shoes are excellent and exceptional to the fact mentioned above. 

These Everlight shoes are processed to repel fluid from their surfaces. Additionally, the multi-traction outsoles of these shoes help to support fluid movements on greasy, slick surfaces. 

The foot grips of the shoes are sturdy enough to withstand years of abuse, completely slip and water-resistant. The SFC slip-resistant outsoles are easily washable. 

These cocktail server shoes are made of a lightweight foam compound that gives the feeling of walking in the air. The midsoles of these shoes are cushioned and made of featherlike foam.  

In short, this pair of shoes secures their impressive mark in the list of best shoes for bartenders by providing the look you want for a good appearance, the features and comfort to give your best at work, and the safety to work without being worried about anything.

PROS

  • Lightweight
  • Slip-resistant and water-resistant
  • Breathable
  • Nice appearance
  • Good for a tight pocket.

CONS

  • Provide less arch support.

8. SHOES FOR CREWS MERLIN - BEST SLIP RESISTANT FOOD SERVICE WORK

Features

  • Outsole: Multi traction, SFC non-slip
  • Lining: SpillGuard membrane
  • Insole: Removable
  • Design: Low profile with sturdy fabric laces
  • Upper: Water-resistant, canvas, black
  • Combines with TripGaurd
  • Padded tongue

These food service shoes are lightweight and comfortable enough for long-time usage, thanks to the padded and breathable interior. Along with the breathable knitted upper, the presence of tactically placed vents enables adequate ventilation to keep your feet cool, dry, and odorless after prolonged working hours. 

The new revive midsole formula, padded tongue, and detachable cushion insoles ease pressure on feet and give you the proper fit. A protective SpillGuard lining and a TripGuard are attached to the shoes to block hot liquids and to avoid trip hazards respectively.

In addition to these things, the water and slip-resistance power make these canvas shoes one of the best shoes for servers and bartenders. There is no reason for denying that it will assist efficiently in any job that might deal with unwanted spilling of liquids for longer working times.

PROS

  • Exclusively comfortable
  • Inexpensive
  • Oil and water-resistant
  • Good looking
  • Nice traction

CONS

  • The durability is a bit short.

9. KEEN UTILITY PTC OXFORD - BEST LOW TOP SHOES FOR BARTENDERS

Features

  • Material: 100% textile
  • Boot opening: almost 12” around
  • Shaft: approximately 3” from arch
  • Sole: rubber, Midsole: Polyurethane
  • Heel: 2.75”
  • Outsole: EVA

The KEEN shoes have already proved themselves as the best shoes for bartending in many ways. First, have a look at its’ textile material construction, which makes them easy, cleanable, flexible, lightweight, and sturdy. 

Next, it comes to the midsoles. The highly elastic, low-density polyurethane midsole has a magical bending resistance and marvelous shock absorption power; that eliminates the chance of getting foot pain after duty hours. With a soft textured midsole, the thick EVA outsoles give the users the ultimate comfort of cushioning and safety, as it is slip-resistant too.

Moreover, the shoes come with a TPU stability shank to support the feet and make them more stable than others. The upper leather construction renders a barrier against the absorption of liquid.

 The bartenders often look for sophisticated shoes to complement their uniform. The plain-type toes and water-resistant leather upper of these KEEN shoes establish a slick, clean, and formal look, making them a good option for bar keepers.

PROS

  • Easy to wash
  • Water and oil-resistant
  • Super comfy

CONS

  • The fitting is a bit poor.

10. SHOES FOR CREWS TIGON - BEST SNEAKERS FOR BARTENDERS

Features

  • Outsole: SFC slip-resistant
  • Fittings: Comfort and relaxed fit
  • Insole: Detachable, extra cushioning
  • Upper: leather, water-resistant
  • TripGuard technology

Without exaggerating the things, one of my friends stated that any mixologist can sprint, jog or even run on their wet, mopped, slippery surfaces with these shoes. That’s the thing that convinced me to research it thoroughly.

These shoes come with SFC slip-resistant outsoles making them easier to move on a slippery plane. The TripGuard technology in these shoes works with users’ movements and secures their feet from any trip hazards.

These shoes have a leather upper treated tactfully to repel any fluid from their surfaces. Hence, they are completely water-resistant. As an extra, a tool comes with these shoes to wash their soles’ clefts.

The cushion construction with new insole technology ensures relaxed fittings and ultimate comfort to the buyers.

 All of the above-mentioned shoes are great for bartenders. Last but not least, I would genuinely love to refer Crews Tigon shoes to those; who want a waterproof, slip-resistant, comfortable, and ergonomically designed shoe on a medium budget. 

PROS

  • Spacious enough for wide feet
  • Slip and water-resistant
  • Attractive design 

CONS

  • Durability has been reported to be a little poor.

BUYER’S GUIDE - BEST SHOES FOR BARTENDERS

Slip-Resistance

Most bars and restaurants have attractive polished floors; that can make your feet slip and cause serious injuries. The spilled liquids make such floors more slippery. So, you should look for barista shoes with the best slip-resistant outsole.


Water-Resistance

When you prepare a drink for the customer or serve them the same, the liquid squash or drinks could drip onto your shoes and make them uncomfortably wet. Moreover, you often have to walk through the puddles of spilled liquids. 

The wet shoes could cause odor and fungus infection. So, make sure the outsole and upper material of your chosen shoe are specially treated to repel liquids.

Comfort

You work in a fast-paced environment; where you have to fulfill countless requests of each customer. If you don’t get proper support from the shoes, you can have long-term negative impacts on your feet, ankle, and knees. 

So, never prioritize the style of the shoes over your comfort. With water-resistant and breathable material construction, look for soft lining and an extra cushioning footbed to ensure utmost comfort.  

Ventilation

Your feet wouldn’t stay dry and odorless only by having a shoe with water-resistant material. Without adequate ventilation, your shoe could become terribly sweaty and uncomfortable. So, the material should be breathable, and a proper ventilation system should have inside the shoe.  


Style

Your appearance, style, and getup will create a good impression on the customer. So, I suggest getting a stylish and comfortable shoe to feel confident and perform your best.

FAQ

1. Do I need specific shoes for bartending?

There are no specific shoes; meant for bartending jobs, but getting a pair of stylish and sophisticated shoes with proper support and comfort should be your ultimate goal.

2. Are running shoes good for bartending?

Running shoes are good daily footwear; that provides ample support and comfort, as well. Unfortunately, the style of most running shoes may not match the sophisticated environment of any bar or restaurant. 

CONCLUSION


That’s all from my side for the bartenders. Hopefully, the suggested shoes will help you to do the best in your workplace.

Anyway, you’re always welcome to go beyond my recommendations. If so, I’ve just a simple request for you to consider the buying tips besides securing your personal choices. 

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