Everyone loves bartenders, right?! But, have you ever thought about how difficult their job can be? Of course, they have to deal with people which can be tricky, and they also have to stand on their feet all shift long. That can be really painful and that’s why we’ve decided to make a list of the best shoes for bartenders.
Honestly, bartenders are a blessing to our society. They can listen to you for hours when you’re venting about all the things that are happening in your life and they help you heal a broken heart. Plus, according to How I Met Your Mother, every single person who’s behind that bar looks extremely attractive.
How do they survive to stand on their feet for so long? Things can get really stressful, especially during happy hours, but they still keep their smile on. Do they have superpowers?! Maybe, but we know that their footwear is their most powerful weapon.
If you want to be one of those magical people who makes everyone happy, here are the best shoes for bartenders that you may need. Invest in one good pair and your feet will be grateful.
Best shoes for bartenders that will be your perfect co-worker
First things first, when you’re choosing your shoes for bartending, you have to pay attention to a couple of things. Those shoes have to give your feet the proper support and they have to be non-slippery with a thick outsole.
There are a lot of spilled drinks on the floor and probably some broken glasses, and we’re sure you don’t want that to disturb you while you’re working. Also, a lot of health issues may appear over time if you’re not taking proper care of your feet.
You have to keep in mind that what is the perfect fit for someone, may not be the best choice for you. So, you have to choose those shoes that are ideal for your feet, and above all, make sure that they are comfortable.
The material from which they’re made plays a major role as well, together with (sufficient) ventilation and durability. Also, don’t buy shoes that make you give up your style because shoes for work look boring – the ideal pair lets you express yourself!
Without further ado, here are the best shoes for bartenders that you can rely on.
1. Adidas Originals NMD_R1
For all of you, fashion freaks, Adidas Originals NMD_R1 is the absolute, perfect match and ideal partner in crime. These shoes are lightweight, and you can buy them at a pretty affordable price. They are very stylish and supportive, but most importantly, they are super comfortable.
Their rubber outsole is durable, which combined with the Adidas boost midsole and stretchy mesh upper, makes them the best shoes for bartenders who work long shifts. Also, they are slip resistant, but unfortunately, they are not waterproof, so you have to pay attention to that.
2. Birkenstock Birki’s Super, Unisex Clog
After that fashionable choice, it’s time to restore some balance in the Universe with these Birkenstock work shoes.
Indeed, they are not the most appealing pair of shoes that you want to possess, but they are extremely comfortable. That’s only one of the reason why we’ve put them on the list of best shoes for bartenders.
These shoes are made of good and sustainable material, so if you take good care of them, they can serve you for ages! Birkenstock Birki’s Super Birki Unisex Clogs allow your feet to breathe and they are particularly recommended for people with wider feet.
However, they have some downsides. Except for not being as stylish as some other choices, these shoes have a high price and they are not completely slip-proof. Therefore, if these three are important for you, then these shoes are not the best choice.
3. Blundstone 510
Boots with hiker-approved quality and warranty for a lifetime – say no more! Blundstone’s 510s are definitely the best shoes for bartenders. Not only are they waterproof and shock-resisting, but their sole is fat-, oil-, and acid-resistant which makes them a convenient choice for any surface.
You can easily put them on, they’re not slippery at all and they give your feet great protection. The footbeds are easy to take out so you can often clean them and get rid of the odors that collect with time. The only downside we can think of is their price, but you need to invest in great footwear, right?
4. Crocs Unisex Bistro Clog
Another not-so-stylish choice, but they surely deserve a spot among the best shoes for bartenders because of the comfort they provide. Also, they are non-slippery and lightweight, and you can get them at a low price. Their heel straps offer some additional security for your feet.
These Crocs clogs are easy to maintain, and the best part is that their arch support actually massages your footbed while you’re working. The perfect soothing aid for your aching feet, don’t you think?
5. Dansko Walker Shoes
Dansko Walker shoes are surely not the most attractive choice on our list of best shoes for bartenders either, but these sturdy leather shoes offer incredible support for your feet. They are also extremely durable, waterproof, and slip-resistant on both oily and wet surfaces.
You can forget about joint and lower back pain because these Oxford-style shoes prevent fatigue and give you all the comfort you need. The only problem here is that they can be quite expensive, but they are definitely worth the money in our opinion.
6. KEEN Utility Oxford Shoes
The memory foam insole of KEEN Utility Oxford shoes will provide extra comfort and exceptional ventilation on those days when you need it the most. They are made of durable leather, and they are water-, oil-, and slip-resistant, so you don’t even have to worry about that.
However, two things come to our mind when we think about the cons of owning a pair. Their sole wears out with time, so they lose that slip resistance that we’ve mentioned earlier. Also, because of their specific, sometimes-too-firm design, putting them on may be a bit of a problem.
7. Laredo Cowboy Boots
(Source: Boot Barn)
If you want to live your Coyote Ugly moment and bring some of that Western style to your work outfit, Laredo Cowboy boots are on our list of best shoes for bartenders just for you! These boots are made for long working hours and they perfectly match any of your looks.
They are extremely durable and provide great support to your ankles. Also, their metal tip will protect your feet if you’re being clumsy from time to time. However, these boots are not for everyone, but if you feel bold enough to stand out, Laredo Cowboy boots are a must-have.
8. MOZO Men’s Sharkz Slip Resistant Work Shoes
If you’re working in a kitchen or in a bar and you desperately need something very comfortable for your feet, look no further. MOZO Men’s Sharkz Slip Resistant Work Shoes are exactly what you need. Their uni-frame technology makes them ultra-light on your feet and it feels like you’re walking on clouds.
They are also water resistant and flexible, and they provide incredible ventilation so your feet can breathe during your shift. Slip and oil resistance are two more features worth mentioning, and the only problem that they have is that there’s no arch support for your feet. So, if you need that, these shoes are not for you.
9. New Balance Women’s FuelCoreNergize V1
These New Balance shoes have a spongy sole that will provide you with enough comfort during the day. The midsole is their signature REVlite and with the extra cushioning, they absorb shocks but still remain lightweight. Because of their enhanced look, they can go with almost any sporty or casual outfit.
New Balance Women’s FuelCoreNergize V1 are not only one of the best shoes for bartenders but chefs and athletes can wear them, too! However, even though they are breathable, durable, and extremely comfortable, they lack arch support and they are not waterproof.
10. Nunn Bush Men’s Sherman Slip-Resistant Work Shoe Oxford Sneaker
Since we’re talking about the best shoes for bartenders, it’s pretty impossible to miss Nunn Bush’s work shoes. They have a unique style, but they surely provide enough comfort and support. These shoes are made of faux leather and they are water-, stain-, and oil-resistant.
Nunn Bush shoes are lightweight and have an outsole that’s slip-resistant, too. However, they have a synthetic insole that can cause irritations in some people and they’re not as durable as one would like them to be. But, if you’re looking for fashionable work shoes, don’t miss these!
11. Red Wing Men’s Iron Ranger 6″ Boot
Remarkable quality and durability with a stylish vintage look; yes, we’re talking about Red Wing Men’s Iron Ranger 6″ Boots. These completely leather shoes (yes, 100% leather) with Nitrile Cork soles are an absolute must-have if you want to achieve a classy and sophisticated look while doing your job.
Why are these one of the best shoes for bartenders? Well, they have unbeatable durability and provide great support to your feet. They are also slip-proof and water and oil are not threats either! People with wider feet can wear them as well, but it takes some time until they break in completely.
The only downside we can think of is that they are relatively pricey compared to other pairs, but if you don’t want to compromise on your style, and comfort when opting for durability, these shoes are a perfect match for you.
12. Shoes for Crews
Shoes for Crews should be on the list of your choices if you prioritize comfort over everything. They have amazing arch support and the padded collars provide additional comfort for your long shifts. Their rubber outsole is slip, and water-resistant, so your feet will stay dry.
Also, they provide good ventilation for your feet and they are lightweight. It’s also possible to remove their premium quality cushioned insole if you want to get rid of the odors completely. However, some people find them uncomfortable and expensive since they may not be durable enough.
It’s up to you to figure out if Shoes for Crews are your favorite choice and pick these from our list of best shoes for bartenders.
13. Skechers Felton Slip Work Shoes
Skechers Felton Slip Work Shoes will provide you superior comfort with their memory foam insole, extra padded soles, and soft shell. Their rubber outsole is completely slip-resistant and these shoes are also shock-absorbent.
Honestly speaking, these shoes are very popular among bartenders because of all these features and they are still not pricey at all. But, they wouldn’t take the top of our list simply because they are not durable enough, so you’d have to change them often.
14. Timberland PRO Men’s Powertrain Sport Shoe
These modern-looking shoes will woo you with their anti-fatigue technology and protection from electrical accidents. They are made of breathable mesh linings and their slip-resistant outsole will protect your feet and give you the comfort you need throughout the day.
Also, they have alloy safety toes and their uppers are made of Ripstop nylon that is mutilation-free. These low-cut boots are a great choice for you if you’re not paying too much attention to their durability, but rather opt for comfort, safety, and protection.
15. Vans Sk8-Hi Slim
Since we started this article with something extremely fashionable, it’s only fair that we end it up that way, too! Vans Sk8-Hi Slim shoes are extremely flexible, safe, and comfortable, and they provide you with all the support that you need.
Since they were originally created for skaters, that means that they are made of durable materials to survive all bumps, scratches, and falls. Because of their slim profile, they are very flattering for your feet, too.
Another good point is that they are very affordable and they can basically be paired with any outfit. Even though they have a bunch of positive traits, they may not be as comfortable as some other choices on this list of best shoes for bartenders, their midsole wears out over time and they are not fully waterproof.
Final words
After going with us through this list, it’s up to you now to make a final verdict. As we said before, what works for one person, doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be a perfect fit for you. So, take some time and think about all the options. Pick out something from our list of best shoes for bartenders and break a leg at work!
