These Are the Best Shoes Chefs Wear for Long Days in the Kitchen
After years of wearing Birkenstocks, Chef Byron Gomez switched to Cole Haan's ØriginalGrand Energy Twin Oxfords because they combine the comfort of a sneaker with the sleek look of a dress shoe. Elissa Sanci/NYT Wirecutter
While clogs generally reign supreme in the kitchen, some chefs prefer more-structured shoes with closed backs. Chef Gomez, though a fan of the clog-style Birkenstocks, eventually switched over to the Cole Haan Men's ØriginalGrand Energy Twin Oxfords for a more-professional look.
'Having the open back was very comfortable,' he said. 'But at Bruto, I just want to make sure that I'm not slipping out of my shoes and ending up with my socks out in front of guests.'
This sleek, non-slip shoe combines the comfort of a sneaker with the luxe look of a polished dress shoe.
The ØriginalGrand Energy Twin Oxfords combine the cushiony comfort of a sneaker with the polished appearance of a dress shoe. 'I know a lot of people who work in hospitality who wear them,' he said. 'They have great cushioning, they look sleek, and if food falls on them, I can just wipe it off.'
With their bouncy, cushiony insoles, the Oxfords are comfortable enough to wear for hours without leaving your back or feet aching, and the shoes' shock absorption helps to cut back on painful shin splints. They also have a non-slip sole that grips to even the greasiest floors, Gomez said. Chef Gomez keeps his retired Oxfords (left) in his locker at work, just in case. Elissa Sanci/NYT Wirecutter
Like the other high-quality shoes that professional chefs like to wear in the kitchen, these lace-up leather shoes are an investment worth making. They're made of easy-to-clean leather that doesn't feel stiff against the top of your foot, and they're durable enough to withstand various types of kitchen debris for years. At Bruto, Blundstone Chelsea Boots were a popular footwear choice. Elissa Sanci/NYT Wirecutter
Blundstone Chelsea Boots are another popular choice in kitchens across Denver. They're favored by chefs for their durability and slip resistance.
These durable, non-slip boots offer ample ankle support, and they protect feet from both icy winter weather and slick kitchen spills.
In Denver, these pull-on leather boots are commonly worn in inclement weather. They have grippy soles that can also keep chefs from slipping on slick kitchen floors. Like other leather shoes preferred for kitchen work, Blundstones are easy to wipe clean, and they're durable enough to last our chefs upwards of five years. Several chefs working in Gomez's kitchen also wear Blundstones for the added ankle support the structured boot offers.
A lot of chefs like to leave their kitchen shoes in their restaurant lockers, but Chef Lakin prefers to wear his shoes home. And he said this makes his Blundstones his go-to shoe on snowy winter days.
'They're comfortable, with great grip, but I swapped out the insole for even better support,' Lakin noted. 'The ones they came with only gave me about six hours of comfort.'
The right shoes can make all the difference in a fast-paced kitchen, where long hours on your feet and slippery floors are part of the job. Whether you swear by Birkenstocks, trust the support of Danskos, or opt for another chef-approved clog, investing in high-quality footwear is an investment in comfort, safety, and longevity. As chefs like Martinez and Coen have learned, the right shoes don't just protect your feet—they can also improve your posture, reduce fatigue, and even boost confidence. If you're on your feet all day, take a cue from the pros, and invest in shoes that keep you comfortable, supported, and ready for anything.
This article was edited by Hannah Rimm and Maxine Builder.
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