Footwear for Bartenders
You use them every shift. Often hours pass without you putting them down even once. The most used tool any bartender deploys is their feet. So why not spend some time figuring out the best way to look after them. After all without them you can’t turn that bar of yours into a shoebox full of money. Let’s examine some shoe wear options; how they hold up, cost, and where to get them.
These can be found everywhere across the service industry. They are a standard slip resistant shoe that offers affordability and a basic level of comfort. If you bartend full time you’ll replace these every four to six months and pay between $20-$50 dollars a pair. They can be purchased at Walmart, Amazon, Rack Room Shoes, or Zappos.
The steel-toed option to the standard slip resistant shoe listed above. It too can be found at most large box stores offering a bare amount of comfort and protection for those precious toes. If you work in these five days a week you’ll be replacing them every three to five months. They’ll set you back between $30-$50 bucks a pop. They can be purchased at Walmart, Amazon, Shoes for Crews, or Zappos.
The Croc styled knock-off has made it’s way to service industry shoe wear. Pictured are a pair of Froggz Classics from Shoes for Crews and run for around $40 a pair. These shoes are slip resistant, good for arch support and allow your feet to breath. If you bartend full time, you’ll be replacing them every 6-8 months, and depending on the brand you’ll be shelling out $40-$60 dollars a pair. They can be purchased at Walmart, Amazon, Shoes for Crews, or Zappos.
Converse All-Stars and Chuck Taylors are commonplace behind many laidback neighborhood bars. They are slip resistant, snug-fitting, and with a removable insole, super comfortable. But once wet your feet are miserable, and with only canvas for support, you could easily twist your ankle changing a keg. They will last you 12-18 months and can be purchased at most shoe retailers, large box stores, Amazon, and Zappos for around $50-$75 bucks a pair.
If you find yourself logging 50-60 hours per week bartending, then consider making a real investment in your feet. Slip resistant and shock absorbing, Dansko Clogs even protect your toes behind a shell of PVC! If you have high arches it will take longer to break them in. Here’s a guide to do that. They can be purchased at specialty shoe retailers, Amazon, Zappos, and directly from Dansko’s website. A pair will cost you between $100-$150 depending on the style, but it will be the only pair you have to buy.
The iconic yellow stitching and super thick soles make Dr. Martens instantly recognizable. If you regularly spend 10+ hours per shift bartending these are a great option. Available as a shoe or boot they are slip resistant with the 1460 line offering a steel toe for protection. They’ll last 20 years if you look after them and can be purchased at shoe stores, Zappos, and Amazon. A great guide on everything concerning Dr. Martens can be found here. Expect to spend anywhere from $90-$300.
These are some of the most commonly worn shoes in the bartending game. Just remember, the more you take care of your feet, the more they take care of you.
