Waitresses are on their feet for long hours, standing in one place and performing a variety of tasks. The best shoes for waitresses will be comfortable and durable.

Here are some tips on what to look for when choosing the best shoes for a waitress:

Durable Materials – Waitresses are on their feet all day long, so it’s important for them to have a shoe that can withstand these long hours and heavy use. Shoes made from leather or other sturdy materials will last longer than those made from synthetic materials such as plastic or vinyl.

Comfortable Fit – A comfortable fit is essential to ensuring you can work without feeling pain or discomfort while wearing your shoes. It’s best to try on different styles of shoes before making your final decision so you know which ones fit well and feel good while walking around in them.

The Right Height – For most waitresses, high heels aren’t necessary because they take too much time to put on and take off each time they go onto the floor. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule if you’re working at an upscale restaurant or bar where heels are required by management or if you’re working as a bartender where high heels may be part of their uniform requirements.

Best Shoes For a Waitress

When you are expected to be on your feet all the time serving your customers, you need a pair of reliable and comfortable shoes. You would not want any mishap to occur during your working hours. Apart from serving, waiters and waitresses need the best server shoes that look stylish when paired with their plain uniforms and give them the freedom to be carefree. These shoes can enhance the look, provide the right amount of support to your feet, and stay durable. The pair you pick should also offer better arch support along with great flexibility. In this article, we have listed the 13 best server shoes out there and what you

What Should You Consider When Shopping For Server/Waitress Shoes

If you want to prevent stumbling, injuries or foot aches and such common problems, here are some essential things you need to keep in mind while shopping for the best waitress shoes.

• Comfort 

Servers spend most of their day standing and walking. Thus, comfort is the most important feature to be considered. If you have wide feet, choose shoes that have room for your toes and are not too tight. Check the thickness, cushioning, breathability, leather quality, etc. Bend the shoe and check if it does not bend too much in the slimmest area.

• Grip 

If the shoes do not offer a good grip, you can stumble or fall. Therefore, choose shoes with high-quality insoles and cushioning that offer a better grip.

• Protection 

It would be best if you got shoes that offer protection from slipping on oil, grease, or water, and electrical hazards. If you are exposed to such risks, care must be taken to choose appropriate shoes that protect from all these factors.

• Easy to clean

Shoes are made from leather, mesh, synthetic, and other fabrics. If you want to save time and money, choose leather shoes as they offer easy cleaning. Shoes made using synthetics and leather are easy to clean with a single swipe.

• Quality materials 

There is a wide variety of options available like leather, rubber, and canvas shoes. Choose the material as per the nature of the work you do, comfort, and your skin type. If you do not consider these factors, you will end up getting blisters, foot ache, and even affect your gait. Pick shoes that do not crowd your feet and offer enough space.

Now that we know this, let us take a look at the 13 best server (waitress) shoes in the market.

13 Best Server (Waitress) Shoes For Women In 2022

1. Best Lightweight: Skechers Women’s Soft Stride Softie Work Shoes

If you spend long hours serving at a restaurant, you need a shoe that offers comfort, grip, and support. These shoes are made from 100% leather and have a breathable lace-up pattern for added comfort. Also, if you are shopping on a budget, these shoes offer excellent value for money. Available in two colors, these slip-resistant and cushioned shoes are just the right shoes for women looking for a lightweight, comfortable, and trendy option.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Breathable lace-up design
• Anti-slip shoes with cushioning
• Synthetic sole

Cons

• Cannot be cleaned easily
• Dirt sticks to the bottom of the shoe easily

2. Best Slip-On Style: Sure Track by Skechers Work Footwear

Once you get your hands on these uniquely designed, genuine leather shoes, you are not going to want any other! Designed with a slip-resistant rubber sole, these shoes are designed to keep your feet relaxed and have a soft fabric collar to prevent moisture and smell. The midsoles are crafted to provide better comfort and shock absorption. Featuring genuine leather construction, these are great for indoor and outdoor working environments.

Pros

• The top panel is made from fabric that stretches
• Slip-on pattern for comfortable fit
• Memory foam cushioning
• Shock absorbent and anti-slip
• Meets ASTM F2412-05 standards

Cons

• May not offer adequate support to wide feet

3. Best Arch Support: Skechers For Work Women’s Squad SR Food Service Shoe

If you have not yet found your perfect work shoe, we recommend trying this one. These shoes feature a lace-up design that provides comfort and enough space for your feet. These are made from synthetic material and also feature a synthetic sole. These shoes are great for all-day wear and have a low top arch to keep your feet comfortable even if you are wearing one size larger. These anti-slip work shoes are great value for money!

Pros

• Slip-resistant
• Good arch support
• Features a breathable lace-up pattern
• Works well with inserts
• Highly comfortable and durable

Cons

• Might get stained easily

4. Best Comfort: Skechers Work Footwear Women’s Relaxed Fit Slip With Memory Foam

When you are investing a substantial amount of money for buying a great pair of shoes that lasts long, make sure you have a look at these Relaxed Fit Work Shoes from Skechers. The shoes are designed to offer a comfortable and roomy fit and slip-resistant outsoles so you can work in wet and damp conditions. These shoes are tested for protection against electrical hazards and also for compression and impact.

Pros

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Prevents slips and stumbles
• Great value for money

Cons

• Might run a bit large

5. Best Water-Resistant: Avia Women’s Avi-Union Ii Food Service Shoe

If comfort and flexibility are the two most important things for you, then these shoes are the ones you must get your hands on! They are designed with synthetic leather and memory foam sock liner for extra comfort. These shoes have rubber soles and are also stain and water-resistant. The rubber tread patterns offer an enhanced grip and make it oil and slip-resistant. These shoes remain true to their purpose, providing much-needed support throughout the day.

Pros

• Rubber soles
• Water and stain-resistant design
• Rubber tread pattern for augmented grip and support
• Goes with different work uniforms

Cons

• Runs one size larger

6. Best Breathable: KEEN Utility Women’s PTC Oxford Work Shoe

Professional-looking, breathable, and true to size, these are the qualities that describe this pair of work shoes. These shoes are the perfect footwear for nurses and food servers. Made using 100% leather, these shoes are slip and oil resistant. They have a lace-up pattern and are easy to wear and remove. The best part is that these shoes feature recycled PU, cork, and memory foam to offer comfort and support to your feet.

Pros

• Cushioned footbed for better support
• Memory foam support
• Easy to clean and wipe
• Oil and slip-resistant
• Meets ASTM F1667-96 Mark II non-slip standards

Cons

• Slightly expensive

7. Best For All-Day Wear: Avia Women’s Avi-Focus Food Service Shoe

Finding the ideal shoes for work is not easy, but when you have a shoe that looks stylish, is comfortable and safe, you do not have to think twice. These server shoes with a rubber sole and lace-up pattern is an excellent option if you are spending long hours on your feet at work. These shoes are designed with a memory foam sock liner that offers an excellent grip.

Pros

• Oil and stain-resistant
• Memory foam cushioning for support
• Provides room for toes
• Durable

Cons

• Runs a size bigger

8. Best Cushioning: MOZO Women’s Maven Food Service Shoe

If you prefer sneakers or sport shoes, these canvas shoes are a great option. Not only do you get these at a great price, but you also get to choose from three different colors. The shoes are comfortable to wear owing to the lace-up design and elastic goring that makes it easy to slip them on. The shoes consist of gel insoles for a better fit and cushioning. The synthetic sole and canvas outer sole make it slip-resistant and durable.

Pros

• Full-grain leather design
• Water and slip-resistant design
• Soft cushioning offered by gel insoles

Cons 

• Might offer a tight fit for wide feet

9. Best Stain-Resistant: Skechers Work Footwear Women’s Gozard Slip Resistant Shoe

These shoes from Skechers are great for work as they are breathable and stylish for servers (waitresses) and nurses. This high-quality and glossy pair of shoes features a mesh covering for breathability, and memory foam that offers cushioning and support. It is also water and stain-resistant. These shoes are designed for all sizes and thus provide a relaxed fit to wide or narrow feet.

Pros

• Safe and protective shoes
• Slip-resistant shoes
• Designed to provide room for toes
• Comfortable to wear and take-off

Cons

• Comes with a hard sole

10. Best Durable: Skechers Work Relaxed Fit Nampa-annod Service Shoe

Does comfort top the list of features you look for in work footwear? Then these shoes from Skechers are highly recommended for you. These are designed to keep your feet relaxed and well-supported throughout the day. These slip-ons are not bulky and provide your feet the support they need, all day long. Featuring a rubber traction sole that is flexible, these shoes are easy to wear and take off. The Memory Foam insole ensures all-day comfort.

Pros

• Durable
• Sporty and casual design
• Perfect arch support

Cons

• May not fit wide feet

11. Best Slip-Resistant: Shoes For Crews Women’s Liberty Slip Resistant Food Service Work Sneaker

These shoes will offer you a great workday with its relaxed, comfortable, and padded fit. These shoes feature a rubber sole that provides better balance and arch support. These slip-resistant shoes can be used in humid or greasy work conditions and will prevent you from stumbling or falling. The padded collar and tongue can avoid foot aches or blisters.

Pros

• Designed slip-resistant technology
• Waterproof
• Comfy and durable shoes
• Lightweight and affordable

Cons

• Hard sole

12. Best Sturdy Shoes: SafeTstep Slip Resistant Women’s Kelly Slip-On

If you are seeking a stylish and sturdy pair of shoes, these slip-on shoes are just the perfect ones to get. The best thing about it is that they offer a lot of space for toes, and thus, are great for people with wide feet. The shoe is also comfortable to wear and remove, unlike other lace-up shoes. Apart from this, these shoes are also oil and slip-resistant.

Pros

• Easy to wear
• Stylish and heeled wedges
• Designed with a non-marking outsole
• Great for oily and wet working conditions

Cons

• Sizes run small

13. Best Moisture-Wicking: Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Inhale Slip Resistant Sneaker

Shoes from Dr. Scholl’s are known to be very comfortable and stylish. Especially if you are a sneaker person, these lace-up work sneakers will keep you working hassle-free all day long. These shoes come with advanced memory foam insoles for better grip and support, while the insole channels promote breathability. They also have moisture-wicking lining, and the antimicrobial sock prevents foul odor.

Pros

• Affordable
• Moisture-wicking lining prevents smell and sweat
• Cushioned sneakers for better grip
• Comes with a moisture-wicking lining

Cons

• Sizes run small
• Hard insoles

Now that we have seen the top 13 server shoes this year, let us take a look at some of the things you must avoid if you are buying these shoes.

What To Avoid When Buying Server (Waitress) Shoes

The first thing to keep in mind is not to purchase sandals, ballet flats, boat shoes, or high heels while shopping for work shoes. These shoes do not offer enough protection or comfort for hours and may cause blisters and extreme foot ache.

A server’s job demands them to stand for long periods, making it crucial for them to own a pair of comfortable shoes that provide ample support and breathability. However, you cannot rely on any regular shoes that are comfortable; they need to complement your uniform, too. Furthermore, the shoes should offer a good grip to prevent skidding and come with great cushioning for added comfort. Shoes crafted with breathable materials are a great option to keep you sweat-free, and the anti-slip support prevents any mishaps. However, you should avoid shoes with a hard sole or cheap material.