The primary job of a server is to take orders and cater to the customers’ needs at restaurants, and performing well at this job requires plenty of walking to and fro from tables. Hence how a waiter or waitress treats their feet should not be taken lightly when they are on their feet for hours on end.
Restaurant servers must always pair their uniforms with comfortable, closed-toe, and slip-resistant shoes. This is the first rule of restaurant footwear; no server should wear open-toed shoes. However, servers in the hospitality industry are expected to only show up at work in sandals.
Working in a restaurant will always come with a lot of hustle and bustle. Any server in the restaurant will testify that they have traversed miles through a shift. This job is typically fast-paced with plenty of ground to cover, and good shoes will help you do all of that comfortably, serving throughout the day into the night. Here’s why you should select non-slip and comfortable waitress shoes:
- Hot spills and splatters
No matter how efficient the restaurant management is, some things will inevitably land on the floor. A server trying to balance entrees on foot with scattered melted ice cubes, lemon wedges, and errant grease sticks is an unavoidable recipe for disaster.
A recent study has shown that workers in the food service sector are at a sixty percent higher risk of occupational injury than workers in other industries. Slip-resistant shoes are non-negotiable.
- Injury protection and foot protection
As a waitress digging through the storage to restock mid-shift, you can lose grip and drop a heavy container on your feet. For workers in the kitchen, hot oil and grease slashes are a great danger.
Most people know the hazards of burning or cutting their hands, but spilled food in the kitchen can leave you with third-degree burns or make you slip. No-slip, covered work shoes can withstand some impact and will save you a trip for a broken toe or third burn.
- Arch support
Good service workers toil on their feet for long hours. A study reports that waiters, on average, walk 23000 steps daily, which is more than 10 miles! Walking for long hours is only possible with good arch support.
Non-slip shoes that support the natural arch of the feet, unlike flat shoes, improve comfort during shifts. Arch support is also critical to prevent injury. Ankle twists; sprains, and fallen arches result from the strenuous activity without proper support and comfort.
Styles like clogs, slip-on sneakers, lace-up sneakers, ballet flats, and heeled wedges are good options. Each offers the wearer durable and sturdy footgear, keeping her comfortable for hours on end.
It would help if you did not think twice before spending on quality shoes at work to prevent workplace accidents and injuries. Moreover, it makes sense to spend on shoes rather than on hospital bills later. Take care of your feet to remain active for longer duration. Invest in a good pair of shoes.
