If you work in the Hotel, Restaurant and Catering sector (HO.RE.CA.) or in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, you will know how important it is to wear comfortable, safe, hard-wearing work shoes.

From professional kitchens to food laboratories, restaurant dining rooms and hospital environments, the shoes must ensure:

• Adherence and slip resistance on wet and oily surfaces
• Breathability and comfort for long hours spent standing up
• Materials that are resistant to liquids, oil and chemical substances
• Lightness and ergonomics to alleviate fatigue

Wearing the wrong shoes can have serious consequences, not just for your safety, but also for your health. 

This guide will tell your everything you need to know about the best HO.RE.CA. work shoes, with a focus on the U-Power range, which is perfect for all professional needs.

1. FEATURES OF HO.RE.CA. AND FMCG FOOTWEAR
2. THE U-POWER RANGE OF HO.RE.CA. FOOTWEAR
3. HOW TO CHOOSE A WORK SHOE FOR HO.RE.CA.
4. WHERE TO TRY U-POWER HO.RE.CA. WORK SHOES

FEATURES OF HO.RE.CA. AND FMCG FOOTWEAR

Footwear for the HO.RE.CA. (Hotel, Restaurant, Catering) and FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) sectors must meet specific requirements for safety, comfort and practicality. 

These work environments often entail long shifts on your feet, slippery surfaces and the need to move rapidly between different spaces. 

So, here are the key features to look for in HO.RE.CA. and FMCG work shoes:

• Slip resistance (SRC): to reduce the risk of falls on wet or oily floors.
• Cushioning and lightness: ergonomic soles to alleviate fatigue.
• Protection from liquids and chemical substances: easy-to-clean, waterproof or water-repellent materials.
• Breathability: essential for long working hours.
• EN ISO 20347:2022 + A1:2024 standard: safety certification for occupational footwear without a protective toe cap.
• Ergonomic design: for the perfect balance between functionality and professional style.

Did you know that wearing ergonomic works shoes improves posture and alleviates aching muscles? Choosing the right work shoe for the HO.RE.CA. industry can make a significant difference to your work life quality.

If you work in a frenetic environment and are looking for non-slip, breathable, hard-wearing work shoes, keep reading!

THE U-POWER RANGE OF HO.RE.CA. FOOTWEAR

U-Power, a leading producer of work footwear, has developed a range specifically for the HO.RE.CA. industry, with styles that combine technological innovation and comfort.

Features of U-Power shoes for the HO.RE.CA. industry:

• EVA sole: to ensure lightness, cushioning and impact absorption.
• Laser-cut nylon mesh upper: to improve breathability and comfort.
• U-Power MEMORY FOAM insole: that adapts to the shape of the foot, providing superior cushioning.
• OB E FO SR standard protection: to ensure resistance to oil, grease and chemical agents.

Some of the most popular styles are “Gordon” and “Heston”, both part of the U.Lite range: the new ultra-comfortable collection for all requirements.

GORDON style: perfect for chefs and cooks 

- EVA sole for extra cushioning
- Breathable nylon laser-cut upper
- U-Power MEMORY FOAM insole for maximum comfort
- OB E FO SR standard protection

HESTON style: ideal for waiters and baristas, as well as leisure time!

- Elegant, light design
- Non-slip sole with SR grip
- Maximum flexibility for rapid movements

Which one should you choose? If you work in a kitchen, opt for a waterproof, heat-resistant style. If you are a waiter, choose light shoes with a cushioned sole.

To find the best shoes for waiters who work on the go, read our dedicated article.

HOW TO CHOOSE A WORK SHOE FOR HO.RE.CA.

Every HO.RE.CA. professional has different requirements. 

Here are some tips for choosing the right shoes based on your specific job in the industry:

• Chefs and cooks: non-slip shoes (SRC) with breathability and resistance to oil splatters.
• Cleaners: waterproof (O2) styles with resistance to chemical detergents.
• Waiters and managers: light, elegant shoes with a cushioned sole.
• Baristas: water-repellent shoes with extra grip for wet floors.

The most suitable materials include leather, microfibre and technical polymers, which offer durability and strength, but also lightness and flexibility.

Lastly, here is a handy checklist that will help you choose the right shoes based on your job:

- Work environment: do you work in the kitchen, dining room or behind the counter?
- Safety standard: do your shoes need to be certified?
- Material: which is better: leather, microfibre or synthetic materials?
- Breathability: do you work in hot environments? Choose light textiles.
- Cushioning: do you have to be on your feet for long hours? Look for ergonomic soles.
- Slip-resistant sole: are there wet or oily surfaces in your workplace?

Considering these factors will help you find the most suitable style for your job and needs. If you’d like to find out more, read our guide “HO.RE.CA. safety shoes for catering: how to choose?”.

WHERE TO TRY U-POWER HO.RE.CA. WORK SHOES

To try on and purchase U-Power’s HO.RE.CA. footwear, contact our main resellers specialised in workwear and visit the page dedicated to HO.RE.CA. footwear on the official website. 

At physical stores, you will have the opportunity to try styles on and assess the comfort and fit yourself before making a purchase. You will also receive tips from in-store experts.

Investing in top-quality footwear for the HO.RE.CA. industry not only improves your well-being at work, but also ensures greater safety and productivity in the workplace.

Fed up with aching feet at the end of your shift? Choose comfortable, light, non-slip shoes to tackle every work day in the greatest of comfort.

FIND OUT ABOUT U-POWER SHOES FOR THE HO.RE.CA. INDUSTRY