Working in the HO.RE.CA. industry (Hotel, Restaurant, Catering) means spending long hours on your feet, moving around quickly while dealing with daily risks, such as slippery surfaces and heavy objects.

Safety shoes for catering are not only a safety requirement but also an important element for your welfare and work productivity.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the different types of professional footwear for catering, from shoes for the kitchen to those for food services staff, as well as the essential criteria for choosing the best style to meet your needs.

1. FOOD SERVICES SHOES FOR RESTAURANTS, HOTELS OR THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
2. KITCHEN SHOES: THE BEST STYLES FOR CHEFS AND COOKS
3. WAITER SHOES: ELEGANCE AND COMFORT FOR WORKING ON THE MOVE
4. HOW TO FIND A HO.RE.CA. SAFETY SHOE RETAILER NEAR ME

FOOD SERVICES SHOES FOR RESTAURANTS, HOTELS AND THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

In the catering industry, food services staff need to find the right balance between elegant, comfortable and safe shoes. 

Waiters, maître d’ and bartenders spend entire days on the go, moving quickly between the tables and kitchen, whilst having to maintain a professional appearance. This is why their footwear must be light and cushioned with a slip-resistant sole, designed to tackle potentially wet or slippery floors.

Food services shoes are essential for:

• ACCIDENT PREVENTION: wet floors, oily surfaces and heavy objects that fall are common risks. Non-slip shoes with a reinforced toe cap provide protection from falls and impacts.
• INCREASED COMFORT: working long hours on your feet can cause postural problems and fatigue. A good pair of safety shoes alleviates both foot and back ache.
• GUARANTEED HYGIENE AND DURABILITY: styles certified for the food industry are easy to clean, anti-bacterial and water-repellent.
• COMPLIANCE WITH SPECIFIC STANDARDS: the use of shoes with safety certification is mandated by law in some environments.

HESTON shoes by U-Power are an excellent choice for hotel and food services staff.

With a modern and professional design, they not only look good but are also highly functional. Thanks to the slip-resistant sole, they allow you to move around safely without foregoing elegance and style.

For more details on how to choose shoes for your job, not just in catering, check out our article on how to choose work shoes for HO.RE.CA.

KITCHEN SHOES: THE BEST STYLES FOR CHEFS AND COOKS

What are the best safety shoes for chefs? Remember, first and foremost, that safety in the kitchen is the top priority. Wet floors, boiling oil, sharp knives and high temperatures are just some of the daily challenges faced by chefs and cooks.

Kitchen shoes must, therefore, ensure protection and comfort during even the longest shifts.

Here are the main features of a good style of professional footwear for chefs and cooks:

• NON-SLIP SOLE: essential for avoiding falls on wet or oily floors.
• REINFORCED TOE CAP: to protect feet from the accidental fall of heavy objects.
• WATER-REPELLENT MATERIALS: easy to clean and wear-resistant.
• LONG-LASTING COMFORT: cushioning and arch support to alleviate fatigue.

Many chefs choose professional clogs or closed shoes with a strap fastening for greater convenience. 

Among the best shoe styles for chefs and cooks, an excellent option is the JOEL shoe: the INFINERGY® sole ensures durability and excellent cushioning. 

With a non-slip sole and heat-resistant materials, it is ideal for tackling all the challenges of the food services industry.

If you would like more information about the importance of wearing non-slip shoes in the kitchen, please read our dedicated article.

WAITER SHOES: ELEGANCE AND COMFORT FOR WORKING ON THE MOVE

Working as a waiter means being constantly on your feet, walking miles every day and moving with agility between tables and the counter. 

Waiter shoes must be comfortable and light while ensuring stability and safety on slippery surfaces.

Key features of waiter shoes:

• LONG-LASTING COMFORT: waiter shoes must ensure comfort for the entire work shift, avoiding pain and fatigue.
• NON-SLIP SAFETY: protection against slips is essential in an environment involving constant movement.
• ELEGANT DESIGN: the shoes must meet the professional look required by the industry.

The footwear in the U.Lite collection by U-Power is specifically designed to meet these requirements: in this ultra-comfortable range, there are the most popular styles, widely used in the kitchen by cooks and chefs.

AARON shoes are a perfect example of waiter footwear. With a hard-wearing sole and elegant design, they are a must for anyone working in the hotel or catering industry. 

The AARON style is the most popular kitchen shoe for 3 reasons:

1. The U-Power MEMORY FOAM insole provides optimal cushioning. 
2. The EVA and black rubber sole provides durability and flexibility.
3. Compliance with the EN 20347:2022 standard and classified OB E FO SR.

These shoes not only help to prevent foot and back ache, but also improve the quality of your daily work, alleviating the sense of fatigue at the end of the shift.

HOW TO FIND A HO.RE.CA. SAFETY SHOE RETAILER NEAR ME

Finding the ideal style of shoe for the HO.RE.CA. industry might seem complicated, but with the right tips, it becomes much simpler. 

To avoid buying the wrong shoe, it is important to go to specialised stores that offer certified footwear suited to your specific job.

If you don’t know where to start, the quickest and most efficient way is to use U-Power’s search module. 

Just enter your city or postcode to quickly identify your nearest retailer, where you can try on and purchase the best HO.RE.CA. style for your job.

By going to a physical store, you will have the opportunity to safely choose and try on different options, and find the best one for your requirements.

Don’t forget to check out U-Power’s best-selling products for the HO.RE.CA. industry to find out about all the styles available and find the perfect shoes for your work environment.

FIND OUT ABOUT ALL U-POWER HO.RE.CA. SAFETY SHOES