Best Kitchen Crocs: Crocs for Cooks & Chefs
Chefs can be quite picky when choosing their kitchen footwear, but who can blame them? Spending 8 to 10 hours on the job mainly standing can take its toll on the feet. Chefs know that and they are aware that the shoes they need should meet two main criteria – comfort and safety. While there are many brands out there that can offer these features, a chef favorite remains Crocs. We also appreciate these shoes, which is why we decided to dedicate a post to them.
Read on and discover why Crocs are a top choice for chefs, what defines good kitchen footwear, and which Crocs models are currently in demand.
Why Crocs? Crocs Ranked as the 2nd Favorite Shoe Brand for Chefs and Cooks
You don’t have to take our word for granted when we tell you cooks love Crocs. We conducted a survey and asked hundreds of chefs about their favorite kitchen footwear. Crocs came in second, behind Birkenstock, as the second most popular kitchen footwear brand.
Based on our research, chefs appreciate Crocs for the comfort they never fail to provide. Many also consider them safe given their anti-slip technology.
A cool and casual design is yet another aspect that pleases these professionals. Crocs are quite popular among cooks and chefs, many choosing these shoes for their long and tiring work shifts. Not surprisingly, our survey ended up with 13% of our chefs’ votes being cast for Crocs.
Experts Say Some Crocs Models May Be Bad For Your Feet
Falling in love with a reputable brand like Crocs is easy, especially if you’ve been wearing their shoes for quite a while and you’ve gotten used to them. There’s an undeniable comfy feeling you get when you’re walking in these shoes. Moreover, many come in surprisingly creative designs that please the eye.
However, when it comes to experts’ opinion, it seems that at least some Crocs are not quite the best footwear to choose when working long hours.
Physicians advise against wearing Crocs or similar clog-style shoes for long shifts because they don’t offer enough heel support. This may lead to different degrees of foot pain and injuries in the long term. Another dispute stems from the fact that doctors generally recommend work shoes that provide stability by covering the entire foot and even the whole ankle. Crocs, despite being comfortable due to their open design and low heel, might not be as stable as closed shoes.
Finally, doctors’ last argument is that these shoes don’t secure the heel, therefore increasing the risk of injuries caused by slips and lack of stability. At the same time, clogs might force the toes to grip harder to gain more support and this can lead to several problems such as tendinitis, calluses, corns, or nail problems.
Nonetheless, despite these inconveniences caused by clog-style shoes, there are some Crocs models that were specially designed for professionals who have to spend a lot of time on their feet. These models, some of which we list below, aim to solve the problems signaled by physicians and offer the slip-resistance, arch and heel support, increased stability, and comfort that kitchen pros need.
What Does Good Kitchen Footwear Look Like?
Good shoes for chefs should satisfy different criteria and the most important one is comfort. People who stand for long periods of time are more prone to develop low back pain if their footwear is not comfortable enough. Lightweight soft shoes that are flexible and allow a wide range of foot motions are ideal.
Also, it is better if the shoe is cushioned so that the hard kitchen surface doesn’t harm the feet.
Kitchen shoes should be roomy enough to give toes sufficient space so you don’t feel any toe pain at the end of the day. Low base footwear is preferable to options with heels because it enhances comfort and promotes the feet’s natural position. The best kitchen shoes should have neither flat soles nor high heels.
Another must-have feature is the anti-skid sole that can prevent slips that easily occur on wet kitchen floors. Working in a restaurant poses several other injury risks that can arise from heavy objects or hot liquids falling on the feet. For this reason, suitable chef shoes should offer toe protection, together with sufficient stability to prevent falls or strains during quick movements.
Because it’s almost impossible not to get dirty when working in the kitchen, the best shoes to wear on the job are those you can clean easily by simply washing them with soap and water. Obviously, they should also be made of a material that dries quickly so they are ready to use the following day.
Finally, the ideal footwear for chefs should fit perfectly without being too large or too narrow and it shouldn’t be chosen for aesthetic reasons, but for the comfort and safety it provides.
Best Crocs for Kitchen Jobs
Crocs On-The-Clock Work Slip-On
These highly comfortable Crocs were specially designed for restaurant workers and other professionals who spend hours standing. This pair of reinforced slip-ons are an enhanced version of the classic Crocs. They have an enclosed toe that will protect your feet from spills or potential injuries caused by falling objects. The small heel ensures stability as it has a tapered fit at the back. Your feet will feel comfortable in these shoes as they provide enhanced arch support.
The footbeds are deeply cushioned, and to make them extra comfy, the manufacturer provided them with supportive Croslite™ foam outsoles. These slip-resistant Crocs have been tested and certified to meet high comfort and safety standards.
Bistro Clog
The Bistro Clog is probably the most popular Crocs kitchen shoe. Here is why chefs love it. This light footwear puts no further strain on tired feet that have to withstand long shifts. The Crocs Lock™ slip-resistant tread offers protection against accidents, and so does the enclosed toe design with a thick metatarsal area that protects against spills.
The Legendary Croslite™ foam cushioning provides the support and comfort chefs seek. Moreover, these appealing shoes with a roomy fit come in a wide variety of colors to please any taste. They require basic cleaning and maintenance – simply wash them with soap.
Bistro Graphic Clog
These eye-catching Crocs are hard to leave on the shelf once you spot them. They are nicely decorated with a wide variety of bold graphic motifs. You can choose from different patterns including avocado, tie-dye, doughnuts, flames, or bandana, and allow the creative design to put a smile on your face even during the toughest shifts. When it comes to protection, these clogs don’t lag behind other similar models. They have slip-resistant tread and enclosed toe design to safeguard you against nasty spills.
The Bistro Graphic Clogs are fully molded, very easy to clean, and they have contoured footbeds to support your feet and boost your comfort. They are flexible so you don’t have to make an effort to move your feet, which helps protect against health issues caused by rigid footwear.
Bistro Pro LiteRide™ Clog
The highlight of these chef-oriented Crocs are their Next-generation LiteRide™ foam insoles that feel very soft, are utterly resilient, and contribute to the shoes’ light weight. The Crocs Lock™ slip-resistant tread and enclosed toe design with thicker metatarsal area are also present in this clog that puts great emphasis on safety. Tested and certified based on strict safety and comfort standards, these revolutionary kitchen clogs offer premier support and cushioning.
They are safe, healthy for the feet, and, as their motto says, allow you to ‘sink in comfort’. Plus, you won’t have to struggle to clean them – simply use a moist tissue or wash them and the job is done.
Women’s Neria Pro II Clog
These kitchen shoes for women are loved by many, yet fail to conquer the hearts of all the female chefs who have tried them out. We decided to focus on the positive aspects and tell you why you should give them a chance.
First and foremost, these women’s Crocs feature a relaxed fit, with extra room in the back of the heel that allows you to take them on and off with ease. The slight movement of the heel is absolutely normal and it enables a wider range of foot movements.
The enclosed toe and heel ensure safety against spills or slips and meet work safety standards. They provide enhanced arch support that adds to the overall comfort and they have removable footbed liners that you can easily take out and wash together with the shoes.
Women’s Neria Pro II Graphic Clog
These appealing women’s clogs belong to the same class as those previously described. What makes them stand out and contributes to their popularity is the creative design featuring colorful graphics. If you are tired of the plain one-color clogs, this bold model will make heads turn in the kitchen. The bright patterns on a dark background are not the only strong point of these shoes.
They also boast a healthy design providing extra arch support and safety thanks to their enclosed toe and heel. Roomy and comfy, these clogs are highly supportive, soft, and easy to take on and off.
Women’s Crocs At Work™ Flat
These versatile flat shoes are suitable for different occasions and multiple industries. Their casual look allows you to wear them with no worries even when you step outside the kitchen. Yet, these clogs offer all the extra features required by work footwear. Their enclosed toe and heel guarantee safety against a wide range of work accidents caused by hot spills, falling objects, or your heel slipping out of the shoe.
The Crocs Lock™ slip-resistant treads are also present for enhanced safety. The tapered fit you’ll feel in the back of the heel secures your feet and boosts stability. They are lightweight and provided with the renowned Legendary Croslite™ foam cushioning for all-day comfort. Despite being a closed shoe with a compact design, the Crocs at Work Flat is roomy enough for your feet to relax during demanding shifts.
Specialist II Clog
These kitchen shoes boasts several key aspects that make it suitable for cooks who spend long hours in the kitchen. One of them is the higher heel design that meets work standards, supporting the feet and preventing long-term health issues such as back pain caused by unsuitable shoes. Then there is the typical anti-spill enclosed toe and improved arch support that keeps you safe and offers stability, while preventing injuries such as strains or those caused by slipping.
The most acclaimed feature of these Crocs remains, however, the nubbed Croslite™ foam footbed that makes these shoes extra comfortable, delivering a massage-like experience.
Crocs Unisex Bistro Batali Edition Clog
These super cool Crocs come in two colors, grey and orange. Once you see the bright orange option, you might change your whole perspective about clogs, which are usually perceived as style-less shoes. The orange clogs from this edition are simply gorgeous.
They are also famous for being chef Mario Batali’s signature footwear. What else distinguishes these shoes besides their fame and convertible backstrap with Batali’s name on it? The answer is their design.
They are wide and roomy enough to allow you to feel comfortable, yet the heel is well secured enabling you to move with ease and confidence. They offer a firm grip thanks to the anti-slip soles. These compact shoes have no holes, which makes them spill-proof and enhances your safety. The EVA foam midsole cushioning helps your feet relax with every step you take and the Opti-Flex Zone allows your forefoot to be more flexible.
Note that Crocs has not renewed its collaboration with Mario Batali, so it might be difficult to find a pair that fits your size.
Crocs are very popular among cooks and chefs for different reasons. While most praise them for their comfort, others simply choose this footwear because it’s practical and protects the feet, helping you cope with long shifts and hectic days when the kitchen is the liveliest place in the restaurant.
If you’re looking to shop for quality kitchen shoes check out our following guides:
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