Catering Tips - The Best Shoes for Servers and Waiters
Being on your feet in the catering business can be brutal. The extent of exertion, such as standing on hard tile in the kitchen or running in the case of servers, can vary but it all takes a toll on the feet. Even as the owner you're going to be feeling the effects of being on your feet all day. Regardless of the position you're in with catering, you need to have high quality shoes that support you and keep you and your staff safe.
Does that mean you have to spend hundreds of dollars on designer safety shoes or working class boots for safety? No - it's just a matter of finding the right style with the right safety offering. With restaurant staff there are two things that are the most important. The first is comfort, because you can't be on your feet all day without some kind of comfortable support. The second is safety, because working around water and grease are a hazard; you need shoes that won't let your feed slide out from under you. Here are some things to look at and consider when shopping for shoes.
Bonding Film Vs Seams - Most of the products we use on a daily basis use some kind of bonding film to hold them together. It's even present in clothing. A good sturdy bonding film will keep the sole of the shoe together even in nasty conditions with intense exposure to heat and grease. You want something that will last, not a cheap shoe that will fall apart in 2 months.
Seam placement - If you're experience pain and discomfort in a specific area of your foot, then try to find a new shoe that doesn't have seams over that spot. Many times the discomfort we experience comes from the actual design of the shoe, not from the act of standing or walking too much.
Shape - Shape is important when you want to find a comfortable shoe, but it also plays a big part in the safety offers. Get the shape most appropriate for the kitchen environment, where you have maximum traction and a large portion of the shoe makes contact with the floor when walking. Curved shoes just don't cut it. Remember also that ankle support is a big deal to help you avoid turning your ankle.
Laces - You might not think much of the laces you get when you buy new shoes, but not all shoes come with quality laces. In many cases they'll quickly deteriorate in the food service environment and can easily come untied. Upgrade to a more expensive pair of laces intended for heavy duty use. Just make sure the color you choose matches your boots.
Catering Equipment - No-Skid - No skid shoes are important in the restaurant and catering business. With the potential for spills, food debris, grease, moisture and other problems that reduce friction and traction on the floor, you and your team need no skid shoes. Otherwise you face the potential of a lot of workmans comp claims.
Catering Equipment - You'll probably have to pay more for a good set of no-skid shoes that are supportive and comfortable, but the investment is worth it. Quality shoes can last you a year or more even in a busy kitchen and catering business. That's better than replacing "cheaper" shoes several times a year. With that, the cost eventually adds up and you wind up spending more.
The search for quality catering equipment is finally over. You can finally inject real elegance into your service offering, from the simple elegance of the stainless steel chafing dish to the quality of the ornate dessert stand, CateringEquipment.com has something for every event caterer.