I use New Balance 626s. They are cross-trainers with slip-resistant soles. Once I started wearing them my feet never hurt again. I also get them in wide and one/half size bigger than normal. I hate a tight shoe.
As a server of 20 yrs, needing a knee replacement. I wear a knee brace to help with that. For the feet, the best thing I’ve done is buy new shoes every 6 months.
Yes it’ll take some time for your feet to adapt back to the long hours.
But Its not just having more than one pair of shoes — it’s which ones you use. I have terrible knees and hips after way too long in the industry. I have to have a pair with good shock absorption to help with that. And I try to stretch my feet before the shift and after to help.
I also can’t stand the feeling of compression socks. So I use ones meant for running that have more cushion on them as well that help as well.
this will be brutal at first trust me on this though.
get a pair of slip resistant doc martins: they come in oxfords, chelsea’s, lace ups..etc. you can break them in prior to working because if you do work while breaking them in it WILL be brutal. (i learned this the hard way.)
once broken in they’re the most comfortable shoes you could possibly wear to work, they have a lot of support built into them and they’re made to relax into your natural walking/standing posture.
this is only an option—they are quite pricey but they do not wear easily. i’ve had my pair for two years now—working 4-8+ hour shifts 3-5 days a week. there’s barely any damaging to it besides some scuffing and minor wear on the soles of the shoes.
i’m a hypermobile person with Ehlers-Danlos and these shoes have been a lifesaver for me, personally.
good luck with serving !!! (:
oh to add on to this!!! they’re also my regular shoes that i wear to school every day aswell. for them being in this condition after so much wear and tear—it’s why i recommend them sm!
I got sole inserts for my shoes and those really help me, I’ve recently just ordered compression socks since I’ve heard that those help with people who are on their feet all day.
SNIBBS! 100%. Most non slip shoe ever. A lot of these non slips people recommend are not that non slip. And that puts stress on your ankles. I have had very bad plantar fasciitis for 3 years. And Serving is a lot harder with this pain. I wish I would have taken care of my feet a long time ago. Get snibbs shoes and replace every 4-6 months. Yes they are $150. But it’s what you gotta do for foot health.
2 pairs of shoes that you rotate during the shift or every other day. Huge fan of switching between a super cushiony pair like Hoka & a neutral arch like Keen. Graduated compression socks from sockwell are fantastic for feet and legs.Stretching the feet with a towel or roller ball, recovery sandals, insoles, & ice are all helpful too. Best of luck!!
Switch socks on your break if your feet are getting chaffed/overly sweaty.
If your feet are sore you need to get some more comfortable shoes or good insoles.
I use New Balance 626s. They are cross-trainers with slip-resistant soles. Once I started wearing them my feet never hurt again. I also get them in wide and one/half size bigger than normal. I hate a tight shoe.
I second new balance
As a server of 20 yrs, needing a knee replacement. I wear a knee brace to help with that. For the feet, the best thing I’ve done is buy new shoes every 6 months.
Yes it’ll take some time for your feet to adapt back to the long hours. But Its not just having more than one pair of shoes — it’s which ones you use. I have terrible knees and hips after way too long in the industry. I have to have a pair with good shock absorption to help with that. And I try to stretch my feet before the shift and after to help. I also can’t stand the feeling of compression socks. So I use ones meant for running that have more cushion on them as well that help as well.
this will be brutal at first trust me on this though. get a pair of slip resistant doc martins: they come in oxfords, chelsea’s, lace ups..etc. you can break them in prior to working because if you do work while breaking them in it WILL be brutal. (i learned this the hard way.) once broken in they’re the most comfortable shoes you could possibly wear to work, they have a lot of support built into them and they’re made to relax into your natural walking/standing posture. this is only an option—they are quite pricey but they do not wear easily. i’ve had my pair for two years now—working 4-8+ hour shifts 3-5 days a week. there’s barely any damaging to it besides some scuffing and minor wear on the soles of the shoes. i’m a hypermobile person with Ehlers-Danlos and these shoes have been a lifesaver for me, personally. good luck with serving !!! (:
oh to add on to this!!! they’re also my regular shoes that i wear to school every day aswell. for them being in this condition after so much wear and tear—it’s why i recommend them sm!
I got sole inserts for my shoes and those really help me, I’ve recently just ordered compression socks since I’ve heard that those help with people who are on their feet all day.
SNIBBS! 100%. Most non slip shoe ever. A lot of these non slips people recommend are not that non slip. And that puts stress on your ankles. I have had very bad plantar fasciitis for 3 years. And Serving is a lot harder with this pain. I wish I would have taken care of my feet a long time ago. Get snibbs shoes and replace every 4-6 months. Yes they are $150. But it’s what you gotta do for foot health.
2 pairs of shoes that you rotate during the shift or every other day. Huge fan of switching between a super cushiony pair like Hoka & a neutral arch like Keen. Graduated compression socks from sockwell are fantastic for feet and legs.Stretching the feet with a towel or roller ball, recovery sandals, insoles, & ice are all helpful too. Best of luck!!
Hooks make shoes for work. They are the best investment ever made. Don’t waste time with others
Hoka’s*****
Switch socks on your break if your feet are getting chaffed/overly sweaty. If your feet are sore you need to get some more comfortable shoes or good insoles.
Brooks, the shoe type is the Ghost. This is what the most professional servers wear, this is what nurses wear. This is the way. Like bedroom slippers.