Chef Shoes: Your Perfect Fit Awaits
As a chef, you want to focus on food, not footwear. That’s why choosing the right chef shoe matters.
You spend a lot of time standing in one place prepping food—unless you’re supervising the kitchen, in which case you dash around during much of your shift.
Whether you stand or dash, you’re vulnerable to the same foot, calf, knee and back pain as anyone who’s on their feet for hours. But your job also makes your feet vulnerable to specific safety risks—such as slipping on a wet floor, dropping sharp or heavy objects on your feet, spilling hot foods or liquids on your feet, and even twisting your ankles during a quick direction change.
Footwear Fact
Chefs are prone to a condition called Chef’s Foot, or Hallux rigidus, in which the base big toe becomes painful and stiff. Fortunately, wearing the right shoes and doing specific foot exercises can provide relief.
Finding the Best Fit
Like anyone who stands for hours, you want a stable, comfortable shoe with good arch support and cushioning, so your feet, knees and back don’t ache. That’s where the unique features of KURU shoes come in. The patented KURUSOLE cradles your heel so your foot’s natural cushioning retains its shape, while the thick KURUCLOUD absorbs impact and the ULTIMATE INSOLE shapes to your foot for a custom fit.
To prevent the unique problems chefs face, foot doctors recommend these footwear features:
- A non-slip sole to prevent falls on wet floors
- A toe box with enough space for your toes to wiggle
- A breathable lining, so your feet don’t sweat excessively
- A firm sole that doesn’t bend for good support
- A solid upper surface—not mesh—to protect your feet from cuts, bruises and burns
- A waterproof upper for easy cleaning
If you spend much of your shift pivoting in different directions, choose a shoe at least as high as your ankle to prevent ankle injuries.
