When Should You Replace Your Employees’ Restaurant Shoes?

In the restaurant industry, kitchen and front-of-house staff must maintain a prolonged standing position throughout their working hours, and may even walk several kilometres during a shift. Using suitable restaurant shoes is essential, and to optimise their qualities, they must always be in good condition. That is why it is important to recognise the signs that indicate it is time to replace your employees’ shoes.

What risks do restaurant staff face ?

Whether front of house or in the kitchen, restaurant staff work standing continuously, increasing the risks of musculoskeletal disorders. The many movements they make also increase the risk of slips or same-level falls, which account for 31 % of workplace accidents, particularly in environments with wet or uneven surfaces. In the kitchen, handling heavy equipment creates a risk of these objects falling onto employees’ feet, while staff also face the risk of splashes from different liquids. 

Why are suitable restaurant shoes important ?

Providing your employees with suitable shoes that are in good condition is essential for their safety and can help address these various risks. Slip-resistant, non-slip soles reduce the risk of falls by up to 80 % when linked to slips on wet surfaces. Enhanced comfort and support also help to reduce fatigue caused by frequent walking, as well as prevent muscle and back problems resulting from poor posture and poor-quality footwear. This is why it is important to choose shoes suited to your employees’ activities.

Signs to look out for to know when to replace your employees’ restaurant shoes

Once you have chosen your employees’ restaurant shoes, it is important to know when to replace them. While we recommend replacing work shoes every six months to fully benefit from the safety they provide, this timeframe may vary depending on their condition.

Here are a few things to look out for to know when to replace your employees’ shoes:

For front-of-house staff: 

• For leather shoes: check the condition of the material. Well-maintained leather will retain its flexibility and remain comfortable for your employees. If the leather starts to crack, it indicates that the material has been heavily worn; in other words, the shoes have been worn for a long time and it is time to replace them.
• For fabric or mesh shoes: if you have chosen trainers, which are most often made of fabric or mesh, remember to check regularly for holes or tears.
• The non-slip sole: front-of-house staff make many trips during their shift and may encounter slippery or uneven surfaces, which is why using non-slip outsoles is recommended. The wear level of these soles must also be closely monitored. A worn non-slip sole will lose its properties and will no longer be as effective against slip risks. When the sole becomes smooth, remember to replace the shoes as soon as possible.
• The inside of the shoe: also remember to check the wear condition of the fabric inside the shoe. Due to the foot rubbing against the inside of the shoe, the inner membrane can tear and develop holes. This type of wear encourages blisters to form, making it extremely difficult for servers to work.

For kitchen staff: 

In addition to the points mentioned above, which should also be monitored for kitchen staff, a few additional criteria should be considered: 

• Water resistance : as cooks may be exposed to liquid splashes, it is important to check the water resistance of their shoes and ensure that their feet stay dry.
• The protective toe cap: handling heavy utensils in the kitchen increases the risk of feet being crushed if these objects fall. This is why restaurant shoes for kitchen use are fitted with a protective toe cap. If this toe cap is cracked, broken or damaged, the shoes must be replaced immediately.
• Thermal protection: the frequent transitions from hot to cold in the kitchen can affect staff health, which is why effective thermal protection is important.

If, after carrying out all these checks, you believe it is time to replace your employees’ restaurant shoes, we invite you to contact our team of Shoes For Crews experts, who can advise you according to your needs. Our extensive catalogue of shoes in a range of styles with multiple features will meet not only your quality requirements, but also the aesthetic requirements of your establishment.