Slip Resistant Shoes - Reviews

Slip Resistant footwear is quite possibly any server or kitchen staff's best friend in a high volume restaurant. I must have gone through about 10 pairs of Slip Resistant shoes in my first year of serving. Trying different pairs gave me the opportunity to find a style and fit that I liked, but also while also spending several days worth of tips in the process. Below I have chosen to review a few of the pairs of Slip Resistant shoes that have really stood out in my past few years of serving.

The first pair of non-slip shoes I purchased was in October of 2003. They were from Payless shoes and were one of their generic no-name brands with their patented nonslip grids on the bottom. These shoes were not only ugly, but they weighed a ton. These were the women's design, which more or less looked like a super bulky running shoe with cheap plastic flaps hanging from the sides. I ended up getting stuck at my first serving job late that night and missed the last bus. I walked 4 miles to the next town to catch a late bus, and boy did my feet hurt. These shoes were just not fit enough to wear outside of the restaurant. I give them a 1 for comfort, and 10 for the non-slip tread being so well made.

The next pair of non-slip shoes I purchased was in February 2004. I purchased the TX-Traction women's shoes from Famous Footwear. These shoes seemed like they were very well made and featured a super cusioned insole with a raised section on the heel. After my first serving shift at the new high volume restaurant I still work at to this day, my feet were burning. I wore these shoes for a few more weeks before tossing them in the garbage. I learned recently that TX is now in with Dr. Scholls, so maybe their shoes have some more comfort? I give these shoes a 1 for comfort and a 5 for the slip resistant bottoms not being reliable when there is food stuck in the grooves.

After my battle with the TX's, I bought a smaller pair of men's Payless velcro non-slips. These shoes were extremely comfortable compared to the women's Payless shoes. The added bonus was the fact that I never had to bend over and tie them. Instead, I dealt with ridicule from the rest of the wait staff for wearing shoes for a 5 year old, but what can I say? These shoes still have not done me wrong. They clean up nicely, and I never slip no matter how much mashed potato and sour cream I have stepped on in the garbage area. I give these shoes an 8 for comfort only because they sometimes stress out my toes and a 10 for the non-slip tread being the most reliable tread once again. Go payless!

In April 2004 I made the mistake of leaving my velcro shoes in another state 4 hours away with my family who wouldn't be home for another two weeks. Ironically enough, I was driving home for a 3:45 pm shift and had already been about an hour into my trip home so I decided it would be a waste of time and gas to head back for a pair of $20 shoes. When I made it relatively close to my job, I stopped at a Payless in the mall for another pair of my velcro wonders. Instead, I ended up having to buy a pair of mens' tie up Slip Resistant shoes that were a size or two too big. These shoes lasted me two years before I finally had to throw them out because of the smell of rotten food and green mold making me sick. I give these shoes a 10 for never hurting my feet or letting me down.

Through all of this I have also purchased other pairs of Slip-Resistant shoes from Kmart and Payless, including the new and updated version of the women's non-slip shoe. Payless is doing a good job at trying to fix the women's version of the shoe, but it still feels uncomfortable on my flat feet, so I tend to stick with the men's shoes.

As for now, I still wear the velcro shoes. They are starting to wear down on the upper parts now, so I am going to invest in a pair of Shoes For Crews as they are now available at my job. I've been hearing great things about them from the servers at my job who have purchased them. They even have a pair that resembles Converse All Stars and offer them in both Hi and Low top. I am going to look into a pair of those or a pair that resembles Converse Chuck Purcells. Until then, I hope you enjoyed my shoe review!