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Hey guys
I just started training in a bartender job and am moving on to becoming a server soon.
The dress code for my restaurant is pretty "formal" though... meaning I have to wear a black dress shirt, black dress pants and dress like black shoes.
Here's the shitty part, dress shoes fucking kill me feet and back, especially since I'm working like 10 hours a day.
I'm from Toronto Canada and was wondering if there are any experienced servers who have gone through this type of dress code and can help lead me in buying some shoes that would be appropriate for my restaurant but also would be able to help my feet throughout the longass shifts.
The reason I mentioned my location is so that I can get some pointers in buying them in my area.
I need them ASAP as I can't wait like 2 weeks for shipping from the States or w/e lol. I have five 10 hour shifts lined up for this upcoming week.. =(
I tried buying insoles but it just doesn't help when the base of the dress shoes are still shit.
My budget is under $100 Canadian as I am trying to make money, not lose it.
Any help is appreciated!!
And to all servers/bartenders out there.
I now understand the shit you guys go through lol.
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Umm, my post won't help a single bit, but i still think it's important to add:
Imagine wearing heels.
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I'm not sure how dressy they need to be, but shoes for crews has some really comfortable shoes for pretty cheap that look nice.
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You can always get some gel insoles or something to put in your dress shoes.
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Try Marks Work Warehouse. They have some nice stuff that I am sure you would be allowed to wear that may be able to stand the test of time and not kill your feet.
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Ppl working in the hospital buy black shoes that are made for long hours walking around and standing ... the thing is they are really expensive ... around $100 I think.
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United States16368 Posts
Cole Haan make really comfortable "dressy" shoes, these are probably closer to 150 in Canada.
Clarks are comfortable too, but they don't look very good. I think these are probably closer to 100.
Sketchers have decently comfortable shoes, I bought a pair six years ago, and recently threw them out, and I used to walk in them like running shoes.
The point is, you should really go to a shoe store and try them on before buying.
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I also had these lacoste loafers that no one could tell since it's dark enough but were super comfy.
I also had a pair of converse black that I wore a few times. As long as the shoe is black and shiny they can't tell since you're behind the bar.
Don't buy expensive shoes to work in a bar.
And yeah, I worked at a ritz nightclub so if it flies there, it'll fly there too.
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Insoles. This is your only advice, look for orthotic insoles. No matter how great the shoes are (unless they are special orthopedic shoes) your lower back will eventually hurt.
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If you're just standing behind the bar, cant't you just go barefoot?
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Get classy-looking black sneakers as long as you're behind the bar. That is the best way to avoid hurting feet and still looking kinda formal.
If you're waiting tables, tough luck, though. Here in Germany we have "orthopaedic shoemakers" (translation taken from the internet, original: Orthopädisches Schuhgeschäft/Orthopädischer Schuhmacher) where they kinda look if your foot has something wrong about it and then give you custom insoles made for your foot only - or tell you what shoe to wear under which conditions.
maybe you should check some counseling in that area.
i worked 2 years as a bartender/cocktailer, and i always went well with plain black sneakers to match my black pants and black vest, then again i wasn't working at white-collar joints.
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And why would u go become a waiter from being a bartender?
That's downgrading your position...
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from what i heard, in fancy restaurants, tips are better for the table personnel because they actually generate them with being friendly and stuff.
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I'm a bartender in the GTA, although currently unemployed. When I have to wear shoes I bought a nice pair from aldo back in the day and they don't hurt my feet too bad, you could try that out, everyone has different feet though. It's honestly hit or miss with dress shoes it feels like, so just look around and hope you find something you like. 10hours is going to make anyone's feet hurt though, haha.
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On May 02 2011 05:12 omgCRAZY wrote:
Try Marks Work Warehouse. They have some nice stuff that I am sure you would be allowed to wear that may be able to stand the test of time and not kill your feet.
Marks Work Warehouse can get pretty expensive for stuff that may or may not be comfortable/look good enough.
If you're willing to pay a bit more, try Browns at the Bayview Village shopping mall, at Bayview+Sheppard. I bought a comfortable, long-lasting pair of black shoes (elegant without being dress!) for my work and some everyday usage.
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On May 02 2011 07:11 Vlare wrote:
I'm a bartender in the GTA, although currently unemployed. When I have to wear shoes I bought a nice pair from aldo back in the day and they don't hurt my feet too bad, you could try that out, everyone has different feet though. It's honestly hit or miss with dress shoes it feels like, so just look around and hope you find something you like. 10hours is going to make anyone's feet hurt though, haha.
Man...
You got steel feet then bro because I bought a pair of ALDOs 5 days ago and those were the shoes that were killing me last week.
I ended up going to some place called "Softmoc".
They carried some of the brands that someone mentioned in the blog responses but they were pretty expensive. I still found a pair by Rockport in that store though.
Ugly as shit but it felt comfortable from heel to toe so I thought that would come in handy for when I had to squat down to stock stuff or whatever. There were definitely more grip too compared to the other dressy shoes.
Thanks for the feedback guys. I think you definitely saved me. Literally.
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also get a pair of thick wool socks , they can cushion better than the thin cotton blended ones
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Just get shoes that look nice and put in custom soles in them. Far far better than praying for some good stock soles
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It's also good to note that you're going to be much more comfortable in your shoes after a week or two regardless of what you get because you're going to break them in and your feet are going to toughen up.
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I have to walk a lot for work and only recently caved to buying dr scholls insoles. Best $20 ever spent at a pharmacy. If you're on your feet a lot for work these are a must. Pain just disappears.
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EPT
