Someone has to wash all the dishes in restaurants and hotels. Thanks to Josephine Cochrane, it need not be as laborious as it once was. Still, it is a damp job that requires one to be on their feet for long hours at a time. Thus, the shoes have to meet certain requirements to suit your needs as a dishwasher and ensure that you carry out your job safely and comfortably.
What Kind Of Shoes Should Dishwashers Wear?
- Slip Resistant: This is important for all people in foodservice but particularly the dishwashers who will find the floor of their work station is often damp. You are often given a non-skid mat to stand on but if you have to go somewhere else, you won’t slip.
- Cushioning: Dishwashers spend a lot of time on their feet. The shoe needs cushioning around the tongue, on the heel, and around the collar to reduce fatigue and blistering.
- Support: When the cushioning starts to collapse, support will become more important. A very good shoe will have great arch support plus a dual-density midsole.
Our Picks:
Here is a list of the five shoes that we believe will perform well for you as a dishwasher. Comparison shop to find out which one is best for you.
1. Crocs Classic Clog
Clogs are not recommended if you work with sharp knives. If you don’t wash anything sharper than a pizza cutter these shoes might work if your employer allows them. Don’t count on it. Most restaurant managers tend to make things as unpleasant and inconvenient for the working staff as possible.
Features and Benefits:
This style comes in forty-two different colors so you are sure to find something that suits you. The shoes are lightweight, which makes them easy to walk in. The iconic Crocs Comfort ventilation ports provide breathability and aid in shedding water and debris fast. They are slip ons that are easy to pull on and take off. The pivoting heel straps deliver a more secure fit so that they stay in place.
What We Like:
- They are lightweight and comfortable.
- They provide good shock absorption.
- They are easy to clean.
- They have a wide toe box.
What We Don’t:
- The heel support is inadequate.
- The fit is loose.
2. Birkenstock Professional Unisex Profi Birki Work Shoe
Birkenstock has now created a type of shoe ideal for kitchen work. It has the grip, support, and superb comfort that are essential for safety and performance. This shoe is made to fit the foot so that you will be reasonably comfortable even after hours on your feet.
Features and Benefits:
The outsole is antislip. The shoe can be cleaned in a dishwasher. (Don’t do it on the job.) The anatomically-shaped delivers the exact same comfort as the classic Birkenstock cork versions.
What We Like:
- The shoes are durable and lightweight.
- The insole is cool and comfortable.
- They are certified non-slip.
- It has a sleek and simple design.
What We Don’t:
- The sizing is a bit off.
- There is a bit of a break-in period.
3. Dansko Women’s XP 2.0 Clog
The quality of Dansko products has never been in dispute. It is well known to be marvelously comfortable. This model comes in the basic black that is most likely called for in your workplace as well as many other patterns. It is not only very comfortable but safe to walk in.
Features and Benefits:
The padded instep collar provides extra comfort while walking so you can stand and walk in them for a long time. The roomy toe box allows the toes to move around comfortably. The lightweight EVA midsole lowers fatigue for everyday wear and delivers both stability and high shock absorption. The removable, dual-density PU footbed features Dansko Natural Arch technology. This includes a TPU arch stabilizer for impressive, long-lasting support plus memory foam for cushioning.
What We Like:
- They are very comfortable.
- The footbed is removable for convenience.
- The outsole is slip-resistant.
- There are thirty-six different patterns to choose from.
What We Don’t:
- They take a while to break in.
- The dye discolors some feet.
4. CROC Unisex Bistro Work Clog
These closed-toe Crocs were made with food service in mind. The Crocs are a comfortable, affordable, and reliable shoe. It is utilitarian but should get you successfully through any shift no matter how long.
Features and Benefits:
The shoes are light and yet supportive enough to get you through even the longest of shifts. Crocs Bistro clogs are completely molded and simple to clean with just a little soap and water and they dry off quickly.
The Crocs Lock slip-resistant treads bind together to make a shoe that does not slip easily. The clogs provide an enclosed toe design and thick metatarsal area to aid in protecting your feet from spills.
What We Like:
- They are very comfortable.
- The tread is slip-resistant.
- The footbed is contoured for arch support.
- The shoes are easy to care for.
What We Don’t:
- The sizing tends to vary.
- The rivet is not very durable.
5. Skechers for Men’s Flex Advantage Mcallen Work Shoe
This global leader in shoe manufacture has won many awards for good reason. Skechers has designed a diverse line of shoes that can be worn for a long time even in tough conditions. It is a durable and comfortable shoe that can be worn for a long time.
Features and Benefits:
This is a slip-on work shoe that features a mesh fabric upper to make it breathable and slip-resistant traction on the outsole to make it safe to walk in. The elastic side gores at opening make the shoe more accommodating. The padded collar and reinforced stitched seams plus memory foam insole all make for a comfortable, well-cushioned shoe that can be worn with ease.
What We Like:
- It is incredibly slip-resistant.
- It is very comfortable.
- It is easy to put on and take off.
What We Don’t:
- It is not entirely waterproof.
Why Should Shoes Be Non-Slip In Kitchen?
There’s a PSA from Canada deceptively titled “Smile” that illustrates why you need non-slip shoes in the kitchen. A smiling sous chef talks about how with luck she’ll make head chef next year.
She shows off her diamond ring and talks about her amazing fiancé, who she won’t be marrying this weekend because she’s about to have an accident. She slips on the floor and gets a pot full of boiling oil to the face.
Dishwashers don’t usually handle pots of boiling oil but the floor in the station is often wet and elsewhere the floor may be greasy or someone could’ve dropped some food. Non-slip shoes are mandatory for anyone working in the food industry.
What Qualifies As A Non-Slip Shoe?
Unfortunately, OSHA has no specific definition for what would qualify as “slip-resistant”. It should say on the box if it’s slip-resistant. Typically, non-slip shoes have soft, rubber soles with a tire-like pattern.
How Do Non-Slip Shoes Work?
They have a union. (rimshot) A lot of it has to do with the tread. You may notice the tires on a car has deep, molded grooves. Slip an American penny into one of these grooves with Lincoln’s head going in first.
If you can still see any of The Great Emancipator’s face, it’s time to get new tires. The grooves on the tread of shoes need not be quite so deep but it is the same principle. The tread gives you traction that moves liquid away from the base of the shoe.
What Type Of Soles Should Be Worn In The Kitchen?
Slip-resistant outsoles are a must for everyone but especially the dishwasher. Laces are a tripping hazard. If you work with food, you are required to wash your hands after tying shoes. You are better off with shoes that do not require laces. Kitchens get very hot, so you also need something with ventilation that can breathe.
Is It Bad For Your Feet To Wear The Same Shoes Every Day?
Let’s get real. Someone living on minimum wage can barely afford rent and groceries, let alone a second pair of work shoes. Buying the clothes needed to stay in the dress code is taxing enough. If you’re lucky, the company will give you one shirt to wear and one to wash. If you’re super lucky, they won’t take it out of your paycheck.
How Often Should You Replace Shoes You Wear Every Day?
Depending on how often they’re used, they should be replaced every eight to twelve months. This depends on how many miles you put on them. (Do you have to walk to work? Do you chase down a bus? Did you get lucky enough to be left a car in someone’s will?) The quality of the shoes to start with can also affect how long they’ll last.
How Should You Dress For A Dishwasher Job?
However, your boss says. This usually means black slacks (not jeans) that are too dark to keep you cool and too thin to keep you warm. If you are lucky, your uniform shirt will be breathable cotton that will burn away from you should it catch fire.
If you are unlucky, it will be a cheap poly-cotton blend that will melt into your flesh should it catch fire. Luckily, dishwashers are usually soaking wet and so don’t catch fire easily. Maybe your boss will let you wear a waterproof apron and maybe he won’t. Maybe one will be provided and maybe you’ll have to get it yourself.
Is Dishwasher An Easy Job?
Well, modern machinery makes it tolerable. Once upon a time, if you couldn’t pay your restaurant bill you could work it off by washing their dishes. Dishwashing machines, employee liability laws, and union rules have all made this a relic of the past.
It’s better than cleaning restrooms, particularly after someone who thinks their child is the Second Coming and you should be honored to handle their used diaper. If you’re unlucky enough to be stuck in a place that makes you do it by hand and refuses you even the luxury of listening to the radio, you’re pretty much screwed.
What Are The Duties Of A Dishwasher?
Dishwashers have the responsibility of cleaning and sanitizing (not the same thing) dishes, flatware, glasses, pots, pans, and utensils through either manual and machine cleaning methods. Also, dishwashers are under the expectation of keeping the dishwashing area clean and safe.
What Skills Do You Need To Be A Dishwasher?
You may be expected to do other tasks like take out the trash or fold take-out boxes. You have to clean up after yourself at the end of your shift, so knowing how to use a mop or push broom helps. Most of these places have a drain in the floor to make cleaning a little easier.
How Many Hours Does Dishwasher Work?
How many hours does your boss want to give you? Frankly, most places would rather hire hundred-part timers than fifty full-timers. Labor laws vary from state to state with the only federal mandate being fourteen and fifteen-year-old cannot work more than three hours on a school night or more than eight hours when school is out. When they’re that young, they’re usually related to the owner.
How Much Does A Dishwasher Make An Hour?
The minimum wage has gone up a couple of bucks since my first job. The average dishwasher salary is about $8.20 per hour. Dishwashers at high-end restaurants with experience of working in a large city like Dallas or New York can earn up to $10.75 per hour.
How To Be A Good Dishwasher?
As with any job, you have to be on time. These days they specifically ask if you could stay off your phone for a few hours. You have to be polite. Mind your business and hope others mind theirs. (It won’t always be the case.) Be neat, clean, hygienic, and at least be able to pretend you have a good attitude.
Conclusion
Unless you like walking around in damp socks, it is highly recommended that you wear shoes that are not simply water-resistant but waterproof. Above all, you have to look at that tread. It’s slip-resistant or nothing, not that they’ll allow you to work barefoot.
References:
- https://www.shoesforcrews.com
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOk2Akqb3CI
- https://www.solescience.ca/how-worn-is-worn-out
- https://blog.sfceurope.com/how-do-non-slip-shoes-work
- https://www.glassdoor.com/Job-Descriptions/Dishwasher.htm
- https://www.oshaeducationcenter.com/articles/child-labor-laws
- https://www.dishwasherhero.com/how-to-be-a-good-dishwasher
- http://www.srmax.com/education/blog/best-shoes-for-kitchen-workers
- https://blog.sfceurope.com/what-type-of-shoes-should-be-worn-in-a-kitchen
- https://www.srmax.com/education/blog/how-can-i-tell-if-a-shoe-is-slip-resistant
- https://www.thedailymeal.com/eat/can-you-actually-wash-dishes-restaurant-if-you-can-t-pay
