Footwear – What Bartenders Wear

Shoes to last the distance

Like it or not, the hospitality industry involves being on your feet…a lot! Whether it’s bartending, bar backing, serving tables, bussing, or back of house, 12 to 14 hour shifts with little breaks are not uncommon. So, what shoes should you wear to get you through those long shifts and hours on your feet?

Antonio Lai’s gold trainers

What is the best type of shoe to wear to work? We asked some of the industry’s finest what kicks they like to rock at work, be it the comfy runner or ever-reliable leather shoe with tough soles. Here’s what they said: common denominator is definitely water resistance. I learned the hard way through many soggy soles that the usual bar environment is a wet one and considering a shoe’s water resistance is an absolute must behind the bar.

DRINKS WORLD: What type of shoes do you wear for your shift on a daily basis?

ALEX ROSS (Operations Manager for Next Week Group): I’m a big fan of skater kicks. They have thick soles that wear well, they’re super comfy, and you can wear them for seriously long shifts. At the moment I’m wearing my beloved Palladium boots, however their soles wear quickly and can be slippery. But seeing as I’m spending more time sitting than standing, it doesn’t seem to matter that much.

DW: Do you prefer to wear runners or leather shoes to work? And why?

RINNA: I believe that it depends on which venue I’m working at. If I am at a classic whisky bar, fine dining restaurant, or hotel bar I would definitely wear leather shoes. Whereas, I’d rather wear runners if I’m working at a high-volume venue, pub, or nightclub.

JACK SOTTI (Boilermaker House, Melbourne): Boots all the way, Doc Martens or Timberlands are a good go to. Need strong toes for doing things like lifting kegs etc., and solid arch support.

DALE SCHOON (Earl’s Juke Joint, Sydney):

Just some trusty Doc Marten 1461’s.

JAY KHAN (Foxglove, Hong Kong):

Ecco Leather Shoes (comfy and flexible)

RINNA KATO (Bartender Consultant and Director of BARPORT Australia):

When I was at Blackbird, I used to wear black runners. Blackbird is a high volume venue, so I rather wear something suitable and comfortable for lots of movement.

ANDREW BENNETT (Lucky Chan’s, Perth):

It varies depending on the venue’s uniform standard but the ANDREW: Generally leather, as I’ve found them more comfortable and easier to keep dry. You miss the comfort of sneakers but you can find some pretty good leather options that will go the distance and not look like nerdy school shoes.

JACK: Leather finish, as they just look a little smarter. Runners are too casual.

DALE: Leather. Bobby Carey once gave me a pair of New Balance shoes that didn’t fit him and I was scared it would be a gateway to sneaker collecting. Plus the Docs are waterproof, so no soggy feet when it comes to scrubbing the floor.

JAY: Leather. Most of the time I need to walk out of the bar to ask for guests about their drink and service. It looks more professional to wear leather.

DW: If you know you’re going to be working long hours, such as an event or double shift, do you change your footwear?

ANDREW: Generally no. If I took my shoes off mid shift, the feeling would be too enjoyable to put them back on. Gotta tough it out for that feet-upand-beer-feeling at the end of the night. JACK: Don’t change footwear but a change of socks is a godsend!

DALE: Our shifts are always pretty long, but I tend to get away with wearing the same footwear.

RINNA: Sometimes I still have to wear uncomfortable leather shoes for a double shift if I’m working at a venue like a hotel bar just to look more professional. But if the venue or event is more casual....like a music festival, I would prefer to wear runners.

ALEX: A little hot tip is to buy those gel inner soles you can get from the supermarket and chemist. I swear by them. They are lifesavers, especially if you are working on super hard surfaces (or are ‘blessed’ with shitty flat feet like I am). If I had patience and endurance I’d break in a pair of Doc boots as they can last a lifetime. But I’m not really known for my patience...

Spring into some new kicks

Have a work mate with the absolute worst pair of shoes? You know, the ones that are one thread away from falling apart, and look like a Rottweiler pup had a crack at destroying them. Thanks to our lovely friends over at Spring Court, Drinks World are providing one bartender with a brand new pair of kicks. To be in the running take a photo of your workmate’s most haggard and beaten up shoes – those in real need of replacing, and send it in. For bonus points, take a photo of your coworker’s face where we will name and shame them in the next edition of Drinks World! The winning entry will win a pair of Spring Court B2 canvas shoes, valued at $150.

Send images and details to lukas@hipmedia.com.au

PRIZE: The winner will receive a pair of Spring Court B2 Canvas shoes, valued at AUD $150

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Entry is open to Australian residents only. Prize is a pair of B2 Canvas shoes from Spring Court, and is not able to be traded, taken as cash or put towards store credit.