Best Kitchen Shoes? for clocking some miles...

I have always sworn by my Birkenstock clogs but as of late I am walking alot more, further distances and the birks are just not cutting it. Looking for some sage advice. Just wanted to add that , on the line or for small distances back and forth. I think the birk clog is a great shoe. However me feet are telling me loud and clear ...there has to be a better shoe for this. Thanks in advance for any help and advice.
Joe

I've got some wicked bad arthritis in my right ankle, so footwear is always a concern. We work on rubber mats (I assume most kitchens do) and I have found a great deal of success with simple Reebok cross-trainers. I have to get extra wide, because my feets are big, but they have provided me with a lot of support and flexibility. I know it's not a fancy shoe, but I've always had trouble shelling out big money for a "work shoe" that is going to pretty much get worn out in under a year and probably covered in food.

DANSKO!! I wouldn't wear anything else, and I have plenty of 16-20 hour days. I also wear chef socks and stand on mats.

I love Danskos!!!! When I bought my first pair, every woman working at Von maur was wearing them as well. They all attested how great they are when you're on your feet all day. I've heard you can find new ones on ebay for a much better price.

I use Asics for both casual and work shoes. They are not the fanciest, but they do wonders for my plantar fasciitis!

I always buy them from Foot Works. They ar very knowledgeable and go above and beyond, imho. My mom goes there too, as she has similar problems. They have various arch supports and other orthotics as well as shoes.

http://www.footworkslouisville.com/ Keep Louisville walking, Support your local shoe vendor

Behind the Old Sears Builiding, 241 Sears Avenue

Here's a question for you....when the hubby and I ate at Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg, we noticed the shoes that the hostess and a few of the waitresses had on. They were God-awful looking, very square with a separate squarish-shaped heel attached to a spring(?) Anyone seen these, or know what I'm talking about? We were curious about them.

[Robin Garr]

No votes for Crocs? A lot of chefs I know swear by 'em, and I like to slip on a pair when I'm working in the home kitchen ... normally I go barefoot around the house (Kentucky boy, you know), but in case anyone out there hasn't thought of this, it's quite stupid to be barefoot (or in sandals) when you've got large, sharp knives in your hands.

holes in your shoes are great for hot sauces in the kitchen also

i've been an asiacs and reebok guy for a while, and i never was comfortable in the "shoes for crews"

shawn

Here's a question for you....when the hubby and I ate at Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg, we noticed the shoes that the hostess and a few of the waitresses had on. They were God-awful looking, very square with a separate squarish-shaped heel attached to a spring(?) Anyone seen these, or know what I'm talking about? We were curious about them.

Sounds like the "Shoes for Crews". Ugly. they are designed to keep people from slipping. Falls are a major problem in commercial kitchens partially because of wet or greasy floors.. I tried a pair and they worked pretty well. However, I also found them extremely uncomfortable and did not wear them for very long.

My experience is with FOTH, but I think it would apply to the kitchen as well.

I'd consider some trail-walking and/or cross-training trail shoes.

We had to wear brown or black "dress" shoes where I waited tables. I started with the standard Skechers, but found the ankle support and cushioning to be lacking. Got my hands on some trail shoes (not these but similar:http://www.rei.com/product/742526) and was quite happy with the purchase.

Benefits included: stable base, great traction, and good ankle support (you know, helps when pivoting on a dime to juke and jive through the galley.] I went with a "trail-walking" shoe because I needed the shoe to look dressy. Many of the "trail-running" models are more sporty looking and offer increased ventilation (which also means increased access for hot substances and other fluids.]

Justin Boots! I've worn ranch style boots for 4 years now and couldnt imagine trying to break in another pair of birck's. That was the worse feeling ever.

Croc are making a new kitchen shoe with no holes in the top. I think they are called "Bistro Croqs"?? I have been wearing them for about 6 months with great satisfaction. I was wearing Birks prior to that. I find the crocs to be much easier on my heal spurs.
One note about Dansko. They are hand made, ergo much variation between pairs of the same style and size. Be sure to try them on before buying. With that said they are very durable, well made shoes. The arch is a bit high for me though.

I suddenly developed plantar fascitis while wearing my crocs. It was very painful and my podiatrist told me I wasn't allowed to wear them anymore!

Ahhh . . .I should have noted this earlier. Dansko recently sold the company and they are now being made in china. the original company was Sanita and those are not made in China and are less expensive and have all the high quality of what most people refer to when saying "Dansko."

Under serious conditions I've never seen Dansko make it more than a year. I've had cooks buy them, more out of convenience (you can get them at any local mall or shoe store) and before too long - the seams tear loose or the soles break. I wear Sven clogs. You'll probably need to look it up on the net. Are they worth it? I've owned three pair since 1995. I got turned onto them in Europe, and have always bought from the same source. But I know http://www.clogsonline.com carries them. Now, I'm talking about wooden soled clogs. They are great for ergonomics, but take some getting used to. It will take time for your body to adjust to them - but in the long run, you'll be better off. Word of advice when it comes to wooden clogs. Get a flexible sole. You want them to be flexible on the ball of your foot. Another company, BASTAD, makes a nice looking very durable product. But it's heavy and non flex on the ball of your foot. Not a good choice in my opinion. I would never put down nasty rubber mats in my kitchens,(mainly due to the fact that they trap grease which breaks down the grout around the tile and tears the floor up.) So a great shoe is mandatory. Go Sven.

I think the rubber mat theory could be a thread of its own...haha