Footwear Poll

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I wear birki's ( the pro high backed ones ) in my current kitchen. We are lucky enough to have rubber mats to cover the entire floor area.

This topic is of great interest to me, because I've always sought a sport-shoe orientated for normal pro kitchens ( hard floors, all time on feet ).

One shoe I've been interested in is the ( keen PTC chef shoes ), they aren't imported into OZ ( I've been wearing there sandles/boat shoes for years) , so I would have to buy by order( without trying-on )

Anyone have experience with these?

Like this topic very much . My feet are in service 100% the day in the kitchen trade.

Rowan...


Rowan...
 
Really, no one is gonna mention Dansko's or Sanita? I have two pair of Dansko walkers seen here.

[video=youtube;dN3IpGCGEpU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN3IpGCGEpU[/video]

Awesome awesome shoe. Love it tremendously and can't reccomend it enough if you are looking for an oxford type walker for all day wear in the kitchen.

For a clog style the Dansko or Sanita professional.

Dansko
[video=youtube;SsnjhdPq4ng]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsnjhdPq4ng&feature=relmfu[/video]

Sanita.
[video=youtube;ggGawAMD-Ng]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggGawAMD-Ng[/video]

I swear by these shoes and they have a customer for life. Protip: Sanita was the original manufacturer for Dansko until several years ago. Dansko decided to not renew the contract with Sanita so they could get cheaper manufacturing in China. Sanita split off to get their own brand out there. But Sanita is the original Dansko basically. What does that mean for you? Quality control is better with Sanita and you can score them for about half price a lot of the time. Since the name brand isn't as recognized as Dansko you can get big discounts.
 
I just retired my Dansko clogs. I liked them, especially because they make me look taller but unfortunately I have a heavy right lean on the bike and the damn heel wore down.
 
BurkeCutlery said:
I had crocs bistro, and they were fantastic when I worked a small line and didn't walk much. But then I left them outside in the sun when wet and they shrank....I wore them anyways, they were too tight for a few months. One of the dumbest things I've ever done--ruined my life for a few years, lost some bone and a tonenail, and they almost had to amputate my foot(not kidding at all). All I'm saying is, get good shoes.

The shoes for crews is what I'm wearing now because I am running around all day at my current job and they wear out so bloody fast. I can see the plastic poking through the heel in about 3 weeks. I lose the soles at about 4-5 months. I need to check for this "Black Label" thing from them.
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Never saw any shrink on fishing boats. That is a really messed up story. Sorry that happened to you.
 
I'm surprised no one mentioned Keen yet? I have very flat feet, and wearing clogs are incredibly uncomfortable for me. Keen are very flat shoes, and combined with gel inserts my feet never hurt.
 
I use Klogs brand. They are durable and mine have lasted 2 years with just replacing the insoles. I have used Birki's and Dansko and I like these the best so far.
 
Dansko clogs feel like wearing high heels....which I only do on Tuesdays.

On top of my 6 or so pair of different color Croc Bistro and Specialist, I just picked up some Sketcher Work Oswald rubber clogs for $40. So far I am liking them, but they run small; would suggest to anyone to go full size up...
 
I have 4-5 years on my current pair of birk profis but they are on their last days. I have a new set waiting for the moment they give out. Prior to the profis, my feet hurt at the end of the day. They are a great shoe. The first week or so they tend to feel quite strange until your foot gets use to the different shape. You can remove the insole and run them through the dish machine. The insoles are replaceable for ~$20 (I replaced ~1.5yrs).

I might have to check out a pair of the Sikas, they look great and sound like a healthy shoe.

Cheers,
rj
 
chefofthefuture said:
I'm surprised no one mentioned Keen yet? I have very flat feet, and wearing clogs are incredibly uncomfortable for me. Keen are very flat shoes, and combined with gel inserts my feet never hurt.
Click to expand...

This is great info as I have NO arch, my feet are literally flat as a board. I'll need to find a place to try these on. Will also try on many of the clogs mentioned here. I have my doubts as to how compatible my foot will be with the Birks.

Thanks!

-AJ
 
To a certain extent the birkis can have a 'breaking in' period as the cork molds to your feet. I upgrade my rubber clogs with cork insoles - I have one regular foot and one that is dead flat due to scar tissue from a boyhood fishing accident - and I find that after a week or two I'm very comfortable and well supported.
 
I'm a big fan of both Sanita and Dansko. I slightly prefer Sanita but Dansko changed their design a bit to make the heel a bit wider and more stable which is a big plus for someone prone to ankle sprains so I've been wearing the Danskos more frequently than Sanitas.
 
Hey, Dansko recently also came out with a Pro XP line of clogs which are much lighter and have even better slip resistance. Problem for me is they only go up to like size 42. If they ever come out with a 47 I'd give it a shot but for you smaller feet guys this might be the ticket.

http://www.thewalkingcompany.com/common/danskoxp.aspx
 
Those would be cool as like you said a 47 were available. My dansko's didnt last me I am not sure why but I would give them another shot after these Klogs finally die.
 
When did you purchase them and does it say made in China on them anywhere? If so it could be a newish pair made after the split from Sanita in which case, quality control is a bit hit or miss. That's why I recommend Sanita now above Dansko.
 
ThEoRy said:
When did you purchase them and does it say made in China on them anywhere? If so it could be a newish pair made after the split from Sanita in which case, quality control is a bit hit or miss. That's why I recommend Sanita now above Dansko.
Click to expand...

Yeah I think they were. It was right before I bought these Klogs so around 2 years ago. So if they were split by then, then yes they were made in China.
 
I hope I am not too late to get in on this. Although not a kitchen pro, my job requires that I stand for approx 14-16 hours on slick floors that have been heavily sanitized. I also have flat feet and back problems. The absolute best I have found are Merrell or Lowa along with superfeet inserts (can be cut to size).

PS-Keens are really excellent as well. Just a bit heavier than merrell or lowa.
 
cwrightthruya said:
I hope I am not too late to get in on this. Although not a kitchen pro, my job requires that I stand for approx 14-16 hours on slick floors that have been heavily sanitized. I also have flat feet and back problems. The absolute best I have found are Merrell or Lowa along with superfeet inserts (can be cut to size).

PS-Keens are really excellent as well. Just a bit heavier than merrell or lowa.
Click to expand...

Just did a quick search, are the Lowas boots? I'm not opposed to boots, I wore them for years pounding concrete floors working in the foundry. That was where I learned money was no object for good footwear. The right shoe/boot is the difference between chronic pain and being pain free. We had no choice on boots though, I would think they would feel pretty heavy in the kitchen.

-AJ
 
I have not really been on the clog boat since I began cooking but I just ordered a pair of sanitas . the Final reason being is that I want a pair of shoes that is repairable

I have gone through 2 pairs of Blundstones & 4 pairs of insoles in the last year , insoles are around 30-40 dollars each and the shoes were 160 each

shoes had to be replaced because the uppers came unglued from the soles and I was walking around in reverse flipflops .

little reading says the Sanitas are easilly repairable by a cobbler , and shouldnt require it often due to them being stapled instead of glued.
from a financial standpoint it was a smart move to just buy a repairable shoe.


They should be here before work tomorrow so I will give my initial impressions and then a month or so update
 
ajhuff said:
Just did a quick search, are the Lowas boots? I'm not opposed to boots, I wore them for years pounding concrete floors working in the foundry. That was where I learned money was no object for good footwear. The right shoe/boot is the difference between chronic pain and being pain free. We had no choice on boots though, I would think they would feel pretty heavy in the kitchen.

-AJ
Click to expand...

Yes, the Lowa's are boots. I have had a single pair for over 3 years and worn them everyday. They are heavier than trainers or clogs..true, but they are very light-weight for boots. They have a poly mid-sole (so I am told), which not only makes them light weight, but also very responsive to your feet. The mid-sole is actually what wears out quickest on boots and shoes, and the poly is said to last the longest (I would have to agree with this). I would also suggest superfeet...no matter the shoe choice. They are the next best thing to orthopedic insoles. I have a colleague who recommends them when insurance refuses to pay for orthopedics.

PS: I just noticed you are in Georgia...If you are interested in the Lowa...Try REI. They have the best guarantee.

And, If you have flat feet. You do not need flat shoes. You need a shoe or at least an insert that will make your feet arch correctly. This will correctly align your knees, hips, and back. It's uncomfortable to start, but very worth it after about 1-2 weeks.
 
joex175 said:
I have gone through 2 pairs of Blundstones & 4 pairs of insoles in the last year , insoles are around 30-40 dollars each and the shoes were 160 each
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WOW, I am really suprised by this as I have worn nothing but my Blundstone boots for over 2 years straight at work, at home and on my Harley.

I also have extremely flat arches, which contributed to me getting plantar fasciitis 5 years ago. I now wear custom orthotics full-time. It's pricey, but I do highly recommend them.
 
I have wide feet, and I've tried a few different brands, but my last 3 pairs have been Shoes for Crews and all three are still in use. I use New Balance insoles in them. The ones I have are well made, and haven't had any issues. Recommended.

~Tad
 
tweyland said:
I have wide feet, and I've tried a few different brands, but my last 3 pairs have been Shoes for Crews and all three are still in use. I use New Balance insoles in them. The ones I have are well made, and haven't had any issues. Recommended.

~Tad
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Those are the only shoes that didn't cripple me or hurt my knees for running. Great shoes.
 
ok, I'm slow. I just figured out that Birkis and Birkenstocks are not the same thing.

-AJ
 
Can't live without my Dansko pros. The ones with a back on them, I think they are cabrios? I go through about 2 pairs a year. And yes, it is a lot like walking on bricks, but I have almost zero foot, leg or back pain as a result. Sometimes they aren't made well, but if they "s417 the bed" in less than 365 days, Dansko will replace them. It's good to have a backup pair too.
And it sucks to walk long distances or run in them, But if you stand for 18-20 hours a day, they rock.
 
I think my next set will be dansko when and if these klogs ever die they are over 2 years old and going strong.
 
ive tried treadsafe, shoes for crews, crocs and sketchers non slips nothing compares to the comfort and quality of birkistocks professional clogs IMO. throw away the soles that come with them and buy some new inserts. I like the ones from my old running shoes.
 
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