Shoemoney – I need me some. Above, are my recently deceased bartending kicks. They’re in desperate need of burial-at-sea, and replacement. They’re Clark Roars and they were actually quite stylish, comfortable, affordable and stank-free when new. They finally shit the bed last week at the most inopportune time: mid-shift. The soles separated from the leather. My Clarks lasted me 10 months of nearly daily use. That’s not bad for a $100 pair of leathers. If you’re bartending routinely, uber-comfortable, stylish (and hopefully water-resistant) dogs are essential to your health and happiness. Unfortunately, comfy almost never plays nice with stylish and waterproof, at least not for a shoe intended for harsh bartending environments.
Here’s what not to buy: crazy old man black New Balance or Reebok black sneakers. How sneakers meant to impersonate dress shoes, but look more like large hard turds, ever got to be so popular with the AARP and Krispy Kreme lovin’ crowds is a complete mystery to me. Like so many other garment faux-pas (e.g., sweats outside the gym, tacky logo’d t-shirts, and any cut of Wrangler jeans), these visual atrocities – while surely comfortable – indicate nothing less than the wearer having given up on even the most benign level of vanity.
Below, is one of my barbacks sporting those nasty black sneaks on the job. He’s the nicest most efficient worker-bee on the planet. I heart him. But damn – if Leon Talley were to eyeball this tragedy, he’d be looking for the nearest source of Blue Meth to get some relief for his terribly seared retinas.
Unless you’re lucky enough to be summering, bartending on Shelter Island, The Hamptons, Montauk, etc. in a very casual and dry atmosphere, it’s also not a good idea to rock dress shoes, boat shoes, Chucks, running shoes, or sandals (eww!)
You need shoes that can keep you comfortable for 6 – 10, and even 12 hours on your feet. Now your choice is often affected by the type of venue in which you’ve managed to land a bartending gig. For example: if you work a steak house or high-heeled lounge, and are (a) either exposed to being seen behind a wide bar or (b) are required to venture out from behind the bar for cocktail or table service, then you’re probably not going to be able to sport Wellies or Combat Boots. You’ll need something more sophisticated. Consequently, if dressy footwear is a requirement, then you’re absolutely want to want to buy something other than Wingtips or Cockroach Killers. Even on rubber mats or wooden pallets behind the bar, your feet, ankles, knees, hips and back will never forgive you for the constant transmission of shock. You’re going to want shoes which have have significant padding.
I’ve mentioned water-resistance – another show characteristic you’re going to want to give great consideration to. It’s because of the constant threats of (a) your typical bar/kitchen murky, grey, puddles and (b) melting, dripping, ice from Speed Rails [below] and flying liquor. Few situations make your evening more physically unbearable than walking around in soggy shoes, knowing you have hours to go until closing.
If you choose leather, I have some advice. Wash and waterproof your shoes on the regular. Every 2 or 3 months, I’d wash them with saddle soap, allow to dry, and apply a generous coating of mink oil. Nevertheless, they quickly became filthy, scuffed, and often allowed liquids to seep inside.
I’ve worked dozens of bars and several different genres in my Hospitality career; everything from beachfront cafes, to fine French/Italian dining, to shirtless nightclubs, to dive bars. My current gig has a very casual environment. Jeans and a t-shirt are what I sport most nights. Rarely, if ever to I stray from the narrow bar. So, after my Clarks gave up the ghost, I had to weigh my options for new casual, comfortable foot-stuffs that could somehow keep my toesies from squishing in sour mix all night. Keep in mind that pretty much any shoes you wear to the bar will get destroyed in short order. I just bought me these Wolverine Corsairs:
Look… I know they’re fugly. But, for my current situation (where my feet are frequently positioned under a well), they’re ideal. I would have gone with the Clarks again as they’re quite a great bartending shoe in general. But, I got tired of the leather maintenance that my current environment requires.
