Kitchen safety shoe

Waterproofing the shoe in the kitchen

Standards and selection of safety shoes in professional kitchens

Kitchen safety is paramount for catering professionals and kitchen workers. An essential part of safety equipment is kitchen footwear, which must meet certain standards and provide optimal comfort.

Safety Standards for Kitchen Shoes

Kitchen shoes must meet certain safety standards to ensure adequate protection. EN 20345 is the European standard that defines the minimum requirements for safety footwear. This standard is based on the international standard ISO 20345:2011.
S1 Standard
S1 safety shoes are suitable for indoor work in dry environments. They offer the following characteristics:
• Protective shell to protect the toes against impacts and crushing.
• Antistatic to prevent electrostatic discharge.
• Energy absorption in the heel to reduce shock.
• Hydrocarbon resistance to protect against chemicals.
These shoes are suitable for kitchen professionals who work primarily indoors, such as chefs and waiters.
S2 standard
S2 safety shoes are similar to S1 safety shoes, but they also offer protection against water. They have the following characteristics:
• All the features of the S1 standard.
• Waterproof properties.
• No anti-perforation sole.
S2 type shoes are suitable for kitchen professionals who work in wet environments, such as dishwashers and cooks in direct contact with liquids.
S3 Standard
S3 safety shoes are the most protective and are suitable for demanding work environments. They offer the following features:
• All the features of the S2 standard.
• Anti-perforation sole to protect against sharp objects.
• Lugged sole for optimal grip on all terrains.
These shoes are recommended for kitchen professionals who work in harsh environments, such as butchers and cooks in industrial kitchens.

How to choose your kitchen shoes

Shoe comfort is paramount when it comes to kitchen shoes, as you 'll be wearing them for long hours . Look for shoes with a padded insole for added cushioning and arch support. Also, make sure the shoes are wide enough to allow for proper airflow and prevent chafing.
Materials: Kitchen shoes are usually made of leather or microfiber. Leather is durable and offers good water resistance, but requires regular maintenance. Microfiber is easy to maintain and offers good hygiene, making it an excellent choice for kitchen environments.
Non-slip: Safety in the kitchen depends largely on your shoes' ability to grip the floor. Look for shoes with non-slip soles that provide optimal grip on wet or greasy surfaces. This will significantly reduce the risk of slips and falls.
Safety Standards: Make sure the kitchen shoes you choose meet appropriate safety standards, such as EN 20345. This ensures the shoes provide the necessary protection against common kitchen hazards.
Types of Kitchen Shoes: There are different types of kitchen shoes that meet the specific needs of catering professionals.
Kitchen clogs: Kitchen clogs offer good comfort and are easy to put on and take off. They are slightly more comfortable than loafers but offer less protection. However, they are ideal for light kitchen tasks.
Kitchen moccasins: Kitchen moccasins are closed-toe shoes without laces, which prevent liquids from penetrating and prevent the growth of bacteria. They offer good protection and are ideal for kitchen professionals looking for a balance between comfort and safety.
Kitchen Sneakers: Kitchen sneakers are becoming increasingly popular due to their comfort and casual style. They offer good traction and are perfect for kitchen professionals who are constantly on the go.