Are Crocs Non Slip for Restaurants and Work?

When it comes to finding the perfect footwear for your job, especially in industries where slippery surfaces are a common hazard, such as restaurants and workplaces, the question of whether Crocs are non-slip becomes crucial.

Slippery shoes not only compromise your safety but can also lead to workplace injuries and falls, resulting in lost productivity and potential medical bills.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of Crocs and explore their slip-resistant qualities, giving you the information you need to make an informed decision about your footwear. So, let’s get started and find out if Crocs have got you covered!

So, are Crocs non slip for work and restaurants? While regular Crocs may not be suitable for restaurant work due to ventilation holes and lack of slip resistance, Crocs does offer several closed-toe work shoe styles with slip-resistant soles that meet the safety needs of the food service industry. Models like the Bistro, Bistro Pro, On-the-Clock, and Literide Pro are designed for kitchen and healthcare workers. As long as the Crocs work shoes are closed-toe, have a non-marking and slip-resistant sole, and comply with the employer’s uniform policy, they can provide a comfortable option for standing long hours in restaurants. The slip-resistant material ensures traction and prevents falls on wet, greasy kitchen floors.

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Do Crocs Meet Non-Slip Safety Standards for Restaurants/Kitchens?

Let’s examine Crocs’ non-slip claims, industry safety standards, and key factors impacting slip resistance to determine if Crocs are truly safe for restaurant and kitchen use.

Non-Slip Claims by Crocs

Crocs promotes many of its clog styles as “non-slip” and suitable for commercial kitchens. The company states its Croslite material “conforms to your feet and offers incredible comfort while also providing slip resistance.” Specific models like the Bistro clog are marketed as having “slip-resistant tread” for workplace safety.

To back up these claims, Crocs points to testing it conducts on the coefficient of friction (COF) of its materials.

COF measures how much friction there is between two surfaces, with higher numbers indicating more traction.

Crocs says its clogs achieve COF results over 0.5 when new, indicating a fairly high level of slip resistance.

Industry Standards for Slip Resistance

The restaurant industry follows standards from organizations like the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to evaluate slip hazards. Two key standards are:

ASTM F489: Measures COF of footwear outsoles using a calibrated testing device. For restaurant kitchen floors, the standard recommends minimum COF of 0.5 for both wet and dry testing.
ASTM F2913: Tests slip resistance when walking on contaminated surfaces, simulating spills of oil or food. Requires a minimum COF of 0.42 to pass.

Additionally, standards from groups like the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) certify footwear as providing “high-traction” with a wet COF of 0.5 or above.

How Crocs Stack Up

S,o how do Crocs perform when held to these standards? Based on available testing data:

Crocs meet the ASTM F489 dry COF standard of 0.5 when new. However, some styles have tested below the 0.5 threshold in wet conditions when new.
There is limited data on Crocs meeting contamination testing standards like ASTM F2913 for oil- or food-covered floors.

This indicates potential gaps between Crocs’ non-slip claims and their real-world performance, especially compared to footwear designed specifically for kitchens.

Factors Impacting Crocs’ Slip Resistance

Why do Crocs seem to fall short of industry slip resistance standards under certain conditions? A few key factors are at play:

Tread design” The tread pattern on Crocs is relatively shallow compared to footwear like restaurant clogs. This provides less surface area for gripping floors.
Tread material: Croslite material of Crocs is smooth rather than sticky, so it doesn’t grip as well when wet or contaminated. Rubber outsoles tend to perform better.
Wear over time: As Crocs treads get worn down, they lose tread depth and slip more easily. The tread material also gets smoother with wear.
Loose fit: Fully molded clogs like Crocs can slide around more on the foot than shoes with closures to keep them snug. This can impact traction.

While Crocs may perform adequately for drier indoor conditions, their design makes them less than ideal for the wet, messy environments found in many restaurants and commercial kitchens.

Are Crocs Allowed Per Restaurant/Workplace Dress Code Policies?

It depends on the dress dode policy as Crocs shoes have become quite popular for their comfort. But are they allowed at work according to restaurant and other workplace dress code policies?

Let’s take a closer look at specific policies from top restaurant chains and feedback from employees, along with common recommendations on which Crocs styles may or may not be suitable.

Chipotle Uniform Policy on Crocs

According to former Chipotle managers, as long as shoes are non-slip and closed-toed, Crocs brand shoes should be allowed under their uniform policy.

Multiple Chipotle employees have commented that they wore Crocs’ non-slip kitchen shoes to work without issue.

However, the Chipotle employee would not be covered if they slipped and got injured, unlike shoes provided by Chipotle.

Still, Crocs provide better comfort than standard work shoes issued by Chipotle. So in summary, certain Crocs could be worn at Chipotle, but injury coverage may be less.

In-N-Out Uniform Policy Varies by Manager

When asked if Crocs were allowed at In-N-Out, one manager said no, but another argued they should be fine as long as non-slip, all black, and polishable like required in the uniform policy.

But policies can vary store to store – one location apparently only allows shoes from a specific catalog.

So, wearing Crocs at In-N-Out may depend on your specific store’s managers and their interpretation of the policy. It could be worth a try as long as the Crocs meet stated requirements.

Managers Enforcing Rules Against Certain Styles

While some restaurant chains have clear policies on Crocs, others may not have such specific rules. In these cases, managers may rely on their own judgment and discretion to enforce rules against certain styles of Crocs.

For example:

A manager at a fast-food restaurant may decide to ban Crocs altogether because they think they look unprofessional and unhygienic.
A manager at a fine-dining restaurant may decide to allow Crocs only if they match the color and style of the restaurant’s uniform.
A manager at a casual eatery may decide to allow Crocs only if they fit well with the restaurant’s theme and atmosphere.

These examples show how managers can enforce rules against certain styles of Crocs based on their own preferences and expectations.

Crocs with Ventilation Holes Pose Safety Concerns in Food Service

Several restaurant employees and managers advise against Crocs that have ventilation holes, as liquids could potentially drop through the holes and get on feet or inside shoes. This introduces hygiene issues in a food preparation environment.

Solid, enclosed Crocs designed for restaurants like the “Bistro” style may be acceptable if permitted by employer policies.

But as always, following your specific workplace’s guidelines is most important. Safety should be the top priority when choosing work footwear for jobs involving hot liquids or splatters.

Traction Is Key in Kitchens and on Restaurant Floors

While Crocs may be comfortable, some users note that they don’t provide as much traction as other shoes like Dansko clogs or sneakers designed for shifts on wet restaurant floors.

Slipping is an occupational hazard and better traction could help prevent falls and injuries. Crocs markets “professional” lines meant for healthcare and food service jobs that claim to offer enhanced slip-resistance over regular styles.

But, shoe grip decreases with wear over time. As with other shoes, replacing Crocs before sole traction is gone helps ensure safety.

Support Is Important for Long Shifts On Feet

While initial comfort draws many to Crocs, some commenters warn they may not provide adequate arch support for shifts lasting 8-12 hours on hard floors.

Over time, lack of support can lead to foot, ankle, leg and even back pain issues. Alternatives like Brooks or Hokas walking shoes, Birkenstock clogs, or Shoes for Crews sneakers are recommended by those who have tested various brands.

Adding orthotic insoles to Crocs could help, but may defeat their original design purpose too. Like any shoe, comfort levels will depend on individual needs and preferences.

Moreover, a case study was also conducted to examine Lower Extremity Muscle Activation in Alternative Footwear during Stance Phase of Slip Events.

Based on the findings of this study, Crocs cannot be considered truly non-slip footwear. The results showed that Crocs required significantly greater muscle activity in the lower leg muscles compared to slip-resistant shoes during unexpected slippery situations.

This suggests Crocs do not provide the same stability and slip prevention as shoes designed specifically for slip resistance. The open design of Crocs leaves the foot and ankle less supported compared to closed-back shoes.

This likely causes the wearer to have to work harder with their leg muscles to maintain balance and prevent slipping when encountering unexpected slippery surfaces.

In contrast, the low-top slip resistant shoes tested in the study resulted in consistent low levels of muscle activity across both dry and slippery conditions.

Therefore, if slip hazards are possible in one’s environment, such as in healthcare settings, Crocs would not be the safest choice of footwear compared to shoes with slip-resistant soles designed for traction and stability on wet or greasy surfaces.
In conclusion, while Crocs may feel comfortable, they cannot truly be considered non-slip based on the findings of increased risk of slips from this research study.

Corporate Dress Code Changes Mean Transitioning Suggestions

When a restaurant chain like Wawa decided to no longer allow open-back Crocs, employees were upset due to comfort preferences.

But, failing a food safety audit could impact the business. Rather than outright bans, some recommend detailing specific requirements like closed-toe, no-hole designs and giving staff time to replace prohibited shoes.

Respecting employees makes transitions smoother, even if new guidelines mean changing favorite footwear styles worn for years without issues. Compromise and clear communication tend to create less conflict during uniform policy evolutions.

Don’t Wear Crocs if They Could Unsafely Impact Your Job

Certain work environments like industrial kitchens, hospitals or construction sites mandate protective steel-toe boots due to machinery and material handling risks.

While comfortable, airy Crocs would not provide needed toe security in such settings involving falling or crushed foot possibilities.

Medical staff also avoid insulated or easily static-producing shoes that could disrupt sensitive equipment.

As with any job, prioritize workplace safety requirements over individual styling choices when hazardous conditions exist. Adjustable shoe policies aim to reasonably balance needs of businesses and workers.

Crocs Non-Slip Work Shoes Made for Restaurants

Crocs has a range of slip-resistant work shoes for men and women that are designed to keep you safe and comfortable on the job. Here are some of the models that you can choose from:

Bistro: Fully enclosed clog with slip-resistant tread, metatarsal support, and Croslite material for comfort and cushioning. Comes in men’s and women’s sizes.
Bistro Pro: Similar to the Bistro but Bistro Pro has adjustable heel strap for a more secure fit, and a Literide sole for long hours of standing.
On-The-Clock: Slip-on work shoe with enclosed toe and heel. Features thicker Croslite sole for support.
Mercy Work: Clog designed for healthcare/food service with soft Croslite material and slip-resistant bottoms. They have open back and are designed only for women.
Neria Pro/Pro LiteRide: These are also closed-toe and closed-back Crocs, designed specifically for women.

Crocs Alternatives for Comfort, Support and Slip-resistance

We’ll look at alternatives for clogs, sneakers, boots, industry-specific shoes, and consider factors like foot health, safety, and personal preferences.

Clog-style Options

Clogs are lightweight and easy to slip on and off, making them attractive for workers who want quick transitions between duties. However, some find standard plastic clogs like Crocs lack adequate support.

Dansko clogs are a top choice known for orthotic-like footbeds that cradle the foot and absorb shock. They come in non-slip models suitable for food service. Longtime clog wearers praise Danskos.
Birkenstock clogs provide contoured footbeds with adjustable straps for custom support. Their natural materials like leather keep feet breathing. Nurses and teachers find them comfortable all day.

Sneaker-style Options

Sneakers are best for jobs requiring lots of movement versus standing in one spot. Look for cushioning, stabilizing heels/arcs, and durable soles.

New Balance is famous for its walking/hiking sneakers in many widths. Personal favorites are the 1080 v11 for stability. Superfeet insoles further prevent fatigue.
Skechers Work shoes have memory foam, shock absorption, and grip in models like the Relaxed Fit or Energy line.
Brooks shoes are beloved by runners for high-quality construction and anatomically shaped foam that protects joints. The Adrenaline GTS is popular.

Boots-style Options

For outdoor jobs like construction or landscaping with wet/muddy conditions, sturdy waterproof boots are best.

Blundstone boots have a high collar to keep debris out with elastic pull-tabs for quick on/off. Their #558 series is oil/slip-resistant. Tradespeople say they’re indestructible.

Industry-Specific Shoes

Specialized jobs may require shoes certified as oil/slip-resistant and meeting safety requirements.

Shoes For Crews shoes are popular for foodservice jobs. Clogs and sneaker styles are comfortable yet affordable and slip-proof. Their competitive warranties cover injuries.
Clove shoes are made in occupational health-certified factories and have impact-absorbing soles specifically for jobs like parcel delivery. Their website has fit advisors.

Key Takeaways on Crocs and Slip Resistance

To summarize the key points regarding Crocs and slip safety:

Crocs meet some non-slip standards when brand new, but appear to fall short in wet or contaminated conditions.
Their slip resistance also degrades significantly as the treads wear over time.
Shallow, smooth Croslite treads are less effective than sticky rubber soles designed for kitchen use.
A loose-fitting clog also can’t grip the foot as securely as closed kitchen shoes.
For demanding restaurant and kitchen settings, footwear specifically engineered for slip resistance is likely a safer choice.
Workers who choose to wear Crocs should take extra precautions like using additional slip-resistant treatments and replacing them frequently.