The Xero Blog

Working as a bartender puts you in the spotlight. Few other jobs let you blend socializing with maximizing your income the way bartending does. Whether you’re mixing signature drinks or chatting with the regulars, your primary job is taking care of others – and that starts with taking care of yourself.  Working behind the bar requires you to spend long hours on your feet. You never know when you might need to pivot to reach a glass or rush across a wet floor to clean up a mess. You need to be on top of your game, and that means feeling your best. The shoes you wear while working can mean the difference between ending your shift with a smile on your face or wanting nothing more than to get off your feet. Is it time to re-evaluate your footwear? Keep reading to learn about the best shoes for bartending… shoes that will keep your feet in top shape. You might be surprised to discover that barefoot shoes may be your best choice. Which Shoes Work Best for Bartenders? Bartenders need comfortable shoes that allow them to move freely without worrying about slips and sore feet at the end of the night. As you may already know, bartenders often deal with foot discomfort and afflictions that can make it hard to flash your smile at a row full of customers. To maintain your feel-good personality in any bar or restaurant service job, you need shoes that provide all-day (or night) comfort. While it may seem like a tall order, the best shoes for bartenders have these essential qualities: Provide a high level of traction and stability Are lightweight and breathable, yet protect your feet from spills Allow for maximum movement and mobility Built with a zero-drop heel that encourages good posture Are stylish and match your aesthetic The best bartending shoes have these features, and barefoot shoes check all of these boxes. Why Are Barefoot Shoes Better than Normal Shoes? You know that you’ve found good shoes for bartending when you forget that you’re wearing them… even at the end of a long shift. Whether you’re running errands during the day or working behind the bar at night, barefoot shoes will meet your comfort, style, and performance needs. But what exactly are barefoot shoes?  Barefoot shoes, also known as minimalist shoes, mimic the experience of walking barefoot while still providing some protection, letting your feet do what's natural — bend, flex, move, and FEEL the world.  Here are a few ways barefoot shoes are different from conventional shoes, and how they can help bartenders move and feel better. Zero Drop One of the biggest differences between barefoot shoes and “normal” shoes is that barefoot shoes are made with a low-to-the-ground design that lets your feet get feedback from the surfaces you’re walking on. That feedback is what lets you make the automatic adjustments needed to stay surefooted and well-balanced. Barefoot shoes are “zero drop” meaning the heel of the shoes is level to the midfoot. The zero drop design allows the entire foot to lay flat on the ground beneath you, which in turn allows you to enjoy your natural, proper posture. Wider Toe Box Barefoot shoes also have a wider toe box that allows your feet to have room to rest comfortably as you stand on your feet for hours. Shoes that have a wider toe box also prevent pinching as you stand on tiptoes to reach glassware or spin around to greet a new customer. No Excessive Padding Conventional shoes often have thick soles and excessive padding that don’t allow your feet to engage in natural movement – it’s like wearing a cast on your foot, restricting your foot’s range of motion, reducing joint mobility, and causing the muscles to weaken over time.  Barefoot shoes don’t provide any external arch support – it may seem counterintuitive, but that feature is what allows bartenders to build foot strength just by moving around during their shift. Closing Out: Barefoot Shoes for Bartenders Bartenders need shoes that will help them get through long shifts that require them to be constantly on their feet and moving around. With barefoot shoes, you may experience more comfort and energy, which will let you better do the job of helping everyone you serve to have an enjoyable night. Thousands of men and women have made the switch to wearing barefoot shoes. Some of the bartenders who love wearing their Xero Shoes share their thoughts: “I love the Kona shoe. I don't like to wear socks so I was looking for an easy slip-on slip off situation and these are super comfortable without socks. I wear them at my bartending job and my feet don't hurt after a full shift. They run true to size lengthwise but are very spacious around the foot. I initially thought they were too big, but my feet weren't used to having room to breathe. They do provide a barefoot feel because of how flat and thin the sole is, but they look and feel high quality. They look great with pants and shorts. I get compliments every time I wear them.” “I stand serving and bartending all day, these shoes are magic, I feel no discomfort in my lower back all day, I cannot recommend these more! They should be worn by anyone who works a service job of any kind, I bought a second pair literally the next day after I tried these. I find they’re almost better than being barefoot because you have external protection for your feet. Regardless, extremely comfortable shoe, can’t recommend them enough. Best not just shoes but any clothing or accessory I’ve ever bought!” “These shoes are actually nonslip! I’m a bartender and I need total nonslip not 70%. I was nervous to try yet another shoe but these totally did the job! At first, I wasn’t a big fan of the look but they’ve grown on me and now I think they are cute. Lastly, they are barefoot shoes! I am so satisfied finally finding a shoe I can wear all day that helps me keep my feet healthy and strong.” “Thank you for making these! As a high volume bartender, I need to be constantly moving fast on my feet for 8 - 10 hours non-stop. I've been wearing barefoot shoes outside of doing restaurant work for a few years now so it's actually hard to go back to cushioned work shoes. Having minimalist nonslip shoes like these Prio SR is something I've been looking for for quite awhile. Awesome stuff!” “I have been on a 15 year journey to find the perfect bartending shoe and I have found it! My feet, legs and body are just normal tired after an 8 hour high volume shift at a music venue; rather than achy and sore as hell half way through my shift. I feel stronger and have more agility in my movements than a running shoe or any of the others I have tried through the years. The adjustment period was difficult but I felt better right away. My feet and legs feel better. I can sleep after work without discomfort. I wake up the next day and instead of hobbeling, I'm walking and feel great! Huge difference! Thank you Xero I didn't think it was possible!” Bartenders, Try the Prio All Day-SR The Prio All-Day SR from Xero Shoes is the perfect slip-resistant pair of barefoot shoes for bartending and all-day comfort.

We’ve heard from countless teachers roaming their schools’ hallways that switching to so-called “minimalist” or “barefoot” shoes has been the key to feet that feel better all day long. Walking the aisles checking homework, pacing while teaching lessons, or just standing in the hall while kids come and go can all contribute to tired, achy feet. The reality is that teachers work 50+ hours a week, and spend much of their day standing up and moving around, which can put big demands on their feet. Teachers understand the importance of choosing comfortable shoes, but the shoes they think offer the most comfort may actually be one of the causes of discomfort. Keep reading for the best shoes for teachers, and the reasons to make the switch over to barefoot shoes. Which Shoes Make Sense for Teachers? What exactly is it that makes one shoe more comfortable than another? To answer that, we must consider the day-in, day-out activities and responsibilities of teachers, as this understanding reveals the features that will offer the most long-term comfort for your feet. Ultimately, the best shoes for teachers should… Allow you to move efficiently around the classroom and in the hallways Offer comfort even when you’re on your feet all day,  so you can focus more on your students and your lesson plans and less on your tired feet. Be breathable, which is indispensable for people who are active and on their feet throughout their day, like teachers. Shoes with proper ventilation ensure your feet remain comfortable and dry. Excess moisture can also lead to blisters–another reason to look for breathability. Be lightweight, so teachers can avoid the fatigue that comes with wearing heavier shoes. Be flexible, so that your feet can move naturally, whether you’re walking the halls or pacing during lessons. Provide adequate toe space. Teachers need shoes with ample toe room to allow the toes to move freely, preventing cramping while accommodating various foot shapes and sizes. Look professional and meet your school’s dress code. Comparing Normal Shoes with Barefoot Shoes in the Classroom Teachers who experience soreness or fatigue throughout the day may have their shoes to blame. There are a few issues that “standard” or “conventional” shoes may cause: The excessive padding mutes the feedback the nerves in your feet send to your brain, interfering with mobility. The overreliance on padding could weaken the feet over time. The raised heel can affect your posture. Conventional shoes typically contain a narrow toe box that squeeze the toes, which can lead to discomfort and other foot issues Barefoot shoes, on the other hand, have a wider, foot shaped toe box and non-elevated heel. Conventional shoes often have a narrow, pointed toe box that squeezes toes together, ultimately leading to podiatry issues and balance problems. Barefoot-type shoes, on the other hand, boast a wider, foot-shaped toe box to allow toes to spread naturally, which may provide better balance, mobility and agility. In addition to an uncomfortable pointed toe box, normal shoes have a raised heel, which negatively affects posture and can put strain on the ankles, knees, hips and back. Barefoot shoes have a non-elevated heel (also “zero-drop”) that can help improve posture. This means that the heel and forefoot are the same height, allowing the feet to be in a more natural position. The thick soles and excessive padding of conventional shoes don’t allow your feet to move or toes to spread – it’s like wearing a cast on your foot, restricting your foot’s natural movement, reducing joint mobility, and may cause the muscles to weaken over time. Barefoot shoes don’t provide any external arch support. It may sound counterintuitive, but this design allows you to build strength just by walking and moving around. This helps your feet eventually become strong enough to act as their own support system. To summarize, barefoot shoes help teachers to… Move naturally Experience better mobility, balance, and agility that comes from the foot being in a more natural position. Strengthen the feet over time so they become their own support system Teachers, It’s Time to Make The Switch to Barefoot Shoes To get through the school year in comfort, you need footwear that will enable natural movement, so you can spend hours comfortably on your feet. Barefoot shoes provide teachers the comfort and support they need to be at their best. They are so comfortable and lightweight, many teachers forget they’re even wearing them! Teachers Love Wearing Xero Shoes! If you spend most of the hours of the day on your feet, you’ll want to buy a pair of Xero Shoes. But don’t take our word for it! Here’s what teachers have to say about their Xero Shoes: Xero shoes have been life changing… I am an elementary teacher and on my feet for 5-7 hours per day. The best pair of boots I’ve ever had. So beautiful! I’ve played in the snow and run in the rain with these boots. I’m a kindergarten teacher so I spend at least an hour outside every day even if it rains or snows…these boots are great. Only at -10c my soles of my feet were feeling bit cold. I am so happy I bought these shoes! As a teacher, I wanted a comfortable shoe that was dressier than my xero sneakers, but just as comfortable. These shoes fit so nicely and easily go with dress slacks or jeans. I bought the Dillon slip-ons in both available colors (black and gray), and in my usual Xero size (I have Prios, Aptos, HFS, and the lace-up Dillon). They fit perfectly, and Xero has nailed the look with these. I just wore them all day right out of the box and there’s not a single complaint I could make. I imagine that these will be my daily go-tos, and I am curious to see how they wash when the need arises. PLEASE make these in navy! I’m a teacher whose school color is navy. I wear a ton of navy logo-embroidered shirts, polos, etc. with khakis to work in, and would absolutely love to be able to rock some navy Dillons. This is my 4th pair and I’m a fan! 3 athletic shoes and one pair of sandals. I’m new to the barefoot shoe club, and feel that my balance, stride and foot muscles are improving. Standing flat works wonders for one's posture and back. I’m a 62-yr-old teacher looking forward to healthy strong feet! Find Your Next Pair of Shoes We have a wide selection of minimalist dress and casual shoes for teachers to fit your school’s dress code. Browse great styles for men and women. Dress Shoes For more formal dress codes Phoenix leather Mika Casual Shoes Pair with nice jeans or slacks The Dillon The Glenn Kelso Multi-purpose shoes For the laid back dress codes or casual friday. Zelen Nexus Knit Prio Prio Neo

If your feet don’t feel as good at the end of your shift at the salon or barber shop – plus errands, social life, away from work – as they did at the start… then it’s time to reconsider your choice in footwear. And what if the best pair of shoes for all-day comfort is the opposite of what “Big Shoe” has been pitching? What if all the features they say should help you actually get in the way or even cause the problems they claim to cure? We realize this may sound counterintuitive (or even come off as crazy). However, thousands of people who work on their feet have made the switch to barefoot shoes. Read reviews of barbers who made the switch to Xero Shoes and never looked back: All the features I love about Xero Shoes plus more durability and slip-proof traits make it the perfect shoe for work. The professional style makes them great for more formal environments. In this post, you’ll discover how switching to barefoot shoes can help you enjoy healthy feet at the salon, at home, or anywhere. What Shoes Make Sense For Hairstylists? Before we discuss barefoot shoes and the differences that can help hair stylists, let’s look at what shoes make sense for people who work on their feet all day for a living. Working as a hairstylist, you need high-quality footwear that will… Allow you to move efficiently on unforgiving salon floors. Offer a comfortable fit for long days. Provide traction and stability. Shoes must have good grip or tread for slip resistance. Be extremely durable. Be easy to clean and maintain. Offer protection from various accidents or spills that can occur in salons or barber shops. Look professional in a salon or barber shop setting (of course, this varies on your salon’s dress code). Why “Normal” Shoes For Hairdressers Don’t Compare Before discussing the benefits of barefoot shoes for hairstylists, let’s look at the problems “normal” shoes can create: To summarize, “normal” shoes… Have a narrow, pointed toe box. This squeezes your toes together, leading to foot problems and balance issues. Have a raised heel, which negatively affects your posture, putting strain on your ankles, knees, hips, and back. Have excessive padding, which mutes the feedback the nerves in your feet send to your brain… making you less stable and confident as you move around the shop. Have stiff soles, limiting your feet’s natural movement. Once again, this can affect your balance and agility. Are heavier compared to barefoot shoes. The weight of normal shoes will slow you down over the course of a long workday. The things listed above can negatively impact your health and well-being over time. How Do Barefoot Shoes Compare? For hairdressers, stylists, and barbers, barefoot shoes (also called “minimalist shoes”) address the issues that normal shoes can bring about. Barefoot-style shoes… Have a wider, foot-shaped toe box, which allows your toes to spread naturally. Are flexible and allow for natural movement. Have a non-elevated heel (also called “zero-drop”), to help improve your posture. Are low to the ground for balance, mobility, and agility. Allow you to strengthen your feet and become their own support. Are lightweight — so lightweight, that many salon or barber shop employees forget they’re wearing them (and that’s not an exaggeration)!   3 Fantastic Benefits Hairstylists and Barbers Get Wearing Barefoot Shoes Here are three significant benefits that hairdressers and barbers will get when they make the switch to barefoot shoes: They Are (Extremely) Lightweight Busy salon or barber shop workers deal with walking around for long periods of time. Wearing heavier shoes will weigh you down throughout the day. “Normal” shoes tend to be heavier, while barefoot shoes are lightweight. For salon workers, retail workers, or anyone who works on their feet, barefoot shoes are the ideal choice. With minimalist-style shoes, you can be quick and light on your feet instead of dragging heavy shoes around during a long shift. How lightweight are they? We’ve heard many stories about people forgetting to take their shoes off when they come home from off after a long shift. They Have Zero Heel-to-Toe Drop Traditional shoes place your heel higher than the ball of your foot. This is known as a shoe’s “heel-to-toe drop.” The heel-to-toe drop for what some consider “normal” shoes typically range from 8-12 millimeters, however, even a small drop is a problem. Why is this bad? This “drop” shifts your center of gravity forward, and adjusting to that can put a strain on your body, including the back, knees, ankles, and hips. Barefoot shoes, however, have zero heel-to-toe drop, also referred to as “zero drop”. This means there is a uniform sole height without any difference between the heel and the toe. Zero-drop shoes mimic the natural barefoot position on a flat surface, allowing for more natural posture, which can take the strain off your ankles, knees, hips, and back. Salon and barber shop employees will benefit from better alignment and balance throughout long shifts on their feet. Your Feet Become Their Own Support While you may think added support is an important feature for your footwear, it may actually be taking away from your health. The issue with “normal” shoes with padding is that they restrict your feet from moving and your toes from spreading out. Why is this bad? Think of it like wearing a cast — when movement is restricted, your joint mobility is reduced, causing the muscles to weaken. You can apply this analogy to wearing “normal shoes”, which can greatly restrict your movement. By comparison, barefoot-style footwear purposefully does not provide external arch support. This feature helps you to develop foot strength to support the arch naturally. Research from Dr. Sarah Ridge concludes that merely walking in barefoot shoes builds foot strength as much as a foot-strengthening exercise program would provide someone. So, as a hairstylist, you can build foot strength just by walking around in minimalist shoes as you go about your day at work! Barefoot shoes have a flat sole with no built-in support and no extra midsole foam that breaks down unevenly, making them the best shoe if you think you do want or need an insole. Xero Shoes: Find The Perfect Shoes for You If your feet are sore from standing up all day, we invite you to try Xero Shoes. They are reliable and comfortable shoes for hairstylists, ideal for long days at the salon. Try our slip resistant Prio All-Day SR, or any of the other barefoot-inspired shoes and boots that are perfect for anyone working on their feet! [product_category category="prio-all-day-sr" columns="2"]