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Hi there, I'm Jarvis! I see you're looking at the Commercial Slip Resistant Trainers | Old School Work Shoes | Black Size 42 | Shoes for Crews BB161-42. How can I help you with the technical specs or suitability for your business today?

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Shoes For Crews In Stock

Commercial Slip Resistant Trainers | Old School Work Shoes | Black Size 42 | Shoes for Crews BB161-42

SKU: BB161-42
£65.50 / exc vat
£78.60/ inc vat
  • Mighty Gripâ„¢ Soles
  • Leather Construction
  • Feather-light Midsole
  • Removable Cushioned Insoles

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Product Overview

Stepping into a busy commercial kitchen or a bustling bar floor requires more than just any old pair of shoes. It demands footwear that works as hard as you do. These are the Shoes for Crews Old School trainers in black, designed from the ground up for the hospitality professional. They blend classic, low-profile style with serious, industry-leading safety technology, so you can focus on the job at hand without giving your feet a second thought.

Crafted for chefs, kitchen porters, bar staff, and  anyone spending their day on their feet in demanding environments, these trainers are the perfect ally. The premium leather construction isn't just for looks; it provides a durable barrier against daily scuffs and  spills. Combined with a feather-light midsole and  cushioned insoles, they deliver all-day comfort that you'll appreciate long after your shift has ended. These aren't just shoes; they're an essential piece of your professional toolkit.

Featuring the legendary Mighty Grip slip-resistant sole, these trainers provide exceptional traction on the greasiest, wettest floors, significantly reducing the risk of slips and  falls. They meet rigorous BS EN ISO safety standards, giving you certified peace of mind. For a smart, comfortable, and  incredibly safe footwear solution that keeps you steady and  supported, look no further.

Key Features and  Benefits

  • Mighty Gripâ„¢ Soles: Provides outstanding grip on wet, oily, and  greasy floors.
  • Leather Construction: Offers excellent durability, protection, and  a professional, smart appearance.
  • Feather-light Midsole: Ensures you stay comfortable and  agile during long shifts.
  • Removable Cushioned Insoles: Lets you customise your comfort and  reduces foot fatigue.
  • Tapered Outsole: Cleverly designed to help minimise the risk of tripping.
  • Classic Black Colourway: A professional and  versatile look that complements any staff uniform.
  • Lightweight Design: Reduces strain on your legs and  back over many hours.
  • BS EN ISO 13287:2012 Certified: Officially rated for slip resistance, providing proven, reliable safety.

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: Shoes For Crews
  • SKU: BB161-42
  • EU Size: 42
  • UK Size: 8
  • Colour: Black
  • Material: Leather
  • Weight: 1.01kg
  • Safety Standard: BS EN ISO 13287:2012
  • Features: Mighty Gripâ„¢ Slip-Resistant Sole, Tapered Outsole

Expert Review and  Insights

Shoes for Crews has built its entire reputation on one thing: grip. These Old School trainers are a perfect example of their expertise. They feel surprisingly light for a work shoe, but the stability is undeniable. On a tiled floor after a spill, you feel planted and  secure. They’ve successfully combined genuine safety with a style that staff are actually happy to wear.

Sophie Brooks – Chef Tools Expert View Profile →

  • Unbeatable Traction: The slip resistance is top-tier, even on notoriously slick quarry tiles.
  • Break-in Period: Like any good leather shoe, they require a few shifts to soften up.

Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

The team at 'The Northern Cask', a popular gastropub in York, needed to upgrade their staff footwear. Their existing shoes weren't providing enough grip on the tiled floor behind the busy bar, leading to a couple of near-misses during peak hours and  general complaints of sore feet.

"We switched the whole team over to these Shoes for Crews trainers. The difference was immediate. The staff feel so much more confident moving around, especially when there's been a spill. Plus, they look smart enough to wear front-of-house. It’s a weight off my mind."

Robert Davies – General Manager

The pub saw a 100% reduction in reported slips within the first two months and  a noticeable improvement in staff morale regarding shift comfort.

Installation and  Maintenance Guide

First Wear & Break-In

  • Ensure you are wearing your usual work socks to get an accurate feel for the fit.
  • The leather is supple but will mould to your feet over the first few shifts for a custom fit.
  • Before your first full shift, try wearing them around the house for an hour or two to begin the break-in process.
  • Check that the removable insoles are sitting flat and  comfortably inside the shoe.

Keeping Them Going

  • After each shift, wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove any food, dirt or grease.
  • For tougher marks, use a gentle leather cleaner. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners which can damage the material.
  • Periodically remove the insoles to allow them and  the inside of the shoe to air out completely.
  • Regularly check the tread for any embedded debris to ensure the slip-resistant sole remains effective.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Hospitality Footwear

Not sure what to look for in a professional work shoe? Here are a few key things to consider to make sure you get the best fit for your job.

Grip is Non-Negotiable

Look for certified slip-resistance (like a BS EN ISO rating). Your safety depends on the quality of the outsole, especially in kitchen or bar environments.

All-Day Comfort is Key

Features like cushioned insoles, flexible midsoles, and  a lightweight design make a huge difference over a 10-hour shift. Don't underestimate comfort.

Material Matters

Leather offers great durability, protection, and  is easy to clean. Synthetic materials can offer breathability. Choose based on your specific role and  environment.

The Perfect Fit

A shoe that's too tight or too loose can cause blisters and  pain. Remember to account for foot-swell during a long day and  consider the type of socks you'll be wearing.

Beyond the Grip

Look for other safety features. A tapered outsole, like the one on this model, is specifically designed to reduce trip hazards when moving quickly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are these shoes waterproof?

A: The leather upper is water-resistant and  will protect against splashes and  spills, but they are not fully waterproof if submerged.

Q: Can I use my own orthotic insoles?

A: Yes, the cushioned insoles that come with the trainers are fully removable, so you can easily replace them with your own custom orthotics.

Q: How do I clean the leather?

A: For best results, simply wipe them clean with a damp cloth. For tougher stains, a dedicated leather cleaner is recommended to preserve the material.

Q: Do these have a steel toe cap?

A: No, these are soft-toe trainers designed for comfort, agility and  slip-prevention. They do not have a protective steel toe cap.

Q: How does the sizing run? Are they true to UK sizes?

A: Yes, they are designed to be true to standard UK sizing. We recommend ordering your usual shoe size.

Q: Are they heavy to wear for a full shift?

A: No, they are specifically designed with a feather-light and  flexible midsole to minimise weight and  reduce fatigue, even during long periods of standing and  walking.

Q: What does the BS EN ISO 13287:2012 rating mean?

A: This is the European standard for slip resistance in professional footwear. It certifies that the shoes have passed rigorous testing for grip on slippery surfaces.

Q: Is the 'Old School' style suitable for front-of-house staff?

A: Absolutely. The classic, all-black, low-profile design is smart and  discreet, making it a perfect match for most front-of-house uniforms.

What Customers Are Saying

"Honestly the most comfortable work shoes I've ever owned. I do 10-hour shifts on my feet and  my legs don't ache half as much as they used to. The grip is fantastic too."

Megan R. – Café Owner, Brighton

"Really solid anti slip chef trainers. They look good and  the non-slip sole is no joke. I've walked through water and  grease without a second thought. Highly recommend."

David Chen – Head Chef, Birmingham

"Bought these for our entire front of house team. They look professional, are easy to clean and  most importantly, I know my staff are safe. Great investment."

Olivia Williams – Restaurant Manager, Cardiff

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The Shoes for Crews Promise: An Investment in Your Team

Choosing Shoes for Crews isn't just about buying a piece of equipment; it's a strategic investment in the safety and  wellbeing of your staff. For over 35 years, this brand has focused exclusively on one mission: preventing slips and  falls in the workplace. This singular focus means every element, from the specific rubber compound in the sole to the ergonomics of the insole, is obsessively engineered for performance in real-world professional environments. Investing in industry-leading footwear like these hospitality work trainers black translates directly into fewer accidents, which means less staff downtime, greater team confidence, and  a smoother, more efficient operation. It demonstrates a commitment to staff welfare that pays dividends in loyalty and  performance long after the initial purchase.

Explore more from Shoes For Crews

How Mighty Gripâ„¢ Keeps You on Your Feet

You might think all non-slip soles are the same, but the 'Mighty Grip' technology from Shoes for Crews is on another level. It's not just about having a deep tread pattern. The real magic is in the unique rubber compound and  the design of the micro-channels within the tread. These channels work to actively push liquids—like water, grease, and  oil—out from underneath the shoe.

Think of it like the aqua-planing technology on high-performance car tyres. When a car tyre hits a puddle, its grooves are designed to funnel water away so the rubber stays in contact with the road. The Mighty Grip sole does exactly the same on a slippery floor. By clearing the liquid away, the sole maintains maximum surface area contact with the ground, giving you that 'glued-to-the-floor' feeling of stability, even in the most treacherous conditions.

Who Should Buy This?

  • Chefs and  Kitchen Staff

    For staying safe and  comfortable during long, demanding services in potentially hazardous kitchen environments.

  • Bar and  Waiting Staff

    Perfect for front-of-house teams who need smart, comfortable, and  slip resistant work trainers black for fast-paced shifts.

  • Event Caterers

    An essential for mobile teams needing reliable, safe footwear that performs across various floor surfaces.

  • Healthcare & Care Home Workers

    Ideal for providing stability and  all-day comfort on polished corridors and  ward floors.

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Why Choose EasyEquipment?

  • Trusted for 50+ Years

    We've been kitting out UK kitchens for half a century—we know our onions.

  • Speedy & Free Delivery

    Get your gear fast with free UK mainland delivery, often as soon as the next day.

  • Price Match Promise

    Find it for less elsewhere? We'll match the price, no quibbles or fuss.

  • Real UK Support

    Got a question? Our friendly, UK-based team is on the phone, ready to help you out.

Ready to Order?

Ready to give your feet the protection and  comfort they deserve? Order your Shoes for Crews Old School trainers black today and  take the first step towards safer shifts.

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