Methods to Detect Slip-Resistant Footwear and an Understanding of Their Functioning
In an effort to ensure safety and prevent accidents, especially in workplaces where floors can get wet, slippery, or greasy, non-slip shoes have become a necessity. This article, co-authored by Rio Jongsae Kim and Hunter Rising, provides a guide on how to identify and select effective non-slip shoes.
1. Sole Material and Design
Look for shoes with rubber soles, as they generally provide better grip than plastic or leather soles. The sole should have a grooved or treaded design that enhances traction on slippery surfaces. Some specialized footwear uses double-tread soles or added rubber treads to maximize contact and grip.
2. Certifications and Standards
Safety shoes that are certified under standards such as ASTM F2413 (American standards) or EN ISO 20345 (European standards) often have verified slip-resistant soles. Check inside the shoe for labels showing these certifications, which confirm compliance with slip resistance and other safety tests.
3. Brand and Product Features
Reputable brands known for work and utility shoes, like Skechers workwear, highlight anti-slip soles explicitly in their descriptions. Shoes designed with rubber bumpers and injection-moulded soles improve durability and traction, which is useful for identifying shoes with a good grip.
4. Testing for Effectiveness
Check if the shoe manufacturer provides information or testing results related to slip resistance on various surfaces (wet, oily, or smooth). A practical approach is to walk cautiously on different slippery surfaces wearing the shoes to feel the grip and stability they provide.
5. Additional Features to Consider
Shoes intended for slippery environments may also offer other safety features like waterproofing or impact protection, adding overall value and safety. For specialized needs (e.g., hospital settings), non-slip footwear may include gentle, moisture-wicking fabric combined with gripper patterns to prevent sliding and ensure comfort.
By checking for these features and certifications, you can confidently identify effective non-slip shoes suitable for your environment.
This article has been viewed 18,292 times and was last updated on July 17, 2025. It has been fact-checked to ensure the accuracy of any cited facts.
Rio Jongsae Kim, the Designer Shoe and Bag Repair Specialist and Owner of Kim's Shoe & Bag Repair in Vancouver, BC, Canada, has over 40 years of experience in shoe and bag repair. His work has been featured on Yahoo, Insider, and MSN.
References: [1] National Safety Council. (2020). Non-Slip Shoes: What You Need to Know.
- Apart from safety certifications, it's advantageous to consider shoes designed with rubber bumpers and injection-moulded soles, as they often offer improved durability and traction for a reliable grip.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise, choosing shoes with grooved or treaded soles aids in maintaining balance and preventing falls when engaging in activities on slippery surfaces.
- For those who value maintaining a stylish lifestyle, explore fashion-and-beauty brands that offer non-slip shoes with sleek designs and unique features, such as waterproofing or impact protection.
- Transform your home-and-garden environment by investing in slip-resistant footwear for outdoor activities, helping to minimise accidents on wet, slippery, or greasy surfaces during cleaning and maintenance tasks.
