How to Determine If a Shoe Is Non-Slip

A significant health risk that can befall a man is accidental slips. An accidental fall could happen indoors or outdoors at any point time, which means the thought of preventing it has to be considered. Therefore, you have to be very careful when walking, running, and working on slippery surfaces, no matter your age. Falling on a slippery surface can lead to a life-threatening condition. Hence, the best way to avoid such risk is by getting and wearing slip-resistant shoes.

Shoe designs are of different categories, and a popular class is "slip-resistant shoes." Shoes in this category are primarily used in medical facilities and food servicing industries because workers are expected to be on their feet for long periods. Slip-resistant shoes are used mainly in fields where workers tend to stay on their feet for long periods because of the comfort they give users while working. No one wants to be on boots or high heels for several hours at work.

It is essential to learn how to determine if a shoe is non-slip, which is the primary reason for this article. In addition, it will serve as a helpful guide that points out all you need to know about non-slip shoes.

What are Slip-Resistant Shoes (Non-Slip Shoes)

A slip-resistant shoe is a type of shoe specially designed for safety purposes. They are designed to protect users from falling on floor surfaces that are slick, wet, rough, and oily. They are pretty different from the regular shoes you will find in stores because of their rubber sole. This feature provides users with a good grip and traction when walking and working in it.

Non-slip shoes prevent users from slipping while walking because they provide arc support and their soles have a firm grip. This is the primary reason why they are called anti-slip shoes. Unfortunately, there is no standard associated with how a non-slip shoe should look because non-slip shoes may act differently depending on the surface. For instance, wet surfaces are different from oily surfaces.

The body known as "Occupational Safety and Health Administration" (OSHA) sets a mandatory safety guideline that involves instructing people to wear safety shoes/boots when working within a facility. This will protect the foot against harmful objects and hazards such as heavy tools, toxic chemicals, fire, and electricity. So, the organization recommends using slip-resistant shoes when working.

For a shoe to be labeled non-slip, it must have been carefully designed using specific tread patterns and materials. In addition, it should offer a certain level of traction and support that will prevent users from slipping on slippery floors. They are shoes that will limit your chances of falling.

Overall, slip-resistant shoes are designed to provide comfort and prevent injuries.

Basic Features of Slip-Resistant Shoes

We will take a closer look at the attributes associated with slip-resistant shoes, otherwise known as non-slip shoes. The main idea behind producing non-slip shoes is to increase grip on surfaces while reducing the risk of slipping. So, here are basic features you should know;

• Relatively Soft
• Anti-skid Soles
• Pliable and Durable
• Padded Collars
• Adequate Toe Boxes
• Shock Absorber Outsoles
• Hexagonal Patterned Tread
• Water and Stain Resistant
• Lightweight and Flexible Outsole
• Comfortable Cushioned Midsole
• Versatile Design and Construction
• Orthotic Footbeds with Arc Support

If you work for long hours at work, you might need to consider buying slip resistance shoes.

Factors that Help to Determine if a Shoe is Slip-Resistant

There are certain factors that can help you determine if a shoe is non-slip, so when shopping for shoes that are slip-resistant, you need to keep these important factors in mind.

1. Materials Used in Producing the Shoe

2. The Tread Pattern of the Shoe

3. The Design and Construction of the Outsole

4. Check if Non-Slip is Specified on the Tag

Materials Used in Producing the Shoe

There are several types of materials used in producing non-slip shoes. These materials make the shoes what they are in terms of stability and durability. In addition, slip-resistant shoes are usually soft and pliable, which increases the non-slip capabilities. So, to determine if a shoe is non-slip, you have to pay close attention to the type of materials used in producing them.

Non-slip shoes are made of the following materials;

• Rubber
• Neoprene
• PVC
• Nitrile
• Polyurethane

Each of these materials, especially rubber, contributes to making shoe slip-resistant. So, if you find a shoe made of rubber and has a firm grip on a wet or oily surface, it is definitely non-slip.

The Tread Pattern of the Shoe

One of the significant factors that determine the slip resistance of a shoe is the tread pattern. When you pick up a shoe and turn it upside down, you will see a line pattern on the shoe's sole, which is known as the tread pattern. The primary purpose of the tread pattern is to increase the surface area of a shoe's sole so that it can grip both smooth and rough surfaces properly.

When the sole of a shoe catches or grips a surface firmly, the risk of falling is reduced. You will notice athletic shoes have a "multi-pattern tread sole" that makes them get traction at different angles. This will ensure walking, jogging, running, and sliding with the shoe are made easy without the fear of slipping or falling. Suppose the sole of a shoe is flat. In that case, water can get trapped underneath easily, leading to the wearer tripping or falling on slippery surfaces.

Shoes with open tread and interlocked patterns also help to disperse water and fluids by channeling them away from the sole of the shoe. Hence, reducing the risk of hydroplaning.

The Design and Construction of the Sole

The design and construction of a shoe sole is a significant factor that helps to determine if the shoe is slip-resistant. Footwears with a stiff sole might have less grip on slippery surfaces than those with a soft sole. So, the sole design and the way it's constructed are highly important.

When trying to determine if a shoe is non-slip, you don't need to bother about the insole but mainly the outsole. This is because the outsole is what comes in contact with a surface. For you to say a shoe is non-slip, it must offer high grip and traction capabilities. Therefore, ensure you check the outsole of a shoe to see if it has sturdy rubber construction that will prevent slips and falls.

Check if "Non-Slip" is Specified on the Label

Shoes that are sold in stores come with a tag that shows the price and product description. An excellent way to tell if a shoe is slip-resistant is to check the product description on the label. It is an obvious way of telling if a shoe is slip-resistant because it will be clearly indicated on the tag.

Suppose you find "non-slip" or "slip-resistant" on the product description of a shoe. In that case, it means they have been tested for performance on different surfaces such as wet, greasy, dry, and oily surfaces. If you are shopping online, check the product description section to see if non-slip is specified.

You have to be careful when checking for the non-slip label because some companies can advertise a shoe to be slip-resistant without those capabilities. So, don't get fooled by the label.

Finally, testing a shoe for slip resistance is also a meaningful way to determine if it is non-slip.

Important Things to Know About Non-Slip Shoes

Here are important things you need to know about non-slip shoes

• The tread hexagon pattern found under the sole of a shoe is a non-slip trait
• Shoes with sturdy rubber soles are highly slip-resistant
• Shoes with a grip pad at the sole are highly slip-resistant
• Slip-resistant shoes can reduce risks from electrical hazards
• Protective non-slip shoes help to prevent muscle strains and sprains
• Using proper slip-resistant shoes at work help to prevent slip or fall injuries
• The right non-slip shoes help users maintain traction and balance on slippery surfaces

Conclusion

Whether you are wearing regular shoes or slip-resistance shoes, you must ensure you watch your steps when walking, running, or working. Slip-resistant shoes are essential for those that work in clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare centers. This is because it is best for those who work long hours shift and work on wet and slippery floors. It is also helpful for people that work in factories and construction sites because it acts as safety shoes.

Knowing the characteristics of a non-slip shoe will help you shop for a suitable pair.

The pattern tread that comes in circles and hexagonal lines is designed to cause friction between the sole of a non-slip shoe and a surface. This will reduce the risk of falling and prevent injuries to the ankles, toes, heels, calves, and feet. Aside from preventing injuries, non-slip shoes also provide comfort for the feet if you walk or work for long hours.

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section. Thank you!