How to tell if shoes are non-slip? According to the European regulation EN 20345, there are three standards concerning non-slip safety footwear. They are the SRA, SRB, and SRC standards. A non-slip safety shoe meets one of the SRA or SRB or SRC standards.
The SRA, SRB, and SRC standards
SRA standard: Under the conditions provided for by the standard, the SRA standard certifies that the shoe is a non-slip on a ceramic floor covered with water and detergent.
SRB standard: The SRB standard certifies that the shoes are non-slip on a steel floor covered with glycerin.
SRC standard: As for the SRC standard, it meets the conditions of the SRA standard and the conditions of the SRB standard at the same time. SRC standard shoes are ideal for workers in industry, transport and logistics activities, plumbers, and construction trades.
They certify the non-slip capacity of the safety shoes depending on the type of ground. The SRC standard is the most comprehensive because the shoes meet both SRA and SRB requirements.
How to tell If Shoes are Non-Slip?
The one way to tell if shoes are non-slip is to wear them and walk on a non-slippery surface. If the soles of the shoe grip, then they’re likely made with a rubber or other material that grabs and holds on. The next best option is to hold onto something like a wall or even the door handle of the cabinet you’re standing in front of. If you don’t have a good grip, either the original owner didn’t take the time to rub or wax them to make them non-slip or you’re standing on a surface that isn’t very grippy.
Scrutinize the tread patterns
Most shoes made for men and these days, for casual wear as well, have some sort of tread pattern on them. The tread pattern is generally on the sole of the shoe and it’s usually a solid color that hasn’t been stretched or stretched on purpose. If there isn’t a tread pattern, they don’t have much traction and they will not grip.
The first step would be to check the tread pattern. If there is a pattern on the sole of the shoe, then it is likely made with a rubber or other material that grabs and holds on. The next best option would be to hold onto something like a wall or even the door handle of the cabinet you’re standing in front of. If there isn’t an obvious tread pattern, they don’t have much traction and they will not grip.
Check the soles
Most shoes have rubber soles that are glued together at one time or another to make it hard to separate them. If the soles are made of rubber and they’re glued, if you take a knife and separate the rubber, you’ll usually find that it’s not glued at all.
The shape of the sole has a lot to do with traction and grip. The most common shapes you’ll see are round and square. I personally like the triangular-shaped soles with deep treads because it makes them not slip on my feet if I’m wearing them outside.
Ask a specialist if the sole is rubber or some other substances: In the USA, shoes are made with many compounds like rubber, PVC, and PU. And the rubber has the best non-slip elements.
When checking if shoes are non-slip, inspect the shoe soles to ensure good grip. Different types of shoe sole materials contribute to shoe slip resistance, including rubber, gum, and polyurethane. Learn about the different types of shoe sole materials with our 8 Different Shoe Sole Material Types guide.
Rounded soles are more advantageous than flat soles
Rounded soles are better than flat soles because they have a more defined edge. This edge will grab onto the surface better than a flat one will do, therefore they’re easier to slip on. Keep in mind that the more grippy the sole of the shoe is, the less room there is for your feet to expand once they are inside of them. There are some shoes with soles that are smooth with no treads or grooves so they aren’t very grippy either.
Rubber soles are always more slip-resistant than leather soles
Leather soles are the most common types of soles you’ll find. The tough leather with the smooth surface comes from cows that live on the Serengeti plains in Africa. These leathers are usually processed into cowhide, but if you’re worried about being allergic to it, they’re usually sprayed with a solution of acrylic to prevent it from being an allergen.
Look for Grooves
The soles of the shoes could be grooved or patterned. It depends on the shoe and the type of pattern. If it looks like it’s suited to be non-slip, then that’s another good indicator that it should have some traction on a slippery surface.
To determine if a shoe is slip-resistant, you should look for grooves on the sole. Grooves provide traction, which is essential to prevent slips and falls. You may want to check out our article on slip-resistant vs. oil-resistant soles for more information.
Feel the Bottom
The bottoms of shoes are often made with rubber or other materials that grab and hold on to something. If there isn’t a rubber bottom, then the shoe will not grip or grip very well.
Give Them a Test Drive
Carry them around for a while to see how they work. You may not be able to tell if the rubber is glued or if it’s already separated because the soles are rubber, but if not, you can tell if the shoe has any traction after testing it out for a few minutes.
Using oil, vinegar, or soap to test: There are different products you can use to test the traction of your shoes. Vinegar or soap will work to keep them from slipping on certain surfaces. Oil is not that useful in this case because it could just make the surface slippery too.
Many people assume that when a shoe company puts the label with the terms of Slip Resistant Shoes, it means that the shoes are completely slip-resistant. It is a wrong mindset. Another one is that if the shoe bottom (sole) has a complex or weird design, it will grip better. Again, it is not always correct!
There is no labeling standard for non-slip footwear in the United States. The old standards are outdated and have been withdrawn. The design of the tread will improve slip prevention. Many factors affect slip prevention.
To ensure the safety at the workplace, testing the shoes or boots is a must-do activity. It is imperative to try non-slip shoes or boots on different surfaces to verify the effectiveness of the sole design. Make sure to visit popular work boots brands for a better option.
How To Make Shoe Slip-Resistant?
Do you have a recurring nightmare of your shoes slipping off in the middle of the day while you are doing something important? Or maybe you just want to be prepared for any sort of outdoor or indoor activity?
Here are 11 Shoe Slip Resistant Hacks if you are in search of some creative solutions on how to make shoes slip-resistant:
Scuff Your Soles
Why do you have to scuff the soles? Well, it’s because scuffing will help you in creating a complete bond between the rubber sole and the upper. Showing that your shoes are sturdy in looks.
Apply Traction Spray
This is a simple to-do application that will help you not only making shoes slip-resistant but also give smoothness to your shoes. According to an online article, if your shoes are wearing out, traction spray could help you in rejuvenating the sole of the shoe.
Add a mixture of salt and rubber glue.
The ingredient of this mixture is created specially, to make shoes slip-resistant. The mixture is intended to give the sole an extra grip. How to do it? First, you just need to mix equal amounts of salt and rubber cement together. And then, spread the mixture evenly on the sole of your shoe.
Try adding a mixture of salt and rubber glue to the soles of your shoes to make them slip-resistant. This may sound unusual, but it is a great hack that can save you from accidents. In addition, you can also check out these steel toe tips for more comfortable work boots to keep your feet safe and comfortable while working.
Spray Hairspray on Soles
Spray hairspray on the soles of your shoes. This will help you to achieve that slip-resistant look. Then, rub it into the soles gently. This is a cheap and effective way to make shoes slip-resistant and shiny.
Score The Shoes Bottoms
Scoring the bottom of your shoes would help you in making them slip-resistant. When you score them, it creates lines on the bottom of the shoe and these lines will work as a gripping pattern, so your shoes won’t be slippery anymore.
To ensure the shoes’ non-slip properties, check their bottom soles. You can make boots slip-resistant by following some effective ways mentioned in this article about making boots slip-resistant. Make sure to maintain the gritted surface of the shoes’ bottom soles for better traction and grip on the floor.
Rub Sand To Your Soles
There are many ways that you could do this. Some of them are using epoxy, super glue, hairbands, etc. The only thing that you need to do is to create a bond between the sole and the upper part of your shoe. You can do this by simply sticking or gluing onto the bottom of your shoes.
Test Ice Grips
Ice grips are adhesive substances that you could get by applying them under the sole of your shoe. A good example of this substance is the one found on skate shoes or rollerblades. The reason why ice grips are effective in making shoes slip-resistant is it provides a strong, non-stick surface so you will get better traction and won’t’ slip off.
If you’re looking for ways to test the slip resistance of your shoes, one effective method is to use ice grips. These can simulate slippery conditions to see how well your footwear holds up. Check out our guide on making shoes non-slip for more tips and tricks on improving the safety and grip of your shoes.
Replace the soles of your shoes
You could always re-sole your shoes if they are already worn out. This step is equivalent to making shoes slip-resistant, though you might need to go to a shoe repair store to get your shoes fixed.
Setup a new rubber base
The sole of the shoe can be covered with rubber tape if it’s worn out. The purpose is to cover the sole so there’s no more bare metal, but you still get good traction.
To set up a new rubber base for your shoes, check out our guide on how to resole cowboy boots at home. This guide covers the steps needed to repair your boots and replace their soles. While the article is focused on cowboy boots, you can use the techniques for any shoe that needs a new rubber base.
Test Sandpaper
Just rub your shoes with sandpaper, just like the way you do when smoothing a surface for paint or varnish. The reason why this works is that it creates even more friction area on the bottom of the shoe and gives a better grab.
Place Band-Aids
Simply apply the band-aids to the bottoms of your shoes. This is an easy way to make your shoes slip-resistant and it doesn’t cost much.
If your shoes are causing blisters and discomfort, placing band-aids on potential problem areas can help provide cushioning and protect your skin. Check out some reasons and treatments for skin splitting under toes and find out how to prevent it from happening.
Make use of Puff Paint
Puff paint is a good way to make shoes slip-resistant. The reason why it works is that it creates friction between the sole and the surface that you are standing on.
Types of Non-Slip Shoes
Governed by the labor code and collective agreements, safety shoes must meet certain standards to adapt to the obligations of certain professions. To find out which of your trade, all you have to do is refer to the collective agreement for your sector of activity.
There are the first two classifications, the ISO 20345 standard, relating to non-slip safety shoes that must have a shell protecting the foot at a pressure of 200 joules. Then, the ISO 20347 standard classifies work shoes. It does not require such protection against the risk of crushing.
The ISO 20345 groups together several categories that refer to types of work boots, according to the basic requirements involved in the profession. Here is a small summary of these requirements to know which model to protect you.
- SB shoe: Suitable for dry conditions
- SBP shoe: Suitable for dry conditions
- S1 shoe: Suitable for dry conditions
- S1P shoe: Suitable for dry conditions
- S2 shoe: Suitable for humid conditions
- S3 shoe: Suitable for humid conditions
Here are some illustrated examples:
- An S1P like our low-top sneakers is ideal when working in a dry environment. Equipped with A, FO, E, and P standards, it will provide you with antistatic protection and safety against hydrocarbons. Its anti-perforation sole also comes with the SRA standard that protects you against slipping besides being anti-perforation.
- An S3 shoe is more suitable for a humid environment. It is the case with our Lotus model which, without ignoring a trendy design, will also protect you against antistatic electricity and hydrocarbons. Its non-slip and anti-perforation sole gives you optimal safety while keeping your foot protected from moisture as required by the WRU standard.
- Finally, if your profession sometimes subjects you to extreme conditions, it is necessary to opt for boots that will also protect your calves. The Iceland model classified S3, meets SRC, WRU, and CI standards. Offering perfect insulation against the lowest temperatures.
How to Choose a Non-Slip Work Shoe?
Even soles designed to have a grip on snow cannot withstand frozen snow. It is where anti-slip comes to the rescue. Anti-slip is like crampons in mountaineering. Admittedly, a pair of anti-slip will never allow you to go mountaineering. But the system is available on the same principle. A flexible or rigid structure, which is added over your shoe, and equipped at the level of the sole of crampons or spikes allowing your foot not to slip on packed or frozen snow.
The anti-slips are the perfect equipment for hiking in all circumstances, enjoying the snow on hiking trails or even in the resort, and avoiding the inconvenience and risks of slippery ground. Just slip them into your backpack and they will follow you everywhere. They are ready to go with you on all your snowy adventures.
Why is It Important to Choose the Right Safety Shoe?
For your safety shoes to be effective and fulfill their preventive function in the face of occupational risks and dangers, they must also be able to adapt perfectly to your needs in terms of comfort and well-being. Choosing the right size is essential to allow you to take full advantage of suitable protection.
Related: What are Safety Shoes?
Remember that you will probably wear these shoes all day long. Besides protecting yourself, also feel completely comfortable inside. It is necessary to first identify the needs related to your profession to choose a work boots for all day standing. They will adapt it to the dangers that you may encounter in this environment.
- Think about materials you can handle, objects that can fall, sharp ones that could cut you, nails, and screws that can get stuck.
- For carpenters and carpenters alike, an anti-perforation sole is perfect.
- For work, tractor, and other machine operators, it is advisable to use anti-crush shoes.
- As for cooks or gas station attendants, choose a non-slip sole.
- Once the risk issue is resolved, ergonomics come into play.
Wearing proper safety shoes or work boots can prevent slips, trips, and falls. To ensure you get the right fit, check out these safety shoe size charts for men & women.
FAQs
How to know your shoe size?
Being good in your sneakers is also valid in your safety shoes. Haven’t you ever experienced shoes that are too small creating blisters on your feet? Or maybe you still remember those oversized shoes that kept you from walking properly and ended up causing you to fall?
This element is important to consider for protective equipment such as safety shoes because poorly adapted they do not protect you properly against the risks of your job. The sizes of safety shoes may be different in each country.
If you are unsure of your exact shoe size or think you are in-between shoe sizes, a simple method of measuring your foot and doing a quick calculation lets you know the ideal size for your safety shoe.
- Place your foot flat, preferably with the heel against a wall, and stand straight.
- Maintaining the upright position measures your foot, from heel to big toe.
- Once the measurement is okay, add a centimeter to the result, then divide it by 0.66. If your measurement is between two sizes, then it is recommended to choose the size above. For a 40.5, prefer a 41 for more comfort.
We also recommended passing a finger between your heel and the back of the shoe. Remember that you will wear them all day and that it is therefore essential to be comfortable inside.
What to choose between low or high shoes, sneakers, boots, or clogs?
It is also necessary to consider the climatic conditions and the environment that you exercise, indoors or outdoors, in a dry or humid environment.
You also have to think about your comfort. Safety shoes come in fresh materials, light if you have to walk, and wear them for a long time in a day. We should pad it to absorb shocks, to be more rigid if the movements require better support. The safety shoes should be in protective leather or fabric to allow the foot to breathe better.
In short, once again, there are a bunch of characteristics that depend on the daily use you make of your safety shoe. But to prevent risks and to offer you comfort throughout the day, your safety shoe must be the right size.
It might sound obvious, but it is important to think about it. Too large a safety shoe exposes you to poor support that can lead to dangerous falls. A shoe that is too small would be uncomfortable and could hurt you by compressing your foot.
To know your ideal size, could not be easier because safety shoes have the same measurements as your regular shoes. If you know your everyday shoe size, then you know your safety shoe size. Otherwise, a simple measurement followed by a small calculation can quickly be sure.
How do you make the shoes non-slip?
We can use spontaneously an old household trick that saves money and is simply spraying the soles of your shoes with hairspray to make them slip-proof. There are also special anti-slip sprays in stores for this. But if you have to go quickly, just grab the can of hairspray in the bathroom. However, you should not walk through the apartment with the soles sprayed on. This causes the floor to stick.
If you have got a shock reading the headline, then you would better stop reading. We would like to recommend this trip to everyone else. Lightly roughen the soles of your shoes with sandpaper or a file. It simulates natural wear and tear and improves grip. You will also damage the shoes. So, weigh this up carefully before standing.
Another measure against slippery shoes: grip pads and special anti-slip tape to stick on. In contrast to the roughening of the soles, this application can be reversed. The simpler DIY variant is a normal adhesive tape with a rough outside or a few commercially available plasters.
On days when you are surprised by snow and black ice in the morning, a simple household item can keep you from slipping: Mason rubbers. Simply pull this over the front of your shoes and you have an effective anti-slip coating. The alternative would be to pull socks over your shoes. But the masonry gums are more practical and less noticeable.
