What are non slip shoes: their working, purpose, and uses!

We all have been at that stage where we slipped, fell, or slid on an icy, oily, wet, or damp surface. Well, there is a solution to avoid this issue. Good quality non-slip shoes can protect you from such unpredictable accidents.

When going to school in a hurry, we used to slip on those wet roads with normal boots. My mom made me wear these slip-resistant shoes on rainy and winter days. Those shoes saved me from major injuries during childhood.

If you are also facing such problems as slipping and falling, this article will help you. As a shoe enthusiast from childhood, I felt I should write a detailed article on non-slip shoes, their types, working, etc. This article is going to cover the A-to-Z of such shoes, helping y’all select wisely. Let’s start.

What are non-slip shoes?

‘The shoes that decrease the risk of slips and falls on wet, oily, or icy surfaces, providing maximum traction and grip through their grooved outsoles and ergonomic tread patterns,’ are called ‘Non-slip shoes.’

They are widely used in restaurants, hospitals, trekking areas, hilly localities, and construction sites, to ensure staff safety and performance. Most of these shoes have rubber outsoles with distinct tread patterns, which act as their superpower, allowing them to increase the surface area of contact and avoid slipping incidents.

The National Safety Council reports say that 46,653 people died in falls at home or work in 2022. This is where non-slip shoes become very important to save oneself from hazards. We can prevent fatal slipping accidents with these shoes.

4 main parts of non-slip shoes

My nostalgic memory hit me when writing this blog for you guys! It was the Christmas holiday and I went shopping downtown. My eyes stopped on a famous shoe shop at that place, named The Bobby’s Boots! The store showcased its latest collection of non-slip shoes at the front. Their mannequins’ were wearing different varieties of these shoes and there was a poster explaining their anatomy.

I felt like everyone may not know the exact science behind these shoes. Hence, I decided to discuss their anatomy! Let’s start with the four main parts of non-slip shoes, with the infographic below.

And here are the deeper details.

Outsole

Outsoles made from good quality rubber, synthetic rubber, polyurethane, EVA, etc., prevent slipping and tripping. Such materials add superior grip and strength to the shoe. The soles may have angled or rounded edges.

It’s important to note that-

1. The channel width on outsoles should be at least 2 mm. It creates a passage for liquids to flow outside when we stand on the wet surface.
2. Likewise, the channel depth should be between 2 to 7 mm. It helps water on wet roads to run off from the edges. This prevents falling hazards on walking faster. 
3. The grooves along the outsoles offer friction between 0.018 to 0.108 for each tread. This is the most important factor for non-slip shoes! Because it provides more grip and friction while walking faster or slower on falling hazard-causing surfaces.
4.  The leading edge of the outsole should have an angle between 90° and 110°. These angled edges increase the contact area and reduce the chances of contaminants getting between the sole and the floor. Here, contaminants mean small stones, slippery liquids, or sand that come under the shoe while walking. 

Isn’t that amazing that these tiny leading edges squeeze the contaminants away from the sole? I find it very interesting though!

Tread patterns

The tread patterns are small shaped grooves that provide required traction in different weather conditions. Treads include shapes like circles, squares, hexagons, triangles, squiggles, etc.

Yes! It’s cute to have such patterns on the shoe bottoms!

But, wait! There is a scientific explanation behind these ergonomic patterns.

These patterns are strategically engineered to channel and disperse liquids away from the shoe bottom. This dispersion regulates the direct contact between the shoe and the ground and reduces the likelihood of hydroplaning (where a layer of liquid decreases contact and leads to slippage).

Their 2 mm long grooves increase the surface area of the sole. It adds grip and stability, channels away liquids coming under the shoes, and prevents slipping.

Comfortable support

Padded collars, cushioned insoles, water-resistant uppers, and flexible soles increase the comfort and cushioning of these shoes. These features offer better arch support, comfortable grip, and maintain foot stability.

Materials like foam, polyurethane, PE foam, latex, EVA, etc., improve the fitting of the shoe to the foot. They also add support and thickness to the sole. These shoes are an intelligent blend of cozy comfort and ergonomic design.

Siping

These shoes have thin slits across the sole. When you stand on the slippery surface and push your foot on the ground, these slits open and create a suction on the attached surface. Also, a beveled heel helps to avoid slipping on sloped surfaces.

How do non-slip shoes work?

My grandmother used to tell my father, aunts, and uncles: ‘Invest in your shoes wisely!’

She was right! This applies to non-slip shoes too! It’s like using a highly gripped tire in a car for trailing on a snowy or sandy road. Or, using spiked cleats on the soccer ground!

Selecting a durable and effective non-slip shoe is important for those who regularly walk around slippery surfaces like wet, greasy, oily, etc., platforms. You can consider understanding their working before you get one of these for you. I have given a detailed explanation of the working of non-slip shoes below for your help: 

Durable structure

Their thick and sturdy soles provide cushioning and firm support. These soles are made from high-quality Polyurethane, PE foam, EVA, etc. The comforting support prevents pain in ankles and knees when you stand longer. 

Slip-resistant material

These shoes are mainly made from rubber, Thermal plastic rubber (TPR), Nitrile Rubber (NBR), Polyurethane (PU), Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, etc. Many brands provide a label saying  ‘slip-resistant’, ‘anti-slip’, or ‘non-slip’ with these shoes.

If you are a newbie and want to identify such shoes, observe their soles. The soles should have an inward curve under the arch. These curved arches provide grip, traction, and support to the person while walking, hopping, or jumping on slippery areas.  

Water-repelling material

These shoes are made for repelling water and dampness. Their uppers are made from water-resistant materials like leather, EVA, etc. These uppers also protect your feet from moisture during rainy and winter seasons.

You can watch this video for a detailed description:

Top 6 types of non-slip shoes

I have a collection of different varieties of non-slip shoes like the Cessnock Food Service Shoes from Sketchers, Clipper Classic Slip-On Slip-Resistant Work Sneakers from Lugz, Dr. Scholl’s Work Loafers, etc. A few of them provide safety on icy or wet roads, while, some of them are ideal to use for hiking, jogging, etc.

Using the right type of non-slip shoe is important to save yourself from falling hazards. From my 16 years of experience, I have enlisted some main types of them below for your reference:

Server shoes

Have you ever checked the shoes of a waiter or bartender in a restaurant? These people wear server’s shoes that have slip-resistant traction. These lightweight shoes have non-marking outsoles with flexible agility. These micromanaged features allow waiters to stand firmly on oily surfaces, walk with grip in crowded dining halls, and prevent slipping on damp or mopped floors.

The moisture-wicking linings of these padded collared shoes are the cherry on top of workers in restaurants and bars. These linings keep their feet dry and collars provide foot protection for large working hours.

Chef clogs

Who doesn’t love clogs? I have 10 pairs of different varieties of clogs at home for various occasions. My wife gifted me Avia Flame Men’s Clogs on my last birthday.

Chef clogs have a special place among all non-slip shoes. These shoes meet the demands of kitchen environments which include spilling liquid food, wet mopped floors, oily surfaces, slippery lobby, etc. These slip, oil, and water-resistant shoes are made from synthetic or EVA foam. These easy-to-clean shoes have removable insoles! 

Closed-back clogs have size-adjustable straps to fit your foot comfortably. Chefs can use them conveniently in the restaurant kitchen where they have to move faster for making and giving dishes.

Safety shoes

If you work in construction, manufacturing, and logistics, safety boots are a blessing for your feet! Being made from leather or synthetic textiles, these anti-skid shoes have steel or composite toe caps. These caps avoid impact and compression hazards at workstations.

Their fine treads provide maximum grip and traction on slippery, muddy, and wet surfaces. Additionally, you can prevent musculoskeletal injuries while wearing these shoes. They have sufficient arch support, ankle padding, shock-absorbing midsoles, etc. These thoughtful features offer ample support, cushioning, and stability to our feet.

Outdoor shoes or sandals

If you are an adventure freak who loves to trek, hike, or trail in mountains, valleys, or rugged terrains, outdoor shoes or sandals can be your best buddy. I have a pair of KEEN Men’s Voyageur shoes for my hiking trails from the last 5 years. I just love their grip, toughness,  and stability! 

Outdoor sandals offer durable and size-adjustable straps, high-grade rubber soles, molded footbeds for proper arch support, etc. I like these shoes because of their quick-drying material. This material is made from nylon, synthetic leather, neoprene, etc. You can enjoy your adventure in riverbeds, slick rocks, uneven terrains, etc., with these boots.

Athletic sneakers

These stylish sneakers are must-haves for all age group people. Their sleek look, the breathable upper, anti-skid outsoles, multidirectional treads, and supportive cushion make our experience pleasant. 

Whether you want to exercise in a gym or hit the asphalt floors of basketball or pickleball courts, these shoes are perfect for such occasions. They not only provide grip but also offer proper comfort to your soles. 

Work shoes

These shoes work great for those who walk for long to their offices. They come in styles such as oxfords, loafers, lace boots, etc. With a brilliantly professional look and super-comfortable cushioning, Work shoes are perfect for safeguarding you from workplace falling hazards. 

Their breathable upper and foamy insoles keep your feet dry and help you to stand longer without pain.

Marty’s two cents

Non-slip shoes are like a boon for heavy-duty workers, adventurous people, etc.  Getting the right non-slip shoe feels overwhelming when there is so much variety in the market. I understand it guys! 

I suggest looking for the shoes that offer you the most comfort and grip. It will involve relative factors such as the right sole material, flexible body, and durability.

Also, remember to select the right type of non-slip shoes for the right surfaces. E.g. Chefs and bartenders will use different shoes than runners or hikers. Speaking of the type of shoe, do let me know which kind of non-slip shoe you like to wear. 

I would love to hear your views in the comments.

FAQs

Now, let’s take a look at some of the common questions about non-slip shoes.

1. Are Crocs non-slip shoes?

Yes. Crocs are made from Croslite, a closed-cell, lightweight, and odor-free resin. This material provides anti-skid and non-marking properties to Crocs.

2. Who should wear non-slip shoes?

People working in restaurants, food services, hospitality, malls, construction sites, and healthcare; old age people and children; hikers, athletes, mountain trailers, runners, etc., should wear non-slip shoes. You should also wear them if you walk in watery, slippery, icy, or hilly areas.

3. How long do non-slip shoes last?

They last for 6 months if you use them regularly. Their tractions lessen once the tread pattern starts to fade away with friction on the road.

4. How to make shoes not slippery?

You can scrub the soles of your normal shoes with sandpaper, nail file, brick, sharp stone, etc., to add that groovy and rough texture. Or else, you can go to a professional cobbler to add the tread patterns and grip-providing grooves on the outsoles of your regular shoes.

5. How do you know if a shoe is non-slip?

The uniquely shaped tread patterns with texture on the outsole of a shoe will tell you about its category. Non-slip shoes have treads with shapes such as circles, hexagons, squares, etc. that provide grip and stability when we stand on slippery surfaces.

6. How do I choose non-slip shoes?

Look for slip-proof, oil-proof, and waterproof soles, flexible outsoles, and multidirectional treads with deep grooves to select non-slip shoes.