How To Tell if Shoes Are Non-Slip

Slipping is the last thing you need to worry about when you’re working in a fast-paced environment and rushing from point A to point B.

The CDC conducted a study where they found that workers who wore highly-rated slip-resistant shoes had a 67 percent reduction in claims for slip injuries. Now, non-slip shoes are quickly becoming a requirement in food services, healthcare and other industries across the globe.

Whether starting a new job or simply looking out for your safety, here's everything you should know when picking out a pair of shoes and how to tell if shoes are non-slip.

1. Read the Description

It might sound obvious, but the best way to ensure you’re getting a pair of non-slip shoes is to read the description to see if it claims to be "non-slip" or "slip-resistant." Shoe manufacturers won’t claim that shoe to be non-slip if it hasn’t already passed a series of tests, as it can be a liability for the brand.

What To Look For: Read the shoe’s model name and description. If you see the words “non-slip” or “slip-resistant,” you can trust that the outsole was specifically designed to resist slipping on wet surfaces.

2. Inspect the Sole

Another indicator of a non-slip shoe is the sole. The sole should be sturdy, slightly rounded polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). Both options are rubber alternatives that offer cushion, traction and durability. If you are unsure of what the sole is made from, you can often find it in the shoe’s description.

The sole should also be thicker than a typical shoe, especially if you’re wearing these shoes for work. The addition of a thicker outsole will provide more support and protection.

What To Look For: Inspect the outsole for a rubber-like material that is thick enough to protect the foot and offer comfortable wear.

3. Check the Tread

When inspecting the shoe’s outsole, take note of the tread, which will look like a design made by deep grooves on the bottom of the shoe. While these designs may come in an interesting pattern, they aren’t there for style.

The tread allows the shoe to grip the floor and create friction without collecting water or other spilled liquids. Many non-slip treads will be small hexagons, circles or squiggly lines. Generally speaking, the smaller the pattern, the better the slip resistance.

What To Look For: Check the tread for a small design with deep grooves that allow liquids to pass through.

4. Test the Shoes Yourself

The most important factor for non-slip shoes is how you feel in them. Try on your shoes and put them to the test.

Walk around on a hard surface, like tile or polished concrete. Take note of how the shoe grips the floor. If you’re trying the shoe on at home, you can even test how it feels by stepping in a puddle of water.

At this time, you should also take note of the fit, support, cushion and overall feel. Remember—while the goal is to find a pair of non-slip shoes, they need to be comfortable. If you’re going to be standing and walking all day in your shoes, comfort is key.

What To Look For: Try on your shoes and take notice of the traction, fit, support and cushion. Walk around to make sure the shoes are comfortable enough for all-day wear.

Non-Slip Shoes FAQ

Are you searching for more information on non-slip shoes? We have you covered with these answers to the most commonly asked questions about slip-resistant shoes.

How to tell if shoes are non slip?

To determine if shoes are non-slip, look for footwear that has a rubber or synthetic outsole with a tread pattern designed for traction. Check for features like grooves, lugs, or siping that enhance grip on various surfaces. Additionally, many manufacturers will explicitly label their shoes as "non-slip" or "slip-resistant" on the packaging or product description. It's also helpful to read customer reviews or look for industry standards and certifications related to slip resistance.

What makes a shoe slip-resistant?

In short, a slip-resistant shoe should have a high-quality, rubber-like outsole with deep grooves that grips well on wet or oily surfaces. The tread’s grooves allow the shoe to grip the ground without trapping a wet substance beneath it, allowing you to feel safe all day without slipping and sliding.

What to look for in a non-slip shoe?

If you’re in the market for non-slip shoes, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Effectiveness: How well do the anti-slip outsoles perform?
• Longevity and value: Are your shoes durable enough for daily wear? Invest in a pair that lasts.
• Style: Does your shoe fit within the dress requirements of your job?
• Water resistance: Are you wearing your shoes where water and other wet substances are a safety hazard on floors? Then you may want to seek a water-resistant shoe.
• Protection: Will your shoes offer you protection if you step on something sharp or drop something heavy?
• Comfortability: Are your shoes comfortable enough to wear all day? Do they offer enough arch support, cushion and shock absorption for your feet?

Is there a difference between non-slip and slip resistant shoes?

Both footwear styles aim to reduce slips on slick terrains. Though their distinctions might be minor, each features unique traction soles for stability. The number of grooves on a shoe can determine its slip resistance, and the sole's pattern also plays a role in grip effectiveness. Rubber outsoles are recommended for the best traction on wet or oily areas.

What is the difference between safety shoes and non-slip shoes?

Safety shoes and non-slip shoes serve distinct purposes in ensuring workplace safety. Safety shoes are designed to protect against various workplace hazards, including falling objects, sharp materials, electrical currents, and impacts. They often feature reinforced toe caps, puncture resistance, and may provide electrical hazard protection. On the other hand, non-slip shoes focus solely on preventing slips and falls on slippery surfaces. They have specially designed rubber or similar soles with unique tread patterns for enhanced grip on wet, slick, or oily floors, promoting a stable work environment. Choose the appropriate footwear based on the specific safety needs of your workplace.

Why wear slip-resistant shoes?

Slip-resistant shoes are different from your typical shoe due to their rubber sole and tread patterns that can grip floors, even when walking on a wet surface. Though many companies may require their employees to wear non-slip shoes, that shouldn’t be the only reason you wear them. Non-slip work shoes are a safety measure and significantly reduce the risk of injury when walking on surfaces that can easily become slippery. In a National Library of Medicine study where subjects wore slip-resistant shoes versus regular shoes, they saw a reduction in the rate of slipping by 37 percent, and the rate of falls resulting from a slip by 49 percent. Without slip-resistant shoes, you may be left vulnerable to workplace-related injuries that could put you out of work for days or even weeks.

Who should wear non-slip shoes?

• Health Care Workers — Healthcare is a fast-paced industry where employees often rush from one task to another atop hard floors that easily become slippery. An appropriate shoe for healthcare workers is a non-slip work shoe that is easy to clean and offers comfort throughout the day.
• Restaurant Workers — Since restaurant workers often encounter spills and slippery floors, most restaurants require that their employees wear non-slip shoes. This requirement is especially true for workers who are handling cookware or food.
• Warehouse Workers — A common safety hazard in a warehouse setting is slipping and falling. To help prevent these accidents, many warehouses have a policy that requires workers to wear non-slip, high-quality warehouse shoes that offer additional foot protection.
• Delivery Drivers — Delivery drivers and postal workers are in and out of their cars all day while handling heavy packages on various terrains. Slip-resistant work shoes give them the stability they need to carry out their job duties efficiently.
• Cleaning Service Workers — In the cleaning industry, workers should wear slip-resistant shoes to improve traction and protect themselves from slipping and falling when cleaning and polishing floors or working in wet conditions.
• Factory Workers — Factories are home to many safety hazards if the proper precautions aren’t taken. If something spills or the floors need cleaning, factory workers can benefit from wearing non-slip footwear throughout their shifts.
• Contractors — Contractors and construction workers set foot on many surfaces prone to water or oil spills. Wearing protective footwear with non-slip tread keeps contractors and construction workers safer while working.
• Hair Stylists and Barbers — Hair stylists and barbers work with many chemicals and must follow cleanliness standards. When the floors are being cleaned or a substance is spilled, it can lead to a nasty fall. Slip-resistant shoes that are comfortable for standing all day are some of the best shoes for those who work in the beauty industry.

Invest in Your Safety and Comfort

Now that you know how to tell if shoes are non-slip, you should also know that you should never compromise between safety and comfort. With KURU KINETIC 2 shoes, you don’t have to worry about either.

With gripping rubber and small tread, combined with proven arch support and premium shock absorption, KURU’s KINETIC 2 shoes are the perfect option for protecting you from slipping while keeping you comfortable throughout a long workday.

Disclaimer: Please note that our KINETIC 2, KIVI 2 and SHIFT lines are designed with anti-slip features to enhance grip and stability. However, they are not categorized as slip-resistant or non-slip footwear. While we strive to improve safety through innovative design, we acknowledge that no shoe can completely eliminate the risk of slipping under all circumstances. We recommend customers consider their specific needs and environments when selecting footwear.

Sourcing

• Does Slip-Resistant Footwear Reduce Slips, Trips, and Falls in Food Service? NIOSH: Slip-Resistant Shoes (December 2019)
• Slip-resistant footwear reduces slips. National Library of Medicine (January 2021)

About Us

At KURU, we're on a mission to help you Heel Better™ with footwear technology designed to relieve foot pain, so you can live a life you love. Since launching our innovative technology in 2008, we’ve received more than 37,000 five-star reviews from thousands of customers who tell us their KURU shoes helped them get back to doing what they love.

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