What are slip-resistant shoes and how do they work?

 

 

What are slip-resistant shoes?

Slip-resistant or non-slip shoes are designed to reduce the number of slips, trips and accidental falls. Their soles have a grippy tread, so you can stay steady on your feet when walking on wet and slippery surfaces.

Non-slip shoes are very versatile and can be used in a variety of situations. Thanks to their good grip they are comfortable to walk in, while significantly reducing the risk of slips, trips and falls and keeping you safe and protected from various injuries.

 

How do non-slip or slip-resistant shoes work?

Non-slip shoes are designed to prevent or reduce slips, trips and falls. But how do they work?

Slip-resistant shoes with a higher degree of friction have deeper grooves in the tread layer of the sole. A closed tread pattern leaves no room for liquid that could get under the sole. Instead, it channels the liquid away from the shoe, ensuring that your foot stays safe and in contact with the ground in every position. The more channels or grooves the shoes have on their soles, the greater the slip resistance they provide.

The tread material on slip-resistant soles also helps prevent slips. Non-slip work shoes are usually made of rubber. High-quality rubber grips wet and greasy surfaces well and provides strong traction.

 

 

How do you know if shoes are non-slip?

 

Labelled as "non-slip"

The quickest way to find out whether shoes are non-slip is to check the label. Shoes, boots and other types of footwear have labels on which you can read whether they are non-slip or not.

The safety features of footwear, including slip resistance, are tested according to a set of European test standards laid down in EN ISO 20344:2004 (A1:2007). Footwear that has successfully passed the EN slip resistance test is marked with one of the following codes: SRA, SRB or SRC.

 

The markings mean that the footwear has met certain requirements in testing, which was carried out as follows:

 

• SRA - tested on ceramic tiles wetted with a diluted soap solution;
• SRB - tested on smooth steel with glycerol;
• SRC - tested under both of the above conditions.

 

Study the tread patterns

The tread pattern is another essential feature to check to find out whether a shoe has a non-slip sole. Most shoes have a particular tread pattern on their soles. On closer inspection you will notice small circles, lines or hexagons on the sole of the shoe. These create friction and provide good grip on various surfaces without trapping water. As a rule, the finer the tread pattern, the stronger the slip resistance. If there is no tread pattern, the shoes do not offer much grip and will not hold the ground well.

 

Wear them or walk in them

If you are buying a new pair of non-slip shoes in a shop, put them on to test their anti-slip properties. You are unlikely to find a wet floor in any shop, but you will still get a feel for their grip.

Put the shoes on and walk around in them a little. Feel how they fit and how your foot moves across the floor. Shop floors are usually smooth, so you will quickly judge how slip-resistant the shoe is.

 

Slip-resistant shoes are versatile

Non-slip shoes are popular with many people, but they are worn most by those who spend most of the day on their feet. In non-slip shoes it is much easier to do your job well or to enjoy your time without worrying about slips, blisters, chafing, punctures and so on.

So if you have to walk or stand for several hours, or work on wet, slippery or greasy floors, wearing non-slip shoes can be very beneficial. In addition, these shoes can provide comfort and stability for your feet, heels, ankles and legs, which reduces or prevents fatigue and strain and gives you all-day comfort.

 

Simi slip-resistant work shoes

A good example of a quality slip-resistant work shoe is the Simi work shoe.
The Simi work shoe is a soft shoe with a flexible sole that achieves slip resistance class SRC. It offers you comfort, protection and excellent foot grip.
Its soft and exceptionally flexible dual-density polyurethane sole provides enhanced comfort and excellent grip on wet and uneven surfaces, although it is still better suited to environments with smooth, even terrain.
The insole has an antistatic treatment and is made of honeycomb-textured polyurethane foam for better blood circulation. Its polyester mesh lining is specially designed to ventilate the foot and reduce the effect of sweating.

It is fitted with a stainless steel toecap and a composite midsole for excellent flexibility and protection of the whole foot.

 

 

Your safety must be your top priority, so do not be afraid to invest in quality footwear that will last and allow you to work at your best. Take a look at our collection of the best non-slip shoes and find your perfect pair!
Check out our range of slip-resistant work shoes here.