How to Make Your Shoes Less Slippery

 

At Safety Direct America, we focus on making surfaces less slippery and easier to walk on with our slip resistance testing and anti-slip coatings. But what if you find yourself at work or in a public place, and discover that your shoes are the real problem? Whether your shoes are slippery because they’re too new, too old, and somewhere in between, here are some steps you can take to fix your shoes and help you keep your balance.

  • Scuff the soles on abrasive surfaces

Unless they’re built for anti-slip, the soles of brand-new shoes are generally smooth and unworn. Soles gain more traction once they soften and form abrasions since it allows the sole to obtain more contact with the floor. With new shoes, walk around on a rough surface like concrete and gravel, and they’ll gain traction quickly.

  • Use sandpaper or a file

Worried you’ll slip while breaking in your new shoes? Make that worry disappear with a good sandpaper buffing against the sole. They’ll gain a rough, textured feel in no time. For this task, use the highest-grit sandpaper you can find – 50-grit paper usually works well. Files can also be used to directly add scores to the bottom of a shoe. Just be cautious not to grind into the sole too far!

  • Invest in grip pads

If slipping issues are coming from older shoes that have been worn down with time, the easiest way to gain some traction is with attachable grip pads or ice grips. These fit the bottom of the shoe like a sock, and they’re super easy to put on and off.

  • Buy a can of spray-on anti-slip coating

If everything you’ve tried doesn’t work, a spray-on anti-slip coating may be just the things you need. Though not as long term as the other options, a spray-on coating can be reapplied whenever shoes feel like they’re beginning to slip again.

Of course, if you need anti-slip shoes for work, it’s best to purchase a pair of shoes specifically built for the purpose instead of improvising or using spray-on coatings. And if you own a restaurant, warehouse, or other building with a slippery floor, consider getting your surfaces tested by Safety Direct America. We can help keep your customers and employees safe from spills.