10 Tips To Make Shoes Slip Resistant

In the past, those who are part of the food service industries, as well as custodial employees, were the only ones required to invest in and wear non-slip or slip-resistant footwear. It was due to the need to reduce significantly the cost and frequency of injuries caused by slips and falls.

However, in the recent years, more and more workers and employees are mandated to wear a non-slip shoe in the workplace. These include veterinarians, technicians, restaurant workers, nurses, other medical staff, and any other employees who are constantly exposed to wet floors of various textures.

If you are one of them, then it would be best to have a slip-resistant or non-slip shoe in the first place. If you don’t have one, then rest assured that there are actually ways for you to make your work shoe slip-resistant.

So here are some effective tips on how to make shoes slip-resistant so you can make yours effective in resisting slips that can lead to injuries, even if it is not non-slip when you first bought it.

10 Tips To Make Your Shoes Slip Resistant

Tip #1 – Work on scuffing the sole of your shoes

This tip is extremely useful, especially if you want to improve the traction of your work shoe or boots. By scuffing the bottom or sole of your shoe, you can give it traction, which is a huge help in making it slip-resistant.

What you have to do to provide your shoe with such additional traction and grip is to scrape its soles. You can scrape it against abrasive surfaces, such as gravel or rough concrete.

If you have a new shoe, then take note that it is particularly slippery because it most likely has a perfectly smooth sole. With that, you need to wear it down frequently then scrape or scuff it to improve its slip-resistance ability.

Tip #2 – Use a sandpaper to abrade the soles

It is also possible for you to make your shoe slip-resistant by abrading the soles directly using a sandpaper. This is a great alternative, especially if your present situation or environment makes it hard for you to scuff your footwear on a rough surface.

There is also no need for you to wait for the sole to completely wear down, causing you to worry about you slipping while you are still on the waiting period with the help of this tip. An abrasive, such as sandpaper, can help you in this case. Just remove your shoe from your feet then use the sandpaper to rub the sole’s smoothest portions.

Make sure that the rubbing particularly targets those smooth portions that often come in contact with the floor. Continue doing this tip until the targeted parts already present a more textured or rougher feel. You

can expect this tip to work with the aid of a fairly coarse sandpaper.

However, you can also use finer sandpapers but it would be best if you set aside a 50-grit paper for this particular job. Also, take note that it is not suitable for all soles. It may not be ideal for soles that have a more natural and cardboard-like texture, which you will frequently notice in flats and sandals.

Tip #3 – Stick two adhesive bandages

This tip is a huge help, especially if your job makes you prone to having a bad fall even if you are wearing a high-quality shoe. What you have to do is to get two adhesive bandages then stick them at the back of your footwear’s anterior part.

Make sure that you put the bandages on the heel, too, as such aid in enhancing grip. With that, you can prevent possible falls and trips. You can also expect this tip to work as a quick solution if you are already running out of time since you really need to wear your shoe.

Tip #4 – Take advantage of either a nail file or grip pad

You also have the option of using a nail file to make your shoe slip-resistant. What you have to do is to use the nail file in the same way you are using the sandpaper. Just use it in scuffing the shoe’s flat and smooth sections, particularly those that often come in contact with the floor.

If possible, choose to use metal nail files as they are considered to be the most efficient. However, it is also possible for you to utilize an emery board. Furthermore, take note that just like when you are using the sandpaper, you need a coarser nail file for this as it can help produce better results.

You can also take advantage of a grip pad, especially if you have a footwear, which is already worn out. To make use of this solution, you just have to put the textured pads on your shoe’s sole.

Make sure to purchase only those grip pads that are of good quality. By investing in a high-quality pad, you have an assurance that your shoe will not end up feeling sticky. Fortunately, grip pads are really affordable and easily accessible, so you will never have a hard time taking advantage of this solution.

Tip #5 – Make your shoe slip-resistant with a spray pad or hairspray

Another effective solution for making a shoe slip-resistant is the spray pad. Also called spray-on coating, the spray pad is known for being a great alternative to adhesive pads. Note, though, that spray pads come in different types so it would be best to look for one, which is really compatible with your footwear.

You can also utilize a hairspray. A hairspray is actually an effective solution if you want your shoe to be more effective in resisting slippery surfaces. What you have to do is to just spray a liberal amount of it to the sole of your shoe.

Allow the hairspray to set in the sole for around one minute before wearing your shoe outdoors or in the workplace. Take note, though, that the hairspray is not a permanent solution. However, it serves as a quick fix, especially if you do not have a slip-resistant solution close to you.

Tip #6 – Use a puff paint

Another of the most commonly used solutions in making shoes less slippery is the puff paint. It actually refers to that type of pain utilized in the arts and crafts of kids. Once the paint dries out, you can expect it to produce a rough and textured surface. Such is a good thing if you want your shoe to improve its grip, thereby making it less slippery.

To take advantage of this solution, you just need to put on a layer of the paint thinly to the sole. Set it aside for several hours so the paint will dry completely. Once it completely dries out, you can wear your shoe.
One advantage of puff paint is that you can expect it to last longer when compared to hairspray. The only issue is the need for re-application so you can attain optimal results. Also, it does not work permanently.

Tip #7 – Fix an ankle strap to your shoe

Another effective tip is to attach an ankle strap to the shoe. With the aid of this ankle strap, you can expect to maintain your balance while working in the workplace. The good thing about this ankle strap is that it also provides the needed grip while also reducing your risk of falling or slipping.

Tip #8 – Attach a non-slip sole

Another interesting solution to making your shoe slip-resistant while also ensuring that the result is long-lasting is to attach a non-slip sole on its outer part. With this sole, you can navigate safely and soundly.

The sole is beneficial as it does not only keep you safe from slipping and make you feel comfortable. It also prevents skidding while also ensuring that the sole of your shoe does not wear out too soon. It helps retain its excellent condition for several years.

One more advantage of buying a slip-resistant sole is that it is not that expensive. You can get it at only around $7. It is not actually a huge price considering the kind of safety that it can offer.

Tip #9 – Use either a masking tape or a mixture of rubber glue and salt

What’s good about a masking tape is that it provides a quick solution if you want to increase the traction of your shoe. To take advantage of it, just put a few rolls of masking tape on the shoe. Form it into an X. Make sure to apply the tape on the widest and flattest portion of the shoe to produce the best results.

You can also make use of the rubber glue and salt solution, which is known for providing some sort of grainy texture to your shoe, thereby improving its traction and grip. With improved traction and grip, you have an assurance that it does not easily slide around.

Just mix some salt and glue together then apply the mixture to the bottom part of your footwear. Let it settle for a few minutes. After that, you can wear it and move around.

Tip #10 – Allow the shoe to wear down naturally

What you have to do is to wear the shoe as often as possible as it lets its sole wear down naturally. Such aids in making it less slippery. Wearing it often for a few days or weeks when you are walking can remove the slickness of the sole.

However, make sure that you also have another pair of shoe that you can switch to in case you need to be exposed to an environment where you have a high risk of slipping. Make it a point to switch to another slip-resistant shoe while you are letting your new one wear down naturally.

Why Do You Need a Slip-resistant Shoe?

There are several reasons why a slip-resistant shoe is a must, particularly for workers. One obvious reason is that it significantly increases your safety while you are in the workplace. Keep in mind that trips, falls, and slips are among the most common causes of injuries affecting employees.

You can avoid such injuries if you apply the necessary precautions to keep yourself safe – one of which is to ensure that you wear the safest work shoes and boots. With a slip-resistant work shoe, you can lower your risk of suffering from injuries caused by trips, falls, and slips.

Most non-slip shoes are also designed in a way that they can provide wearers with utmost comfort. They often come with suitable arch support, thereby keeping your feet healthy and comfortable. In addition, you will feel much more comfortable considering the peace of mind you will gain from wearing the safe shoe.

The fact that you are wearing a shoe, which improves your safety and comfort level, is also a major help in boosting your performance and productivity. You will feel motivated to work even harder.

Note that if you wear a poor pair of shoe, which is not safe for you, then you may have a hard time concentrating on your daily responsibilities and tasks. That’s one of the reasons why wearing a slip-resistant shoe is really a must.

If you’re on the hunt for a high-quality pair of shoes with slip-resistant quality, then take note that the best one often features a distinctive rubber outsole, which is specifically designed to handle the challenges linked to wet and greasy floors. The sole also comes with a tread design, which aids in funneling the liquid out from your feet.

Such is beneficial as it lets the shoe gain more traction. To further guarantee your safety, make sure that you look for a slip-resistant shoe, which is specifically designed for the work environment you are in.

Conclusion

As an employee or worker, it is essential for you to prioritize your safety. You do not want to waste time, money, and effort in case you get injured at work, do you? With that, it would be best to apply precautionary measures before you start working.

Wear the right pair of slip-resistant shoe and you will surely have peace of mind once you are at work since you know that you are less prone to incurring injuries due to accidental slips and falls. If your shoe is not that slip-resistant, then you can always refer to the DIY tips mentioned in this article.

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