Slip-Resistant Shoes

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Are all running shoes slip-resistant?

No. While most performance shoes have some slip resistance in that they tend to have flat rubber soles, they are not specifically designed for the flooring and contamination used to replicate work environments when testing for slip resistance. For example, New Balance a leader in running performance works with Shoes For Crews who provides the outsoles for truly slip-resistant footwear for standard contaminants tested under ASTM F-2913 as well as greasy surfaces to those same standards.

 

What classifies a shoe as non-slip?

Look for shoes that have been tested for Slip Resistance by a third party certification. This certification differs depending on the region you are living in. For the United States and Canada, Slip Resistance for footwear is determined by testing the shoe in a SATRA test methodology that tests both the heel strike and toe off portions of the stride. Required testing is dry quarry tile, wet quarry tile and just added oily/wet quarry tile. Shoes that demonstrate a .40 coefficient of friction can then say that they have passed testing under ASTM F-2913. Some brands, like Shoes For Crews, also test on more extreme contaminants like grease, and demonstrate a .40 coefficient of friction above and beyond the scope of ASTM testing.

 

How long do slip resistant shoes last?

How long a pair of shoes lasts is dependent on a number of factors not limited to surfaces walked on, body weight of user, whether the user has a standard footfall or rides on the exterior or interior of their shoes. In general it works out better to think in terms of miles or steps in stead of weeks and months. Even without feeling a drop off in slip resistance start checking your shoes on a regular basis. Is the tread wearing off one side or the other? Are the lugs starting to lose definition? Often, shoe manufacturers will use softer outsole compounds in order to achieve slip certification. Shoes For Crews compound is built to a higher standard with abrasion resistance on a par with industrial shoes while still providing industry leading slip resistance.

 

Does hairspray make shoes non-slip?

Hairspray does not make shoes non-slip. It will temporarily create a sticky surface that can actually increase trip-and-fall conditions in work spaces. If you wish to use your own footwear, we would recommend purchasing a CrewGuard to use over your favorite pair of sneakers. Otherwise, Shoes for Crews offers a wide range of footwear to keep you safe and comfortable all day!