How to Make Shoes Non-Slip: 6 Steps
Last Updated April 03, 2018
Whether it’s for work or general safety, it’s valuable to know how to make shoes non-slip. If you frequently find yourself around wet or greasy floors, non-slip shoes can come in very handy- and are often mandatory if it’s in the workplace. Below are some required tips on how to make the shoes you already have slip resistant. By doing this, you’ll save money and potential time spent recovering from a slip-related fall.
#1. Scuffing the sole of your shoe.
It can be pretty helpful, especially if you’re in need of improving the traction of work shoes or boots that you already own.
When you scuff the bottom (or “sole”), you’re giving it traction, which is essential when converting it to a non-slip shoe. To do this, try scraping the sole of your shoe on an abrasive surface like gravel of rough concrete. It’s important to note that new shoes can be extra slippery because it likely still has a smooth sole.
You’ll need to break in your shoes and then scrape/scruff it to make it more slip-resistant.
#2. Abrade the shoes with sandpaper.
It’s possible to make shoes non-slip by scraping the soles directly with sandpaper. It’s a great way to make your shoe slip-resistant, especially if your present setting makes it difficult for you to scrape your shoes on a rough surface.
Something abrasive like sandpaper will scruff the soles of your shoes enough so that you don’t need to wait for the sole to wear down before declaring your shoes “slip resistant completely.”
It’s important to note that the target areas for scraping your soles with sandpaper should be the points of the sole that make direct contact with the floor.
Scrape the soles until those straight points have a rougher feel.
For this to work, you’ll need decently coarse sandpaper.
It’s worth noting as well that this method of using sandpaper may not work for soles with cardboard-like features frequently found in sandals.
#3. Place two adhesive bandages on your soles.
This can be significant help and support if your workplace floors make you prone to have a bad fall despite wearing higher quality shoes.
You’ll need to get two adhesive bandages and place them at the back of your shoe’s anterior part.
Be sure to put the bandages on the heel of your shoe as well which helps enhance grip. In doing that you can prevent possible falls or trips.
It can also work as a quick solution if you’re running short on time acquiring slip-resistant shoes.
#4. Make use of a grip pad or nail file.
Another option is using a nail file in the effort to make your shoes non-slip. To do this, use the nail file exactly as you would the sandpaper.
Scrape the soles of their flat and smooth parts, especially the areas coming into contact the most with the floor.
If you can, use a metal nail file. They’re considered to be the best kind of nail file for this job. It’s possible also to make use of an emery board.
It should be noted again that just as with the sandpaper- the coarser, the better.
It’s possible also to use a grip pad which is especially useful if your shoes are worn out. To do this, just apply the grip pads on the sole of your shoes.
Be sure to purchase grip pads of good quality.
When you invest in quality grip pads, you’re assuming that your shoe won’t eventually feel sticky. Thankfully, grip pads are affordable and accessible to obtain.
#5. Use hairspray or a spray pad.
A spray pad can be another excellent tool for making shoe slip-resistant. It’s sometimes referred to as spray-on coating.
Spray pads are known for being an attractive alternative to adhesive bandages or pads. Spray pads come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s vital to find spray pads that will fit your shoes well.
Hairspray is an alternative to the spray pad and is a great way to make your shoes more effective in resisting greasy or wet surfaces.
Spray a liberal coating of hairspray on the sole of your shoes and allow it to set in the sole for about one minute before putting on your shoes outdoors or at work.
However, hairspray isn’t a permanent solution but rather serves as a quick fix.
#6. Attach a strap to your shoe around the ankle.
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Attaching an ankle strap to your shoe is another effective way to make your shoe slip-resistant.
When using this ankle strap, you can keep balance while working on greasy floors.
One good thing about using the ankle strap is that it provides needed grip while also decreasing your risk of slipping or falling.
Using these six tips can save you time and money when trying to make your shoe slip-resistant. Greasy and wet floors are the cause of many workplace injuries. To avoid becoming an injured worker, it’s important to make sure you know how to make shoes non-slip.
You’ll be protecting yourself from the pain of a fall, and you’ll comply with your employer who more than likely requires you to have slip-resistant shoes.
