How to Tell if Shoes Are Non Slip: A Guide for Restaurant Workers
, by Ed Stone, 6 min reading time
, by Ed Stone, 6 min reading time
But, when you’re looking for a new pair of work shoes or trying to find a pair of shoes in your closet that has slip resistance, how can you tell which kicks cut the mustard?
If you’re wondering, “what are non slip shoes”, we’ll teach you just what to look for to be able to tell if your shoes qualify. We’ll explore product labeling, tell-tale signs, safety testing, and where to ask for advice when you’re stumped on finding the best non-slip shoe. With this primer, you’ll be able to find your perfect pair of restaurant non-slip shoes before your next shift.
Whether you’re considering wearing a safety shoe you already own or you’re combing local retailers for a new pair, a work shoe won’t always obviously look non-slip at first glance. While non-slip shoes of the past had more of a quintessential look, today’s slip resistant shoes come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.
The first place to look for details in a slip resistant shoe is the product tag—or the product description if you’re shopping online. If you’re examining a pair of shoes in person, there are two places you can look for information when looking for the best shoes for you:
In one of these places, you’re likely to find the shoe size, the material that the slip resistant footwear is made from (which can also help you determine their non-slip potential), their slip resistant rating, or cleaning instructions.
If product labeling or online descriptions don’t offer any hints for the non-slip footwear, you can look for a few key signs of slip resistant shoes. These usually include:
While slip resistant shoes come in a variety of styles and colors now, all-black designs still dominate the market. So, if you’re studying a pair of shoes that meet the qualifications above and they’re all-black, you’ve likely found a non-slip pair.
If you’re trying to determine whether a pair of shoes you already own will keep you upright on your workplace's greasy kitchen floor, it is best to test out your shoes in a controlled environment before donning them for dinner service. Since it’s not often you will have access to testing in a controlled environment, here are a couple tips to keep in mind when testing the slip resistance on your own:
If you feel the urge to slip when testing out your shoes, it is likely they won’t keep you from slipping while you’re on the clock. But, if your shoe firmly grips the smooth surface, and you feel secure during the test, you’re probably safe to try out the pair on your next shift.
If nothing is printed anywhere on your shoes, you’re not sure if the tell-tale signs are apparent in your pair, or you’re not confident after an at-home test, it’s time to ask a professional for advice.
Pop over to a shoe retailer in your area for their opinion. Your local shoe expert has seen thousands of pairs of shoes, and they’ll likely be able to tell right away if your shoes will keep you safe on greasy dining room, kitchen, and bar floors.
Before you stroll into the kitchen to run plates or walk behind the bar to start prepping or mixing, you should be as confident as possible that your shoes are slip resistant. Now that you know how to tell if shoes are slip resistant, you’re one step closer to achieving optimal workplace safety. Knowing how to clean work shoes is also important, especially if they are slip resistant. This can slow down the wear and tear process and make sure your shoes can have a longer shelf life.
If your existing shoes won’t keep you upright, or your trusty pair of non-slips are finally ready to retire, it’s time to visit Boot World. We’ve been helping restaurant workers, construction experts, and everyone in between find the perfect shoes for work—and play—since 1975, and we have the know-how and the inventory to equip you with the industry’s best (and safest) shoes.
At Boot World, our team of experts knows just how important it is to wear the appropriate gear while you’re on the clock. Let us help you find your perfect pair.
A Final Boot World Advantage Tip: In today’s modern world, there are no shoes that are entirely slip-resistant. Instead of searching for the most slip-resistant shoe possible, the trick to remaining on your feet is working in an environment that is frequently cleaned of contaminants that could lead to accidents, like water and oil. Other forms of debris like small rocks, glass and loose food can become lodged in your work shoes increasing the likelihood of an accident occurring and turning even the most slip-resistant shoe into a slip-and-slide.