Slip-resistant work boots are a kind of safety footwear that prevents the wearer from falling, slipping, and sliding at the workplace as a result of contact with wet, oily, and slick surfaces.

According to the latest statistics by the National Safety Council, 805 workers die in falls annually, with a further 211,640 injured.

Falling for the wrong pair of work boots could cost you your life, especially in a slippery workplace.

Take a stand with slip-resistant work boots.

Our qualified editorial body at MyBestWorkBoots strives to bring you the cutting edge of work boot intel.

We put together this expert evaluation on the key features and uses of slip-resistant work boots especially for your benefit.

Let’s get cracking.

What Are Slip-Resistant Work Boots?

Slip-resistant work boots are a type of safety boot designed to keep wearers from slipping and falling on wet, greasy, or otherwise slick surfaces. 

The key feature that distinguishes them from conventional casual boots is a synthetic rubber sole that gives improved grip and traction, making them ideal for workers in slick conditions, as well as for nurses and doctors.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires workers in many industries to wear slip-resistant work boots to avoid danger.

Slip-resistance boots have robust, anti-skid soles with a patterned tread for extra traction on wet, oily, or slick flooring. 

Stay with us to discover how to detect if boots with rubber soles are slip-resistant.

How Can I Tell if My Boots Are Slip-Resistant?

You can tell if your boots are slip-resistant by checking their specifications, knowing what they look like, and examining the tread. 

When shopping online for non-slip boots, determining their quality might be difficult.

Because you probably won’t be able to put them on for a day at work before purchasing a pair, understanding what to look for is critical.

Let’s get into these telltale signs.

Is Slip-Resistance Specified?

Yes, slip-resistance is specified.

While it may appear simple, the best way to tell if boots are slip-resistant is to look for slip-resistance in the product description. 

Clogs, running shoes, and other athletic walking shoes are popular choices for healthcare, service, and other industry professionals, but they may not be slip-resistant.

Many slip-resistant boots will state that the outsole meets ASTM International F1677 requirements.

This means that the rubber boot was tested on a range of wet, oily, and dry surfaces.

What Characterizes a Slip-Resistant Work Boot?

Slip-resistant work boots are characterized by specific features, namely a durable EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) rubber outsole with gently rounded sides, as well as a sole that’s lightweight, flexible, and reasonably soft.  

A lightweight, flexible outsole absorbs shock and keeps you from becoming fatigued.

Furthermore, a softer rubber sole provides maximum traction on a slick surface.

But that’s not all

EVA rubber is a synthetic, foam-like material found in many shoe outsoles and midsoles.

The premise is that liquids can sneak underneath a standard flat boot sole, resulting in slips, trips, and falls.

A slip-resistant sole, unlike conventional boots, prevents water from becoming trapped underneath.

It’s also designed to grip the ground even if it’s damp or oily.

What About the Tread?

The tread pattern is another feature to look out for in slip-resistant work boots.

On the bottom of the outsole, you’ll find squiggles, circles, or hexagons. 

This patterning is designed to increase friction and help the boot grip the ground without accumulating water underneath.

In general, the smaller the pattern, the better the slip-resistance.

What Prevents Slip-Resistant Boots From Slipping?

What prevents slip-resistant boots from slipping is the correct blend of a soft yet strong rubber sole and the appropriate tread pattern—hexagons make the best grip pad. 

Knowing how slip-resistance works may help you locate a suitable pair while shopping for non-slip footwear. 

This rubber treaded sole ensures that any water, oil, or other liquids are evacuated from the bottom of the shoe and provides the most trustworthy grip on practically every surface you walk or stand on.

Features of the Ideal Slip-Resistant Work Boot

Features of the ideal slip-resistant work boot are:

• Their lightweight, soft, and durable EVA rubber outsoles
• A slip-resistant hexagonal tread pattern
• Padded collars
• Water and stain-resistant uppers
• Orthotic footbeds with arch support
• A cushioned midsole for maximum comfort
• Adequate toe boxes
• A flattering, versatile design

Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, dentist, dental hygienist, server, barista, or work any other job that requires you to be on your feet for several hours a day, this pair of boots will improve your clocked-in time in more ways than one. 

You may rest easy knowing that your boot is designed to keep you safe. 

Additionally

Your feet, heels, toes, ankles, and calves will be pain-free all day. 

Furthermore, with orthotic arch support, you can be confident that your boots won’t be the source of any bothersome foot ailments.

Why Are Slip-Resistant Boots Vital for Workers?

Slip-resistant boots are vital for workers because slips, trips, and falls are the second most common type of fatal work accident and the third most common type of non-fatal injury, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). 

Furthermore

Slips, trips, and falls frequently result in lost time at work—more than ten days on average.

Protective work boots are essential for avoiding crippling injuries such as sprains, strains, torn muscles, dislocations, and fractures.

A good slip-resistant work boot can assist you to keep your balance and traction on a slick floor.

Workers in the construction, moving, or logistics industries may require a slip-resistant boot or safety boot.

Workers can stay safe while doing heavy lifting or moving around on icy surfaces by wearing cleats, weight-resistant toe boxes, and heavy-duty industrial soles. 

Remember

Some boots are also made to lessen the risk of an electrical shock on wet surfaces.

In What Industries Are Slip-Resistant Work Boots Essential?

Slip-resistant work boots are essential in the following industries:

• Construction and home improvement
• Medical industry
• Mining
• Oil and gas
• Restaurants
• Cleaning services
• Food processing
• Law enforcement

Is It Mandatory to Wear Slip-Resistant Boots at Work?

Yes, it’s mandatory to wear slip-resistant boots at work at all times if you are at risk of slipping, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

While it varies by industry and legislation, companies are required to analyze safety concerns and supply slip-resistant work boots to their employees if their profession requires them to operate with water, damp flooring, or greasy substances.

Can You Make Your Normal Work Boots Slip-Resistant?

Yes, you can make your normal work boots slip-resistant by engraving the soles, scuffing the soles, glueing sand or salt to your soles, or by using traction spray or hairspray.

If you don’t want to spend money on a new pair of slip-resistant work boots, there are various do-it-yourself alternatives.

Let’s unpack these a little more.

Engrave the Soles

If your boots have flat soles, engrave them with a diagonal pattern with a knife or razor to give them more stability and ensure that any liquid flowing between your boots does not become trapped.

Scuff the Soles

Scuffing the soles of your work boots with sandpaper, a nail file, or even scraping them on asphalt or gravel is a quick and easy technique to make them less slippery.

This will remove the slippery outsole from your boots (especially if they are brand new) and give them a rough texture to help them grip the ground better.

Glue Sand or Salt to Your Soles

Applying a grainy texture to the bottom of your boots using a mixture of epoxy or any rubber-based glue and coarse sand or salt should work to keep them on the ground.

Use Traction Spray or Hairspray

Although not a permanent solution, traction spray improves your boot’s grip and can even give them an advantage on slick areas.

Another solution is to use hairspray, which, as strange as it may sound, serves to keep your boot firmly on the ground once it dries.

Is Slip Resistant the Same as Oil Resistant?

No, slip resistant is not the same as oil resistant, while both phrases are frequently used to describe slip-resistant boots, oil resistance usually refers to the top of a boot and its ability to withstand stains or damage from oil or oil-based materials, whereas slip-resistance refers to the boots sole and its ability to protect the wearer from slipping.

Simply explained

An oil-resistant boot is built of materials that prevent oil from damaging or staining the upper area of the boot.

Common Questions

In Conclusion

If you want to walk confidently at work while also protecting yourself from slips and falls, you should invest in a nice pair of slip-resistant work boots.

Keeping this in mind, choose a pair of work boots that are also comfortable.

After all, you’ll be wearing them for the majority of the day, so choose a pair that allows you to focus on your work rather than the aches and pains of a hurting foot.

Slip-resistant work boots are available in a number of designs, we’re sure you’ll find the pair that’s right for you.