You probably never think about whether your shoes are non-slip—until the moment you almost fall. And slips aren’t rare. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about one in four workplace injuries comes from slips, trips, or falls.
That’s why slip-resistant shoes matter more than you think. Here are six simple ways to tell if your work shoes are truly non-slip—right from home.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Tell If Work Shoes Are Non-Slip
Step 1 – Check the Outsole Pattern
If you want to know whether your shoes are truly non-slip, start from the bottom—literally.
The outsole is the first line of defense between you and the floor. A good tread design can mean the difference between solid footing and a sudden slide.
Look closely at the pattern. Deep grooves and multi-directional shapes are what help the shoe grip the ground from different angles. Patterns like chevron (V-shaped) lines, hexagons, or circular lugs are all proven to channel away water and oil, giving each step more bite. On the other hand, flat or overly smooth soles may look clean but often behave like ice skates on wet floors.
A study by SATRA, a leading UK footwear testing institute, found that multi-directional tread designs can improve slip resistance on wet surfaces by up to 40%. That’s a huge difference made by something most people never notice.
Step 2 - Look for Rubber Type and Density
Not all rubber soles are made equal. Some are built to grip, others just to last. The trick is knowing which one you’re standing on.
Generally, softer rubber with a slightly tacky feel gives better traction. It “grabs” the floor instead of sliding over it. That’s why many high-end work boots and restaurant shoes use high-friction compounds designed for wet or oily surfaces.
In contrast, harder rubber soles are more durable but can be slippery—especially on smooth concrete or tiles. They might last longer, but if you’re on your feet all day in a busy kitchen or workshop, that trade-off isn’t worth it.
Professionals test this using something called the Coefficient of Friction (COF). In simple terms, it measures how much grip the sole has before it starts sliding. A score of 0.40 or higher on wet surfaces meets the ASTM F2913 standard for slip resistance. You don’t need a lab to test yours, but knowing that number helps you understand what “non-slip” really means.
When in doubt, trust your hands. Press your thumb against the sole—if it feels slightly soft and rubbery rather than stiff and plastic-like, that’s a good sign.
Step 3 – Check the Label or Certification
Before you take the brand’s word for it, flip the tag or box and see what it actually says.
A lot of shoes throw around buzzwords like “oil-resistant”, “anti-slip”, or “traction grip”, but those don’t always mean the same thing.
Here’s the difference:
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Oil-resistant means the rubber won’t break down when exposed to oil or chemicals.
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Slip-resistant means the shoe was tested to maintain grip on wet or oily surfaces.
If your work shoes have been properly tested, you’ll usually find one of these certifications printed on the box or label:
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ASTM F2913 / ASTM F3445 – U.S. standard for slip-resistance testing
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EN ISO 13287 – European standard for footwear slip performance
These tests simulate real-world conditions—wet tiles, oily floors, and smooth concrete—to measure how well the sole holds up. Shoes that pass get to use the term “slip-resistant” legally in most regions.
So next time you buy a pair, don’t just look for fancy marketing. Check for the actual certification mark. It’s the difference between a promise and proof.
Step 4 – Do the Water or Tile Test at Home
You don’t need a lab to test your shoes—your kitchen floor will do just fine.
This quick test won’t give you official numbers, but it can tell you a lot about how your shoes behave on slick surfaces.
Here’s how to do it safely:
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Find a smooth surface like a tile or vinyl floor.
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Pour or spray a small amount of water on it.
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Step on it gently while holding onto something for balance.
If your shoes still feel steady and grip the floor instead of sliding, that’s a good sign.
But if you feel them skid or shift easily, they’re probably not built for real traction.
Just be careful—don’t stomp or move too quickly. The goal isn’t to fall, it’s to see how the sole reacts when things get slippery.
It’s a simple, real-world check that can tell you more than any sales pitch.
Step 5 – Check the Wear Pattern
Even the best non-slip shoes don’t stay that way forever.
Over time, friction and pressure wear down the tread pattern—the tiny grooves and ridges that keep you stable start to flatten out.
Once those grooves fade, the shoe’s grip drops fast. You might not notice it right away, but small slips, wobbles, or “almost falls” are signs your soles are losing traction.
Experts recommend checking your outsoles every few months if you’re on your feet all day.
When the tread looks smooth or shiny in spots, it’s time for a new pair—no matter how comfortable the uppers still feel.
Research shows that slip risk increases by around 20–25% once the tread depth is reduced by half. That’s a pretty steep price for holding onto old shoes a little too long.
So, flip your shoes over once in a while. If the bottom looks more like glass than a tire, they’ve done their job—it’s time to retire them.
Step 6 – Test in Real Conditions
No test beats the real thing. Even if your shoes look perfect on paper—great tread, soft rubber, and all the right labels—how they perform in your actual workplace is what really matters.
Different surfaces challenge shoes in different ways. A sole that grips well on wet tiles might not do the same on oily concrete or dusty warehouse floors. That’s why professional slip tests use multiple surfaces—it shows how consistent the traction is.
When you get a new pair, pay attention during your first few days at work.
If you feel secure while turning, stopping, or walking across wet spots, that’s a good sign.
But if you notice small slips or instability when you move quickly, the shoes may not match your environment, even if they passed a “slip-resistant” test elsewhere.
Remember, slip-resistance isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right shoes for a restaurant worker might not suit someone in construction or healthcare.
The best way to know? Test them where you actually spend your day.
Conclusion
Slips and falls happen fast—but they’re often preventable. With a quick check of your soles, materials, and labels, plus a simple home test, you can easily tell if your shoes are truly non-slip.
Safety starts from the ground up. Pair your work boots with reliable, moisture-wicking socks—like Hywell’s merino wool boot socks—to keep every step steady and dry, no matter how long the shift.
