What do nonslip soles look like?

Asked by: Prof. Otha Jacobs Sr.  |  Last update: January 28, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (67 votes)

A non-slip sole looks textured with tightly packed patterns like hexagons, circles, or squiggles, often made from soft, pliable rubber or synthetic materials, featuring channels to move liquids away and angled edges for enhanced grip, unlike smooth soles. Key indicators are deep, defined tread, small, separate pattern shapes, and materials like rubber or polyurethane for superior traction on slick surfaces.

How to tell if a sole is non-slip?

3. Check the Tread

  1. Slip-resistant shoes usually feature tightly packed patterns—think small hexagons, circles, or wave-like grooves.
  2. These shapes help move liquid away from the sole, improving traction on slick surfaces.
  3. The deeper and more detailed the tread, the more grip you're likely to get.

What does the bottom of a nonslip shoe look like?

The other thing to look for with non-slip shoes is the tread pattern. You'll usually see little squiggles, circles, or hexagons on the bottom of the outsole. This is intended to create friction, which helps you grip the floor without collecting water underneath.

What is a non slip sole?

Unlike the typical shoe design, slip-resistant or non-slip shoes are specifically designed to reduce slips, trips, and accidental falls. Their outsoles have grippy treads, keeping you stable on your feet while walking on wet and slippery terrains.

Which sole is not slippery?

Rubber or synthetic soles

Non-slip soles can be made from rubber, polyurethane, EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), or synthetic tread material that provides better grip and traction than most shoes on slick surfaces.

What Makes A Shoe Slip-Resistant? (Nonslip vs. Slip-Resistant Shoes)

35 related questions found

Are skechers soles non-slip?

Yes, Skechers makes specific non-slip (slip-resistant) shoes for work environments, featuring outsoles designed for traction on slippery surfaces like wet, oily, or greasy floors, though some users find regular Skechers models less grippy on wet surfaces. Look for models explicitly labeled as "Slip-Resistant" or "SR" in their Work line for safety features, often with Memory Foam or Arch Fit insoles for comfort. 

What is the 3 shoe rule?

The "3-shoe rule" is a smart travel tip to pack only three versatile pairs of shoes: a comfort/walking shoe (sneakers, supportive sandals), a polished/day-to-night shoe (flats, loafers, block heels), and a weather-specific/activity shoe (boots, dressier sandals, water shoes) to save space, weight, and maximize outfit options for any trip. You wear the bulkiest pair while traveling and choose styles that mix and match with your clothes, often focusing on a neutral color palette.
 

Are Birkenstock soles non-slip?

BIRKENSTOCK NON-SLIP SHOES: WHERE SAFETY MEETS COMFORT

Our anti-slip shoes feature reliable non-slip rubber or polyurethane soles that are resistant to water, oil and grease, for excellent traction and stability.

Can you turn regular shoes into non-slip shoes?

Yes, you can make shoes non-slip by adding texture with sandpaper, creating patterns with hot glue or puff paint, using adhesive traction pads, applying sprays like hairspray or specialized grip sprays, or by adding professional sole protectors, but for durable, safe solutions, buying specialized non-slip shoes or having a cobbler add rubber soles is best. Quick DIY fixes like hairspray or tape offer temporary traction, while more permanent options involve adding materials or professional modifications.
 

Do Doc Martens have a non-slip sole?

SLIP RESISTANT ORIGINALS

Our instantly recognizable Originals—the 1460, 1461, and 2976—are now re-engineered with the service industry in mind. Built for bartenders, baristas, waiters, and anyone working 8-hour shifts, these non-slip shoes and non-slip boots have all the technical innovation you need.

What brand of shoes are nonslip?

Popular non-slip shoe brands, especially for work environments like kitchens or healthcare, include Skechers Work, Crocs Work, Dansko, Birkenstock, Keen Utility, and Hoka, often featuring specialized outsoles like MaxTRAX for superior grip on wet and oily surfaces, with options from athletic styles (New Balance, Brooks) to clogs (Clogs) and specific work lines (Vans "Made for Makers"). 

Are Crocs nonslip shoes?

So to answer your question; Are Crocs non-slip? Yes, but we wouldn't exactly classify them as the go-to alternative for a non-slip work boot. They are perfect for the beach, outdoors, around the house, or in industries where casual slip-resistance and waterproofing are more of a focus.

Are ugg soles non-slip?

UGG boots, known for their comfort, also offer good slip resistance in certain models with non-slip EVA rubber outsoles and deeper tread patterns, making them suitable for various environments. Maintaining your non-slip shoes through regular cleaning, proper storage, and timely repairs can extend their life.

How do I make sure my shoes are non-slip?

Another great trick for stopping heels slipping on floors is to rub the sole of the shoe with sandpaper and then apply industrial-strength glue, in lines, along the base of the shoe and heel. Let the glue dry and you'll be lift with a great, rubbery non-slip sole.

Is nonslip and slip-resistant the same thing?

Non-slip shoes, also known as slip-resistant shoes, are shoes designed to minimise the risk of a slip or fall due to a slippery or wet surface.

How to tell if shoes are non-slip shoes?

To tell if shoes are non-slip, check for labels saying "non-slip" or "slip-resistant," examine the sole for rubber material and intricate tread patterns (like circles, hexagons, or squiggles) designed to channel liquids, feel for a grippy texture, and look for flexibility with a quick snap-back, all of which create traction on slick surfaces. 

What can I put on the bottom of my shoes so I don't slip?

To stop shoes from slipping, you can apply self-adhesive grip pads, scuff soles with sandpaper or a nail file, create texture with hot glue or silicone, or use temporary fixes like hairspray or traction spray, with pads and scuffing offering more durability than sprays, and a cobbler providing a professional build-in solution. 

Do I really need non-slip shoes?

Wearing slip resistant footwear is so very important for many reasons at work, but just as important to wear these types of shoes at play as well!! Safety: Slip resistant shoes are designed to provide better traction and grip on slippery surfaces, such as wet floors, oily surfaces, or uneven terrain.

Are all rubber soles non-slip?

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.

What do podiatrists say about Birkenstocks?

Yes, many podiatrists recommend Birkenstocks for their excellent arch support, deep heel cups, and contoured footbeds, which help with issues like plantar fasciitis and flat feet, but they aren't for everyone; some find them too firm, and for severe conditions or long-distance walking, custom orthotics or other footwear might be better.
 

Do skechers have non-slip soles?

Yes, Skechers makes specific non-slip (slip-resistant) shoes for work environments, featuring outsoles designed for traction on slippery surfaces like wet, oily, or greasy floors, though some users find regular Skechers models less grippy on wet surfaces. Look for models explicitly labeled as "Slip-Resistant" or "SR" in their Work line for safety features, often with Memory Foam or Arch Fit insoles for comfort. 

What is the old wives tale about shoes?

Common old wives' tales about shoes warn against putting them on tables (sign of death/bad luck), gifting them (causes breakups unless a dollar is exchanged), and buying them at the start of the year (brings 365 rough days), stemming from folklore about mining deaths, Chinese wordplay, and love divinations, according to MSN, COMUNITYmade, Glamour, Yahoo, Yahoo, and Icy Sedgwick. Other tales involve arranging shoes to dream of a future spouse or placing them in specific ways for good fortune or to ward off evil spirits, say Glamour and Icy Sedgwick, per Glamour and Icy Sedgwick. 

Why taking shoes off in house etiquette?

It is considered a matter of hygiene to remove shoes before entering one's home. When people walk outside wearing shoes, they tend to bring dirt, grime, bacteria and infectious diseases into the house. In India, it is also customary for shoes to be taken off before entering others' homes.

How long does the average person keep a pair of shoes?

As a general rule of thumb, shoes should be replaced every 8-12 months for most people or every 500-700 kilometres for running shoes.