In the United States, non-slip footwear is often a requirement for workers in certain industries. But what are slip-resistant shoes , exactly? As the name suggests, a slip-resistant shoe is essentially a safety shoe that prevents you from slipping, tripping, or falling while walking or standing on various surfaces. If your job requires you to wear non slip shoes or you just want to play it safe while you work, you might have some questions about non-slip footwear.
At Vionic, we’re committed to developing not only the most comfortable, supportive shoes for all occasions but also the safest. This includes pro-quality, non-slip work styles for women. Here’s what you need to know about slip-resistant shoes, including how they differ from regular shoes, why slip resistance is essential, and types of anti-slip footwear.
It’s All About the Sole
When it comes to non-slip footwear, it’s all about the rubbe r, slip resistant sole. With a standard flat outsole, water and other liquids can get caught underneath your shoes, which could make you slide like a hydroplaning car. Unlike the outsole you’d find on a regular shoe, a slip-resistant sole is specifically designed with added traction to grip wet, greasy, or otherwise slippery floors.
Look for Anti-Slip Tread
Wondering how to tell if shoes are non slip? Slip-resistant shoes are made with a particular type of patterned tread. You’ll often find little hexagon shapes on the bottom of the sole—the smaller the pattern, the better. This creates friction, helps you grip the floor surface, and allows water to make its way out from under the shoe to avoid slipping on a slippery surface . Aside from anti-slip traction, the best slip-resistant shoes will have lightweight soles to reduce foot and leg fatigue from standing or walking for hours. The pro styles from Vionic have our patented Vio-Grip Technology embedded into each durable yet light, water-resistant rubber outsole. Also, each pair features a hexagonal tread pattern underneath for an unmatched grip.
Why Slip-Resistance Is Essential
As we mentioned, some workplaces—like hospitals, restaurants, salons, spas, and construction sites—require anti-slip shoes. But why? According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), slips, trips, and falls are third on the list of most common non-fatal work injuries in the U.S.—and they’re the second most common type of fatal work-related incident. While you might not think sliding or falling on a slippery surface is anything to worry about, this type of fall occurs relatively frequently. Not only that, but slips, trips, and falls often result in injury, such as a sprained, strained, or torn muscle, or in more serious cases, a broken bone.
If you’re still not convinced, consider the fact that about half of all same-level workplace falls lead to more than ten days away from work. While athletic shoes are certainly a comfortable option, especially for those who work long shifts, they don’t always have adequate non-slip soles. The right slip-resistant work shoe is a critical component of keeping workers safe and preventing injuries. You’ll want something that helps you maintain your balance and avoid falling on the job so you can focus on what’s important.
The Perfect Slip-Resistant Work Shoe
So, what does the perfect pair of slip-resistant shoes look like? For starters, you can’t compromise on the sole. It’s got to be notably durable with a patterned tread. But beyond that, there are several areas in which some anti-slip shoes stand out among the rest.
The ideal non-slip footwear will have:
- Lightweight, reliable and shock-absorbing rubber soles
- Grippy, anti-slip patterned tread
- Padded collar around the heels
- Water-resistant uppers
- Cushioned, memory foam , orthotic footbeds
- Maximum comfort and arch support
- A versatile, flattering design
Whether you’re a nurse, doctor, dental hygienist, hair stylist , restaurant server, barista, teacher, or work another job that calls for long hours on your feet, a quality pair of non slip shoes will make your shift better in more ways than one. Apart from avoiding injuries, your feet will be comfortable and pain-free for hours on end. And with proper arch support, you won’t have to worry about any long-term damage to your feet, ankles, calves, or posture. 
Types of Anti-Slip Footwear
No matter what you do for work, slip resistant shoes are always a plus. Having said that, they’re even more critical for those on their feet for several hours at a time in fast-paced environments. There are several types of slip-resistant footwear on the market. Depending on your line of work and your personal style, some may suit you better than others.
Some of the most common types of anti-slip footwear include:
- Slip-on shoes
- Slip-on casual sneakers
- Lace-up casual sneakers
- Active-style sneakers
Slip-on shoes and sneakers are excellent picks for many industries. Plus, they’re versatile and complement a broad range of professional uniforms, including scrubs and other attire worn on the frontline. If you work in the construction industry or frequently do heavy lifting on the job, you might need a slip-resistant boot with special cleats or industrial-quality soles. Some heavy-duty work boots are even designed to prevent electrical hazards for those walking on wet surfaces.
Slip-Resistant Shoes from Vionic
With a fast-paced, hands-on career, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice safety, comfort, or style. If you’re in the market for a pair (or two) of slip-resistant shoes, you’ve come to the right place. Vionic carries an impressive selection of professional footwear for women and men who are out there on the frontlines, working long hours, and serving their communities every day.
The Vionic Pro Collection
All Vionic Pro shoes feature Vio-Grip EVA rubber soles. Each pair passes the ASTM International F1677 performance standards of professional anti-slip footwear, which means they’re tested on various dry, wet, and oily surfaces. Most also come with a removable insole. Whether you report to a hospital, medical clinic, restaurant, athletic facility, or school for work, a pair of Vionic Pro shoes will keep you stable and comfy on your feet.
Vio-Motion Support
Supportive footwear really is non-negotiable for those who spend the majority of their workdays on their feet. That’s why Vionic Pro goes beyond just Vio-Grip slip-resistance. Each pair is embedded with our exclusive Vio-Motion Support technology, meaning you’ll get an orthotic design with incredible arch support, all hidden within the design of the shoe. In other words, you can stay comfortable, avoid common foot and toe conditions, and look good no matter where your career path takes you.
Pro Slip Resistant Footwear for Medical Workers
At Vionic, we understand how much time healthcare professionals spend walking around on slick floors throughout hospitals, clinics, and operating rooms. Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, nursing assistant, or support staff at a medical facility, your shoes should allow you to focus on your job, not your feet. This is why we’ve made comfortable shoes for nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals. Although many medical workers resort to clogs and running shoes in search of all-day comfort, professional-quality, non-slip footwear is the way to go.
Our super-comfy Pro collection is made with unbeatable arch support you won’t find with other brands. Believe it or not, when your shift is over, you won’t be dying to take your shoes off. The best part about our shoes for medical workers? They don’t compromise style! Check out our list of stylish nursing shoes so you can work in style and comfort.
Pro Slip Resistant Footwear for the Food Service Industry
If you work at a restaurant, bar, or catering company, you know how slippery floors can get while on the job. If it’s not water or soda, it’s cooking oil or condiments. For this reason, safe, slip-resistant shoes are a must-have for the food-service industry. Aside from that, you’ll want a pair of supportive shoes that don’t hurt your feet. And it would be nice to have shoes that easily wipe clean, too.
With that said, we’re proud to tell you that the Pro collection from Vionic covers all the bases. Gone are the days of settling for ugly work shoes you’d never be caught wearing on your day off. When you browse the innovative Vionic Pro collection, you’ll find a variety of fashionable men’s and women’s non-slip styles. Do you prefer a casual shoe or sneaker, or are you partial to active styles? Either way, we’re confident you’ll find something you love. We carry styles with pleasantly breathable woven uppers designed to keep your feet cool all day long.
You’ll also find options with leather uppers for elevated resistance to oil and water, so you won’t have to worry about stains or spills. Also, if you need wide width shoes, we’ve got your back there, too. Each of our women’s styles comes in both medium and wide widths. If you want something a little more dressy for the office, browse our work shoes for women to find the perfect business casual style. You look out for others on the job, and we’re looking out for your feet. Shop the Vionic Pro collection today.