In this guide, you will find all information that will help you choose high quality and reliable slip resistant work boots.
From design, material, safety standards, sole designs to features, among other vital aspects.
So, before you choose any slip resistant work boot, read this guide.
What are Slip Resistant Work Boots?
Slip Resistant Work Boots are made with strong and durable rubber bottoms with a tight grip.
As the name suggests, they are primarily used on slippery floors to prevent slip and falling at the work place.
What are Slip Resistant Work Boots used for?
Majorly, Slip Resistant Work Boots are worn in industries and factories.
They are meant for places with highly slippery floors to help with the grip.
Also, persons such as restaurant and hospital cleaners should have these shoes to prevent accidents.
What makes Work Boots Slip-resistant?
The slip-resistance of these boots is attributed to the materials used to manufacture them.
First, the shoes have resilient rubber soles that offer a strong adhesion force to prevent slipping.
Besides, the shoe’s sole design also contributes to their slip resistance.
The soles have interlocked treads which allow fluids to free flow from beneath the shoe.
Consequently, the shoes can grip the floor firmly.
What is the difference between PU and EVA for Slip Resistant Work Boots manufacturing?
Majorly, the difference manifests in the construction materials as expounded below.
PU Slip Resistant Work Boots
These boots have soles manufactured from Huafon Polyurethane materials, otherwise referred to as PU materials.
PU sole boots can feature flame-resistant materials such a flexible foams, elastic-plastics, and rigid foams.
EVA Slip Resistant Work Boots
The primary construction material for these shoes is Ethenly-vinyl acetate (EVA). These boots are sometimes referred to as rain work boots.
A plus of EVA boots is that these shoes are relatively lighter compared to other boots.
Also, EVA is a non-conductor of heat; hence the shoes retain warmth in cold conditions
How do Slip Resistant Work Boots work?
The shape and structure of the outsole help provide grip and friction to prevent slipping.
Slip Resistant Work Boots have deep treads that also offer a good grip.
Additionally, the shoes are constructed from high-grade tested rubber.
This implies that the rubber used has undergone thorough examination to ascertain that it is slip-resistant.
Which applications are suitable for Slip Resistant Shoes?
Slip Resistant Shoes have various applications with their usage ranging from domestic to industrial use.
Below are some typical applications of the boots:
Pushing or Pulling Objects
Maybe once or twice, you have slid while pushing or pulling something.
The reason for your accident is because perhaps you were wearing the wrong shoes or you are barefoot.
This use of the shoes can be classified either under domestic or industrial use.
Jogging/Sports
Some jogging shoes lack a firm grip on the ground.
If your jogging route is slippery, you should consider using light slip resistant shoes.
Mopping
This is especially useful when mopping slippery floor surfaces such as tiles.
Probably, if you have encountered people moping huge business premises, you might have spotted them wearing Slip Resistant shoes
Industrial Work/ Factories
Most industrial premises have slippery floor surfaces.
This may be due to chemicals or liquids spilling during industrial activities.
Slip-resistant shoes come in handy to prevent accidents in such environments.
Hospitals
Essentially, slip-resistant shoes are worn in hospitals during cleaning.
Most hospitals have tile floors that tend to be slippery.
Note: Generally, you can slip various materials such as:
- Liquids
- Mud
- Food
- Mud
- Oil
Slip Resistant Safety shoes are thus worn in environments that can expose you to slipping.
What are the Features and Specifications of Slip Resistant Work Boots?
The main features of Slip Resistant Work Boots include:
Wide Surface Contact Area
The larger the surface area that the shoe occupies on the ground, the more grip it provides.
Consequently, most Slip Resistant Work Boots have a large surface area.
Slip-resistant Materials
The boots are constructed from slip materials such as PU which helps the shoes achieve their purpose.
Notably, rubber is the preferred construction material.
Outsole Design
Most Slip Resistant Work Boots soles have a similar design to those of car tires.
The soles are designed no to retain water but instead allow water to flow freely.
Sole Channels/ Treads
The channels found in the shoe sole are easy to clean.
Also, the channels allow water to flow under the shoe freely.
What is the best Shoe Height for Slip Resistant Work Boots?
If your definition for best is comfort, then short boots will be ideal for you.
Short boots can be worn in various environments; they provide freedom for your feet, and they are light, making them flexible.
On the other hand, long boots are the opposite of the short boots.
These boots are heavy, less flexible, and offer limited freedom to your feet.
However, long boots offer more protection since they offer sufficient ankle protection.
Is Slip Resistant the same as Oil Resistant for work Boots?
Many relate oil to slipping. Consequently, most people liken Slip Resistant Work Boots to Oil Resistant Work Boots.
However, this is not a factual case.
Slip resistant shoes have solesmainly designed to prevent slipping by providing a good grip.
On the other hand, Oil resistant shoes however are shoes that are designed not to be damaged even when exposed to oil.
What is EN ISO 9001:2015 for Slip Resistant Work Boots?
In every industry or market, there are set quality standards for consumers’ protection and demand.
EN ISO 9001:2015is such of the standards set and accepted internationally.
It is an improvement of the previous standard ISO 9001:2015
It specifies the quality of Slip Resistant Work Boot after going through specific tests.
It is a way of labeling the shoes according to the quality of the product.
Mainly, it is aimed at improving the quality of shoes released to the market.
What are the sole materials for Slip Resistant Work Boots?
The primary materials used in constructing Slip Resistant Work Boots include:
- Rubber
- PU or TPU( Thermo-Poly Urethane)
- EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate)
Is slip Resistant the same as Non-slip?
Slip resistant and non-slip are not the same, although they might be used interchangeably by different people.
A boot that is slip-resistant is mostly used in slippery surfaces and is made using a soft solethat can grab the surface more firmly.
On the other hand, Non-slip boots mainly uses anti-skid pads.
These pads are self-adhesive.
What is the difference between Cemented vs. Welted and Stitch Down Construction for Slip Resistant Work Boots?
Cemented Construction
A work boot made through cemented construction has its soles fixed to the boot’s upper part.
Consequently, such boots are relatively lighter.
Also, these boots are more flexible despite the prevailing temperature.
However, one con of boots constructed through cementing is in sole replacement.
The fixing of the soles to the top part of the boots makes the soles irreplaceable.
As such, when the soles wear out, you have no other option but to buy another pair of boots.
Welted and Stitch Down Construction
Both cemented and welted and stitch down construction include joining the upper part of the shoe to the sole.
However, the latter involves stitching the sole to the upper part of the shoe.
Notably, the stitching provides room for repairing or replacing the soles when they get worn out.
Consequently, these shoes are more durable than their cemented counterparts.
Are all rubber soles suitable for making Slip Resistant Work Boots?
Generally, rubber is the best compound for making soles for Slip Resistant Work Boots.
This is because rubber sole provides both high slip and abrasion resistance, a compromise that most materials lack.
However, that does not imply that all rubber soles are ideal for making Slip Resistant Work Boots.
Depending on your needs, you can choose to go for boots made from PU or TPU sole.
Each material offers a certain degree of abrasion and slip resistance.
Additionally, depending on the rubber used, the shoe may end up not being slip-resistant.
Ideally, soles made from soft rubber will provide you with more grips on a slippery surface.
What are the Toe options for Slip Resistant Work Boots?
Some typical toe options at your disposal include:
- Steel toe; Made of steel and are the strongest yet heaviest toe caps.
- Aluminum toe; Are 50% less heavy compared to steel toe and still offer excellent foot protection
- Composite (non-metal) toe; Made of non-metal such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, or plastic.
They are not heavy and do not conduct heat or electricity.
- Alloy toe; made from light materials, mostly a combination of titanium and aluminum. It is more light-weight and also comfortable
Which is better between Steel and Composite Toe Caps for Slip Resistant Work Boots?
Arguably, most people prefer light-weight shoes.
Composite toe caps are lighter and therefore preferred by many for Slip Resistant Work Boots.
Also, Composite toe caps do not conduct heat or cold in extreme temperatures for extra comfort.
On the other hand, the heavy and protective steel trait makes it ideal for safety boots rather than Slip Resistant Boots.
What Slip Resistant Work Boot styles do you offer?
Slip Resistant Work Boots styles you can choose from include:
- 6’’ lace-up boots
- 8’’+ lace-up boots
- Pull-on boots
- Safety boots
What are the lightest Slip Resistant Work Boots?
Out rightly, steel toe work boots are the lightest Slip Resistant Work Boots.
They’re suitable for all kinds of applications and can be worn all day no matter how strenuous the work environment is.
What is SB rating for Slip Resistant Work Boots?
Safety Basic abbreviated as SB is the primary safety standard for shoes.
An SB mark implies that toe protection is assured from a load of 200-joule.
However, SB is not the only safety feature for Slip Resistant Work Boots.
Below are some other ratings and their meanings:
- S1 – Meaning that the shoe has additional features such as resistance to oil, anti-static, and energy absorption.
- S1P – Shoes has similar features as S1 only that a midsole is added to protect against penetration.
- S2 – Shoe keeps out water
- S3 – The boot has a midsole to prevent penetration
- S4 – The boots are leak-proof
- S5 – Shoes are leak-proof with an additional midsole to prevent penetration
What is the difference between SB and SBP ratings for Slip Resistant Work Boots?
An SBP rating means that the boots meet the SB ratings with an additional mid-sole to protect against any penetration
What are S3 Slip Resistant Safety Boots?
In the S series, we have different shoes having different S rating according to what it is made for.
In this case, an S3 Slip Resistant Safety shoes has similar protection levels to S1 but with an additional midsole penetration resistance.
What does r10 Slip Resistance mean?
To rate the degree to which a shoe is slip resistance, an R scale is used.
The scale ranges from R9 to R13 with R9 being the most slippery when wet and R13 having the highest slip resistance.
Thus, r10 or r9 will imply that the shoe will have low slip resistance if used on greasy or wet surfaces.
What comfort features should I look for in Slip Resistant Work Boots?
Comfort is key when purchasing any type of shoe.
Here are some features that will help you purchase comfortable Slip Resistant Work Boots:
- Memory foam insole
- Arch support
- Shock-absorbent midsole
- Light-weight
What are Skid Resistant Work Boots and how are they different from Slip Resistant ones?
Skid resistant shoes are generally similar to Slip Resistant Work Boots.
Skid resistant shoes are considered safety shoes; they prevent a person from easily slipping on wet floors.
How can I tell if Work Boots are Slip Resistant?
Here are some ways you can determine whether a boot is slipping resistant or not.
- First of all checking the box will be useful. The box usually has labels to show that the shoe is slip resistant.
- Secondly, look at the sole’s treading. The treads should be similar to those of car tires. This is to enable free water movement between the sole for firm grip.
- Apart from just looking at the soles you can feel them. The texture should not be completely fine.
- Additionally, the shoe soles should have grooves.
- Lastly, you should consider taking the shoes for a test drive if you are purchasing them physically.
Are all Slip Resistant Work Boots all-weather?
Slip Resistant Work Boots are all-weather boots due to the cold resistant features they have.
Additionally, they also have thermal insulation in the outsole.
What are the width variations for Slip Resistance Work Boots?
Slip Resistant work boots can have the below width variations:
- Medium
- Wide
- Narrow
Since feet vary per person, you should choose the correct width to ensure the proper fit for Slip resistant work boots.
What are common Toe shapes for Slip Resistant Work Boots?
Most Slip Resistant Work Boots come with the below toe shapes
- Square
- Round
- Round Square
Notably, the toe shapes are just as the names suggest.
What Safety specs do you offer for Slip Resistant Work Boots?
Your Slip Resistant Work Boots ought to have the following specs for complete functionality.
- Oil resistance
- Prevention from electrical hazard environments
- Insulation
- Shoe should meet the required ASTM standards
- Waterproof and leak proof
- Static dissipative
What are the shaft height options for Slip Resistant Work Boots?
Shaft height is measured from the arch in terms of inches.
Shaft height mostly ranges from 5 inches to 8 inches.
It is advisable you buy a Slip Resistant Work Boot with a shaft of between 6inches to 7inches for ankle support and additional stability.
Is Slip Resistant Work Boots gender specific?
Similar to other shoe types, there are gender specific Slip Resistant Work Boots.
However, it is common to also find unisex boots.
Gender specific boots will have the gender name.
The boots will either be labelled as men or women wear.
Also, sizes vary based on gender.
Slip resistant work boots for women tend to have a smaller and slimmer fit than the male alternatives.
When should I Consider Unisex Slip Resistant Work Boots for my Business?
If as a business owner you require a certain degree of uniformity among your workers, you should go for Unisex Slip Resistant work boots.
What are common Slip Resistance Sole Codes and what do they mean?
The Slip Resistance Sole Codes simply imply the tests that the shoe has undergone.
Below are the three used codes:
- SRA – The shoe has been subjected to testing on a soapy ceramic tile floor.
- SRB – The boots have undergone testing on a steel floor having glycerol.
- SRC – The shoe has undergone both SRA and SRB testing.
These codes are used to classify the boots according to their levels of slip-resistance.
How do you assess the performance of an outsole in terms of Slip Resistance?
To guarantee the functionality of a Slip Resistant Work Boot, the sole’s slip resistance has to be tested.
The sole has is subjected to a thorough interlaboratory friction test.
Additionally, there ought to be set threshold standards that the soles must meet.
What extra features do you offer for Slip Resistant Work Boots?
Some additional features your Slip Resistant Work Boot can have included:
- Metal-free
- Electrostatic discharge
- Warm lining
- Light-weight boots
- Soft impact foam
- Heat insulation
- Non-marking outsole
- Heat resistant outsole
- Cold insulation
- Breathable lining
What are the certified standards for Slip Resistant Work Boots?
The common certified standards for Slip Resistant Work Boots are:
- EN ISO 209345:2011 – Which outlines the basic and additional requirements that safety footwear ought to have.
- ISO 9001: 2015 – Which is the guide for Quality Management Systems (QMS)
What is Hydrolysis?
Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction involving decomposition and splitting of a compound into other compounds by reacting with water.
How do you increase resistance against hydrolysis for your Slip Resistant Work Boots?
You can use a polyether based PU sole which has a high resistance against hydrolysis and low oil resistance.
Do Slip Resistant Work Boots come with puncture resistant features?
Most of the slip resistant work boots come with the puncture resistance features.
All CAS footwear has puncture resistance attributes, and slip resistant boots fall in the category
Which is better between Steel and Woven insoles for Slip Resistant Work Boots?
Woven insoles are most preferred for the slip resistant boots compared to the steel insole.
Woven insoles are more flexible compared to steel insoles.
What are the best Slip Resistant Work Boots for sensitive feet?
The ideal Slip Resistant Work Boots for any type of feet is lightweight work boots.
Importantly, you should go for high quality lightweight boots with compression pads in the insoles.
The pads will aid in both absorbing shock and reducing fatigue.
Additionally, the lightweight boots will help protect you from conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or tendonitis.
What makes a light-weight Slip Resistant Work Boot?
A lightweight slip resistant work boot comprises of:
- Protective toe
- Outsole
- Midsole
- Insole
- Upper Materials
- Lacing Materials
All these contribute to the final weight of the boots.
Importantly, the boots make use of composite materials such as Kevlar, plastic, or lightweight carbon to meet the safety requirements as outlined by ANSI/ASTM.
The metal-free trait of the composite materials makes the boots lightweight.
How do you measure the durability of Slip Resistant Work Boots?
The durability of Slip Resistant Work Boots depend on the materials used.
Materials such as leather, rubber, and PU should be of high quality for durability.
This is ensured by the 1SO 9001:2015.
What is SATRA rating for Slip Resistant Work Boots?
SATRA rating for slip resistant work boots consists of a number of tests which include SRA, SRB and SRC.
SRC is considered to be the most slip resistant of all the levels.
- SRA; tested with soapy water on a ceramic tile
- SRB; tested with glycerol on stainless steel.
- SRC; tested on both soapy water on quarry tile and glycerol on stainless steel.
How much can Slip Resistant Work Boots withstand?
A minimum coefficient of friction of 0.40 is good for a slip resistant work boot.
Some boots perform much higher reaching to mid-0.7 in worst conditions.
Although others go as low as 0.2, these aren’t reliable at all.
What is the best way to clean and dry Slip Resistant Work Boots?
Slip Resistant Work Boots soles should be cleaned using plenty of water.
- First, one needs to soak the shoe in about half way in the outsole.
- Secondly, use warm soapy water to clean the outsole following the direction of the main grooves.
- Finally rinse with plenty of water.
Regularly wipe off the shoes on a coir mat.
Slip-resistant boots should be aired in an open place to dry up after washing.
You should apply a waterproofing agent to your shoes if one is working in a messy environment.
How do you wear Slip Resistant Work Boots?
Below is the basic procedure of putting on your Slip Resistant Work Boots:
- Put on socks
- Ensure that the boot’s insole is in the right position
- Put in your toe and move it a bit while inside the shoe to make sure it is comfortable and of the right size
- Tie the shoe/ boot laces; remember not to make it too tight. That might inhibit blood circulation in the leg
- Tuck the extra lace in the boots to avoid tripping.
How should Slip Resistant Work Boots fit?
The boots should have a space of around 1 inch on the front part.
Also, the back of your feet should not rub against the shoe.
If a shoe does not fit as per the two conditions, you can always go for a larger size.
When should Slip Resistant Work Boots be inspected?
Safety shoes should be inspected every time they are being worn.
This will be useful in spotting any damages such as holes, dirt, and buckles.
When not being worn, safety footwear should be cleaned and stored in a clean, dry space.
How much are Slip Resistant Work Boots?
Slip Resistant Work Boots range from as low as 25 US DOLLARS to over 200 US DOLLARS.
The variance in price is based on several factors such the materials used, order quantity etc.
What is Metatarsal Guard for Slip Resistant Work Boots?
Metatarsal guards are used in protecting the upper part of the toe from injury.
Metatarsal shoes come with one of two types of guards, the internal metatarsal guard, and the external metatarsal guard.
How do I select Slip Resistant Work Boots for my Business?
- Identify what you are dealing with at the business premises; is it water oil, grease,or just any other slippery floor. Also, put into account the weather conditions of that particular place
- Consider the gender of the workers in the business premises. Consequently, you will decide to either go for unisex or gender-specific shoes
- Consider the work duration of your employees. This will guide you on the type of boots to purchase.
- A person needs to know the risks involved in the work area: lifting heavy objects that can fall and cause injury to the legs and such like precautions.
How do I perform risk assessment for Slip Resistant Work Boots?
Ensuring your Slip Resistant Boots are risk-free is critical. You can use the following tools for risk assessment:
- Use a wet pendulum friction tester – which is used to measure the coefficient of friction in wet conditions.
- Use the floor friction tester – which measures the coefficient of friction in dry conditions.
What is the importance of CE marking for Slip Resistant Work Boots?
The CE marking helps in:
- Knowing how efficient the work boot is before buying it.
- Defining and knowing all the risks precisely.
- Showing what category a work boot belongs.
- Briefing the client on the material used in making the work boots.
What are things to avoid when buying Slip Resistant Work Boots?
- Importantly, avoid shoes that have overlooked the set ISO standards. That implies that the quality of the shoes is not guaranteed.
- Also, do not buy shoes that do not fit, whether too small or too large. You have a variety of options; choose the best-fitting boots.
- Moreover, do not confuse the shoes. There are a number of safety boots. Ensure you pick the correct shoe for it to fulfill its purpose.
- Additionally, do not be so into the aesthetic value of the shoe. Consider safety that the boot will provide as compared to its look or design.
- Lastly, if you are buying safety work boots for the first time, avoid ordering in bulk. Only order in bulk if you have ascertained the shoe’s quality.
What is the difference between Slip-on and Lace up Slip Resistant Work Boots?
As the names suggest, Slip-on and Lace-up Slip Resistant Work Boots differ in how they are worn.
You will simply slip your feet into slip-on boots, whereas lace-up boots will require you to untie the laces, put them on, and then fasten the laces.
Below are some advantages that slip-on boots have over lace-up boots:
- They are easy to put on, as explained in the definition
- Cleaning them is easy – you need not worry about removing the laces and washing them separately.
- Ultimately waterproof – slip-on boots have no extra opening that will allow water to get into the boots.
How do I distinguish an original slip resistant work boot from a counterfeit?
If you are buying the boots from an online store, you can compare the shoes to those found on the manufacturer’s website.
Alternatively, you can check if the shoe manufacturer complies with the needed ISO standards.
How do you evaluate a Slip Resistant Work Boots supplier/manufacturer?
Consider the following when looking into a Slip Resistant Work Boots manufacturer or supplier:
- They ought to have functional web addresses. The web address is up to date and has all the relevant information and specifics related to the supplies
- They should be easy to contact by either email or phone. This will help make any inquiries or submit any concerns.
- They are licensed companies working under the state’s regulations.
- They must have terms and conditions of operation and supply.
As you can see, there are many factors to consider when choosing suitable slip resistant work boots.
At Huaerxin Company, we design and manufacture the best slip resistant work boots that meet all safety standards.
Whether you want custom designs or for OEM, Huaerxin Company offers a perfect solution for you.
Contact us now for all your slip resistant work boots.
