Slip and falls lead to a major injury burden both in the general population and at work. According to the U.S. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, over 9.25 million visits to ER in 2011 were due to falls. In the same year, 25 percent of nonfatal occupational illnesses and injuries involving days away from one’s job were due to trips, slips, and falls. The direct cost of fall-related injuries in the country in 2010 was estimated to be $8.6 billion. U.S. workers in the healthcare and social assistance industry, warehousing, and transportation industry, and foodservice industry are found to be at the highest risk for fall-related injuries.
Due to the rising number of slip-and-fall accidents at workplaces and the toll they take on employees and employers, it is now mandatory to wear slip-resistant shoes in several occupations. Slip-resistant shoes can reduce the risk of slips and falls.
Whether you are heading to the bus or working on the job site, maintaining a solid footing is important to reduce the risk of falls and the resulting injury. This is why you should invest in a good pair of slip-resistant shoes. This footwear will prove to be an exceptional weapon in your arsenal when you go out to grab some groceries from the supermarket, when you are serving the customers at your boutique, or when you are providing care to the patients in the hospital.
There are a variety of slip-resistant shoes available in the market for the feminine gender. Having plenty of choices is great but this also means that it’ll be hard for you to find a pair that best suits your needs. So, to help you out, we have compiled a list of best slip-resistant shoes for women. Before we discuss the features of these shoes, we will talk about some important things that you should know about slip-resistant shoes.
Contents
Slip-Resistant Shoes Buying Guide
Factors to Consider When Shopping for a Pair of Slip-Resistant Shoes
· Traction
The shape of the tread plays an important role in reducing the risk of falls, especially when you are walking on highly polished or slippery surfaces. The depth and spacing of the tread are also important. Shapes that are close together can disperse the water towards the outer edge of the shoe. When this happens, the water or grease may get trapped, leaving a layer of liquid between the floor and the bottom of the shoe. This increases the risk of slips and falls. Similarly, when there isn’t enough space between the sole and tread, water will not disperse and would leave you vulnerable to falls.
Therefore, you should look for treads with ample space between them. This space will allow water, grease, or oil to move through the gaps in your shoe, reducing the risk of fall. The tread depth should also be significant so that water can pass through while giving enough depth to provide you with a solid grip against the floor. Research shows that tread groove depth impacts the friction coefficients. Simply put – the greater the depth, the lesser your chance of slipping and falling.
You should note that tread depth and other physical properties of the sole are affected by the duration of usage. Shoe wear will affect the coefficient of friction between the floor and the shoe sole. In layman’s terms, the slip-resistant property of your shoe will decrease with usage. This is why you should consider replacing your slip-resistant shoes when you notice that their tread depth has reduced.
· Support
Another important thing to consider when shopping for a pair of slip-resistant shoes is support. Whether you are walking in the restaurant kitchen or running around in a warehouse, you are going to need support. Slip-resistant shoes that provide adequate support improve posture and prevent ankle and back pain. If support is lacking, you might feel tenderness at the end of the day. Reinforced midsoles and slight heels offer a good feel on your arch and support the ball of foot and heel. However, if you need more support or better shock absorption, you should buy non-slip shoes with a removable insole. This way, you will be able to replace the insoles with your custom orthotics.
· Comfort
Just because you are buying a slip-resistant shoes doesn’t mean that you should compromise on your comfort. After all, if footwear isn’t comfortable, you’ll struggle to keep it on throughout your shift. Look for an insole that provides extra support for your heal. It is important that your heel gets maximum support when you are on your feet, so make sure that your slip-resistant shoes have cushioning in this particular area.
· Durability
Durability should never be ignored whether you are looking for slip-resistant shoes or the conventional kind. Shoes made of synthetic and thicker materials – like leather – tend to last longer than others. This is why it is best to invest in this type of footwear.
· Purpose
Where do you intend to wear your pair of slip-resistant shoes? This type of footwear serves a variety of purposes and the perfect pair might be determined by the type of surface you plan to wear it on or the activity you intend to perform while wearing it.
Slip-resistant shoes are mostly used for work. People who work in environments with highly polished or slippery surfaces – like the kitchen or restaurant floors, invest in this type of footwear to walk without worrying about slipping. Similarly, those who work on rough surfaces require slip-resistant shoes that can keep their feet firmly planted on the ground. So, when looking for a pair of slip-resistant shoes, consider the environment or the floors wear you plan to them.
Read Also: Best Shoes with Wheels
Do You Really Need a Pair of Slip-Resistant Shoes?
You have never fallen before, so you might think that you don’t need non-slip footwear. Regardless of how safe you might think you are, falls can come out of nowhere and land you in a world of hurt. After all, gravity is no one’s friend and you can’t leave yourself open to it. This is why investing in a pair of high-quality slip-resistant shoes is a good idea, especially if your feet come in contact with wet or highly polished surfaces or your job requires intense activity.
· Contact with Wet or Highly Polished Surfaces
Do you often walk across a recently mopped floor? Or do you work over highly polished surfaces? Some people encounter wet or highly polished surfaces more often than others. They may not notice it until they fall. So, if your feet often come in contact with slippery or highly polished floors, invest in non-slip footwear to reduce the risk of slips and falls.
· Intensity of Work
If you are sitting in front of a computer screen all day, you might not need slip-resistant shoes. However, if your job involves constant activity like serving dishes in a restaurant, cooking food in the kitchen or attending to patients in a hospital, it is a good idea to get yourself a pair of slip-resistant shoes.
Are Slip-resistant shoes Really Effective?
Reports reveal that shoes marketed as non-slip or slip-resistant have been found to provide better slip-resistance that those that aren’t marketed as non-slip. A research study reported on an effective trip, slip, and fall prevention intervention program for people working in a hospital where slip-resistant shoes were a part of an intervention approach. Slip-resistant shoes have also been reported to reduce the risk of slipping and falling for older adults. In another research, the risk of falls was explored in cold climates. The results of the study showed that the use of slip-resistant shoes was effective in preventing slips and falls during winter.
There is comprehensive evidence to show that slip-resistant shoes can be really effective in preventing slips and falls. So you can go ahead and purchase a pair with confidence knowing that they will reduce the risk of slipping and falling on wet and polished surfaces. Now that you know the factors to consider when shopping for non-slip footwear and how effective these shoes are, let us take a look at the best slip-resistant shoes for women.
If you want to make your regular shoes non slip. Check out these Best Traction Sprays for Shoes
Our Top 3 Choices of Slip-Resistant Shoes
Best Overall Choice: Skechers for Work Women’s Soft Stride-Softie Lace-Up
Premium Product: Skechers Work Women’s Sure Track Trickel
Best Value: Fila Women’s Memory Workshift Slip Resistant Work Shoe
Best Slip-Resistant shoes for Women
1. MOZO Women’s Mavi Food Service Shoe
Have you ever tried sneaking in casual footwear to work? Yes? Then you will certainly know how good it feels it. While you can’t go to your workplace barefoot, the MOZO Mavi Food Service Shoe is the next best thing. The high-friction sole of this pair of slip-resistant shoes can keep your feet firmly planted in place, significantly reducing the risks of slips and falls and the resulting pain.
The MOZO Mavi Shoe is designed to offer protection against falls and fortunately, no compromises have been made in terms of comfort to achieve this. It features gel insoles for cushioning and fit. The MOZO Mavi Shoe is made from 100 percent stable leather and boasts a rubber sole to offer protection against wet and highly polished surfaces. It is also water-resistant, which means that you can wear them to work even when it’s raining outside. One of the things you might like about these shoes is they don’t need any break-in time and are ready to be worn out of the box.
The majority of customers have had positive things to say about this pair of slip-resistant shoes and the only two complaints are that they are heavier and not as durable as premium models. So if your biggest concern is slip-resistant and comfort, this pair of non-slip footwear could be an option worth considering.
Pros of the MOZO Women’s Mavi Food Service Shoe
- Exceptional slip-resistant properties
- Arch support
- Stylish and comfortable
- Good option for grocery store workers, restaurant workers, and chefs.
Cons of the MOZO Women’s Mavi Food Service Shoe
- Relatively heavier
- Expensive
- Not as durable as premium offerings
2. Skechers Women’s Sure Track Erath Athletic Lace Slip Resistant Boot
Skechers is a popular brand that is known for providing high-quality footwear for both men and women. The Sure Track Erath is designed for working girls who want a comfortable, stylish and slip-resistant pair of shoes. These shoes are assembled with durable leather material to provide you an easy to clean and extremely durable surface. The fabric of the pair allows for enhanced flexibility, especially when maneuvering through slippery places.
Apart from durable uppers and lace-up design, the Skechers for Work Women’s Sure Track Erath also boasts a FlexSole midsole to ensure you don’t feel any pain even after keeping it on your feet for several hours. Not only that, but it also incorporates memory foam cushioning for added comfort.
The high friction and high traction outsole of the Sure Track Erath should give you a solid grip, reducing the likelihood of falls on slippery surfaces. Moreover, since the outsole is EH safe rated ASTM F2413-05, it’ll reduce the risk of electrocution.
Even though these shoes are designed for work, you can wear them with your skirt or jeans on a day out with friends as they are pretty decent. Overall, the Skechers Sure Track Earth stands out in terms of comfort and slip-resistant properties. The only downside of these shoes is that they aren’t as durable as some of the other non-slip footwear in this price range. If this isn’t a deal-breaker for you, the Skechers Sure Track Earth should be on your shortlist.
Pros of the Skechers Women’s Sure Track Erath Athletic Lace Slip Resistant Boot
- A good option for work
- Comfortable
- Electrical hazard safe
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Shocking absorbing FlexSole midsole
Cons of the Skechers Women’s Sure Track Erath Athletic Lace Slip Resistant Boot
- Not durable
3. Skechers Work Women’s Sure Track Trickel
The Skechers Sure Track Trickel is perfect for work, travel, workouts and casual wear. It has been fitted with mini-perforated panels on the sides to keep your feet cool. These shoes also incorporate removable memory foam insoles for added comfort. If you want extra support and comfort, you could replace the insoles with your own orthotics.
Like the Sure Track Erath, the Skechers Sure Track Trickel also comes with a shock-absorbing FlexSole midsole for cushioning and durability. The arch support of these shoes is commendable. The nitrile rubber outsole of the Sure Track Trickel is slip-resistant and electric-shock resistant. It is EH Safe rated and meets the ASTM F1677-96 Mark II safety standards.
When it comes to pairing the Sure Track Trickel with a dress, it goes well with jeans. Although meant for work, their design should allow you to wear them on casual occasions. Since the Skechers Sure Track Trickel is extremely comfortable, you might not feel your feet hurting after a long day’s work.
Pros of the Skechers Work Women’s Sure Track – Trickel
- The offered sizes fit well
- Reduces feet pain
- Extremely comfortable
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Certified as Electric Hazard (EH) safe
- Shocking absorbing FlexSole midsole
Cons of the Skechers Work Women’s Sure Track – Trickel
- Expensive
- Weight of these shoes can be a problem
4. Fila Women’s Memory Workshift Slip Resistant Work Shoe
Fila has been making shoes for over a hundred years now. The company has maintained quality throughout all these years and ensured that its footwear offers the highest level of comfort, and performance. The Women’s Memory Workshift is a true testament to Fila’s commitment to quality, comfort, and performance.
Created with DLS foam, the memory foam sock liner of these shoes should keep your feet snug all the time. The upper of the Memory Workshift is made with leather, together with synthetic overlays for comfort and breathability. The pair features a rubber outsole to provide good traction against wet or slick surfaces and help you beat gravity. The Memory Workshift also incorporates a variable lacing system and provides exceptional arch support. Moreover, the memory foam insoles of these shoes are removable, so you can replace them for extra support.
Unlike the models from Skechers, the Fila Memory Workshift isn’t electric-shock resistant. But, we really can’t complain about it since Memory Workshift is an inexpensive pair of shoes. We are impressed by the features these shoes offer at this price range. If you want to buy a pair of slip-resistant shoes that won’t put a dent in your wallet, the Fila Memory Workshift is a good option to consider.
Pros of the Fila Women’s Memory Workshift Slip Resistant Work Shoe
- Removable memory foam insoles
- Excellent arch support
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Inexpensive
Cons of the Fila Women’s Memory Workshift Slip Resistant Work Shoe
- No protection against electrical hazard
- May take some to break-in
5. Avia Women’s Avi-Union
Avia is an old brand that initially focused on creating footwear for athletes. Today, the company makes a variety of shoes for different occupations. The Avi-Union is a non-slip resistant shoe from Avia that has been made for working women. These shoes boast a solid slip-resistant rubber that provides a high level of traction on slick or wet surfaces. It also incorporates a padded collar and tongue for added comfort and to keep debris out from your feet.
The Avia Women’s Avi-Union features a breathable mesh lining to keep your feet fresh throughout the day, even in high-temperature environments. In addition, a removable sock liner is included for convenience. One of the key features of the Avi-Union is its specially designed tread pattern that’ll push away water or grease from the bottom of the shoe, thus enhancing grip in hazardous environments.
As you know, comfort is an important factor to consider when shopping for slip-resistant shoes. You will be glad to know that this shoe offers comfort and breathability, so your feet might not hurt at the end of the day.
One downside of the Avia Women’s Avi-Union is that these shoes aren’t too durable. So you might have to replace them after four to six months of usage.
Pros of the Avia Women’s Avi-Union
- Accurate fitting
- Lightweight
- Breathable and comfortable
- Specially designed treads push water and other liquids away
Cons of the Avia Women’s Avi-Union
- Not durable
6. Skechers for Work Women’s Eldred Shoe
The Skechers Eldred Shoe is one of the most favorite models among the ladies in the service industry. These shoes can keep your feet safe, comfy, and fashionable while you work through your shift. The Eldred features tough leather uppers with a quick-lace system. Their almost-vertical slits allow for greater flexibility and more breathability.
The Eldred Shoe features a roomier design and incorporates memory foam insoles. The outsole of the shoes is anti-skidding, making them suitable for lab assistants, waitresses, chefs and nurses. Like several other models from Sketchers, the Eldred Shoe is also certified as an electric hazard-safe. The sizing is good so you should find it a comfortable fit. The sole of the Eldred has been tested using ASTM Mark II safety standards to meet 0.5 co-efficient on oily and wet surfaces. So you should be able to work on slippery and highly polished surfaces with confidence.
It might not take a lot of time for you to break into these shoes and since they are super lightweight, you should be able to stand on your feet for hours without feeling tired.
Pros of the Skechers for Work Women’s Eldred Shoe
- Leather uppers
- Memory foam insoles
- Anti-skidding outsole
- Electric hazard safe
Cons of the Skechers for Work Women’s Eldred Shoe
- May eventually show signs of wear
- Not the best arch support
7. Klogs Footwear Mission Clog
If you are comfortable wearing clog-style slip-resistant shoes, the Klogs Footwear Mission is worth considering. The Mission combines comfort, simplicity, and style into a slip-resistant shoe. The unique thing about this footwear is that all safety features are focused on its outsole, which means that you’ll get an ultra-light, open and well-aerated pair of shoes.
The Klogs Footwear Mission boasts impressive slip-resistant properties while being comfortable on your feet. It is made from 100 percent leather and features a synthetic sole. However, it isn’t as durable as we would have hoped. A number of customers have a complaint that the material started coming off only after a few weeks of use. In a nutshell, the Klogs Footwear Mission Clog stands tall in terms of comfort and slip resistance, but falls short when it comes to durability.
Pros of the Klogs Footwear Mission Clog
- One of the most comfortable slip-resistant shoes
- Stylish and simple
Cons of the Klogs Footwear Mission Clog
- Not durable
- Expensive considering the limited features
8. Merrel Jungle Moc
Merrel is another leading brand in the world of shoes. The Jungle Moc is one of the best slip-resistant shoes from the company. Uppers are made from either textile materials or suede pigskin depending on the color selected. These shoes feature a molded foam insole that offers light underfoot plush, ensuring that your feet are comfortable. Moreover, the heel incorporates the Merrel Air Cushion to provide stability and shock absorption.
The Merrel Jungle Moc features M-Select Fresh technology to prevent and control unwanted odors. It eliminates sweat and bacteria that can lead to stinky footwear. These shoes also boast a compression-molded EVA footbed for enhanced comfort and support. An M-Select Grip has been used to finish off the Merrel Jungle Moc, providing grip and high levels of traction. The unique tread design features an innovative tread pattern to keep water and other liquids away.
The Jungle Moc can keep you sure-footed even on slick surfaces. It may not be the most stylish footwear, but the Jungle Moc stands out in terms of slip resistance, comfort, and durability. One important thing to note about these shoes is that they run large so be careful when ordering.
Pros of the Merrel Jungle Moc
- Molded foam insoles make the shoes comfortable
- M-Select grip provides high levels of traction
- Innovative tread pattern to keep liquids away
Cons of the Merrel Jungle Moc
- Not stylish
- Sizes run large
9. Skechers for Work Women’s Soft Stride-Softie Lace-Up
The Skechers Soft Stride-Softie shoes are a combo of comfy support, tough attitude, and amazing style. They can be a pretty solid option for professionals who mean business. These shoes incorporate a full lace-up panel and a comfortable padded tongue and collar. At the back of these shoes’ heel, there is a handy pull tab to make it easier for you to get them on and off.
The Skechers Soft Stride-Softie Lace-Up is made of soft and flexible leather. Since this leather material is stain-resistant, you might not have to clean these shoes constantly. The rubber outsole offers great traction for slippery floors. It is OSHA compliant slip-resistant and covered with a durable tread to help shoes maintain their non-slip properties for longer. But, the outsole isn’t EH safe rated like most of the other outsoles in Skechers’ slip-resistant shoes.
The Skechers Soft Stride-Softie Lace-Up features removable insoles that can you can switch for your own orthotics. The heel of these shoes is 1-inch wide with a platform of 1.5 inches. Having a thick heel should help when you are wearing the shoes all day long. When it comes to comfort, these shoes are well-padded and offer great arch support, especially for those with high arches. However, women with flatter archers might not find them too comfy, unless they use their own custom inserts.
The only downside of the Skechers for Work Women’s Soft Stride-Softie Lace-Up is its weight. Some shoes that are more durable tend to run a little heavier and this is the case with the Soft Stride-Softie. Other than that, we can’t find anything wrong with this shoe. Overall, the Skechers for Work Women’s Soft Stride-Softie Lace-Up offers the best value for money.
Pros of the Skechers for Work Women’s Soft Stride-Softie Lace-Up
- Sturdy and long-lasting
- Super comfy
- Durable and flexible
Cons of the Skechers for Work Women’s Soft Stride-Softie Lace-Up
- Run a little heavier
10. Dr. Martens Women’s Soho Shoe
Dr. Klaus Martens injured his foot while skiing. While he was recovering, he designed a pair of shoes with air-cushioned soles to make walking easier. This is how it all began and today Dr. Martens is a renowned brand, producing a wide range of comfortable and stylish footwear.
The Women’s Soho Shoe is a slim and trendy silhouette that might turn some heads when you walk with these shoes on your feet. They are versatile, stylish, cute, and comfortable, which is something we rarely see in slip-resistant shoes. Featuring lace-up design with only three eyes, the Soho Shoe could be a good option for the ladies who want comfort and style at the same time.
The canvas upper of these shoes makes them light and durable. The sole is hard-wearing and sturdy with good abrasion. It is also slip-resistant and should provide solid grip over slick surfaces. The Soho Shoe is also comfortable for people with low arches as it feels like these soles bounce as you step. The rugged stitching and cemented construction should give you good durability.
Pros of the Dr. Martens Women’s Soho Shoe
- Durable and comfortable
- Good for ladies with low arches
- Versatile and stylish
Cons of the Dr. Martens Women’s Soho Shoe
- Not the most slip-resistant offering
- May not be suitable for women high arches
11. Skechers Women’s Work Albie SR Shoe
Most of the high-end slip-resistant shoes are expensive and may not be within the reach of some ladies. If you are one of them and want a functional, yet affordable pair of slip-resistant shoes that you can wear to work every day with confidence, the Skechers Women’s Work Albie SR Shoe should be on your shortlist.
Made from 100 percent leather, the Albie SR Shoe should give your feet good support while reducing the risk of you becoming a victim of a slip and fall accident. The rubber outsoles of these are shoes are tested following the Mark II safety standards and they meet 0.40 co-efficient on wet and oily conditions. Not only that, but the Albie SR Shoe also meet ASTM F2413-2011 EH requirements. This means that your shoes should protect you in case they come in contact with an electrically energized object.
The Ablie SR Shoes feature a memory foam-cushioned insole. Despite this, they aren’t too comfortable. This is the only downside to these shoes. This was expected since Skechers had to cut corners somewhere to reach this price point.
Pros of the Skechers Women’s Work Albie SR Shoe
- Durable and long-lasting
- Slip-resistant rubber outsole
- Electric-shock resistant
- Budget-friendly
Cons of the Skechers Women’s Work Albie SR Shoe
- Not the most comfortable footwear
12. Skechers for Work Women’s D’Lites Slip Resistant Sneaker
Last but not the least; we have the Skechers for Work Women’s D’Lites Slip Resistant Sneaker. This is another inexpensive offering that boasts slip-resistant qualities to reduce the risk of slips and falls at hazardous environments. Featuring rubber and oil resistant slip-resistant outsole that meets Mark II standards, the Skechers D’Lites Slip Resistant Sneaker should provide a high level of traction on oily, wet and highly polished surface. The outsole is also OSHA compliant. This shoe is also electric-shock resistant, so you might be protected in case of accidental contact with exposed electric wires.
The upper of the D’Lites is made of 100 percent leather, which makes the shoe durable. The insole of these shoes is lightly cushioned to ensure that your feet don’t hurt from standing all day. This shoe is suitable for a variety of work environments, including hospitals and restaurants. However, like the Albie SR Shoe, this isn’t the most comfortable offering from Skechers.
Pros of the Skechers for Work Women’s D’Lites Slip Resistant Sneaker
- Rubber outsole is slip-resistant
- Rated EH (Electrical Hazard) safe
- Durable
- Suitable for a variety of work environments
Cons of the Skechers for Work Women’s D’Lites Slip Resistant Sneaker
- May take more time to break-in
- Not too comfortable
Final Word
Well, that completes our list of best slip-resistant shoes for women. Armed with the information about these models, you should be able to find a good pair of slip-resistant shoes that suits your wallet and your needs. But, if you are still struggling, let us make it even easier for you. We mentioned our top picks earlier, so we’ll tell you why the Skechers for Work Women’s Soft Stride-Softie Lace-Up is the best overall choice product, what makes the Skechers Work Women’s Sure Track Trickel the best premium product and why we believe the Fila Women’s Memory Workshift Slip Resistant Work Shoe is the best value offering.
Best Overall Choice
The Skechers Soft Stride-Softie Lace-Up is our winner for best overall choice. The reason is simple – there isn’t a better slip-resistant shoe in the market than this one. It offers a combo of comfy support, tough attitude and amazing style. The rubber outsole of these shoes offers great traction for wet floors, the leather construction makes them durable and the shoes are well-padded to provide a comfortable experience. The Skechers Soft Stride-Softie Lace-Up thus offers everything a woman could want from slip-resistant footwear.
Premium Product
When it comes to a premium product, the Skechers Work Women’s Sure Track Trickel is hands down the best. These shoes feature memory foam insoles that can be removed for custom orthotics. They also incorporate FlexSole midsole for shock absorption while their arch support is quite impressive. The outsole is electric-shock and slip-resistant. The Skechers Work Women’s Sure Track Trickel is one of the most comfortable slip-resistant shoes out there and it should give you the confidence you need to work on polished surfaces. If the price isn’t a concern, the Skechers Work Women’s Sure Track Trickel could be the perfect option for you.
Best Value
If you want a pair of slip-resistant shoes that gives you the best value for money, we recommend you go with the Fila Women’s Memory Workshift Slip Resistant Work Shoe. The rubber outsole of these shoes should provide high levels of traction even on wet and slick surfaces. These shoes provide exceptional arch support and feature removable memory foam insoles for customization. Other than electric-shock resistance, Fila Women’s Memory Workshift Slip Resistant Work Shoe should give you everything you could want from a high-quality pair of slip-resistant shoes.
Now pick a pair from our list and walk with confidence over slippery surfaces. However, remember to be cautious at all time as these shoes are slip-resistant, not slip-proof. So while they do reduce your chances of slipping and falling, they can’t guarantee it. Stay on your toes at all times!
We have provided detailed information on slip-resistant shoes but if you are still finding it hard to select a pair or have any questions to ask from us, feel free to contact us. We’ll be more than happy to assist you.