How to Spot a Good Tread

Slips and falls are common leading causes of workplace injuries. These can also happen during trips and normal activities. Winter is the season when most slips and falls take place only because the ground is more slippery. The first step in preventing slips and falls is selecting a shoe specifically designed for certain activities.

A shoe’s outsole plays a major responsibility when it comes to preventing slips from happening. A shoe’s slip-resistant quality must be excellent. It is best to carefully examine the sole of a shoe to determine this.

Outsole Patterns Matter

Outsole treads come in many different patterns, from triangles to circles, squares and hexagons. These shapes are not there for a variety in patterns, but they are responsible for gripping the floor when the shoe comes in contact with a wet or oily surface. The shapes create a tunnel through which liquid is dispersed, creating the slip resistance. The best shape to go for would be the circle. Hexagons, triangles and squares can sometimes create a wall that prevents liquid from moving away from the shoe sole.

Examine the Space and Depth of the Tread

If each individual shape of the outsole’s pattern is too close together, the space might not be wide enough to channel liquid to the outer edges of the outsole. Opt for shoes with at least two millimeters of space between the tread pattern shapes for maximum safety. The same concept applies to the depth. There should be enough space between the bottom of the tread and bottom of the shoe for liquid to disperse quickly.

Be Mindful of Wear and Tear

Just like how the tread on your automobile’s tires can wear out, shoe treads also wear out over time. Because of this, it is important for you to monitor the tread depth of your footwear closely. When you notice that the tread depth is already wearing down, or not giving the best grip, it’s high time to replace your shoes. Another tip is to watch for the snipe grooves to wear away. Once they do wear out, it’s time to get new shoes.

Consider the Surroundings

Many slip and oil-resistant shoes are also tested on different tiles and flooring samples. Through lab testing, researchers are able to identify which soles are best for specific environments. It’s important to make sure that the type of shoe you are choosing is best suited for the environment you will be moving in. If you will be going up and down stairs, you should choose shoes with a tread pattern that covers the entire outsole and heel for maximum slip resistance.