These days shoes are not only a fashion statement but a necessity. Even in the hot summer weather, you are expected to protect your feet from the hard and cruel ground.
But what happens when the things that are meant to protect us, cause our suffering?
Buying a new pair of shoes can be a rewarding and fun experience. However, they can also come with their share of negatives as well.
Not only do you have to break in a new pair of shoes, but you also have to contend with them being slippery on certain surfaces.
Because new shoes have not had time to adjust to their surroundings, this makes them much more likely to be slippery when worn. And this can be extremely dangerous for both you and other people.
This is why we have compiled this list of the best methods to make your new shoes non-slip. Not only are these methods effective, but they are also simple to execute and can be done from the comfort of your own home.
So why not take a look and solve your shoe problems today!
Scuff Your Shoe
Why are new shoes, or shoes in general, slippery? Well, the answer to that is simple. It’s because the sole of your shoe is smooth and therefore not providing the needed traction when you walk.
However, you can overcome this problem by altering the sole of your shoe to make it capable of catching on the ground.
Arguably the most effective way to do this is to simply scuff the sole of your shoe. We understand that this may sound sacrilegious, but we assure you that scuffing your shoes won’t damage them.
The easiest way to scuff your shoe is to scrape the sole against a rough or abrasive surface. For a particularly strong result, we recommend scraping your shoe against rough concrete or gravel.
If you are trying to make a brand new shoe non-slip, then you have to consider that it is slippery because it is so new. Try wearing the shoes first and letting them adapt to the ground before attempting to scuff them.
If they are still slippery after a few weeks then you can begin the scuffing process.
Stick Your Shoe
If you are suffering from slippery shoes, then another great way to make them slip-resistant is by purchasing non-slip soles. These wonderful inventions take the form of thin abrasive layers of material that can be stuck easily to the bottom of your shoes.
Non-slip soles are particularly effective in the long term, as they can last for several years before needing to be replaced. They are also inexpensive and can be easily purchased from stores and online.
However, if you are searching for a method that is quicker and does not require you to spend money – then you can make your own non-slip inventions using materials found in your own home.
A particularly effective method involves using adhesive bandages to create a grip between your shoe and the ground.
Simply take two adhesive bandages and stick them diagonally across the soles of your shoes. Make sure you have done this from both sides until you have made a cross with the bandages.
By doing this, you are creating some much-needed friction between your shoes and the ground, which greatly reduces the chances of them slipping on certain surfaces. This same method can also be applied using other adhesive materials such as craft tape.
Sand Your Shoe
It is also possible to make your shoe slip-resistant by using some elbow grease and DIY. Sandpaper can be the perfect alternative for people looking to scuff their shoes in an effective and accessible way.
All you have to do is find or purchase some sandpaper and apply the material to the bottom of your shoes.
When it comes to sanding the soles of your shoes, we recommend that you concentrate on the smoothest areas that are constantly in contact with the ground. These are the problem areas of your shoes and are the main reasons why your shoes are beginning to slip.
So you will want to make sure that you are giving them the time and attention they deserve.
We understand that sandpaper is an incredibly abrasive material and that you may be concerned about damaging your shoes. This is why we recommend sanding your shoes for small amounts of time, checking the texture of the material as you work.
Once the soles present a more rough and textured surface, then they are ready to be worn.
Spray Your Shoe
If you are looking for a quick and effective way to make your shoes slip-resistant, then you can actually purchase spray pads for your shoes.
Spray pads are sprays that can be used to create a layer of coating on the bottom of your shoe, creating friction that helps to reduce the chances of them slipping. They are also a great alternative to adhesive pads and non-slip soles.
However, spray pads come in various varieties and you will have to do your research before purchasing one.
Alternatively, you can create your own spray pad coating from home using hairspray. Simply take a can of hairspray and spray a liberal amount to the soles of your shoes.
When it hardens, the hairspray will act as a barrier between your shoes and the ground, creating the traction you so desperately need.
Although hairspray is a quick and easy way to make your shoes slip-resistant, it should not be used as a permanent solution. Not only can it make your shoes highly flammable, but it also won’t stand the test of time.
We recommend using hairspray as a simple method when you have no other supplies to hand.
Score Your Shoe
This is another cheap and easy way to add traction to the bottoms of your shoes. For this particular method, all you will need is a sharp knife, razor or blade. Hold your shoe upside down and drag the blade across the material of the sole in diagonal lines.
You should do this multiple times and in opposite directions until you have created a lattice pattern.
By doing this you are disrupting the smooth material of your soles and making them more abrasive against the ground. This will help to reduce the slippery quality of your shoes and allow them to catch against the ground.
Although this method is simple and quick, it does involve using a blade and we do not recommend attempting this method if you are too young or incapable of handling knives and other dangerous equipment.
