How we test walking shoes
To help you save time, effort, and money, here is our approach:
- To avoid any biased feedback, we buy these shoes with our own money. Here at RunRepeat, we prioritise impartiality over getting free stuff.
- We put these walking shoes under various courses of indoor and outdoor tests and comparisons. We take them on our trips and work and we evaluate their level of comfort, durability, grip, and other characteristics.
- We rate and measure the shoes' different parameters so we can better analyse and conclude what they are best for. Furthermore, we split the shoes in half so more accurate testing can take place.
Best slip-resistant walking shoes overall
Hoka Bondi SR
85
Good!
What makes it the best?
If we’re to embark on a trip that will require us to tread on anything wet or slippery, one thing is for sure: Hoka Bondi SR is coming with us! It’s the best of the best slip-resistant walking shoes because confidence is an understatement of what we experience when crossing oily floors, wet tiles, and icy ground using this shoe.
For an anti-slipping shoe, we expected a soft outsole for excellent traction. Fortunately, our expectations were met inside our lab. We measured the hardness using our durometer and it showed 73.1 HC, which is 1.7% softer than the standard. With this softness, Bondi gripped its way to safety, especially on smooth surfaces.
We never second-guessed our steps with Bondi and what also made this possible is the very stable shoe and platform. Through our digital force gauge, we found that the shoe is 52.7N stiff and 175.9% stiffer than average! On the other hand, with our caliper, we measured the widest part of the base at 100.3 mm, putting the average behind by 2.6 mm. Merging these two made us feel much safer and surefooted.
However, the outsole is also the shoe’s weakness. Due to its softness, our Dremel tool easily pulverized the rubber, leaving a 2.48-mm deep dent. Compared to the 1 mm average, the wear is really significant. Therefore, we advise being wary of using Bondi SR in high-intensity walking in an intense environment.
Pros
- Comfort is off-the-charts
- Extra thick cushioning for all-day support
- Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
- Alleviates foot discomfort (podiatrist approved)
- Stable for a neutral shoe
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Superior material quality
- Water-resistant leather upper
- Accommodating toebox
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Not breathable
Full review of Hoka Bondi SR
Best Medicare approved slip-resistant walking shoes
New Balance 626 v2
88
Good!
Full review of New Balance 626 v2
Slip-resistant walking shoes with the best arch support
Brooks Addiction Walker 2
86
Good!
What makes it the best?
The skid-proof walking shoe that we found to cushion our arches in the most supportive yet snuggly way is the Brooks Addiction Walker 2. Gone are the days when we were intimidated by slip-hazard tiles and shiny ceramic floors, as well as foot rolling.
Every time we wear Addiction Walker 2, we can detect the generous amount of cushioning beneath our feet. This is the chief factor for the attenuated shocks from the ground, as well as the unceasing comfort we experienced. The underfoot reinforcements are also irrefutable as we felt that this shoe erased the tendency of arch falling.
We trusted it even on slippery tiles. We never had any sliding incidents with this shoe, and it says a lot!
Due to its supportive nature, Addiction Walker 2 has a degree of stiffness to it that might not be for everybody. If you are one of them, we suggest searching for other shoes with less harsh rigidness.
Pros
- Lasting comfort
- Awesome for standing all day
- Alleviates foot pain
- Improved aesthetics
- Provides arch support
- Can match formal work attire
- Accommodates natural foot transition
- Great lockdown
- Custom-orthotics friendly
Cons
- Stiffer than the original model
- Lacks breathability
Full review of Brooks Addiction Walker 2
Slip-resistant walking shoes (also called non-slip shoes) are constructed to ensure stability and traction on even the slickest of surfaces. With insoles designed to maximise friction, the best slip-resistant walking shoes significantly reduce the risk of taking a nasty spill while on the move.
Why choose slip-resistant walking shoes
Slip-resistant walking shoes are well-suited to walkers or workers who frequently traverse slip-inducing surfaces–think kitchen floors, hospital hallways, or icy sidewalks.
Although slips may not usually seem serious–perhaps they even seem comical–the opposite is in fact true. Slips and falls account for many serious workplace injuries, from concussions to broken bones.
For anyone working in slip-prone environments, slip-resistant shoes are always worth the investment.
Key features of slip-resistant walking shoes
Slip-resistant walking shoes look indistinguishable from regular walking shoes at first glance, but there are a few extra features that provide them with that extra bite.
Outsole tread
Many walking and running shoes have flat, streamlined tread patterns on the outsole. This is ideal for improving efficiency and running economy, but it is not so good for creating the friction needed to stay stable on slippery surfaces.
The best slip-resistant walking shoes tend to have circular, rectilinear, or honeycomb-like patterns throughout the outsole. The deep grooves created by these patterns channel moisture out from under the sole, allowing the shoes to maintain friction and create a grip on wet and oily surfaces.
Shoe materials
Slip-resistant walking shoes usually rely on tacky, slightly soft rubber compounds in the outsole to add even more slip resistance.
Supportive, well-padded heel collars and a comfortable footbed with sufficient arch support also add stability to further minimise the risk of slips and falls.
Slip-resistant walking shoes: Extra considerations
All the grip and traction in the world won’t matter if your slip-resistant walking shoes are not also comfortable to wear for long days on your feet.
Top slip-resistant shoes tend to be excellent walking shoes in general thanks to breathable, yet protective uppers, well-cushioned midsoles, and high-quality design.
Slip-resistant walking shoes: brands to look for
When choosing slip-resistant walking shoes, always start by ensuring the outsoles feature a certified slip-resistant design. These brands go even further, offering slip-resistant walking shoes that are also comfortable, stylish, and durable.
Hoka: Max-cushioned workhorses
Hoka shoes seamlessly combine slip resistance with plush foam midsoles, durability, and stability. Informed by their excellent track record in trail running shoe design Hokas have become the slip-resistant work footwear of choice among many standing and walking-intensive professions. The Hoka Bondi SR boasts a non-marking, certified oil and slip-resistant rubber outsole.
Brooks: Versatile and orthotics-friendly
The Brooks Addiction Walker is an outstanding work-ready, slip-resistant walking shoe. Armed with a certified slip-resistant outsole, these all-black shoes are suitable for any work environment, while the leather upper is breathable but comfortable. The Addiction Walkers work well with custom orthotics and offer excellent arch support and motion control for greater stability.
Reebok: Stylish all-day comfort
Reebok’s slip-resistant walking shoes like the Work N Cushion are ideal for days full of walking or standing while on the job. The understated style pairs well with any work uniform. With an oil and slip-resistant outsole, generous midsole cushioning, and a durable leather upper, the shoe is well-equipped to take on everything from commercial kitchens to high-mileage delivery routes, day after day.
FAQs
Who are slip-resistant walking shoes made for?
Slip-resistant walking shoes are made for workers in jobs where slipping is a daily hazard, from restaurant kitchens, warehouses, hospitals, or postal workers. They are also helpful for anyone who may be accident-prone or easily lose their balance.
Are slip-resistant walking shoes suitable for people with mobility issues?
Slip resistance is a good quality to look for in footwear for seniors or mobility-limited individuals. Many adaptive shoes have certified slip-resistant outsoles.
How do slip-resistant walking shoes work?
By incorporating grooved outsole tread patterns and sticky rubber compounds, slip-resistant walking shoes direct moisture away, effectively increasing the grip and underfoot surface area maintained on slick surfaces like wet concrete or greasy kitchen floors.
