In the article we will talk about professional and folk methods on how to make the sole less slippery.

What to do to keep shoes from slipping in winter: 13 ways that work

What do you need to keep your shoes from slipping?

There is two factors that affect the degree of slip are tread depth and material. It is also important to pay attention to the country of production: choose the one where there are frosts and colds. Non-slip shoes provide good traction even in icy conditions. 

Popular materials in the manufacture of winter shoes:

  • Thermoplastic elastomer is a stable type, which is a mixture of thermoplastic and vulcanized rubber. Durable, flexible, frost-resistant material that retains its properties even at -45 degrees. Has a long service life. 
  • Thermopolyurethane is a polymer. Wear-resistant, dense, frost-resistant material that retains its properties at a temperature of -50 degrees. It has good grip on the road, practically does not slip. Of the shortcomings, it is worth noting that this is not a very flexible type of sole. 

In addition, pay attention to the depth of the tread - it should be deep, with embossed patterns, transverse, diagonal stripes, for example, crosswise. 


How to make the sole not slip: special devices

There are devices that will help create the necessary grip on ice.

1. Stickers

The material used for anti-slip stickers is polyurethane. Such wonderful things are sold in shoe stores, taking into account the size. Before gluing, you need to degrease the sole, clean it from dirt. They can last from one to several months. 

2. Ice access

Shoe pads to prevent slips and falls. This design is attached to boots, boots of any size. Ledostupy made of rubber, which is inserted into the steel spikes. They are used if necessary, during fastening they are almost invisible on the sole. Resistant to frost - up to -40 degrees, suitable for both children and adults, easily fit in a women's handbag. In addition, durable - can be used for several seasons. Of the minuses - they are not suitable for moving indoors, they can damage the laminate, linoleum , and when walking on tiles they make a loud sound.

Life hacks to keep shoes from slipping in ice

In addition to professional ones, there are folk remedies to make the sole non-slip. 

3. What to do if the sole slips in winter: adhesive plaster

Safe way, does not damage the sole. Adhesive tape is glued crosswise with two strips. For this purpose, an adhesive plaster in rolls, without bactericidal inserts, is suitable. But this is a one-time measure, it does not last long - just enough for a couple of hours. But you can always cut off a new piece and renew the protection. 

4. How to cover the sole of the shoe so that it does not slip: glue with sand

A smooth sole can become non-slip if covered with sand. To do this, the surface is degreased with an alcohol-containing liquid, then glue is applied, sprinkled with sand. You can use PVA glue , but "Moment" is best. And the sand must be necessarily coarse-grained so that grip with ice is better. 

Action algorithm:

  • wipe the surface, dry;
  • degrease with alcohol or acetone;
  • apply glue with a mesh or any pattern;
  • let the glue dry slightly;
  • sprinkle with sand and press to any surface;
  • wait for complete drying. 
After these steps, the surface will become rougher. The method helps from slipping for about a month, then you need to update.

5. Felt 

Felt is a fleecy material that increases the force of friction. This overlay ensures the stability of winter shoes. It is not necessary to paste over the entire surface, a few strips for the heel and toe are enough. Moment, PVA is suitable as an adhesive base. In frost it will last up to a month, in slush - no more than a week. 

6. What to do if the sole is slippery: sandpaper

This material has good abrasive properties, which increase the friction force. 

Protection can be applied in two ways:

  • Glue pieces of sandpaper to the heel and nose. The paper will last 2-3 weeks. 
  • Rub with abrasive every time before going out into the cold. The method is aggressive, does not contribute to the durability of the shoe.
The surface formed by these methods can damage the coating in the room. 

7. How to spread the sole of the shoe so that it does not slip: nylon stocking

An unusual anti-slip method - you will need an unnecessary piece of nylon tights . It is necessary to set fire to the material, to substitute the sole under the dripping nylon. Focus on socks and heels. On the same place you need to drip several times to form tubercles. It turns out an artificial protector that has a long service life. But at first it will be unusual to walk in such shoes.

8. How to rub the sole so that it does not slip: water repellents

A wet surface glides more strongly on ice, so it can be treated with a product that repels moisture. Spray on dry shoes every time before going outside. 

9. Scotch

Like adhesive tape, masking tape provides anti-slip properties. They attach an improvised remedy to shoes, the protection will last no more than a week. You should not use a regular or double-sided one - they have a smooth surface. 

10. Paint

In children's kits for creativity there are special paints that, after application, form a three-dimensional pattern. You can involve a child in this process, process his shoes in this way. The sole does not deteriorate, because the pattern is easily washed off during wear.    

What is done with sliding shoes in the workshop

If you do not dare to use folk remedies and want to get a lasting result, contact shoemakers. After the procedure, your favorite shoes will not lose their attractiveness.

11. Tread recess

Suitable for thick soles. The essence of the method is simple: additional furrows, holes are made with a hot file, which increase grip on ice. With this addition, any bad weather is not terrible. 

12. Application of polyurethane

The material is inexpensive, but it has good protective properties. For example, heels do not harden in the cold and do not slide on ice. This protection is absorbed during the day, take care of the treatment in advance.

13. Screwdriving

Good protection - screwing screws into the sole. "Hats" will provide the desired grip, but this method is only suitable for thick soles. Of course, walking on ice in such shoes is comfortable, but indoors it will make a clattering sound and may scratch the laminate. 

Folk ways that do not work

Some home methods are not only useless, but can also be dangerous for walking on slippery roads. For example, processing raw potatoes , spraying with hairspray, using a grater. If rubbed with potatoes, the sole will slide even more, and white stains will remain from starch, varnish will not help either, and manipulations with a grater can ruin the base, make shoes unsuitable for wearing. 

What shoes should not be worn in cold weather

Do not buy shoes for the winter with high and thin heels, on a solid high platform, with smooth soles, with pointed toes. The safest models with high soles and deep treads. If you prefer heels, then they should be stable and wide. Sole material: polyurethane, rubber, thermoplastic elastomer. During the fitting, it is advisable to walk on ceramic tiles in shoes to check the degree of slip on a smooth surface.