Very slippery boots, what should I do? How to prevent shoes from slipping in icy conditions?
With the onset of winter, people begin to think about how to make their shoes resistant to ice. There is always a risk of falling unsuccessfully and breaking something, thereby ruining not only your mood, but also your long-awaited vacation. You shouldn’t walk on a knife’s edge and hope that everything will work out. The proven methods that we will discuss in this article will help your shoes stop slipping.
Let's look at them in order.
- Method No. 1. Band-Aid. To get started, purchase a fabric-based adhesive plaster. Preferably in roll format. Before gluing, clean the sole from dirt, dry it and heat it. Apply adhesive plasters in a cross pattern. This method is the simplest and most accessible. The downside is that it is not durable. Validity period is maximum 3 days.
- Method No. 2. Sandpaper. First of all, prepare the surface of the sole for gluing. Next, cut pieces of the desired size from sandpaper (preferably waterproof). Lubricate the sole with superglue and apply the workpiece. If you don’t have sandpaper, sprinkle the surface coated with glue with coarse sand. The effect is the same as from emery. The procedure must be done every week, because the glue will wear off over time.
- Method No. 3. Anti-slip pads. Professional pads can be purchased in travel stores or contact a shoe repair shop. It's better to choose the latter option. The workers will do everything for you: they will cut the overlay to fit the sole size and glue it in place with high quality. In addition, the lining is not visible when walking and it looks aesthetically pleasing.
- Method No. 4. Potato. If your shoes slip very much, before going outside, treat the sole with a starch solution or rub it with a cut potato. This will increase the chances of not falling on ice.
- Method No. 5. Drawing. The method is relevant when the sole does not have protectors. In this case, apply the design yourself using a nail or knife. You can also heat a metal object and move it across the surface. The main thing is not to make holes in the sole, so try to apply the relief with extreme care.
- Method No. 6. Screws. This method is the most durable. Use it if your shoes have thick enough soles (at least 2 centimeters). First of all, buy small screws and carefully screw them into the sole. The shoes will no longer slide, but will begin to click on stone floor and can damage wooden parquet.
Use these simple methods to protect yourself and your family during the icy season. And don’t stop enjoying all the delights of winter!
“I slipped, fell, woke up - a cast,” is a well-known phrase from a Soviet comedy. The relevance of this formulation with the arrival of winter increases, and the humor decreases. The correspondent found out what can be done with shoes so that they do not slip and “drop” their owners.
“First of all, always buy shoes with a high tread pattern. The bulges and porosity on the sole will allow you to be more stable in icy conditions. It is also desirable that the sole be rubberized. All this will help you to a certain extent increase the level of adhesion of the sole covering to icy pedestrian paths,” Ekaterina, a sales consultant at the men’s shoe sales department of the capital’s Central Department Store, told the correspondent.
In addition to banal advice when choosing winter shoes, as it turns out, there are many innovative solutions “from the people”. We will not dwell on barbaric methods like “drive small nails from the inside so that they stick out from the outside” or “put on coarse knitted socks, several sizes larger, over winter boots”, “move only by crawling”, but we will consider more loyal and acceptable ones, without external deformities and direct danger to health.
1. Glue and sand
Degrease the soles of your boots or winter boots, use Moment glue to draw a mesh on the sole and, while it is still wet, place the shoes on the sand, then press a little and leave to dry. As a result, you will receive a pair of winter shoes with a homemade anti-slip tread, which will need to be renewed as needed (about once every three weeks).
Total: Moment glue (Br 35-50 thousand), sand.
2. Glue and sandpaper
This method is similar to the first. On clean and dry soles, in the toe and heel area, glue pieces of sandpaper with the same “Moment” glue. You can also first rub the soles themselves with sandpaper. Service life is two weeks.
Total: “Moment” glue – Br 35-50 thousand, sheet of sandpaper – Br 5 thousand.
3. Plaster
Buy the most common cloth-based patch at the pharmacy. Try to choose a wider skein and, preferably, not white, there are plenty of them now. Tape the soles of your shoes in a crisscross pattern. For an aesthetic effect, you can use a black alcohol marker. The “plaster” method is not the most durable, but it is easy to implement and the anti-slip effect lasts for a week.
Total: patch – Br3-15 thousand, marker – Br10 thousand.
4. Old stocking
Set fire to an old nylon stocking. When it begins to “melt”, drip it onto the sole prepared for improvement. As a result, you will get small tubercles, like spikes, and will not spoil the sole of your shoe. Effect – up to 3 weeks.
Total: Br 0.
5. Graters
A “new” outsole tread pattern can be created using regular trowels. But when using this method, be careful with thin soles - you can overdo it and completely ruin your winter shoes. However, participants in numerous forums accept this method with a bang. Durability is about a month, then you will have to repeat the anti-slip measures.
Total: Br 0.
If you don't trust home recipes, you can turn to shoe repair shops. “Nowadays, almost all shoe repairs carry out special anti-slip prevention on shoes. It may be different. We have three types in our workshop. For Br 36 thousand, for example, they will supply you with domestically produced glued rubber preventatives for both winter boots. There is another one, for Br 60 thousand. It will be thicker, the tread pattern will be better. The most effective and most expensive - for Br 80 thousand for both shoes: from imported materials we apply a special tread pattern to your sole, stick it on, making it high and reliable. Despite the many orders now, we, as a rule, always accept shoes with a next day return. For those who are in a particular hurry, we can do all the work, as they say, “from the ground up,” in the presence of the customer. But, if time permits, it’s better to leave the shoes in the workshop so that they have time to dry and the preventive effect takes hold, then you can walk safely all winter,” Galina Vasilievna Kozlova, receptionist operator of the capital’s shoe repair shop, told the correspondent.
In a variety of online stores, as well as in the “Everything for hunting and fishing” department of one of the Minsk hypermarkets, the correspondent found special anti-slip shoe linings or, as it was written in some places, “Ice Access Pads.”
They are sold in different variations and sizes: mainly a “unisex” model for shoes without heels, but there are also ones for boots with heels, least of all for children. Variations on the theme of the material of manufacture are also presented: rubber, fabric elastic bands with metal elements and even chains. Prices are very different: from Br 27 thousand, Br 53.5 thousand, Br 190.3 thousand to $100.
How do you escape icy conditions in winter? Share your experience in the comments.
Natalia Nazarenko
Are your shoes slipping? Winter is coming, ice is coming, and this problem is becoming urgent. Some tips for such a case.
To begin with, you should pay attention to the sole. It must be rubberized and have a deep relief (at least two mm). Sometimes we notice that after about a month, our already favorite winter shoes begin to let us down - they slip, the relief has become less noticeable. We chose and bought it correctly: after making sure that there was a sufficient relief pattern on the sole.
With the development of technological progress, some craftsmen have already offered us ways to make shoes non-slip: glue tin can elements to the sole, bandage the boots (the lower part), attach textile or medical elastic bands there. I think this is absurd appearance won't let you do this. Means that could serve to prevent shoes from slipping should mandatory to have aesthetics, beauty, practicality, and, I would like, invisibility for those around us.
Firstly, this coarse sandpaper (we create more friction) can serve either for rubbing the sole until it becomes rough (in this case the question arises: how long will the sole last?), or as a sticker on the sole, which will need to be changed from time to time. To do this, you need to make a pattern of the sole (toe and heel) on sandpaper and attach it to it using “Moment” or other glue that will not be afraid of moisture. Thus, when walking, friction will be created on the road, the shoes will not be so slippery.
Secondly, felt stickers (toe and heel area) will help reduce slipping. An old felt boot will come in handy, or you can use ready-made felt insoles. The felt will need to be replaced from time to time.
Thirdly: we do it aesthetically on the sole beautiful drawing made of sand in the form of an applique. We draw on the sole with glue that is not afraid of moisture, a pattern in the heel and toe area. Before the glue dries, pour sand here and wait for it to harden. Pour off the excess sand. If you remember, this is how we made greeting cards as children (we painted on colored cardboard with PVA glue, then sprinkled semolina on it, and after drying, decorated it with different paints). Sand is sprinkled on the ice to prevent slipping. Therefore this dangerous mix made of sand and glue (sometimes replacement will be required), will also help out at the right time.
Fourthly, apply as much potato starch as possible to the sole: either by rubbing the potatoes themselves, or with a brush of thickly diluted ready-made starch. You will have to repeat this procedure every time you decide to leave the house in winter. But unnoticed.
Fifthly, instead of applying an application to the toe and heel areas of the sole, use a medical adhesive plaster (pepper plaster). Before gluing, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This sticker won't last long, but you won't have to peel it off, and it'll last for a couple of walks.
Sixth, add relief to the sole yourself, using hot metal (rod, nail). You must first assess the damage to the sole (after the procedure) and the degree of danger of performing such a manipulation. If everything is normal, proceed!
Lastly, you can buy so-called “snowmobiles” (fairly embossed attachments on the sole) - they fit on shoes, have an aesthetic appearance, are practical, invisible to wear, and are available in different colors and sizes. It is very convenient and irreplaceable thing in everyday life, sold in stores along with shoes.
For safety reasons, choose the right roads on which you walk every day in winter in icy conditions. Try to avoid places where there is a lot of ice: it is better to go around, walk longer, but without obstacles or slipping. Have a nice trip!
Slipping shoes are the cause of many injuries and even deaths. Therefore, it is very important to choose high-quality and safe shoes, since with the onset of winter the pressing question of choosing shoes arises. In this article you will learn how to choose the right shoes and what to do to prevent your shoes from slipping. We hope you learn something new and useful for yourself.
Time tested
Below are several ways to prevent your shoes from slipping at home.
Method 1:
- Using alcohol or solvent, degrease the sole.
- Apply a double layer of mesh of good shoe glue and let it dry in between.
- Afterwards, it is advisable to place the shoe on the river sand and press it properly.
Important! Such homemade protection will ensure reliable and safe walking for a month, after which you can repeat the procedure.
Method 2
For this method we will need an old nylon stocking:
We set it on fire over the sole of the shoe we need.
The stocking begins to melt and drip onto the sole, creating pieces of frozen artificial tread, which, when permanently renewed, will protect against unexpected injuries.
Method 3
You can also try applying a water-repellent agent to the surface of the sole. Reducing its moisture level will also reduce slipping. 
Method 4
One of the simplest and most accessible ways to prevent shoes from slipping. Before each time you go outside, rub the soles of your shoes with raw potatoes or starch dissolved in water.
Method 5
Another budget option is to stick a regular patch on the soles of your shoes. True, this method exhausts itself very quickly; you have to change the patch every two, or even one, day.
What else can you do?
In addition to the above options, there are a number of tips on what to do to prevent your shoes from slipping.
Method for thick soles
Take sandpaper and rub the sole.
Important! Don't do this with thin soles - it will only make things worse.
To prevent shoes from slipping, they screw into them small sizes screws, and their long ends are cut off.
Important! One of the disadvantages of this option is the knocking of the screws on the surface. Also, you should not walk on the parquet so as not to damage it.
Method for needlewomen
If you are afraid of ruining your shoes, then you can simply glue felt or sandpaper on a fabric basis to the heel or heel of your shoe.
Important! Do not forget to wash your shoes with a stiff brush and soda - this helps get rid of fossilized accumulations of dirt, and they are the cause of our troubles.
Professional help
You can simply take the shoes and take them to the master. There they may offer you a rubber anti-slip sticker that is recreated exactly to the size of the surface and adheres to it. Depending on your budget, you can choose a thicker lining with a deep tread pattern.
Now you know how to prevent your shoes from slipping, but in any case it is better to trust the master, since he is still a professional in his field.
- Remember: more expensive and famous does not mean better. We focus not on the price and brand of the product, but on protection from falls and reducing the risk of lying in the hospital with fractures for a couple of months, health comes first!
- Let's study the most important detail - the sole. Requirements: tread - with a uniform deep pattern directed in different directions. Do not wear shoes with smooth soles! It lends itself easily to friction with a slippery surface.
- The softer the sole, the higher the grip on frozen snowy or icy surfaces.
Important! There is a simpler, financially beneficial solution - removable soles based on high-quality rubber or anti-ice linings.
Rules for walking outside in icy conditions:
- We don’t rush headlong after the bus and so on, but walk slowly, stepping on our entire soles.
- Take your hands out of your pockets. In case of a sudden fall, this will help distribute the weight on the body evenly, saving you from unnecessary fractures and even traumatic brain injuries.
- We calculate the sections of the route that are dangerous for us and try to avoid them as much as possible. If this is not possible, then be extremely careful!
- It is advisable to keep your body slightly tilted while moving.
- Learning to fall correctly. If you fall, fly to the ground, do not put your hands forward. Otherwise, you can simply injure your hand or other parts of your arms. You must have time to group yourself, pressing your hands to your body and falling to your side. This way you can avoid fractures but still get a few bruises.
- If you fall on your back, do not pull your chin and head back so as not to hit it and get a head injury, but rather press it to your chest.
Now you know the answer to the question: slippery soles on winter shoes - what to do? In conclusion, I would like to say, take care of yourself, don’t count the crows and watch your step. Be careful, and winter will certainly warm you only with warm memories. Choose and wear only good shoes!
When buying boots, people sometimes do not pay attention to the soles and do not take into account that sliding shoes can be not only awkward, but also very unsafe. If you made such a mistake, don’t be upset: you can still improve the sole, making sure that the boots don’t slip.
You will need it
- Felt, sandpaper, adhesive tape, rubber pads, glue, sand.
Complete the surface of the sole with pieces of felt. This material can be attached to boots using reliable glue or small nails. If you can't handle the task yourself, take the shoes to a shoemaker. You should not make “felt soles” by attaching huge pieces of material to your boots. It will be even better if you cut the felt into small pieces in advance and attach them to the heel and to the front of the sole.
Use sandpaper. It should be attached to boots or simply carefully rubbed onto slippery soles. It is better to give preference to sandpaper on a fabric base, since such material will be even easier to glue. Do not attach it tightly to the boots: after some time, the pieces of paper will have to be removed and new ones glued in their place. Sandpaper is not the most reliable material for improving soles. If you plan to walk outside for several hours, choose a different option.
Make sure your boots don't slip by attaching an adhesive plaster to the sole. There is no need to rewind the entire sole, just attach a few strips. Please note that the adhesive plaster will need to be changed from time to time, and there is a risk that it will come off along the way. If you prefer this particular option, you should purchase a package of patches and carry it with you in order to update the “non-slip coating” of the sole as needed, not only at home, but anywhere else.
Buy suitable rubber pads from a shoe store and use them. They are easy to attach to the sole and remove. High-quality pads will last a very long time if you take them off when you come home or work from the street. But just in case, it's worth purchasing a spare pair.
Carefully wash and dry the boots, then cover the soles with a small layer of glue and immediately sprinkle with sand until the glue dries. This method will help you keep your boots from slipping for several days. When the sole becomes slippery again, you can repeat the function without even removing the previous layer of glue and sand.
