The Gift of Grip: The Fix for Slippery Shoe Soles

Have you received any shoes over the holiday this year? You know, the ones with that slippery felt/cardboard stuff on the bottom that sends you ice skating across the tile or wood floors of your house? What’s that all about anyway? I can’t seem to find the exact purpose of the mystery material found on the bottom of a lot of shoes nowadays, but my guess is that it either helps to prevent the shoe soles from wearing out, or is just a cheaper way of making them.

Here are some tips I’ve found to prevent falls from slippery shoes:

1) Sandpaper: I don’t have too much lying around, and I find that a nail file works just as well. Just file over the velvety material on the sole until you hit the rubbery bottom of the shoe. Rub the shoe on a smooth surface to test the traction. (This method may not work on shoes with cardboard-like soles.)

2) Non-Slip Grip Pads:  I don’t like to use these too often because they tend to fall off and leave behind a gooey adhesive, but if you don’t have time to sand down your soles, I’d try this option. They’re available at your local shoe store. Just stick them on (really well) and… voilà.

3) Hairspray: I’ve read that hairspray works—spray, let dry and go, but it’s better for use on dress shoes with very smooth soles rather than shoes with material on the bottom. For the latter, I’d stick to the grip pads and sandpaper.

4) Puffy Paint: Remember that paint-in-a-tube you used to use to make those one-of-a-kind T-shirts in grade school? A mom online suggests using this to give your shoes extra grip. If you’re feeling creative, you might even want to pipe out a cute, fancy design—though this may cause people to take great interest in the bottom of your shoes…which could prove more dangerous than your initial problem.

5) Scuff ‘Em Up: If you don’t have hairspray or sandpaper, or just don’t feel like leaving the house or spending the money to buy grip pads and puffy paint, there’s another cheap and convenient option: Go outside (with your slippery shoes on!) and rub your feet on the driveway or sidewalk to wear down some of that slippery sole material. It may take some time, and you may get some curious stares from the neighbors…but hey, this is your personal safety we’re talking about here!

Now you can take a nice, safe walk and enjoy the rest of the holiday.