A wet floor, an oil spill, a polished surface after cleaning. In many work environments, the risk of slipping is present in every shift. Anti-slip footwearis the first line of defense against this risk, and choosing it well — with the right features for your job — makes a real difference in daily safety.
What Makes a Shoe Anti-Slip?
The anti-slip capacity of footwear depends on two main factors: the design of the sole's tread and the materials it's made from. A deep, well-distributed tread maximizes contact with the ground and channels liquids away from the foot's contact area, reducing the risk of hydroplaning. The sole materials — usually natural rubber or high-friction synthetic compounds — determine the actual grip on different types of surfaces: ceramic, steel, wet ground, or greasy residue.
Some models also feature SR certificationaccording to the EN ISO 20347standard, which guarantees that the footwear has passed standardized slip resistance tests under controlled conditions. It is the most recognized endorsement in European occupational footwear for environments with a risk of slipping.
SR, SRA, and SRB: The European Anti-Slip Standards
Within the European regulations for work footwear, slip resistance is classified into three levels. SRAcertifies grip on ceramic tile with a soapy solution — the most common type of surface in kitchens, hospitals, and passageways. SRBcertifies grip on steel floor with glycerol, more common in industrial environments. SRis the most complete certification: the footwear passes both tests and guarantees anti-slip protection on all types of surfaces, regardless of floor conditions.
Not all anti-slip safety footwearcarries explicit SR certification — some models offer advanced anti-slip properties by design and materials without having gone through the formal certification process. The important thing is to know the characteristics of the sole and choose the most suitable model for the specific work environment.
In Which Sectors is Anti-Slip Footwear Mandatory?
Anti-slip footwear is mandatory personal protective equipment in numerous sectors covered by occupational risk prevention regulations. In hospitality and catering, regulations require anti-slip footwear in kitchens, back offices, and service areas where the floor may be wet or greasy. In the healthcare sector — hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, laboratories — the risk of slipping in corridors and operating rooms makes anti-slip a basic necessity. In the food and pharmaceutical industries, hygiene protocols involve frequent cleanings that leave floors damp for much of the workday.
In all these environments, anti-slip safety boots, anti-slip shoes, and clogs with high-grip soles are not an accessory: they are part of the personal protective equipment that the company is obliged to provide.
How to Maintain the Anti-Slip Properties of Your Footwear
The anti-slip effectiveness of a sole can be compromised if it is not properly maintained. The main wear factor is not use itself, but the accumulation of grease, detergent, or residue in the sole's tread, which reduces effective contact with the ground and, with it, grip. To prolong the useful life of the footwear, it is advisable to regularly clean the sole with a brush and water, avoid prolonged contact with solvents that can degrade the rubber, and periodically check the wear of the tread — when the relief flattens, it's time to replace the footwear.
Why Choose Suecos Anti-Slip Footwear?
Suecos has been designing professional footwear for decades for those who spend their workday on their feet in demanding environments. Their anti-slip collection combines high-grip soles, quality materials, and an ergonomic design validated by podiatrists — designed to offer stability and comfort during long shifts on any type of surface.
The models are available for men and women, in clog, shoe, and anti-slip bootformats, with specific options for hospitality, healthcare, industry, and logistics. Because safety at work starts from the ground up, and the ground starts with the sole.
