The Orthofeet Blog

ronWhether you're navigating a bustling kitchen, a sleek hospital corridor, a rain slicked sidewalk, or any other surface that might be slippery or uneven, the need for stability and safety is universal. Luckily, we live in an era when the innovation of slip resistant shoes already exists, helping to keep you on your feet when it matters most.  So, what are slip resistant shoes, how do they work and who should consider making them an essential part of their everyday wardrobe? Here’s everything you need to know about the footwear that allows you to walk confidently and securely. What are slip resistant shoes? Non-slip shoes, also known as slip resistant shoes, are specially designed footwear engineered to provide exceptional traction and grip on various surfaces.  They are essential for: People who work in environments where slipping or falling poses a significant risk, such as restaurants, hospitals, industrial settings, or any place with wet, oily, or otherwise slippery floors. Older people, who are typically more prone to slips and falls. Individuals working in environments with uneven surfaces, such as construction sites. Hikers, runners, and people who engage in other sports and can benefit from improved grip and stability on various surfaces. Anyone seeking the peace of mind these shoes provide while walking or engaging in activities on their feet. What makes a shoe slip resistant? Slip resistant shoes are typically designed with a few key features:  Outsoles with tread patternsSlip resistant shoes feature outsoles designed with specific tread patterns or rubber compounds that increase friction and prevent skidding. These patterns are strategically placed to enhance stability.Slip resistant materialsThe materials used in slip resistant shoe construction are chosen for their slip resistant properties, offering superior grip even on slippery surfaces.These shoes are often designed to resist water, oil and other liquids, reducing the risk of slips in wet or greasy environments.Compliance with safety standardsIn some cases, slip resistant shoes may adhere to industry specific safety standards to ensure they provide the necessary protection for particular work environments. How do you know if you have slip resistant shoes? You can tell whether or not your shoes are slip resistant with a few simple steps: Look at the sole. Begin by looking at the sole of the shoe. A telltale sign of slip resistant footwear is a sole crafted from some type of high quality rubber. These materials provide traction, as well as cushioning and durability. Slip resistant soles are also rounded at the edges instead of being completely flat, so that liquids don’t get caught underneath. In addition, the soles of slip-resistant shoes are often thicker than those of standard shoes, especially if they are intended for work purposes. This added thickness contributes to increased support and foot protection. Look at the Tread. Pay close attention to the tread on the shoe's outsole, which should consist of grooves forming a specific pattern on the bottom of the shoe. These tread designs, while sometimes visually appealing, are primarily functional rather than decorative. Look for patterns featuring small hexagons, circles, or squiggly lines, as these designs enhance the shoe's slip resistance by preventing liquids from getting trapped under the soles.As a general rule, a smaller and more pronounced tread pattern indicates better slip resistance. Try the shoes. The most important step is how you feel while wearing the shoes, so test them and see for yourself if they are slip resistant. Walk on a hard surface, such as tile or polished concrete, to check how effectively the shoe grips the floor. If you have the opportunity, try stepping on a slippery or wet surface to see how the shoe performs in such conditions.During your test, pay attention to other factors as well: the fit, support, cushioning and overall comfort of the shoes. Remember that while slip resistance is crucial, comfort is equally important, especially if you plan to wear the shoes for extended periods. Read the product description. Although it’s last on our list, checking the product description or tag is actually the easiest way to work out if your shoe is slip resistant or not. Look for phrases like ‘slip resistant’. These labels indicate that the shoe has undergone rigorous testing to meet slip resistant standards.Most manufacturers will not claim their products as slip resistant without valid certification, as it can have legal implications for the brand. Who should wear slip resistant shoes? Slip resistant shoes are often associated with specific occupational environments where slippery surfaces are a potential hazard. These environments include professions such as chefs and other restaurant workers, construction workers, janitors, vet techs, and healthcare workers. In fact, studies have shown that high rated slip resistant shoes minimized slip incidences by 37% and the occurrence of falls resulting from slips by 49% among Britain’s healthcare workers. However, the benefits of slip resistant shoes extend far beyond these work settings, making them a valuable addition to anyone's wardrobe. These shoes are not just about safety, but also about convenience and even style, offering advantages that can benefit people in various aspects of their lives. Imagine a typical day where you're running errands, going to the grocery store, or simply walking down the street. Suddenly, you encounter unexpected hazards like puddles, ice patches, or spilled liquids. In such situations, slip resistant shoes can prove to be a lifesaver. They provide an extra layer of protection against slips and falls, reducing the risk of injury. In addition, research found that slip resistant shoes can help older people avoid falls and slips.  According to an article published in PubMed, “footwear influences balance and the subsequent risk of slips, trips, and falls by altering somatosensory feedback to the foot and ankle and modifying frictional conditions at the shoe/floor interface.”  The article goes on to state that a comprehensive review of the existing literature found that older people should consider wearing shoes with sturdy slip-resistant soles, as well as low heels, both indoors and outdoors to enhance safety.  The review also found that walking indoors without shoes or in socks and walking indoors or outdoors while wearing high heel shoes have been shown to elevate the likelihood of falls in seniors. Additional footwear design features like heel collar height, sol   What do Slip Resistant shoes look like on the bottom? There are three main visible design features of the soles of non-slip shoes: There are three main visible design features of the soles of slip resistant shoes: A rubber sole, often made from EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), which is a synthetic, foam-like resin frequently employed in the outsoles and midsoles of various shoes. This material enhances grip and traction significantly.For work shoes, the sole should also be thicker than normal, to provide improved support and protection. A well designed tread pattern, featuring elements like squiggles, circles, or hexagons, plays a crucial role in increasing the sole's surface area. This pattern effectively grips onto uneven surfaces, thus acting as a preventive measure against falls and injuries. In addition, the tread's frictional properties not only help secure your footing, but also prevent the accumulation of liquids underneath the sole, thus preventing slips. The sole is designed with a slight rounding at its edges, strategically designed to prevent the trapping of liquids beneath it. This feature, instead, facilitates the natural seeping out of any liquids encountered, further enhancing slip resistance. What's the difference between non-skid and slip resistant shoes? Non-skid, anti-skid, anti-slip and slip resistant are all terms used interchangeably to describe shoes designed to enhance surface grip, provide superior stability and help prevent slips, falls and injuries. Are all running shoes slip resistant? Not all running shoes are inherently slip resistant. In fact, most are not.  The slip resistance of a running shoe depends on its design, sole material and tread pattern. Some running shoes are specifically designed for various terrains, including wet or slippery surfaces, and have slip resistant capabilities. Slip resistant does not mean compromise At Orthofeet, we firmly believe in not compromising on anything – be it comfort, safety, or style. Our slip-resistant shoes are meticulously crafted to provide advanced grip, stability, and optimal support for your feet, legs and back.  We prioritize your health and wellbeing, ensuring that you can stay on your feet comfortably, even when standing all day. Every shoe we design, including those that offer slip resistance, comes complete with specialty features, such as customizable arch support, premium orthotic insoles, ergonomic soles, protective interiors and a spacious toe box, among others. And yes, they are as stylish as they are functional. Our slip resistant sneakers and work shoes feature an innovative tread pattern and high quality materials that deliver excellent traction on various surfaces, significantly reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. Basically, we take care of all things footwear, so all that’s left for you to do is confidently put your best foot (or rather feet) forward and focus on your activity, not your feet.

Before we list our recommended shoes, first let’s get the definition out of the way.  Shin splints is a general term that refers to pain and inflammation in the lower leg, specifically along the shinbone (tibia). It is a common overuse injury that can occur in runners, dancers and other athletes who engage in activities that involve repetitive impact on the legs. The exact cause of shin splints is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to repetitive stress on the muscles and bones in the lower leg. This can lead to micro-tears in the muscles and inflammation of the connective tissue that attaches the muscles to the bone. If you have shin splints, the following shoes can help support your healing process, but even if you don’t, these running shoes can also help prevent shin splints to begin with. Best running shoes for shin splints for men Sprint Why you’ll love it Tie-less lacing Fasten and unfasten on both sides of the shoes Specifications Sizes: 7-14 Widths: D-6E Upper materials: soft fabric and microfiber   These shoes are designed with extra cushioning and support to help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with shin splints, which means they are also the best walking shoes for men. They have a wide toe box to accommodate foot swelling and provide a comfortable fit.  The Sprint also features a non-binding upper and an ergonomic sole to reduce pressure on the foot, and a roomy toe box that allows for natural toe splay, which can help to improve balance and stability while reducing the risk of foot and leg injuries. As an added bonus, the Sprint sneakers have no less than three adjustable straps - two on either side of the shoe and one at the back - that allow you to fully customize the fit, eliminate the need to tie and untie laces, and enables fastening and unfastening on both sides of the shoe. Shop Sprint   Sorrento Why you’ll love it Pressure free fit Increased durability Specifications Sizes: 7-14 Widths: D-4E Upper materials: soft leather and fabric   The Sorrento sneakers are designed with an anatomical arch support that helps to reduce stress on the shin muscles and prevent over pronation, which is a common cause of shin splints. A thick layer of cushioning in the insole absorbs shock and reduces impact on the feet, helping to prevent the jarring and pounding that can lead to shin splints. With a lightweight and flexible design, the Sorrento allows for natural foot movement and reduces the risk of muscle strain and fatigue in the feet and legs. The width of the sole, coupled with the firmness of the heel counter, further enhances stability, as does the unique tread design that provides exceptional grip and provides an assured feeling of steadiness with every step. Shop Sorrento   Yari Why you’ll love it Hands free foot insertion Water repellent uppers Specifications Sizes: 7-14 Widths: D-4E Upper materials: stretch knit   Thanks to a unique hidden spring in the back of the shoe, you can put the Yari on without using your hands. By eliminating the need to bend down to put on or take off the shoes, these shoes can help reduce the strain on the muscles in the feet and legs, including the shins. This can potentially alleviate some of the symptoms of shin splints, such as pain and discomfort in the lower legs. Support is one of the most important features when it comes to finding shoes for shin splints, and Yari offers plenty of it. The cushioned insoles reduce impact on the feet and legs; the added arch support provides better stability and support, keeping over pronation at bay; and the cushioning outsole with a mild rocker design helps you walk with greater ease. The lightweight design allows you to walk with less effort, minimizing muscle fatigue in the feet and legs, and the upper’s breathable mesh material keeps the feet cool and dry.  Shop Yari   Best running shoes for shin splints for women Talya Why you’ll love it Slip resistant Water repellent uppers Specifications Sizes: 5-12 Widths: B-2E Upper materials: soft synthetic leather   The Talya sneakers are made with professionals in mind and are designed with pain relief technology that’s perfect for people who spend long hours on their feet.  The uppers are made from soft, high-quality, water and stain repellent faux leather that’s also flexible to provide a non-binding fit.  The sole is slip resistant, so you can walk safely on any type of surface without losing your balance, which reduces the risk of slipping and falling. This is helpful if you have shin splints, as this condition is often caused by overuse of stress on the muscles and tendons in the shin area, and slipping or losing your balance can exacerbate the problem. In addition, by improving your grip and stability, slip-resistant shoes can help reduce the stress and strain on your lower leg muscles and tendons, which can alleviate the symptoms of shin splints. Shop Talya   Coral  Why you’ll love it Breathable, aerated uppers Fully cushioned, yet lightweight Specifications Sizes: 5-12 Widths: B-2E Upper materials: stretch knit   With multi-layered cushioning in the insole of the Coral sneakers, impacts on your feet and lower legs are significantly reduced and excessive pronation is prevented, helping to alleviate pain associated with shin splints.   The Coral sneakers have a wide and deep toe box, which can provide extra room and reduce pressure on the toes and forefoot, improving overall foot comfort and reducing the risk of exacerbating shin splints due to cramped and tight shoes. In addition, the lightweight and flexible design can help promote a more natural and comfortable walking motion. This can reduce the strain and impact on the lower legs, minimizing the symptoms of shin splints. What all this means is that the Coral is not only great for running, but also the best walking shoes for women. Shop Coral   Kita  Why you’ll love it Easy on-off without bending Easy to clean, water-repellent uppers Specifications Sizes: 5-12 Widths: B-2E Upper materials: stretch knit   The Kita sneakers are constructed with a number of features that can help alleviate pain associated with shin splints.  The contoured orthotic insole provides arch support, which can help to distribute pressure evenly across the foot and reduce stress on the lower leg. The shoes also have a cushioned sole that can absorb shock and reduce the impact of each step, which can also help to reduce the pressure on the lower leg muscles. The innovative construction of the back of the shoe allows you to insert your foot without using your hands or even bending down, helping to minimize pressure and ease pain caused by shin splints in the lower legs.  The insoles are expertly cushioned, including an anatomical arch support, and help to absorb shocks on the feet and legs as you walk. In addition, the mild rocker design improves the ease of walking. With the Kita sneakers on your feet, you can walk with less effort and minimize muscle fatigue in the feet and legs, while the uppers are made from a breathable mesh material that keeps the feet cool and dry. Shop Kita   FAQ Can running shoes help with shin splints? Running shoes can certainly help with shin splints.  Shin splints are a common overuse injury that can be caused by a variety of factors, including improper footwear, but also over pronation, flat feet and weak lower leg muscles. Proper running shoes can provide adequate support and cushioning to reduce the impact of each stride, which can help alleviate the pain of shin splints.  Shoes with a stable sole and a good arch support can help prevent over pronation, which can also contribute to shin splints. However, it's important to note that it's also important to gradually increase your running mileage, stretch properly before and after your workouts, and incorporate strength training exercises for your lower leg muscles. Rest and ice may also be necessary to allow your body to heal. Can my shoes cause shin splints? Yes, your shoes can contribute to the development of shin splints.  Wearing shoes that don't provide adequate support or cushioning can increase the impact of each stride, leading to overuse and strain on the muscles and tendons in the lower legs. This can result in pain and inflammation in the shin area, which is known as shin splints. In particular, shoes that are worn out, don't fit properly, or lack sufficient arch support can increase the risk of shin splints. Shoes with a high heel-to-toe drop or too much cushioning can also lead to poor running form and over pronation, which can further exacerbate the problem. Therefore, it's important to invest in a good pair of running shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning and fit well. You should replace your shoes every 300 to 500 miles, or when you notice signs of wear and tear. Will more cushioned shoes help shin splints? If you are experiencing shin splints, shoes with additional cushioning can help reduce the impact of each stride and provide extra shock absorption, which can alleviate the pain of shin splints.  However, it's important to remember that overly cushioned shoes can also cause issues if they are not right for your individual foot and gait. In addition to cushioning, other factors to consider when selecting running shoes for shin splints include stability, support and fit. A shoe with a stable sole and good arch support can help prevent over pronation and contribute to better running form, which can reduce the risk of shin splints. Overall, it's important to find a shoe that is comfortable and supportive for your individual needs. Is walking or running better for shin splints? If you have shin splints, it's generally better to avoid running and other high-impact activities until your symptoms have improved.  In the early stages of shin splints, it may be best to rest and allow your body to heal before returning to exercise. However, once your symptoms have subsided, you can gradually return to activity. Both walking and running can be effective forms of exercise, but it's important to take proper precautions to prevent the recurrence of shin splints. When returning to exercise, start slowly and gradually increase your intensity and duration over time. This can help reduce the risk of overuse injuries like shin splints. Additionally, incorporating strength training exercises for your lower leg muscles can help improve your overall leg strength and reduce the risk of future injuries. Exercises such as calf raises, toe raises and ankle circles can be effective for building strength in the lower leg muscles.  

To explain what orthopedic shoes are, we should first consider why we need to wear shoes at all.  The reason, of course, is that shoes protect our feet from objects which may hurt us. They are an important barrier to foot injuries such as punctures, cuts, scrapes, burns and even frostbites. In addition, Dr. Steven Gershman, DPM, explains that shoes are ״like orthodontia for the teeth. Shoes can also change gait, alignment, and the biomechanics of the foot.  Looking at pictures of feet in some societies that never wear shoes, you can clearly see feet that look dramatically different than the feet that wear shoes. Without shoes, the toes are separated in a way that looks like a hand.״ What is an orthopedic shoe? While wearing shoes offers protection and much more, it’s not enough just to wear any pair of shoes. In fact, wearing shoes that are poorly made or shoes with insufficient cushion or support that were designed for fashion but not function and comfort, can do more harm than good. Orthopedic shoes are footwear designed with special features that support the feet and provide comfort and pain relief. This type of shoe can do wonders not only to your feet, but also ankles, legs and lower back.  There are many different types of orthopedic shoes. Their design ranges for specific conditions, foot shapes and widths, activities, types of surfaces etc.  What are the benefits of orthopedic shoes? Each orthopedic design feature offers different unique benefits. Some features are always important and should be present in any orthopedic shoe (like the ones we have shared below), while others are more specific.  Arch support Orthopedic shoes feature orthotic insoles that provide good arch support. The main purpose of the arch support is to eliminate excessive pronation, which affects foot function and is one of the main causes of foot and heel pain. Orthotic insoles help reduce pressure on the heel and the ball of the foot, by transferring a substantial portion of body weight to the arch.  In shoes without good arch support, the arch area doesn’t participate in distributing the pressure under the foot. Excessive pronation causes the leg to internally rotate, putting stress on the knee, hip and lower back.  Orthotic insoles with good arch support play an important role in alleviating stress on the knees, hips and lower back, as well in improving foot and leg alignment. Shop Orthotic Shoes Variety of widths Contrary to most shoes that are designed for the average foot and are available in medium widths, orthopedic shoes are made in a variety of widths to offer a precise fit and accommodate more foot sizes, shapes and problems.  Most of these shoes are available in medium, wide and extra wide, but you can also find shoes in narrow and extra extra wide sizes. Extra depth Orthopedic shoes are constructed on a special shoe last with extra depth, to accommodate thick insoles and orthotics. They also offer a relaxed, comfortable fit, which eliminates pressure points on the foot. A bonus for those that love wearing thick cushioned socks that require more space.  Wide toe box A wide toe box offers pressure relief for bunions and hammertoe deformities and allows extra room for toe movement.  Protective interior Orthopedic shoes are normally made with a soft, smooth interior, designed to provide gentle contact with the foot and eliminate pressure points. Some are even seam-free, preventing irritation to sensitive feet.  Stretchable uppers A stretchable upper design allows the upper area of the shoe to stretch and shape to the contours of the foot, easing pressure on bunions and hammertoes, and eliminating pressure points on the foot.  Plus, if your feet tend to swell throughout the day, the stretch adjusts itself so it feels like you bought two different shoe sizes!  Special Soles Orthopedic shoes are made with lightweight soles and a mild rocker bottom design that soften impacts and help facilitate foot motion.  In addition, a wide sole design enhances stability while walking. To summarize, orthopedic shoes offer many advantages compared to ordinary shoes: Help alleviate pain at the heels, feet, knees, hips and lower back. Improve mobility and stability. Provide a better fit. Provide essential protection for those with diabetes, neuropathy and other foot conditions. When should you wear orthopedic shoes? The word “orthopedic” is formed from two Greek roots: ortho, which means correct; and pedic, which means foot. Therefore, the two roots together mean “correct foot”, so orthopedic shoes are literally good for your feet by definition! In other words, wearing orthopedic shoes is highly recommended for people with foot problems - such as hammertoes, bunions, flat feet, arthritis, overpronation, heel pain, plantar fasciitis and more. But, even if your feet are healthy they will benefit from shoes that were specifically designed to promote biomechanical motion, support and cushion your feet and alleviate or eliminate pain, while preventing future foot conditions.