Slip resistant footwear has many benefits to keep you safe from every wet and slippery surface. But no matter how resilient your slip resistant shoes may be against trips and slides, it’s only a matter of time before they start to acquire a build-up of dirt and grime. Then, comes the groan-inducing question of whether or not it’s worth it to buy another pair when they get too grubby.
Good news: As long as they still keep you standing strong on slippery slopes, there’s no need to toss them aside. It might simply be time for a thorough cleaning instead.
That said, you’ll want to treat your non slip footwear with a bit more care than you would a regular shoe. Follow along as we break down four simple tips to help you clean—and preserve—your non slip shoes.
#1 Use a Boot and Shoe Brush
Work smarter, not harder—right? If you’re looking to freshen up your footwear but would prefer to avoid getting your hands dirty in the process, boot and shoe brushes will be your trusted ally.
Using boot and shoes brushes is as simple as:
- Stepping your foot inside the bristly brush while your non slip shoes are laced up on your feet
- Using back-and-forth motions to remove any dirt, mud, or grime from the soles and sides of your shoes
Plus, these handy scrubbers are fairly easy to find in the cleaning supply sections at any department store. Dish brushes can also work if you’re in a pinch—just make sure it’s not the same brush used to clean the dishes.
#2 Clean Them with Soap and Water
If you suspect your slip resistant footwear could use a bit more than a quick brushing, you’ll want to call upon the help of a classic, mess-ousting duo: soap and water.
If you decide to opt for this approach:
- Prepare a small bucket or bowl with warm water and a dash of dish soap.
- Use a microfiber cloth, paper towel, or a dish brush to wipe down the outside of your shoes, rinsing aways any stains, marks, or dirt.
- Do your best to avoid getting water in the insides of your shoes and set them aside to air dry.
#3 Steer Clear of The Washing Machine
When it comes to non slip shoe care, throwing them in the washing machine is a big no. While it might be tempting, it’s best to avoid putting your non slip shoes in the washer at all costs. That’s because exposing them to heat could cause the slip resistant rubber outsole to shrink or warp in shape, making them unusable for workwear or daily wear. And since the rubber outsole is an improtant part of the slip resistance, avoiding the washer is an important part of proper shoe care.
Trust us—the last thing you need is for the inside of your work shoes to shrink and rub against your feet while walking around for hours at a time.
If you don’t believe us, take it from the expert cleaners at Jeeves of Belgravia instead. Operations Director Will Lankson warns that the glue that holds shoes together can melt from the heat of the wash and cause them to fall apart.1
So, cut the risk on the shoes, your feet, and the costs of replacing them: wash them by hand.
#4 Invest in a Grip Mat
With your footwear freshly cleaned, now you’ll want to stay ahead of the game by taking the necessary steps in order to keep them clean.
Enter: grip mats.
No, we’re not talking about those extra grippy exercise mats that keep you from sliding while you’re in downward dog. Instead, we’re referring to the grip mats that sit at the doorstep of homes and offices.
These rubbery rugs often come with a ribbed surface, making it easy to rub the sole of your non-slip shoes to dislodge any build-up on the bottom. Having a grip mat in the workspace, especially, could help to rid your shoes of any grime and loose dirt that collects while you’re on the job.
#5 Wear Them Only Where You’ll Need Them Most
If you’ve purchased a pair of non slip shoes specifically for work, consider them to be part of your on-the-job uniform. In other words, instead of wearing them on your daily commute or on frequent walks to the corner coffee shop, swap them out for a pair of everyday walking shoes.
The more unnecessary miles you put on their specially designed, slip resistant padding, the more frequently you may need to replace or clean them.
Stay Clean and Slip Free with Snibbs
Now that you know how to clean non slip shoes, you’re ready to breathe new life into your trusted pair of kicks and continue braving every slippery surface. But even with regular maintenance and upkeep, slip resistant shoes will still eventually need to be retired and replaced—usually every six months to a year.
Whenever you need to re-stock your closet, make sure you’re doing it with Snibbs. Snibbs work shoes are a perfect melding of style and comfort—and they’re easy to clean.
Whether you choose black, white, pink, or blue, every one of our slip resistant shoes features custom formulated insoles, water resistant materials, and a versatile design, making them the ideal companions for a wide range of work industries.
Experience style and slip free peace of mind with Snibbs.
Sources:
- GoodToKnow. Expert reveals the one thing you should NEVER put in the washing machine. https://www.goodto.com/wellbeing/wellbeing-news/washing-machine-trainers-experts-530565
