In short: Adidas shoes are considered slip-resistant, not non-slip. Athletic shoes, like Adidas, are not meant for the workplace and do not meet the ASTM International F1677 standards.
Please understand that “non-slip” and “slip-resistant” are similar but different. Here, I will explain which Adidas shoes are considered slip-resistant and which ones are non-slip.
Non-slip and slip-resistant are similar but different
You should first know that the terms “non-slip” and “slip-resistant” are two different things. It’s easy to understand this once you understand the core distinction between the two.
First, non-slip shoes feature an additive that is called “sticky rubber”. It is designed to help your feet stick to the bottom of your shoes when they are on a very slippery surface.
Slip-resistant shoes do not have “sticky rubber”, unlike non-slip shoes. The only way slip-resistant shoes are able to provide traction is via their tread pattern and indents.
Second, non-slip shoes have flat surfaces, while slip-resistant shoes have large surface areas with indents (treads). The tread pattern helps to grip the surfaces that you are walking on.
Traditionally, slip-resistant shoes were analogous to work shoes (food and medical industry), especially industrial shoes. Gradually, athletic footwear also embraced the term.
To sum it up, slip-resistant footwear is everyday footwear made with rubber outsoles equipped with tread patterns that provide traction. Non-slip shoes are safety footwear.
Non-slip shoes are worn by people working in the food and medical industry, as well as places where there are plenty of trip hazards in the workplace.
How can you tell if a pair of shoes are non-slip?
Shoes, boots, and other types of footwear have labels you can read whether they’re non-slip or not, therefore, the fastest way to tell if a pair of shoes are non-slip is to check the label.
Additionally, non-slip shoes meet the ASTM standards. True non-slip shoes will specify that the outsole passes ASTM International F1677 standards (tested on wet, oily, and dry surfaces).
You should also inspect the bottom soles to figure out whether they are non-slip or not. Search for a tread pattern with tiny hexagons, circles, and squiggles on the outsoles.
If the soles are flat and do not have a tread pattern, liquids can get underneath, which leads to slips, trips, and falls. They also will not offer much traction on slippery surfaces too.
Are Adidas shoes non-slip?
Most Adidas shoes are considered slip-resistant, not non-slip. Since they are athletic shoes not meant for the workplace, they do not meet the ASTM International F1677 standards.
Adidas athletic shoes and sneakers, however, are considered slip-resistant shoes because they have rubber soles and tread patterns that can hold onto slick surfaces, like hardwood courts.
Although Adidas does not offer non-slip shoes, most of their athletic sneakers are slip-resistant footwear with high-quality rubber outsoles that grip well and offer great traction.
As long as you’re not wearing Adidas shoes in the workplace with strict non-slip standards, they are some of the best sneakers that provide outstanding traction for sports and activities.
They add a substantial amount of height too.
Are Adidas Ultraboost non-slip shoes?
Although Adidas Ultraboost is not non-slip, they are slip-resistant. The shoes’ grip is insane thanks to the 5.8mm rubber outsole from Continental (the world’s 4th largest tire manufacturer).
According to Continental, Adidas shoes with Continental soles offer 30 percent more traction, a reduction in slip, and enable runners to hit the ground more efficiently.
In 2019, Adidas teamed up with Eddie Huang, celebrity chef and travel journalist, to design an all-red Ultraboost for the Chinese New Year. It is slip-resistant and made for the kitchen.
The outsoles are made of Continental rubber. The flashy Adidas Ultraboost shoes are slip-resistant, because they work whether you run, cook, or are on your feet all day.
Are Adidas NMD non-slip shoes?
Although Adidas NMD is not non-slip shoes, they are slip-resistant shoes. The outsoles are made of rubber with plenty of small hexagonal shapes, perfect for providing grip and traction.
NMD soles are made of Boost, which is a trademarked polymer used by Adidas. The material consists of proprietary thermoplastic urethane (TPU) that is formed into a small pill shape.
Just like how high-quality slip-resistant shoes should be, Adidas NMD is equipped with durable rubber outsoles that are slightly rounded on the sides and have a tread pattern.
Are Adidas Cloudfoam non-slip shoes?
Adidas Cloudfoam is not non-slip shoes. In fact, they aren’t even slip-resistant shoes. Although they are comfortable trainers, the shoes lack a tread pattern and offer bad traction.
Long-term users agree that the Adidas Cloudfoam outsoles wear out quickly.
Compared to other slip-resistant Adidas shoes, like the Ultraboost, which have Continental outsoles, the Adidas Cloudfoam does not provide the best grip and is best worn as daily trainers.
Are Adidas Swift Run non-slip shoes?
Although Adidas Swift Run is not non-slip shoes, they are slip-resistant shoes. The durable rubber outsoles generate excellent traction on asphalt and urban surfaces.
However, the Adidas Swift Run is basically jogger-style sneakers with a look influenced by sport. The shoes are designed for casual walks and daily wear, not designed for running.
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