How to Fix Slippery Soles

Solve slippery soles!

The shoes are perfect. They fit like a glove, are comfortable, and look great. You buy them and wear them out and...you slip! Because of the huge variety of sole types here are several fixes to try when you realize that your new great shoes are cursed with slippery soles.

Things You'll Need

• Sandpaper
• Hairspray
• Slip resistant pads
• Duct tape
• Coke

Instructions

1. Try sandpaper. This is the most successful and permanent of my tricks. Sandpaper will strip the shoe's sole of that new sheen but will also get rid of the slippery bottom. Don't rub to hard or you may permanently damage your shoes (this is especially true for women's heels). Steer clear of the sensitive fabric on the side of the shoe.

2. Try hairspray. If Step 1 fails, try hairspray. I recommend testing the hairspray on fabric first (avoid doing it on a small area of the shoe itself if you can) to make sure it wont damage the shoe's fabric. Carefully spray it onto the sole of the shoe and let dry.

3. Try slip resistant pads. This option is less permanent but generally guarantees success, albeit short-lived success. These pads run down after a couple of uses and cost about $8.00 depending on the type of pad you get (which, of course, depends on the style of your shoe).

4. Try duct tape. This is a less favorable option because duct tape generally comes off very easily. To use duct tape, simply cut the tape into the shape of your shoe. Apply as many strips as needed to cover the whole area of the bottom of the shoe. The silver side of the tape prevents slippage but if the tape comes off you're stuck with slippery shoes until you make it home or find a quick fix.

5. Try Coke. Dip a cloth into a cup of soda and rub copiously onto the sole of your shoe. Again, avoid contact with the shoe material to keep from staining it. Allow the coke to dry before wearing your shoes so that it doesn't leave stickiness on the floor.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful with the liquids. Again, you want to avoid staining the material of your shoes.