SR Max stands for Slip Resistance to the Max.

It is our goal to encourage restaurant owners and managers to SET A STANDARD FOR SLIP RESISTANT FOOTWEAR TO BE USED IN YOUR ENVIRONMENT. We can help you reduce workplace slips and fall, but it all starts with setting a standard.

Without a standard for your workplace, employees must determine the appropriate “Slip Resistant” shoe for their work environment.  This is virtually impossible for the average employee to do.  Many, many shoes are labeled “Slip Resistant,” but may not be effective in a restaurant setting.  The unique combination of oils, waters, grease, and other contaminants in a food service environment requires employers to choose the appropriate PPE for their employees.

Employees who want to make the best decision about slip resistant shoes will benefit from a specific PPE designation. This will establish a guideline by which to make a determination about the right slip resistant shoes. Retailers generally don't understand the need for unique slip resistance in a kitchen environment. In most cases, retail offerings of these kinds of shoes don't differentiate between a slip resistant shoe that's only effective in a wet environment and a slip resistant shoe that's highly effective in a kitchen.

Today, there are many tests to evaluate outsole slip resistance including the James Test, the Satra test and the Brungraber Mark II test. The one SR Max sees most commonly referenced for outsole slip resistance is the Brungraber Mark II test. SR Max requires all suppliers to submit independent test results for all shoes we offer.  Each style must be independently tested at a coefficient of friction equal to .40 or greater* using the Brungraber Mark II "hi soil" oily/wet test on red quarry tile.

The Brungraber Mark II utilizes a three-inch-square test foot attached to an articulated strut that in turn connects to an inclined aluminum support. The support can range in angle from vertical to an angle slightly more than 45 degrees from vertical. Attached to the top of the inclined support is a 10-lb. cast-iron weight that provides the force with which the test foot strikes the test surface. The device may be either trigger or manually actuated. The slip resistant ratings will range from 0.0 Very Poor, to 1.0 Extremely Slip Resistant.

SR Max is the leader in slip resistant footwear from brands such as Skechers, Dickies, Converse, Timberland PRO Black Series and Crocs Work shoes, to name a few. These brands give you the slip resistance you need, with the style and comfort your employees deserve! You can feel more secure knowing that ALL SR Max shoes are tested to meet an exceptional standard result for slip resistance.

*Warning:  No shoe is slip-proof. Regardless of test results, employees can slip and fall resulting in serious injury and/or death. Slip resistant shoes should be worn as part of an overall safety system.         

View current test results

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